shelf life

American  

noun

1. the term or period during which a stored commodity remains effective, useful, or suitable for consumption.

   Many medicines have a very short shelf life.

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shelf life British  

noun

1. the length of time a packaged food, chemical, etc, will last without deteriorating

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Etymology

Origin of shelf life

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Often produced for taste and shelf life, ultraprocessed foods have drawn growing scrutiny from health officials and researchers due to their high amounts of refined ingredients and artificial additives.

From Barron's

Emulsifiers are additives widely used in processed foods to improve texture and extend shelf life.

From Science Daily

The sandwiched blend extends product shelf life, making it attractive to food and beverage companies.

From Los Angeles Times

Lucky Foods cinnamon powder is packaged in a vacuum or modified atmosphere pouch — a way of extending shelf life.

From Los Angeles Times

You don’t have, as a young girl or a woman, you don’t have a shelf life.

From Los Angeles Times