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.

---

shelf life British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of shelf life

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

He said he expects other food items with longer shelf life, such as rice and cornmeal, to follow suit.

From The Wall Street Journal

These additives are commonly used in industrially processed foods and drinks to extend shelf life.

From Science Daily

Preservatives are commonly added to processed foods and beverages to extend shelf life.

From Science Daily

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