Repurpose Empty Pringles Cans To Keep This Pantry Staple Fresh

Invented in the mid-1950s, Pringles are the result of a desire to create a chip that was more uniform and more shelf-stable with packaging that would keep the chips from breaking. P&G first released Pringles in 1968, and nearly 60 years later the snack and the iconic can are still going strong. But protecting chips isn't all the cardboard can is good for. Once you've finished your Pringles, it makes the perfect airtight way solution for storing other pantry staples, including dried pasta.

While dried pasta does have a very long shelf life — most varieties are made of only flour and water, then very carefully dried to eliminate moisture and prevent mold — there is, in fact, an expiration date. If you keep the pasta in its sealed package, you're in pretty good shape, but once you've opened the box and taken out a few servings, you'll want to store the leftover noodles properly.

To use a Pringles can for this purpose, begin by cleaning out the tube, using a damp paper towel to wipe out the inside and remove any crumbs. Allow it to dry thoroughly, then add your dried pasta. All noodles might not fit. A standard Pringles can is 10 inches tall, and packaged spaghetti noodles are usually 10 to 12 inches long, so you may want to do a size comparison at the grocery store or opt for the taller Party Size Pringles option. You may want to do a sniff test before adding your pasta as stronger-flavored Pringles varieties may add an extra aroma to your pasta.

Pringles cans may be perfect for pasta, but that's not all they're good for. Empty cans are an ideal, eco-friendly way to store all sorts of snacks that are best in an air-tight container and will make your pantry look more organized too.

If you've grabbed a store-bought snack that doesn't come in a resealable bag, an empty Pringles tube can come in handy. Use it to store snacks like bite-sized pretzel twists or bagged popcorn. The cans are also great for homemade snacks which, by definition, don't come pre-packaged. Use Pringles cans to prevent homemade granola from getting crushed and to avoid spilling trail mix in your hiking pack.

Not a Pringles fan? Consumer Reports' highest-rated food storage container is from Ikea, and comes in a wide variety of stackable sizes (though there isn't one that fits spaghetti quite so nicely). It's also dishwasher safe and will last you way longer than a cardboard Pringles can.