Beef broth is a versatile kitchen staple used to enhance flavor in everything from soups and stews to gravies and sauces. Many home cooks opt for the convenience of boxed beef broth which allows you to enjoy the rich meaty flavor without the hands-on process of simmering bones and vegetables. But with a shelf life of up to two years, you may wonder – does boxed beef broth ever go bad?
The short answer is yes boxed beef broth can eventually spoil past its best-by date. However when stored properly, unopened beef broth lasts much longer than you may think. And once open, there are steps you can take to extend its shelf life and reduce waste.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about safely storing boxed beef broth and determining when it’s time to toss it. Let’s start with a quick guide to maximize shelf life
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Not opened—Keeps fresh for one to two years after the “best-by” date if kept in a cool, dry place
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Opened – Lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To extend shelf life, freeze for 4-6 months.
Now, let’s talk about how to store beef broth so that it lasts as long as possible, how to tell if broth has gone bad, and how to freeze broth to keep it fresh for longer.
How to Store Unopened Boxed Broth
When it comes to an unopened carton or box of beef broth, you may be surprised how long it stays fresh past that best-by date printed on the package.
The best-by date is simply the manufacturer’s estimate of when the broth will start to degrade in terms of optimal flavor and texture. But beef broth can maintain quality for 1-2 years past this date when stored properly.
To maximize shelf life of unopened boxed beef broth:
- Store in a cool, dark pantry away from sources of heat and light
- Avoid storing in humid environments which can cause moisture damage
- Keep sealed in original airtight packaging until ready to use
- Check packaging for dents, leaks, swelling – discard if compromised
If beef broth is stored in less-than-ideal conditions, it may start to go bad before the two-year mark. Later, we’ll talk about how to tell if your broth has gone bad.
The important thing is to store beef broth in a stable environment away from temperature fluctuations to maintain quality as long as possible. A best-by date of 1-2 years in the future is common for boxed beef broth.
Refrigerating Unopened Beef Broth
Some people prefer to refrigerate unopened beef broth as soon as they bring it home from the grocery store. But this is not necessary and may actually shorten its shelf life.
The packaging is designed to protect the broth at room temperature. Refrigerating or freezing it can cause temperature fluctuations that degrade quality once thawed or brought back to room temp.
For longest shelf life, store broth in a cool, dry pantry and avoid refrigerating until opened. The exception is if you live in a hot, humid environment – then refrigeration may help extend freshness.
How to Store Opened Beef Broth
Once you break the airtight seal on beef broth, oxygen and potential contaminants are introduced. This starts the clock for how long the opened broth will stay fresh.
Here are tips for maximizing opened beef broth shelf life:
- Transfer to an airtight container or zip top freezer bag
- Push out excess air before sealing
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days
- Label container with date opened
- Never return unused broth to original carton/box
Always practice proper food safety when handling opened broth:
- Avoid direct contact between broth and hands/utensils that have touched raw meats
- Don’t use broth that has separated or looks cloudy
- Discard after 3-4 days – don’t rely on smell or taste alone
Refrigerating opened beef broth is the only way to extend its shelf life. Tightly sealing the container prevents oxygen exposure which causes broth to degrade more quickly.
Pro tip: Smaller containers allow for less oxygen exposure after opening. Consider dividing broth into smaller servings if you won’t use it all within 3-4 days.
Signs Your Beef Broth Has Gone Bad
Beef broth that has been stored improperly or kept for too long can show signs of spoilage. Here’s what to look for to determine if your boxed broth has gone bad:
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Change in color – Broth normally ranges from pale tan to rich brown. Gray, green or blue hues indicate spoilage.
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Cloudiness – Broth should be relatively clear. Cloudiness or particles floating indicate microbial growth.
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Off odors – Fresh broth has an aroma of beef and savory seasonings. Foul, sour or rancid smells mean spoilage.
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Mold – Hard, dry or fuzzy spots of mold on surface. Mold on broth is toxic – discard the entire container.
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Sliminess – Broth turning slippery or slimy indicates bacterial overgrowth.
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Foaming/bubbling – Bubbles or foamy residue when opening signals fermentation and spoilage.
The most reliable indicator is the use-by date. But your nose and eyes can also detect signs broth is no longer safe to consume. Remember – “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Can Spoiled Beef Broth Make You Sick?
Consuming spoiled beef broth poses a risk of foodborne illness. Boxed broth provides the ideal low-acid, moist environment for bacteria like Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and Bacillus cereus to multiply to dangerous levels.
When beef broth is improperly stored and allowed to spoil, these bacteria can cause illness symptoms such as:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fever, headache, fatigue
- Flu-like achiness
Some people may be more vulnerable to illness from spoiled broth and other contaminated foods. Higher risk groups include:
- Pregnant women
- Children under age 5
- Adults over 65 years
- Those with weakened immune systems
Don’t take risks with food safety – remember the motto: When in doubt, throw it out! Discard beef broth at the first signs of spoilage.
Does Boxed Broth Need to be Refrigerated After Opening?
Absolutely! Refrigeration is critical for slowing the growth of bacteria in opened broth.
At room temperature, opened broth could start growing dangerous levels of bacteria in as little as 2 hours. Keep opened boxed beef broth refrigerated and use within 3-4 days.
Again, never return unused broth to the original carton/box after opening. Always transfer to a clean airtight container before refrigerating.
Freezing Beef Broth for Long-Term Storage
Freezing is the best method for long-term storage of boxed beef broth. It maintains both quality and safety almost indefinitely.
Here are tips for freezing beef broth:
- Cool opened broth before freezing – don’t add hot broth to freezer
- Use freezer-safe rigid plastic or glass containers
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace to allow for expansion
- Flatten zip top bags to remove excess air
- Avoid frequent temperature fluctuations – keep consistently frozen
When frozen properly in an airtight container, beef broth lasts 4-6 months before quality degradation. Some even report success freezing broth up to a full year with minimal flavor or texture changes.
Zip top freezer bags make great vessels for freezing measured broth portions. Lay bags flat in the freezer to prevent the risk of rupture from expansion.
Once thawed and opened, refrigerate leftover frozen beef broth and re-freeze any unused portion. Never refreeze thawed broth more than once.
Tips for Thawing Frozen Beef Broth
Always thaw frozen beef broth in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for use the next day
- Place in bowl of cold water, changing water every 30 minutes
- Microwave on defrost setting if using immediately
Avoid leaving broth to thaw at room temperature more than 2 hours. This allows bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Thawed broth will only hold for another 3-4 days refrigerated. For longer storage, leave frozen until ready to use.
Is it Safe to Use Beef Broth After the Expiration Date?
Beef broth that has been continuously frozen may be safe indefinitely, thanks to the freezing temperatures that prevent spoilage.
However, for broth that’s been in the pantry or fridge, it’s best follow the expiration date. The risk of foodborne illness increases exponentially when consuming spoiled broth.
Here are some general guidelines for safe use past expiration:
- Unopened boxed broth lasts 1-2 years past best-by in pantry
- Opened broth is best within 3-4 days refrigerated
- Frozen broth maintains quality up to 4-6 months sealed airtight
Your nose is your best tool for determining safety. If thawed or opened broth has an odd color, smell or texture, err on the safe side and discard. Don’t taste broth you suspect may be spoiled.
We recommend using beef broth by the expiration date whenever possible. Don’t take risks with foodborne pathogens. Remember – “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Signs Your Thawed Beef Broth Has Spoiled
Thawed beef broth is extremely perishable and requires diligent food safety practices. Here are signs your thawed broth may be unsafe to use:
- Unpleasant medicinal or rotten smells
- Mold growth anywhere on surface
- Cloudy appearance or sediment
- Fizzing, bubbling or foaming residue
- Very thin and watery consistency
- Slimy, slippery texture
Beef broth with an off appearance or rancid odors should be discarded immediately. Don’t rely on taste – pathogens can grow despite normal flavor.
Don’t attempt to re-freeze spoiled beef broth. Pathogens can persist even in frozen temperatures. When in doubt with thawed broth, it’s safest to discard.
Beef Base vs Broth – Which Goes Bad Faster?
Beef base provides convenient meaty flavor similar to broth, with a much longer shelf life. But which actually lasts longer – beef base or broth?
Here’s how their shelf lives compare:
- Beef base – 1 to 2 years shelf-stable unopened
- Boxed broth – 1 to 2 years refrigerated unopened
While both can last around 2 years, beef base holds up well at room temp while broth requires refrigeration once opened.
Beef base is highly concentrated, which allows it to stay shelf-stable unopened. Diluted, its shelf life is similar to opened broth at around 5 days.
For longest shelf life of opened beef broth alternatives – opt for aseptic cartons or cans over boxed varieties. But once open, be sure to refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does unopened beef broth last after expiration date?
Properly stored in a cool, dry pantry, unopened beef broth lasts 1-2 years past its printed expiration date before quality starts declining.
Does boxed beef broth need refrigeration before opening?
No, unopened boxed beef broth can be stored in the pantry up to the expiration date. Refrigerating unopened boxes is not necessary.
What happens if you eat spoiled beef broth?
Consuming rancid, expired beef broth can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and body aches. Discard broth at the first signs of spoilage.
Can beef broth be frozen after opening?
Yes, freezing is the best way to preserve beef broth after opening. Frozen broth keeps 4-6 months in an airtight container before losing quality. Refrigerate thawed broth and use within 3-4 days.
How can you tell if opened beef broth went bad?
Look for off-odors, change in color, cloudiness, mold growth, sliminess, and foaming/bubbling when opening. Discard opened broth after 3-4 days refrigerated.
Does boxed beef broth require refrigeration after opening?
Absolutely! Opened beef broth must be promptly refrigerated. Keep opened broth no longer than 3-4 days before discarding. Never leave broth or soup out overnight.
The Takeaway on Beef Broth Expiration
When properly stored, boxed beef broth has an impressively long shelf life of up to 2 years past the printed date. Once opened, broth stays fresh only 3-4 days in the fridge.
Frozen beef broth has a shelf life of 4-6 months in an airtight container. Thaw frozen broth in the fridge or cold water only.
With basic food safety practices, it’s easy to maximize shelf life of boxed broth. Trust your nose – rancid odors mean it’s time to toss. Remember, safety first – if in doubt, throw it out!
