You’ve had your beef broth out of the box for a few days now and want to know how long it will last in the fridge.
Or maybe you found an unopened can of beef broth that’s a few months past the printed date. And you started thinking: does beef broth go bad, and if so, how do you tell?.
I use boxed broth to quickly add flavor to soups, stews, braises, and other dishes when I cook at home. When I don’t have to make broth from scratch, having a carton or two of beef broth on hand saves me time and work. But I don’t go through beef broth too fast. So I wanted to know how long a carton of beef broth lasts after it’s been opened?
I’ll talk about what I found out about how long unopened boxed or cartoned beef broth can be kept. You will find out how long it stays safe to use and fresh, as well as how to store it safely. This article will tell you how long that box of beef broth can stay in the pantry before it goes bad.
Overview of Boxed Beef Broth
First, let’s take a look at what boxed beef broth is and how it’s usually stored.
Beef broth sold in cartons and boxes is commercially prepared using beef bones, meat trimmings, vegetables, and seasonings It offers convenience – just open the carton and pour it into your dish or recipe Popular brands include Swanson, College Inn, Pacific Foods, and Kitchen Basics.
The broth typically comes in aseptic shelf-stable cartons or boxes in sizes like 32 oz and 14.5 oz. The packaging keeps it fresh at room temperature until opened. Once opened, it requires refrigeration.
Unopened boxed beef broth is usually stored in the pantry. The exact shelf life varies based on the best by date and how it’s stored.
Shelf Life of Unopened Boxed Beef Broth
So how long does unopened beef broth last in the pantry? Here is an overview of the shelf life for beef broth in cartons or boxes:
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Unopened: 1 to 2 years past the “best by” date on the package when stored properly.
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After opening: 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
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After cooking: 2 to 3 days in the fridge.
The printed “best by” date is simply the manufacturer’s estimate for peak quality. The broth remains safe to use well past that date, provided you store it correctly.
Many sources agree that unopened boxed beef broth lasts 1 to 2 years at a cool room temperature when the carton is sealed. For example:
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StillTasty.com says 1 year past the date on the package
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EatByDate.com states 1 to 2 years past the printed date
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The Kitchn recommends 1 to 2 years past the “best by” date
So while the package states a “Best by Jan 2020” date, you likely have until 2022 or even 2023 before it expires. Just be sure to store it properly (see tips below).
Proper Storage of Beef Broth Cartons
To get the full 1 to 2 years of shelf life from beef broth, proper storage is crucial. Here are some tips:
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Store unopened cartons of beef broth in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Ideal temperature is below 75°F.
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Keep the carton upright and check periodically for any signs of leaks or damage. Don’t use if the packaging is compromised.
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Make sure the top is sealed. Once opened, transfer any unused broth to an airtight container in the fridge.
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Check the “best by” date and use older boxes first. Rotate your supply. Don’t overload your pantry with beef broth.
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If the beef broth ever smells unpleasant or looks discolored, err on the safe side and toss it out.
Follow these guidelines, and your beef broth should maintain optimal quality well past the 1-2 year mark if unopened.
What Happens After Opening Beef Broth
Once you open the carton or box, the shelf life is reduced to just 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. The exposure to air and microbes shortens the freshness period.
Here are some tips for storing opened beef broth:
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Immediately transfer any unused beef broth to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Mason jars work well.
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Keep the container of beef broth in the fridge, not the pantry. Refrigeration is key for slowing bacteria growth.
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Use the opened beef broth within 5 days. Discard any leftovers after 1 week in the fridge.
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Don’t leave the carton or box out on the counter. Keep unused portions sealed up and chilled in the fridge.
Also, if you cook with the beef broth, use the leftovers within 2-3 days. Don’t let cooked broth sit in the fridge for a week.
Signs Beef Broth Has Spoiled
As you use up older boxes of beef broth, keep an eye out for these warning signs of spoilage:
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Off odors, sour smell, or very strong aroma
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Change in appearance – gray, dull, or darker color
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Separation and layering of liquid & solids
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Slime, stickiness, or texture changes
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Mold growth – discard immediately if you see this
If there are any such changes, don’t take risks – throw the beef broth away. It’s not worth getting sick over.
Tips for Buying & Using Beef Broth
When buying boxed beef broth, follow these tips:
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Check dates and select newest cartons in back of shelves
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Inspect packaging – shouldn’t be damaged, puffed out, or leaking
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Buy smaller boxes if you only use occasionally – 32 oz can be too big
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Look for low/reduced sodium if you want less salt
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Consider organic, non-GMO options if that’s important to you
And when cooking with beef broth:
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Give the carton a good shake before opening to recombine ingredients
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Look and smell for spoilage before using
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Measure it out into a liquid measuring cup rather than pouring from the carton
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Don’t leave the carton sitting out on the counter after opening
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s review some common questions on the shelf life of unopened boxed beef broth:
How can you tell if unopened beef broth is bad?
Check for damaged packaging, leaks, off odors, and a rancid smell. If it smells unpleasant, throw it out.
Does beef broth expire?
All foods expire eventually. Unopened beef broth lasts 1-2 years past the printed date before the quality degrades. Don’t use if more than 2 years past the date.
Can beef broth make you sick after expiration?
Consuming spoiled beef broth could potentially cause illness from bacteria growth. Stick within the 1-2 year timeframe after the package date.
Should you refrigerate unopened beef broth?
No, you can keep unopened beef broth at room temperature in the pantry. Refrigerate promptly after opening.
Can you freeze beef broth cartons?
Only freeze beef broth after opening. Don’t freeze unopened cartons – they may split or burst.
Is it safe to use beef broth after the expiration date?
It’s best to stick within 1-2 years after the printed date for optimal flavor and quality. Don’t use if the broth smells “off” or shows signs of spoilage.
Does boxed beef broth really expire quickly?
No, contrary to what some people think, unopened boxed beef broth lasts 1-2 years past the “best by” date if stored properly in the pantry.
The Bottom Line
To wrap it up, an unopened carton of beef broth stays fresh for 1 to 2 years at cool room temperatures when kept sealed in the pantry. Follow the “best by” date as a starting point and store it correctly.
Once opened, use the beef broth within 3-5 days and don’t leave it sitting on the counter. Refrigeration and proper storage are key to maximizing the shelf life after opening.
With an understanding of how long boxed beef broth lasts, you can always have this handy kitchen staple on hand for all your cooking needs!
How to Tell if Beef Broth Is Bad?
Discard your beef broth if:
- It’s unopened and the can or box is compromised. The broth is not safe if the can is swollen or bulging, the seal is broken, or it leaks. If someone breaks into the container, you can’t trust the broth, even if it smells like the best you’ve ever had.
- It smells bad. The good news is that homemade beef broth that has gone bad usually smells sour or “funny.” “Take off the lid and smell the broth well.” If it doesn’t pass the sniff test, toss it.
- It sits in the fridge longer than suggested. If your homemade beef broth or store-bought broth sits in the fridge for a week or more than the label says, you should throw it away.
- It tastes bad. If the broth has been in the fridge for a few days or you opened a can that has been “expired” for a few months, take a sip before you use it. If there’s anything wrong with the flavor, discard it.
Those are the typical spoilage signs for beef broth. But if you see anything else that doesn’t look right, it’s best to be safe and throw out the broth. Better safe than sorry.
But before I wrap this section, let me remind you of two things:
- It’s normal for fat to accumulate on top. After being in the fridge for a few hours, there may be a thin layer of white fat on top when you open the container or pot. That’s especially common for homemade broth. You could either scrape it off or use it, depending on your taste. I always use it.
- Broth can get a bit cloudy in the fridge. Plus, if you made the broth yourself, there may be some sediment on the bottom if you didn’t filter it out properly before putting it away. Most store-bought broth has been filtered, but if you’re not sure, check the label.
Next up, let’s talk about storage.
Does Beef Broth Need to Be Refrigerated?
Once you open your can or box of beef broth, you need to refrigerate the leftovers. Once the broth is cool enough to touch, put it in a container with a lid or a sealed container within two hours of cooking or opening it.
(That’s the 2-hour rule in practice.)
Of course, it’s your choice if you follow that rule to a tee. It doesn’t bother me if the broth sits out on the counter for an extra 15 to 60 minutes. But if I ever left beef broth at room temperature, I’d toss it first thing in the morning.
Foods that go bad quickly can’t be stored at room temperature for long because of how quickly bacteria grow at different temperatures.
At cold temperatures, say in the fridge, they multiply very slowly. Then, when the temperature is between 40°F – 140°F (about 5°C – 60°C), they grow much faster and, given enough time, can get to levels that will cause food poisoning.
That’s why you should only leave foods that go bad at room temperature for a short time, about two hours.
Finally, let’s talk about freezing beef broth.