How Long Does Swanson Beef Broth Last in the Fridge? Don’t Let It Spoil!

You just made a hearty beef stew using Swanson’s beef broth and have some leftover in the carton. Now you’re wondering – how long does opened Swanson beef broth last in the fridge?

As a food lover and home cook, I often find myself with these kinds of questions about food safety and shelf life. I never want to serve spoiled food to my family or guests!

Through research and personal experience, I’ve learned quite a bit about how long beef broth lasts once opened. Keep reading for a complete guide to maximizing the shelf life of Swanson beef broth in the refrigerator.

Overview of Swanson Beef Broth

Swanson is one of the most popular and trusted brands when it comes to canned and packaged broths. Their beef broth is made from concentrated beef stock and contains beef extracts for extra rich flavor.

Swanson broth comes in a few different packaging types:

• 14.5 oz cans
• 32 oz cartons
• 49 oz cans

All their broths are already cooked and shelf-stable until opened. Then refrigeration is required to slow bacteria growth.

How Long Does Opened Swanson Beef Broth Last in the Fridge?

Once opened, Swanson beef broth will maintain best quality for 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.

However, it’s always best to observe your specific container for any signs of spoilage like odor, appearance, or texture changes. Trust your senses!

Here are some key tips for maximizing the shelf life of your opened Swanson beef broth:

• Transfer broth to an airtight container or jar after opening. Never store in the original paper carton.
• Make sure the container is properly sealed. You don’t want spills!
• Place broth container on a refrigerator shelf rather than the door. The shelf maintains a more consistent cold temperature.
• If you don’t think you’ll use all the broth within 5-7 days, consider freezing leftovers immediately in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.

How to Tell If Swanson Beef Broth Has Gone Bad

Beef broth that has gone bad will show signs of spoilage. Watch for these indications that Swanson broth has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Change in appearance – broth looks discolored, cloudy, or has particles floating in it
• Change in texture – broth is thicker or slimier than normal
• Off odors – broth smells unpleasant, sour, or off
• Mold growth – you see fuzzy mold forming on the surface of the broth

If your refrigerated Swanson beef broth exhibits any of these signs, it’s best to play it safe and throw it out. Don’t taste questionable broth!

Does Swanson Beef Broth Need to Be Refrigerated Before Opening?

Swanson’s beef broth is shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration until after opening. The broth is safe at room temperature before opening due to the commercial canning process which uses pressure and heat to kill bacteria.

Unopened cans and cartons of Swanson beef broth will maintain best quality for 2-3 years stored in a cool, dry pantry. Check the “best by” date on the packaging and use within that timeframe.

Once opened, refrigerate leftover beef broth within 2 hours. Never leave broth or other perishable foods sitting out at room temp for more than a couple hours.

Can You Freeze Swanson Beef Broth?

Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of Swanson’s beef broth. Broth frozen properly in an airtight container will maintain quality for 2-3 months in the freezer.

To freeze:

• Allow broth to cool to room temperature after opening.
• Transfer to freezer-safe, airtight containers leaving 1⁄2 inch of headspace.
• Seal containers tightly.
• Label containers with contents and freeze date.
• Place in freezer immediately at 0°F or below.

Thaw frozen broth overnight in the refrigerator before using. Avoid thawing at room temperature or in the microwave to prevent bacterial growth.

Tips for Using Up Leftover Swanson Beef Broth

To avoid wasting uneaten beef broth, here are some delicious ways to use it up:

• Make a pot of soup, stew, or chili
• Cook rice, quinoa or other grains in broth instead of water
• Use when making pan sauces, gravies or reductions
• Sauté vegetables in broth for extra flavor
• Add to casseroles and braised meat dishes
• Whisk into veggie dips and salad dressings
• simmer vegetables like green beans, carrots or broccoli
• Use in place of water when cooking potatoes or making mashed potatoes

With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy Swanson’s tasty beef broth for 5-7 days refrigerated. Freeze any leftovers you won’t use right away. And be sure to check for signs of spoilage before consuming.

Follow these tips and your opened Swanson beef broth will stay fresh, avoiding premature spoilage. No more wondering “how long is this broth still good for?” when you’ve got the fridge life basics mastered. Stay sippin’ that delicious broth!