Chicken broth is one of those versatile pantry staples that can make cooking so much easier. Whether you need it for soup rice, sauces or more having a box or two of chicken broth on hand can be a real time saver. But once you open that cardboard box, how long does the remaining broth stay fresh and safe to use?
Shelf Life of Unopened Boxed Broth
First let’s look at how long unopened boxed chicken broth lasts. As long as the container is properly sealed and stored in a cool dry place, unopened boxed broth can last for up to a year past its “best by” date. The key is keeping it in a spot that doesn’t get too hot or humid, which can speed up spoilage. An unopened box stored in the pantry should stay fresh for many months past the date printed on the package.
Refrigerating Opened Chicken Broth
Once opened, the shelf life changes. This is because exposure to air starts the spoilage process. Bacteria and mold can now start to grow inside the opened container.
To maximize freshness of opened chicken broth, it should be refrigerated. Make sure to seal the box tightly after each use. An airtight container prevents absorption of other fridge odors and keeps the broth as fresh as possible.
How Long Does Opened Broth Last?
According to the USDA, opened chicken broth will stay good for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. This timeframe applies to most major brands of boxed broth.
It’s best to use refrigerated opened broth within this 4-5 day window for the freshest flavor and food safety. Don’t let it sit opened in the fridge for more than 5 days.
Storing Leftover Broth
If you don’t think you’ll use up all the opened broth within 5 days, consider freezing the remainder for longer storage.
To freeze, portion broth into freezer bags or ice cube trays. Thaw only what you need as you go. Frozen broth can be kept for 2-3 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline.
Proper freezing prevents contamination and preserves the flavor. Thawed frozen broth tastes much fresher than broth left refrigerated for too long.
Signs of Spoilage
How can you tell if opened refrigerated chicken broth has gone bad? Here are signs to look for:
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Off odors – Broth should smell pleasantly like chicken. Foul odors indicate spoilage.
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Mold growth – Check the surface and bottom of the container for fuzzy mold spots. Mold means the broth must be discarded.
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Change in appearance – Properly stored broth maintains a rich, golden color. Gray, dull or faded color is a red flag.
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Sliminess – Broth naturally has a silky mouthfeel when fresh. Ropiness or thick slimy texture means spoilage bacteria have taken hold.
When in doubt, remember the rule of thumb: 5 days max for refrigerated opened chicken broth. Discard any broth that looks, smells or feels “off” after opening. Don’t taste test questionable broth – it’s better to be safe and start fresh.
Different Types of Chicken Broth
There are a few different varieties of chicken broth available at the grocery store. Shelf life can vary slightly depending on the type:
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Regular chicken broth – The basic broth option made from chicken, vegetables and seasonings. Stays fresh 4-5 days refrigerated after opening.
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Organic chicken broth – Made from all organic ingredients. Follow the same 4-5 day guideline after opening.
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Low-sodium chicken broth – Contains less salt than regular broth. Stays fresh for 4-5 days refrigerated after opening.
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Bone broth – Made by simmering bones and cartilage for a long time. Stays fresh up to 5-7 days refrigerated after opening due to higher gelatin content.
No matter what type of broth you buy, always refrigerate after opening and use within 5-7 days for optimum freshness and safety.
Storing Broth Safely
To get the longest shelf life out of your boxed chicken broth, follow these food safety tips:
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Check “sell by” dates and use unopened boxed broth before the date has passed.
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Once opened, immediately transfer unused broth to an airtight container and refrigerate. Never leave broth sitting out at room temperature.
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Discard any broth that smells or looks off, even if within the 4-5 day window. Don’t take chances with questionable broth.
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When freezing broth, leave 1⁄2 inch of headspace in containers to allow for expansion. This prevents freezer burn.
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Thaw frozen broth safely in the refrigerator overnight, never at room temperature or in hot water.
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Bring broth to a rolling boil for 1 minute before using if concerned about contamination. This kills any bacteria present.
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Don’t return unused heated broth back to the original container. Use or freeze leftovers in a new container.
Following proper refrigeration and food safety steps will ensure you get the most out of every box of chicken broth you buy. An open box kept chilled in the fridge should stay fresh for 4-5 days. Freeze any extra for longer storage. And remember – when in doubt, throw it out. Don’t take risks with spoiled broth. Start fresh for the best results.
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How Long Does an Open Box of Chicken Stock Last?
How long an open box of chicken stock lasts in the fridge depends on the brand—the same goes for store-bought chicken broth. The box of stock or broth has a “best by” date, which tells you how long the stock will be good before you open it. It also has the number of days it will last in the fridge after its open. I checked five boxes of stock at my local grocery store and their “use within” time frame ranged from five to 14 days.
“Opened stock generally stays safe in the refrigerator for five days,” says Janice Revell, cofounder of StillTasty.com, a website that helps readers avoid food waste. “If the label states that the opened product is safer beyond that date, then consumers should follow the label guidance, but five days in the refrigerator is the safe guideline.”
If the stock in your fridge has gone a day or two past the suggested “use within” time frame but it still smells and tastes fine, its probably safe to use. However, there are no guarantees since not all foodborne pathogens affect the aroma or taste of foods.
“Since stock is not very expensive, I don’t like for it to go too far after the expiration date, so I might ditch it if anything was in question,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, Registered Dietician Nutritionist and author of Read It Before You Eat It.
“But if it passes the sense test and it’s not too long after expiration, I would certainly use it.” Speaking of the sense test—if your stock smells or tastes off you should throw it away, even if the five-day safety window hasnt passed.
Before putting an open container of chicken stock in the fridge, use a marker to write the date you opened it on the carton.
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Consider a concentrate:
Im a big fan of stock pastes and concentrates such as Better Than Bouillon, which can last more than a year in the fridge so I dont have to worry about them going bad before I use them up.
What’s Really In Boxed Chicken Broth?
FAQ
Does boxed chicken broth go bad after opening?
According to the USDA, once opened and stored in the fridge, chicken broth typically lasts: – 3 to 5 days (homemade broth) – 5 to 7 days (store-bought broth) However, it ultimately depends on factors like storage conditions, handling, and personal tolerance for spoilage risk. Some signs to check for spoilage: 1.
How do I know when chicken broth has gone bad?
If it develops any smell or strange appearance, the broth should be thrown away. Check for signs of discoloration or cloudiness in the liquid. The texture shouldn’t be slimy either. If there’s a layer of fat on the broth’s surface, that’s okay, but if you see any mold, the broth is spoiled.
Is boxed chicken broth good after the expiration date on Reddit?
Canned and cartoned goods, as long as the container maintains its integrity, will be good for several years past their Best By date. They don’t have expiration dates.
How long does boxed beef broth last once opened?
Provided you store your beef broth in a container with an air-tight covering, you can expect homemade beef broth to last around 3 days in the fridge before it starts to go bad. If you are saving store bought broth, it will likely last 4 days as it has extra preservatives meant to extend its shelf life.