Chicken bouillon is a versatile pantry staple that can add rich savory flavor to everything from soups and stews to rice and vegetables. But with its long shelf life you may wonder just how long that tub of bouillon powder or those cubes will last. Here’s a comprehensive guide to determining the shelf life and optimal storage methods for chicken bouillon.
What is Chicken Bouillon?
Chicken bouillon is made by simmering chicken bones, meat and vegetables to extract flavors then dehydrating the broth into cubes, granules, powders, or pastes. The high salt content allows it to be shelf-stable without refrigeration. Commercial chicken bouillon often contains chicken fat, yeast extract, onions, carrots, celery, and seasoning.
How Long Does Chicken Bouillon Last?
The shelf life of chicken bouillon depends on the form:
-
Bouillon cubes: Unopened, cubes last 2 years past the ‘best by’ date. Opened, they’re good for 1 year stored in an airtight container.
-
Powdered bouillon: Like cubes, powder lasts 2 years unopened and 1 year opened. Keep in an airtight container.
-
Liquid bouillon: Lasts 6-8 months unopened, decreasing to 3-4 months once opened. Refrigerate after opening.
-
Homemade bouillon: Only lasts 2-3 days refrigerated. Can be frozen for up to 4 months.
The shelf life is shortened if stored improperly in humidity, heat, or sunlight. Check for changes in texture, smell, appearance, and taste. Discard if moldy, slimy, or rancid.
Does Chicken Bouillon Need to be Refrigerated or Frozen?
Refrigeration is not needed for commercially packaged bouillon cubes or powder, due to their low moisture content and preservatives.
Refrigerate liquid bouillon after opening. Homemade bouillon should always be refrigerated.
Freezing bouillon cubes or powder is not recommended, as their shelf life is already 1-2 years without freezing. However, freezing homemade or liquid bouillon in ice cube trays can extend the shelf life up to 6 months.
How to Store Chicken Bouillon for Maximum Freshness
-
Store cubes, powder, and unopened liquid bouillon in a cool, dry pantry away from light, moisture and heat.
-
Transfer opened powder to an airtight container. Bag or wrap opened cubes tightly.
-
Once opened, liquid bouillon must be refrigerated.
-
If homemade, refrigerate and use within 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
-
Minimize temperature fluctuations. Avoid humidity.
What Happens if You Eat Expired Chicken Bouillon?
While expired bouillon may lose flavor intensity and some nutritional value, it is generally safe to consume. However, if mold is present, discard immediately. Consuming moldy bouillon could cause stomach upset or nausea in some cases.
Signs Chicken Bouillon Has Gone Bad
- Mold growth
- Change in texture – cubes are sticky or powder is clumped
- Unpleasant, sour, or rancid smell
- Change in color – lighter, grayish, or yellowish
- Weakened or oddly bitter flavor
If you notice these signs, toss the bouillon. Don’t taste bouillon that smells or looks spoiled.
Extending Shelf Life of Opened Chicken Bouillon
To maximize the shelf life of opened chicken bouillon:
-
Transfer to an airtight container or sealed bag, removing as much air as possible.
-
Add a desiccant packet if storing powder to absorb moisture.
-
Keep refrigerated after opening if liquid bouillon.
-
Use clean and dry utensils when scooping out powder to prevent contamination.
The Bottom Line
When stored properly in a cool, dry pantry, commercially packaged chicken bouillon can last up to 2 years unopened, and 1 year after opening. Liquid and homemade versions have a much shorter shelf life at just several months. Monitor for changes in smell, texture, and appearance to determine if your bouillon has expired. With the right storage, chicken bouillon can enhance soups, stews, and more for a long time.
Check the cubes, not the dates
Yes, bouillon cubes do expire, but they tend to have an extremely long shelf life. Of course, how long they last can vary depending on the brand and how they are stored. Generally, bouillon cubes can stay good for several years, if they are preserved properly. The expiration date is usually printed on the packaging, and bouillon cubes can often be used for 1-2 years after that date.
Expired bouillon cubes may not provide the same flavor and nutrition as fresh ones, and they may be more likely to contain harmful bacteria, especially if you have not kept them safe. Since you cant always rely on the expiration dates, you should check the cube for signs of spoilage. If the bouillon cubes have changed color, have a foul or strange odor, or have become soft or crumbly, they have probably gone bad and you should throw them away, no matter the expiration date.
Do Bouillon Cubes Expire? How To Store Bouillon Long Term?
FAQ
How long does chicken bouillon last after the expiration date?
How long does bouillon last after opened?
Better Than Bouillon has a shelf life of approximately two years starting from the date of manufacture if properly refrigerated after opening. That’s approximately two years longer than the usual 3-4-day lifespan of canned or boxed broth in the fridge once opened.
How to tell if chicken bouillon has gone bad?
Another sign to watch out for is an off smell. The aroma of chicken bouillon should be savory and appetizing; if it smells weird or unappetizing, it’s best to throw it out. Finally, if you see any signs of mold or other unusual growths, discard the bouillon immediately.
How long does chicken broth last after the expiration date?
Chicken broth can be stored in a cupboard or pantry for months at a time. Boxed chicken broth is a popular and reliable pantry staple for good reason! An unopened box of chicken broth lasts up to one year past the printed date.