Yes, if kept in the refrigerator for three to four days or frozen for a few months, beef broth can go bad.
I have to stay on top of food safety as a trained chef whether I’m using store-bought or homemade ingredients. So, I can answer your questions regarding beef broth.
In this article, I address the question of whether beef broth spoils and provide the best advice for keeping your broth fresh longer. Let’s begin!.
BEEF BROTH, STOCK OR CONSOMME, COMMERCIALLY CANNED OR PACKAGED, SOLD UNREFRIGERATED — OPENED
- The precise answer to how long a can or package of beef broth lasts after opening depends in large part on storage conditions; keep opened beef broth chilled and tightly covered.
- After opening, store beef broth in a covered glass or plastic container in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.
- An opened container of beef broth will keep in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days if it’s been kept there consistently.
- Beef broth is safe to use after the “expiration” date on the package as long as it has been properly stored, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below). Commercially packaged beef broth will frequently carry a “Best By,” “Best if Used By,” “Best Before,” or “Best When Used By” date, but this is not a safety date; rather, it is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the beef broth will remain at peak quality.
- Opened beef broth can be frozen to further extend its shelf life. To freeze beef broth, place it inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- When kept properly, beef broth will maintain its best quality for about 6 months, but it will continue to be secure after that period of time.
- Only the best quality is intended for freezing; beef broth that has been continuously frozen at 0°F will remain safe indefinitely.
- How long does beef broth stay fresh after being frozen and thawed? Beef broth that has been defrosted in the refrigerator can be kept for an extra three to four days before using; beef broth that has been thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used right away.
- The best way to determine whether opened beef broth is bad or spoiled is to smell it and examine it: if the beef broth develops an off flavor, odor, or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be thrown away.
- Any cans or packages of beef broth that are leaking, rusting, bulging, or severely dented should be thrown away.
Sources: For more information on the informational data sources used for food storage, please click here.
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FAQ
Can I use beef broth after 10 days?
Depending on the seller’s recommendations, open beef broth keeps for 4 to 7 days in the refrigerator. After that time, the broth is no longer suitable for consumption, and you should throw it away.
Does beef broth go bad?
In conclusion, beef broth can go bad. This is valid for both boxed and canned broth, though this has a longer shelf life. It may take up to three or four days to spoil if kept in the refrigerator. However, if you freeze it, it may last for a few months at a time.
Can you use beef broth after 14 days of opening?
No. In general, beef broth opened after 14 days should not be consumed. Even though beef broth may still be safe to consume for a few days after its expiration date, using it after that date could present some risks [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]
Does refrigerated broth go bad?
In the refrigerator, your homemade broth will last 3-4 days. Store your broth in the freezer for up to 6 months to prolong its freshness.