You’ve already opened your box of beef broth and are wondering how long it will keep in the refrigerator.
Or perhaps you discovered an unopened can of beef broth that was last opened several months ago. You then began to wonder whether beef broth could spoil and, if so, how.
Can Beef Broth Go Bad?
The short answer is yes – beef broth can spoil.
How long beef broth can be consumed should be a concern of equal importance to you. Now, this will depend on the kind of beef broth, the preservation technique, and how it is kept after being consumed.
For more in-depth answers, keep reading…
How Long Does Homemade Beef Broth Last?
You will probably keep homemade beef broth that you made from beef bones in the refrigerator. It is valid here for a maximum of three to four days at a time.
If you want to keep beef broth for a longer period of time, freeze it right away. The homemade beef broth in this situation can keep for a few months.
How Long Does Store Bought Beef Broth Last For?
You can purchase canned or boxed beef broth from the grocery store.
As you might expect, beef broth that has been commercially packaged typically has a longer shelf life. This is because it contains additives that keep beef broth fresh.
In case you were wondering:
Does boxed broth go bad?
The answer is yes, again. The beef broth’s preservatives will eventually lose their effectiveness. And inside the container, the beef broth will start to go bad.
But how long is beef broth good for if it’s been canned or boxed?
Well, this does depend on the manufacturer. However, in most cases, boxed and canned beef broth could last for several months at a time.
In general, canned beef broth lasts longer on the shelf than boxed broth. However, the boxed version does tend to taste fresher.
Check the expiration date on the packaging to find out how long your commercial beef broth can last. This will specify how long it will be effective for.
Is It OK to Use Expired Beef Broth?
The sell-by date on your commercial beef broth is actually closer to the expiration date. This protects the manufacturer and retailer from legal trouble if they sell you tainted beef broth.
As a result, even when the beef broth approaches its expiration date, it doesn’t start to spoil. The broth may not go bad for days or even a week or two.
How Long is Boxed Beef Broth Good Past Date?
Given that there is no way to know, this is a challenging question to answer. The preservatives added to the beef broth are what determines this.
It also matters how the tins or boxes were stored. For instance, it is likely that the boxes and cans will last longer if they are properly stored in a cool, dry environment.
On the other hand, it’s possible that the beef broth will spoil more quickly if it was stored somewhere that was extremely hot or humid.
Can Expired Broth Make You Sick?
Yes, beef broth that has passed its expiration date can make you sick. Because of this, it is best to avoid taking a chance with canned or boxed broth.
It is best to throw away the broth if the expiration date on the packaging is more than a week past due.
How to Tell If Beef Broth Has Gone Bad?
The smell is the simplest indicator of whether beef broth has gone bad. It will smell bad or off. It is preferable to discard the broth if you notice that it doesn’t smell as it should.
Additionally, you might detect strange or moldy particles in the broth.
Never taste the beef broth to see if it has gone bad, even if you are unsure. If you have any doubts at all, toss the broth.
How Long Will Leftover Broth Last?
Let’s assume that you did indeed open the can or box before it expired. Once opened, how long does the beef broth last?.
The broth can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days if you store it promptly.
Instead, if you chose to freeze the beef broth, it might last for about a month.
How to Store Beef Broth to Make It Last?
Make sure to keep the liquid in an airtight container before chilling for both homemade and canned broth.
This will not only make the liquid last longer, but it will also help keep its flavor.
Unless you think the packaging is flimsy, you can store the boxed version exactly as it is.
There is a trick to freezing beef broth, though. It won’t help to freeze all of your broth leftovers in one container if you have a lot. If you do this, you will have to quickly defrost all of the frozen broth.
Instead, you should use the ice cube tray method.
Here, you should pour the broth into the ice cube trays. Then, place in the freezer. Pour the broth cubes into a Ziploc or freezer bag, seal it, and let it freeze completely.
After that, you can only consume as much broth as you need at once. This trick also works for vegetable broth too.
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.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
Does boxed 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?
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.
How long does opened boxed broth last in the fridge?
If the chicken stock has been opened, time is running out if you’re wondering how long chicken stock keeps in the refrigerator. To use chicken broth before it spoils, you have 3–4 days. This recommendation is valid for the majority of stock brands and is direct from the US Department of Agriculture.
How long does Swanson beef broth last in refrigerator?
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.