Cream of shrimp soup is a pantry staple that many of us like to keep on hand for quick and easy meals. But when you’ve had a can sitting in your pantry for a while, you may begin to wonder – how long does unopened cream of shrimp soup actually last? I was curious about the shelf life myself, so I did some research to find out.
In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at how long unopened cream of shrimp soup lasts, what factors affect its shelf life, how to tell if it’s gone bad, and more. Whether you’re an avid soup lover or just looking to get the most out of your canned goods, read on for all the details.
Overview: The Shelf Life of Unopened Cream of Shrimp Soup
The first thing to know is that unopened canned soups, including cream of shrimp, have a surprisingly long shelf life. The “best by” date printed on the can is not actually an expiration date. Rather, it’s the manufacturer’s recommendation for peak quality
As long as the can remains unopened and undamaged, unopened cream of shrimp soup should stay safe to eat for up to 2 years past the printed “best by” date.
However, just because it’s safe past the “best by” date doesn’t mean the taste and texture will be at peak quality. For best flavor, it’s still best to use unopened cream of shrimp soup within about 1 year of purchasing it.
What Factors Affect the Shelf Life?
While an unopened can of cream of shrimp soup keeps for up to 2 years in the pantry, its shelf life can be impacted by various storage conditions. Here are some key factors to consider
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Storage Temperature: Canned goods last longest when stored in a cool, dry place. Ideal pantry temperature is between 50°F and 70°F. Avoid temperature extremes.
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Light Exposure: Direct sunlight or bright light can accelerate flavor and nutrient degradation. Store canned goods in a dark pantry.
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Air Exposure: Repeated exposure to air each time the pantry is opened can shorten shelf life. Minimize air exposure by storing cans behind other items.
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Can Integrity: Dents, rust, or bulging cans may indicate compromised integrity, which shortens shelf life. Inspect cans carefully before use.
Following best practices for canned food storage will help ensure your unopened cream of shrimp soup lasts as long as possible.
How to Tell If Unopened Cream of Shrimp Soup Has Gone Bad
Unopened cans of cream of shrimp soup don’t usually show obvious signs of spoilage like mold. However, here are some subtle signs that your can may have gone bad:
- Bulging or leaking from the can seam
- Severe dents, cracks, or rust on the can
- An unpleasant smell when opening the can
- An abnormal appearance like inconsistent texture or unnatural color
- Fizzing, bubbling, or any sign of fermentation upon opening
If you observe any of these warning signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw the can away. Consuming spoiled canned goods can cause severe food poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long past the “best by” date is unopened cream of shrimp soup still good?
The soup should stay fresh up to 2 years past the “best by” date, provided the can has been stored properly and there are no signs of spoilage.
Can I leave an opened can of cream of shrimp soup in the fridge?
Once opened, leftover cream of shrimp soup will last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Discard any leftovers after a week.
Is it safe to freeze cream of shrimp soup?
Yes, it’s safe to freeze cream of shrimp soup to extend its shelf life. Transfer opened soup to an airtight freezer container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using again.
Can I microwave cream of shrimp soup in the can?
No, never microwave the soup in the can! The metal can cause sparks. Always transfer to a microwave-safe bowl first.
What are signs of spoiled cream of shrimp soup?
Signs include an unpleasant odor, abnormal appearance, fizzing, curdling, mold growth, or any other changes from its normal state. When in doubt, throw it out.
How can I store an opened can of cream of shrimp soup?
Transfer soup to an airtight container and refrigerate. Avoid storing in the opened can as it’s more prone to contamination. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-5 days.
Can I mix in other ingredients or use cream of shrimp soup in recipes?
Yes, you can use cream of shrimp soup as an ingredient in many recipes. Just follow the recipe storage recommendations once other ingredients are added.
What is the standard serving size for canned cream soup?
The typical serving size for canned condensed cream soups like cream of shrimp is 1/2 cup or about 120mL. Check the nutrition label on your can for exact serving size.
The Bottom Line
Unopened canned cream of shrimp soup has an impressively long shelf life of up to 2 years past the “best by” date printed on the can. For best quality and taste, use your cans within about 1 year of purchase. Proper storage is also key to maximize shelf life.
Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage before consuming canned goods that are past their prime. When stored and handled properly, unopened cream of shrimp soup can be a convenient and safe pantry item for years to come.
Variety of Soup
Some types of soup last longer in the fridge than others. Creamy soups, like Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup, can be kept in the fridge for three to four days. Soups with meat in them, like Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, will also stay good in the fridge for up to four days.
However, most soups containing fish or seafood such as clams, prawns, or salmon will only last for a maximum of one or two days in the fridge before they begin to go off. After this, the soup should be discarded to avoid the possibility of food poisoning.
When you figure out how long soup will last in the fridge, you should always think about what’s in it. One example is vegetable soup, which can be kept in the fridge for three to four days. The same goes for any soup with meat that has been cooked ahead of time.
As we’ve mentioned, creamy soups generally last around three to four days in the fridge. Soups with a lot of dairy, milk, or cream, on the other hand, might not last as long and should be eaten within one or two days.
No matter what kind of soup you want to keep in the fridge, you should always make sure it’s still fresh before reheating it and eating it.
What Can Affect How Long Soup Lasts in the Fridge?
How long your soup stays fresh in the fridge depends on the type of soup and the ingredients. For example, soups with fish content are likely to perish sooner than vegetable-based soups.
There are many important factors to consider that determine how long soup lasts in the fridge: