How Long Does Chicken Soup Last Once Opened?

CHICKEN SOUP / CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP / CHICKEN STEW, COMMERCIALLY CANNED OR BOTTLED, SOLD UNREFRIGERATED — OPENED

Refrigerator
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3-4 days
Freezer
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4-6 months

 

Shelf Life Tips

  • How long does chicken soup last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened chicken soup refrigerated and tightly covered.
  • To maximize the shelf life of canned or packaged chicken soup after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
  • How long does opened chicken soup last in the refrigerator? Chicken soup that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 4 days.
  • Is chicken soup safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged chicken soup will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the chicken soup will remain at peak quality.
  • To further extend the shelf life of opened chicken soup, freeze it: to freeze chicken soup, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
  • How long does chicken soup last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
  • The freezer time shown is for best quality only - chicken soup that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
  • How long does chicken soup last after being frozen and thawed? Chicken soup that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; chicken soup that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
  • How can you tell if opened chicken soup is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the chicken soup: if the chicken soup develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
  • Discard all chicken soup from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.

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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here

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