How Long Does Beef Broth Last Once Opened?

Shelf Life Tips

• How long does a can or package of beef broth last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened beef broth refrigerated and tightly covered.
• To maximize the shelf life of canned or packaged beef broth after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
• How long does opened beef broth last in the refrigerator? Beef broth that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 4 to 5 days.
• Is beef broth 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 beef broth 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 beef broth will remain at peak quality.
• To further extend the shelf life of opened beef broth, freeze it: to freeze beef broth, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• How long does beef broth 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 - beef broth that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
• How long does beef broth last after being frozen and thawed? Beef broth that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; beef broth that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
• How can you tell if opened beef broth is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the beef broth: if the beef broth develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
• Discard all beef broth 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