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How Long Does Beef Broth Last? [Shelf Life Guide]

Nutritious and delicious! Beef broth is both money-saving and a versatile item to have in your kitchen.

Broth (or bouillon) is a soup-like liquid made by simmering bones, meat, or even vegetables in water. People often make beef broth through simmering of beef bones and/or meat in water.

Some people also add vegetables to the broth for unique flavors. Although beef broth can last for some time, it usually has a short shelf life.

Thus, it is essential to know when beef broth has reached its unusable stage. Because consuming spoiled broth will only lead to various health issues.

does beef broth go bad

So, how long does beef broth last?

The manufactured broth will always have its ‘best by’ date where you can check when it will expire.

For broths, it’s advisory to consume it within that specified date.

Homemade beef broth typically lasts only for a day or two because it does not contain any preservatives.

How Long Does Beef Broth Last? Does Beef Broth Go Bad?

how long does beef broth last

Beef broth generally has a short shelf-life. This is because the conditions of its environment can quickly wear it down.

The company made beef broth can last longer than homemade ones.

Beef broth bought in stores will usually have a ‘best by’ or “best before” date stamped into it.

You can trust this estimate as long as you do not notice anything unusual about its container or notice a bad-looking broth.

Beef broth made commercially can last a good time and may still remain edible after passing its ‘best by’ date.

But that is only if we consider that the broth is appropriately stored and there is no damage in the packaging.

An opened package of beef broth typically lasts for three to five days.

If the broth is frozen, it will last for a reasonable amount of time. But remember that its quality will be best within two or three months.

Beef broth can go bad if kept in unsealed conditions. This is because it gets degraded by bacterial or fungal build-up.

The best time to have beef broth is within two days because it can get spoiled quickly. After all, unlike commercial broths, people usually do not preserve them with any additional ingredients.

But the fresh taste of the homemade broth is often unbeatable.

Thus, we should always know that beef broth can only last depending on its storage conditions and also the added preservatives.

How to Tell if Beef Broth is Bad?

how to tell if beef broth is bad

The homemade beef broth goes bad within some days, and the commercially made broths last a bit longer. The easiest way to tell if the broth has gone bad is by checking for visual signs of spoils.

Beef broth contains a lot of nutrients, which is a disadvantage for its shelf life.

This is due to the fact it becomes an environment for the growth of microbes and which in turn causes food-borne diseases.

If you have a can or package of beef broth and notice anything bloated, then this is a sure sign that the broth contents have gone bad.

Moreover, noticing any rusted, damaged, or leaked product means that it is also most likely to be spoilt.

If you buy a sealed carton of beef broth, always be sure to look out for puffed appearances and foul smells or leakages because this means that the carton is either expired or spoiled.

Tightly sealed packages become puffed because the gases are helping inside it, unable to release.

Often these types of the carton will have foul smells the moment you open them.

If you further notice insects, molds, or any other unwanted things in the broth, or its packaging, it is time to throw it away.

If the beef broth begins to appear discolored or notice any growth of molds, this is more than a sure sign that we need to discard it.

Foul or rancid smells from the broth after some days of keeping it is often a big sign that the broth is no longer fit to consume.

Conclusion

beef broth shelf life

Beef broth is a delicious addition to your kitchen creations, and it is useful in cooking various types of soups, stews, or other dishes.

But beef broth also has a limited shelf life whether companies make it or you made it at home.

It is best to follow proper storage methods in order to keep the broth from going bad too soon.

The simplest of these methods is storing it in properly sealed containers, keep it in the fridge, and avoiding actions that may spoil the broth early.

If you notice that the broth has signs of mold or any other kind of spoilage, do not risk eating it, as it will only damage your health.

how long does beef broth last

How Long Does Beef Broth Last? Does Beef Broth Go Bad?

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Shelf Life
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Beef broth
  • Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
  • Labels and markers

Instructions
 

  • Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
  • Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
  • Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
  • If frozen, thaw in the fridge before use. Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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