For warmth this winter, we all turn to our favorite comfort foods, like chicken noodle soup, ramen, and pot pie. The broth is the main ingredient that makes these dishes so good. Weve all definitely encountered this dilemma: your recipe calls for a cup of chicken broth and you open that 32-ounce carton of store-bought broth, only to be left with more than half of it unused. Oh no! So, how long can you save it?.
Making chicken broth means simmering chicken meat and bones with vegetables and spices in water for a long time. Boxed store-bought chicken broths often include added sodium, preservatives, and other additives to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. They are a convenient and budget-friendly way to add richness and umami flavors to your food. And thanks to that extended shelf life, they last quite a while, making them a staple in any kitchen. When sealed, your broth can last up to two years, depending on its expiration date. However, once youve opened the broth, it will only last for a few more days when properly stored in your refrigerator.
Most home cooks like to keep chicken broth in their pantry because it can be used for everything from making soup to cooking grains and braising meats. Having a few boxes or cans of chicken broth on hand can make making dinner during the week a lot easier.
But sometimes that box or can of chicken broth gets pushed to the back of the pantry forgotten about until you discover it months later and wonder – is this still safe to use? Should I toss it or keep cooking with it?
If it’s unopened Swanson chicken broth, the answer is you can likely keep using it for up to one year past the printed expiration date Here’s what you need to know about how to tell if your chicken broth is still fresh and safe to use.
What is the Shelf Life of Unopened Swanson Chicken Broth?
Swanson chicken broth and other boxed broth products are processed in a way that allows them to keep for a long time, as long as they remain properly sealed.
An unopened box of Swanson chicken broth has a shelf life of:
- Pantry: 1 year past printed date
- Fridge: 1-2 years past printed date
The date written on the Swanson chicken broth box that says “expiration” is only the “best by” date, which is when Swanson promises the broth will be at its best in terms of quality and flavor.
So even though the broth may start to lose its taste and texture after that date, it is still safe to eat for a long time after that.
Commercially packed chicken broth will stay fresh for about a year after the printed date, as long as the carton or can is not opened, punctured, or damaged.
How to Tell if Swanson Chicken Broth is Bad
It’s easy to tell if your unopened Swanson chicken broth has truly gone bad. Here’s what to look for:
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Bulging container: If the carton or can looks puffed up or swollen, this could indicate microbial growth inside and you should discard it.
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Corrosion or rust: If you notice any rust, corrosion or damage to the packaging, toss it out. Rust means air and bacteria could be getting inside.
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Off odor: If you open the container and notice an off, sour or unpleasant smell, the broth has likely spoiled.
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Mold: Any mold growing on the surface of the broth or inside the packaging means it’s spoiled.
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Changes in color/texture: Over time in storage, the broth may darken in color or become more viscous, but it’s still safe if stored properly. However, if you notice extreme changes upon opening, it’s best to discard.
As long as it was stored in a cool, dry pantry and the packaging is intact, unopened Swanson chicken broth that is within one year past its printed date should be perfectly safe to use.
Does Swanson Chicken Broth Ever Go Bad Unopened?
It is possible for unopened packaged chicken broth to go bad, but only if stored improperly for a very long time.
Over an extended period beyond the expiration date, the quality and flavor of the broth will slowly deteriorate. But there are factors that can accelerate the degradation process:
- Temperature changes
- Exposure to sunlight and moisture
- Damage to the packaging
- Contamination
If stored in too hot, humid or bright conditions, the broth could start to spoil much quicker. Any damage to the container also exposes the broth to contaminants that promote faster spoilage.
In general, an unopened box of Swanson chicken broth that’s been sitting in your pantry for 5, 10 or even 15 years past its date could still be safe if it was stored correctly. But for the best flavor and texture, it’s best to use chicken broth within 1-2 years of purchase.
Does Refrigeration Extend the Shelf Life?
For maximum shelf life, an unopened box or can of Swanson chicken broth can be stored in the refrigerator after opening.
Properly sealed, unopened broth will last 1-2 years past its printed date when refrigerated at 40°F or below. The cool temperature helps slow degradation.
So if you happen to have a few extra boxes of chicken broth stockpiled, you can extend their freshness by popping them in the fridge. Just make sure they stay sealed.
Signs Your Opened Chicken Broth Has Gone Bad
Once opened and refrigerated, chicken broth will only stay fresh for about 5-7 days. Make sure to write the date you opened it.
Here are signs your opened chicken broth has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Mold growing anywhere in the container
- Curdled texture instead of smooth
- Sour, unpleasant smell
- Bubbles or film on the surface
If your opened chicken broth develops a slimy texture, strange odor, or changes color, it’s time to toss it out.
Storing Swanson Chicken Broth to Maximize Shelf Life
To get the most mileage out of your Swanson chicken broth and keep it fresher for longer:
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Store unopened boxes in a cool, dry pantry away from heat, moisture and sunlight. An ideal temperature is below 70°F.
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Check containers periodically and watch for any swelling, leaks or rust. Discard at first signs of damage.
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Write the date of purchase or opening on the packaging with a marker to keep track.
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Refrigerate after opening, and use within 5-7 days.
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Don’t rely solely on appearance or odor – if the chicken broth is more than 1-2 years past its date, discard it.
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When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
The Bottom Line
Thanks to modern packaging methods, commercially packaged chicken broth has a surprisingly generous shelf life. Unopened, Swanson chicken broth can safely stay in the pantry for up to one year past its printed “best by” date.
As long as you store it properly in a cool, dry place, an unopened box of Swanson chicken broth can hang around in your pantry for months beyond its expiration date and still be perfectly safe to cook with!
How long opened broth will last
If you tightly seal your leftover broth in its original packaging and put it in the refrigerator, it will last a few days. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), opened broth can be refrigerated for three to four days. If you dont plan to use the entire container within the recommended few days, consider freezing the remaining broth in smaller portions for longer storage. The USDA states that broth can be frozen for two to three months for best quality. Longer storage may reduce the broths quality, but it will still be fine to use for a couple more months. You can use sealable ice cube trays for convenient broth portions to drop into dishes like easy spiced lentils or risotto.
Before using leftover broth that has been kept in the fridge, you should always look for signs that it has gone bad, like a bad smell, an odd color, too much cloudiness, or mold. If something looks or smells off, it likely is. Its best to discard it rather than take any chances.
Canned Food For Survival: Expiration Dates
FAQ
Is boxed chicken broth good after the expiration date on Reddit?
Canned and cartoned goods, as long as the container maintains its integrity, will be good for several years past their Best By date. They don’t have expiration dates.
How long is a can of chicken broth good for after the expiration date?
Most chicken broths will still be good for a year after the “sell-by” date, but it’s best to use it by the “Best Used by” date on the package. Home-canned broth should be used within a year.
Is Swanson canned chicken good after the expiration date?
Sell-by, use-by, and best-by dates generally indicate when a food item will be at its peak quality. Manufactured canned goods are still safe to eat after that time.
How long does boxed chicken broth stay good?
How long does boxed or canned chicken broth last in the fridge? Once opened, boxed chicken broth will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator. You should store it directly in the box. Canned chicken broth will keep for up to four days.