Bone broth lasts for between 3-10 days in the fridge, but this depends on so many factors that we need to get into in this article.
You should try bone broth if you haven’t already. It’s full of nutrients and is great for your skin, digestion, and joint pain.
This article will tell you how exactly long it lasts in the fridge based on the type and preparation methods. Also, it will tell you how to freeze it, how to use it best, and how to keep it fresh longer.
I should mention before we begin that my company: Bluebird Provisions, makes the highest quality and best tasting bone broth powder youll find anywhere. If youre searching for something new that is convenient, give it a try.
Because it is so good for you, chicken bone broth has become very popular in recent years. This food is very healthy for you and can help your digestion, boost your immune system, keep your joints healthy, and more.
But to reap these benefits, it’s important to store and use your chicken bone broth properly. In this comprehensive guide we’ll dive into everything you need to know about how long chicken bone broth lasts in the fridge along with tips for maximizing its freshness.
The Shelf Life of Chicken Bone Broth in the Fridge
The shelf life of homemade or store-bought chicken bone broth in the refrigerator is 5-7 days. This timeframe takes into account safety considerations as well as maintaining optimal quality and flavor
Here are some key factors that determine the fridge life of chicken bone broth:
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Ingredients: Ingredients that go bad quickly, like herbs and vegetables, shorten the shelf life. Simple broths with fewer add-ins may last slightly longer.
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Packaging: Store-bought broth in Tetra Pak cartons or vacuum-sealed packaging may last a bit longer than homemade broth stored in containers.
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Temperature: Broth stored at a consistent fridge temp of 40°F or below will last longer than one stored at higher and fluctuating temps.
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Preparation: Handling and cooling homemade broth the right way helps it last longer than random cooling methods
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Freshness: Newly prepared or opened broth has a longer fridge life than one that’s been open for several days already.
While 5-7 days is a safe estimate for fridge life, always rely on your senses too. If broth smells, tastes or looks off, toss it regardless of age.
Signs Your Chicken Bone Broth Has Spoiled
Watch for these common signs of spoiled chicken bone broth:
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Change in color: A dull, darker color or grayish hue indicates spoilage bacteria are present.
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Cloudiness: Broth may look hazy, instead of clear or slightly opaque when fresh.
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Slimy texture: Fresh broth should not have a slippery, slimy mouthfeel.
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Mold: Any fuzz, film or spots of mold means the broth must be discarded.
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Off odors: Foul, sour, rancid or rotten smells mean the broth has turned.
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Strange taste: An unpleasant, bitter, vinegary or acidic taste is a red flag.
When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When it smells bad, it is bad!”
Tips for Storing Chicken Bone Broth in the Fridge
Follow these tips to help chicken bone broth last as long as possible:
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Use small containers and divide into smaller pieces so that less air gets in every time the container is opened.
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Keep tightly sealed: An airtight lid or seal prevents oxygen from speeding spoilage.
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Cool promptly: Quickly chill broth within 2 hours after cooking.
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Freeze for longer storage: Frozen broth stays good for 2-3 months in the freezer.
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Monitor fridge temp: Ensure your fridge is consistently 40°F or below.
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Clean utensils: Use clean utensils every time you scoop out broth to avoid contamination.
Proper storage stops bacteria growth, retains nutrients, and keeps your chicken bone broth deliciously fresh.
Freezing Chicken Bone Broth for Extended Use
Freezing is the best way to extend the shelf life of homemade or store-bought chicken bone broth. Here are some freezing tips:
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Cool broth completely before freezing for food safety.
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Use freezer-safe airtight containers or bags, allowing headspace for expansion.
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Portion into meal sizes based on recipe needs like soups or sauces.
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Label bags or containers with broth type and freeze date for easy identification later.
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Freeze broth flat for efficient storage and quicker thawing.
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For quickest thawing, transfer frozen broth to the fridge 8-12 hours before needed.
Properly frozen chicken bone broth retains its quality for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Thawing Frozen Chicken Bone Broth Safely
Always thaw chicken bone broth safely using one of these methods:
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Refrigerator: Thaw overnight in the fridge for slow, safe thawing.
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Cold water: Submerge sealed bag or container in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
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Microwave: Thaw in microwave using defrost setting then reheat to 165°F.
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Stovetop: Gently reheat frozen broth on the stovetop until simmering.
Do not thaw chicken bone broth at room temperature or re-freeze once thawed. Bring all broth to a full boil before consuming.
Enjoying Chicken Bone Broth Before It Spoils
Here are delicious ways to use up chicken bone broth within a week:
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Sip as a hot, soothing drink
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Use in place of water for cooking rice, quinoa or oatmeal
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Make quick chicken noodle soup with veggies
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Add to sauces, gravies, soups and stews
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Use as the base for brothy bean dishes like minestrone
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Simmer beans, lentils or greens in seasoned broth
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Drink chilled broth on hot days with lime
With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can safely reap the most from your nourishing homemade or store-bought chicken bone broth. Follow these tips to determine when it’s time to toss out your treasured broth and make a new batch.
How To Extend The Shelf Life of Homemade Bone Broth
A hot fill technique naturally extends the shelf life because it reduces the time your liquid is in critical temperature zones for bacteria to form.
The goal is the minimize the time it is between 160 F (72 C) and 39 F (4 C) or at room temperature. You can do this by doing a hot fill, followed by immediately placing your containers in the freezer.
- Once you strain the bone broth (from bones, cartilage, etc). Bring it back to over 190 F (90 C) on the stove or in the slow cooker.
- Now you immediately pour it into your containers. Glass containers are recommended or other temperature safe materials. Avoid plastic as the hot broth will leach into it. Be careful not to burn your hands.
- As soon as possible, put the containers in the freezer to get them as cold as 39F, which is fridge temperature. And then, put them in the fridge.
What texture should bone broth be?
Home made bone broth should have a “jello like” consistency with a solid layer of fat goodness on top.
Store bought bone stock should be jelly when at fridge temperature. This is how to tell if it is a true bone broth or a fraudulent product mislabelled as such.
The jello consistency you find in quality bone broths tells you that there is natural gelatin / collagen from animal cartilage in the product.
A real bone broth will be full jello at fridge temperature. To get a gel, you need at least 7 g protein per 250 ml serving. Anything less and it will not.
If the store-bought kind says it has more protein but doesn’t gel, you’re not getting enough protein and the company is lying on the nutrition label.
It will turn back to liquid when reheated, but needs refrigeration in order to stay fresh.
How Long Does Bone Broth Last In The Fridge #foodstorage
FAQ
How long does bone broth last in the fridge?
As a general rule, bone broth will last for five days in the fridge and up to twelve months in the freezer. But there are some things you can do to make the best-before date last up to 24 months in the freezer and 7-8 days in the fridge. 1. Hot Fill or Pour.
How do you extend the shelf life of bone broth?
There are a few ways to extend the shelf life of your bone broth. One is to freeze it in individual portions so that you can thaw and use only what you need. Another is to add a bit of acidity, such as vinegar or lemon juice, which will help preserve the broth for longer. So enjoy your bone broth while it lasts.
Does homemade bone broth go bad?
Bone broth is a food that can go bad in the fridge. If you bought something in a store, make sure you read the shelf life and best-before dates. For homemade, I will lay out specific recommendations based on the differences in storage and how you make it. How long does homemade bone broth last in fridge?.
Can You refreeze bone broth after opening?
You can refreeze bone broth after opening, but it is not recommended and you must be careful when doing this. Think of the shelf life as a clock. If you open it, the clock starts and you have 5-6 days at fridge temperature. Freezing it stops this clock temporarily, but you will not get the same 5-6 day when you thaw it.
Should broth be refrigerated?
Cooling: Allow broth to cool completely before refrigerating to avoid raising the temperature of other foods in the fridge. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients can also make a difference. Spoiled or low-quality bones and vegetables can introduce bacteria, causing your broth to spoil more quickly.
How do you store leftover bone broth?
Label your containers with the date of preparation. This is a simple but effective way to keep track of how long the broth has been stored and ensures that you consume it while it’s still safe. For added convenience, consider pouring leftover bone broth into ice cube trays and freezing them.
Does chicken bone broth go bad in the fridge?
Chicken broth can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and frozen (for best quality) for 2-3 months.
Is chicken broth ok after 10 days?
An opened box of chicken broth has a limited amount of time when it is considered to be fresh and ready-to- use. A box of chicken broth is good for 4-5 days (after opening) when stored in the refrigerator. This is the guideline used by the US Department of Agriculture and applies to most brands.
How to tell when chicken bone broth is bad?
The texture shouldn’t be slimy either. If there’s a layer of fat on the broth’s surface, that’s okay, but if you see any mold, the broth is spoiled.
How long is too long for bone broth?
Cooking it for 12 hours produces a deeply flavorful and excellent result, but it’s not uncommon to let the bone broth cook for 24 or even 36 hours—at which …Nov 18, 2024