To make broth or stock, bouillon cubes are a great little kitchen staple. Stock or broth can then be used as a flavorful base for soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes. They are small blocks of concentrated seasoning that are made from dehydrated vegetables, meat, and seasonings that have been compressed into a small cube shape. They typically come in beef and chicken flavoring, and they are very simple to use. You just determine how much broth you need for your recipe, then boil that amount of water. Once its rolling, remove the water from the heat and add the bouillon cube.
It is really that straightforward, but while using a bouillon cube may be easy, its not a food product most people use very often. You may be worried that the bouillon cubes have gone bad if you can’t remember when you used them last in anyone of your recipes. But do bouillon cubes expire?.
Chicken bouillon is a versatile pantry staple that can add rich savory flavor to everything from soups and stews to rice and vegetables. But with its long shelf life you may wonder just how long that tub of bouillon powder or those cubes will last. Here’s a comprehensive guide to determining the shelf life and optimal storage methods for chicken bouillon.
What is Chicken Bouillon?
To make chicken bouillon, you simmer chicken bones, meat, and vegetables to get the flavors out. Then, you dry the broth and press it into cubes, granules, powders, or pastes. Because it has a lot of salt, it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Chicken bouillon sold in stores usually has chicken fat, yeast extract, onions, carrots, celery, and seasonings in it.
How Long Does Chicken Bouillon Last?
The shelf life of chicken bouillon depends on the form:
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Bouillon cubes: Unopened, cubes last 2 years past the ‘best by’ date. Opened, they’re good for 1 year stored in an airtight container.
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Powdered bouillon: Like cubes, powder lasts two years when not opened and one year when opened. Keep in an airtight container.
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Liquid bouillon: Lasts 6-8 months unopened, decreasing to 3-4 months once opened. Refrigerate after opening.
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Homemade bouillon: Only lasts 2-3 days refrigerated. Can be frozen for up to 4 months.
The shelf life is shortened if stored improperly in humidity, heat, or sunlight. Check for changes in texture, smell, appearance, and taste. Discard if moldy, slimy, or rancid.
Does Chicken Bouillon Need to be Refrigerated or Frozen?
Refrigeration is not needed for commercially packaged bouillon cubes or powder, due to their low moisture content and preservatives.
Refrigerate liquid bouillon after opening. Homemade bouillon should always be refrigerated.
Freezing bouillon cubes or powder is not recommended, as their shelf life is already 1-2 years without freezing. However, freezing homemade or liquid bouillon in ice cube trays can extend the shelf life up to 6 months.
How to Store Chicken Bouillon for Maximum Freshness
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Store cubes, powder, and unopened liquid bouillon in a cool, dry pantry away from light, moisture and heat.
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Transfer opened powder to an airtight container. Bag or wrap opened cubes tightly.
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Once opened, liquid bouillon must be refrigerated.
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If homemade, refrigerate and use within 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
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Minimize temperature fluctuations. Avoid humidity.
What Happens if You Eat Expired Chicken Bouillon?
Bouillon that has passed its expiration date may lose some of its flavor and nutritional value, but it is still safe to eat. However, if mold is present, discard immediately. Moldy bouillon might make some people sick or upset their stomach.
Signs Chicken Bouillon Has Gone Bad
- Mold growth
- Change in texture – cubes are sticky or powder is clumped
- Unpleasant, sour, or rancid smell
- Change in color – lighter, grayish, or yellowish
- Weakened or oddly bitter flavor
If you notice these signs, toss the bouillon. Don’t taste bouillon that smells or looks spoiled.
Extending Shelf Life of Opened Chicken Bouillon
To maximize the shelf life of opened chicken bouillon:
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Transfer to an airtight container or sealed bag, removing as much air as possible.
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Add a desiccant packet if storing powder to absorb moisture.
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Keep refrigerated after opening if liquid bouillon.
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Use clean and dry utensils when scooping out powder to prevent contamination.
The Bottom Line
When stored properly in a cool, dry pantry, commercially packaged chicken bouillon can last up to 2 years unopened, and 1 year after opening. Liquid and homemade versions have a much shorter shelf life at just several months. Monitor for changes in smell, texture, and appearance to determine if your bouillon has expired. With the right storage, chicken bouillon can enhance soups, stews, and more for a long time.
Check the cubes, not the dates
Yes, bouillon cubes do expire, but they tend to have an extremely long shelf life. Of course, how long they last can vary depending on the brand and how they are stored. Generally, bouillon cubes can stay good for several years, if they are preserved properly. The expiration date is usually printed on the packaging, and bouillon cubes can often be used for 1-2 years after that date.
Expired bouillon cubes may not provide the same flavor and nutrition as fresh ones, and they may be more likely to contain harmful bacteria, especially if you have not kept them safe. Since you cant always rely on the expiration dates, you should check the cube for signs of spoilage. There is no need to worry about the expiration date if the bouillon cubes have changed color, smell bad, or become soft or crumbly. They are probably bad and should be thrown away.
Do Bouillon Cubes Expire? How To Store Bouillon Long Term?
FAQ
How long does chicken bouillon last after the expiration date?
Chicken bouillon, whether in cube or powdered form, can last for a year or two past the expiration date if stored properly in a cool, dry place.
How long does bouillon last after opened?
Better Than Bouillon can be kept for about two years from the date it was made as long as it is kept in the fridge after opening. That’s about two years longer than the three to four days that canned or boxed broth usually lasts in the fridge after being opened.
How to tell if chicken bouillon has gone bad?
Another sign to watch out for is an off smell. The aroma of chicken bouillon should be savory and appetizing; if it smells weird or unappetizing, it’s best to throw it out. Finally, if you see any signs of mold or other unusual growths, discard the bouillon immediately.
How long does chicken broth last after the expiration date?
Chicken broth can be stored in a cupboard or pantry for months at a time. Boxed chicken broth is a common and reliable pantry item for a good reason! A box of chicken broth that hasn’t been opened stays good for up to a year after the date it was printed.