“How long does chicken noodle soup last?” is a popular question on cooking podcasts. Generally, it lasts 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 6-7 months in the freezer. But if you want your chicken noodle soup to last longer, it’s crucial you find out about all the myths related to its storage. Worry not; you will learn everything here.
Keep reading.
How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last? Important Details
Chicken noodle soup’s shelf life depends on how it’s stored. Generally, if stored in the refrigerator, it can last 3-4 days. It’s essential to keep the soup in an airtight container. Furthermore, you should refrigerate it within two hours of cooking.
Check out this chicken noodle soup’s shelf life table before reading the explanation.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
| Unopened in a Jar | 1-2 years past expiration date |
| In the Fridge | 3-4 days |
| On the Stove | Up to 2 hours |
| In the Freezer | 4-6 months |
| Homemade in the Freezer | 4-6 months |
How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last Unopened in a Jar?
Unopened chicken noodle soup in a jar can last quite a long time if stored properly. Typically, commercially canned or jarred chicken noodle soup can last 1-2 years past the expiration date on the label if kept in a cool, dry pantry.
The airtight seal prevents bacteria and spoilage, ensuring the soup remains safe to eat. However, it’s always important to inspect the jar for any signs of damage or rust. If the jar is compromised or shows signs of bulging, it should be discarded to avoid any risk of contamination.
How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last in the Fridge?
When stored correctly in the refrigerator, chicken noodle soup can last between 3 to 4 days. It’s essential to transfer the soup to an airtight jar or container to prevent it from absorbing any odors.
Remember this: You should always refrigerate any soup within two hours of cooking for a better shelf life. Why? Well, to minimize the risk of bacterial growth. Before consuming, check for any spoilage, such as an off smell or change in texture, which indicates the soup is no longer safe to eat.
How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last on the Stove?
Chicken noodle soup should not be left on the stove for extended periods. If kept on low heat, it can remain safe for about 2 hours. Beyond this, bacteria can start to grow, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. If you need to keep it warm for longer, consider using a slow cooker on a low setting.
Always ensure the soup reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F before serving to kill any potential bacteria.
How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last in the Freezer?
Freezing chicken noodle soup can extend its shelf life significantly. Chicken noodle soup can stay good for up to 4-6 months in the freezer. To ensure the best quality, freeze the soup in individual portions, allowing it to cool completely before sealing and freezing.
When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it thoroughly on the stove or in the microwave.
People also ask, “How long does homemade chicken noodle soup last in the freezer?” The answer is up to 4-6 months.
It’s important to cool the soup completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals and maintain its texture and flavor.
How Long Does Costco Chicken Noodle Soup Last? Find Out
Costco chicken noodle soup, known for its convenience and quality, has specific shelf life guidelines. Unopened, it can last up to 2-3 days past the sell-by date if kept refrigerated. Once opened, it’s best consumed within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator.
How Long Does Lipton Chicken Noodle Soup Last? Know the Details
Lipton chicken noodle soup, typically sold in dry mix form, has a long shelf life when stored properly. Unopened packets can last up to 18-24 months past the printed expiration date if kept in a cool, dry place. The dry ingredients are less prone to spoilage compared to fresh soup.
Once the soup is prepared, it should be consumed within four days. Always check the package for any specific storage instructions and discard if there are signs of moisture or damage to the packaging.
How Long Is Chicken Noodle Soup Good for After Expiration Date?
The shelf life of chicken noodle soup after its expiration date varies depending on storage conditions and the type of soup. Canned or jarred chicken noodle soup can remain safe to eat for 1-2 years past the expiration date if the container is unopened and stored in a dry place.
However, always inspect the packaging for any signs of bulging, rust, or damage before consuming. If the soup has been opened or prepared, it should be consumed within 3-4 days if refrigerated.
How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Take to Cook?
Chicken noodle soup typically takes about 30-40 minutes to cook. This time frame allows for the chicken to cook thoroughly and the noodles to soften perfectly. Starting with sautéing the vegetables for flavor, then adding broth and chicken, and finally simmering with noodles ensures all ingredients meld together harmoniously.
This process also ensures the soup reaches a safe temperature, making it delicious and safe to eat.
If you love veggies in your soup, read: How Long Does Homemade Vegetable Soup Last?
5 Signs Your Chicken Noodle Soup Has Gone Bad
If your chicken noodle soup smells sour, tastes off, or has a slimy texture, it’s gone bad. Check for mold or discoloration, too. Trust your senses—if something seems wrong, it’s better to toss it out. Eating spoiled soup can make you sick, so always be cautious.
Sour Smell
A sour smell is one of the first signs that your chicken noodle soup has gone bad. The fresh soup smells savory and delicious. When it spoils, the smell changes to something sour or rotten. Imagine opening the fridge and getting a whiff of something that makes your nose wrinkle. That’s a clear sign!
Trust your nose because it’s good at detecting food that’s not safe to eat anymore. If you ever smell something weird, don’t taste it. Just throw it away to be safe.
Off Taste
When your soup doesn’t taste right, it’s time to let it go. Fresh chicken noodle soup tastes hearty and comforting. If you take a sip and it tastes sour, bitter, or just plain weird, it’s spoiled. Even a little change in taste means bacteria might be growing in your soup.
It’s tempting to try another bite, to be sure, but trust that first taste. Eating spoiled food can give you a tummy ache, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Slimy Texture
The texture of your soup tells a lot about its freshness. Fresh soup is smooth and broth-like. If you notice it feels slimy or thick, it’s gone bad. Imagine dipping a spoon into the soup, and it feels sticky or gooey. That’s not normal! Bacteria can change the texture of food, making it unsafe to eat.
Always stir your soup well and check how it feels before eating. If it feels slimy, it’s best to toss it out.
Mold or Discoloration
Seeing mold or discoloration is a sure sign your soup is no longer safe to eat. The fresh soup looks clear and appetizing. Mold can appear as green, white, or black spots, and it’s definitely bad news. Discoloration might make the soup look cloudy or darker than usual.
Always take a close look at your soup before you eat it. If you see any strange spots or colors, throw it away right away. Eating moldy food can be really dangerous for your health.
Bubbles Without Boiling
If you see bubbles in your soup and it’s not boiling, it’s probably spoiled. Fresh soup only bubbles when it’s heated up. Bubbles in cold soup mean bacteria might be producing gas, which is a clear sign of spoilage.
Imagine seeing tiny bubbles on the surface even though the soup is cold. That’s a red flag! If you notice this, don’t taste it. Just throw the soup away to avoid any risk of getting sick.
Common Myths About Chicken Noodle Soup Storage
There are many myths about storing chicken noodle soup. Some people think you can leave it out overnight or that freezing it ruins the taste. These myths can lead to food waste or even illness. It’s important to know the facts about how to store your soup safely and deliciously.
Myth: You Can Leave Chicken Noodle Soup Out Overnight
Some people believe it’s okay to leave chicken noodle soup out overnight and then eat it the next day. This is not true. Leaving soup out at room temperature for more than two hours lets bacteria grow quickly.
When bacteria grow, they can make you very sick. Always put your soup in the fridge within two hours of cooking. If you forget and leave it out, it’s safer to throw it away. I know it’s hard to waste food, but getting sick is much worse.
Myth: Freezing Chicken Noodle Soup Ruins the Taste
You might have heard that freezing chicken noodle soup makes it taste bad. That’s not true if you freeze it the right way. Freezing keeps your soup fresh for months. Just make sure you cool it down before putting it in the freezer.
Myth: Soup Can Be Stored in Any Container
Not all containers are good for storing soup. Some people think any container will work, but that’s not true. Always use airtight containers to keep your soup fresh, but glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. If air gets in, your soup can spoil faster.
Plus, good containers stop your soup from tasting like other foods in the fridge. I always make sure to use the right container to keep my soup tasty and safe.
Myth: Reheating Soup Kills All Bacteria
Many think that reheating soup will kill any bacteria that might have grown. While heat does kill most bacteria, some can survive if the soup has been left out too long. Reheating won’t make spoiled soup safe to eat. It’s important to store and handle your soup properly from the start.
Always refrigerate or freeze your soup promptly. If it smells bad or looks weird, don’t eat it. Safety comes first, and it’s better to be cautious.
Myth: You Can Tell If Soup Is Bad by Smell Alone
People often think you can always smell if the soup has gone bad. While smell is a good indicator, it’s not foolproof. Some harmful bacteria don’t have a smell. Your soup might look and smell fine but still be unsafe to eat.
That’s why it’s important to follow storage guidelines and pay attention to how long your soup has been in the fridge. If you’re interesting in knowming more common myths about food storage, then check out this guide – 10 Misleading Food Preservation Myths Exposed [Avoid These].
Conclusion
Keeping your chicken noodle soup fresh is easy with the right storage tips. Remember these key points:
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Doing this will keep the soup good for four days.
- Store in airtight containers for best results.
- Freeze soup to extend its shelf life up to 6 months.
- Always check for spoilage before eating.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your chicken noodle soup safely and deliciously every time.
