All About Beef bone broth
Your complete guide to beef bone broth - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Beef bone broth Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for beef bone broth in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened shelf-stable (pantry)6-12 months (or until 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Swollen or bulging container, leaks, rust on cans, visible mold if jarred and compromised, 'off' or sour smell if somehow air has entered.
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any damage, swelling, or leaks. Check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date printed on the package. If the container is compromised, do not consume.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. The 'best by' date is for optimal quality, not necessarily safety, but a compromised container is a safety risk.
opened (fridge)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, yeasty, or putrid smell; cloudy appearance (if it was clear before); visible mold growth (often white, green, or black); slimy or thickened texture; bubbling.
How to Check
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Smell Test: Give it a good sniff. A sour, unpleasant, or 'off' odor is a strong indicator of spoilage.
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Visual Inspection: Look for any discoloration, cloudiness, or mold on the surface or sides of the container.
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Texture Test: If it looks okay but smells questionable, pour a small amount. If it feels slimy or unusually thick, it's likely spoiled.
Storage Tips
Transfer any opened commercial broth to an airtight container. Store homemade broth in an airtight container immediately after it has cooled completely. Ensure it's placed in the coldest part of the refrigerator. For homemade broth, cool rapidly before refrigerating (e.g., in an ice bath).
frozen6-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (ice crystals covering the surface, dry texture upon thawing, loss of flavor), strong off-smell after thawing (though rare if properly frozen). While safe indefinitely if kept at 0°F (-18°C), quality degrades over time.
How to Check
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Visual Inspection (after thawing): Check for excessive freezer burn. While not a safety issue, it indicates a loss of quality.
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Smell Test (after thawing): Thaw a small portion and smell it. It should smell like fresh broth. Any sour or 'off' smell indicates spoilage, though this is very unlikely if frozen properly.
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Taste Test (after thawing, cautiously): If it looks and smells fine but you're still unsure, taste a very small amount. Discard if it tastes bad.
Storage Tips
Freeze broth in airtight, freezer-safe containers, heavy-duty freezer bags, or ice cube trays. Leave headspace in containers as liquids expand when frozen. Label with the date of freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Do not thaw at room temperature.