Using canned beef broth past its expiration date is generally not recommended. However, broth may still be safe to consume for a short period after the expiration date, as long as it has been properly stored and there are no signs of spoilage. This article examines how to tell if expired canned broth is still good, health risks of consuming expired broth, and ways to properly store broth to maximize its shelf life.
Can you consume canned beef broth after the expiration date?
The expiration date on canned broth is an indication of how long the manufacturer guarantees its quality and flavor. It does not necessarily mean the broth is unsafe to consume right after that date. If the unopened can is not bulging or damaged, the broth most likely retains its safety and nutrient content for some time past its expiration date.
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), commercially canned broths and stocks have a shelf life of up to 5 years from the date of processing, as long as the cans remain in good condition. The expiration date is typically 2-3 years from when it was made.
This means you can likely safely use unopened canned beef broth 1-2 years past the printed expiration date on the can, as long as it has been stored properly.
Signs canned beef broth has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Bulging or leaking can
- Corroded or damaged can
- Unpleasant odor when opened
- Mold growth inside can
- Change in color or texture
If your canned beef broth has any of those characteristics, it may be contaminated and should be thrown away.
What are the health risks of using expired canned broth?
Consuming spoiled canned beef broth that contains pathogenic bacteria could potentially lead to foodborne illness. Some hazards include:
- Botulism – Caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Can lead to paralysis, respiratory failure, and death in severe cases.
- Salmonella – Results in diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after ingesting.
- E. coli – Causes severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Listeria – Pregnant women are at high risk. Causes fever, muscle aches, nausea.
Foodborne bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature and when oxygen is not present. Using expired canned broth stored for a long time in the pantry increases risk of contamination.
However, if the can is intact and has been stored properly, the risk is low. Proper handling and cooking will also kill any pathogens present.
How to tell if expired canned beef broth is still good?
Here are some guidelines for evaluating the safety and quality of canned beef broth after its expiration date:
Check the can’s condition
Examine the can for any signs of damage like rust, dents, cracks, or bulging lids. Avoid broth in damaged cans which can allow contamination.
Smell the beef broth
Open the can and smell the contents. It should have the expected savory beef broth aroma. Rancid, sour, or unpleasant odors indicate spoilage.
Look at the color
The broth should look pale to rich brown and clear. Discoloration, darkening, cloudiness, or speckles of particles may mean it has gone bad.
Check the texture
Tilt the opened can to observe the fluidity. The broth should be thin and flow easily. If it’s overly thick, gelled, slimy, or ropy, do not consume it.
Taste the broth
Sip a small sample. It should taste savory and meaty without any off flavors. Rancidity, bitterness, sourness, or very salty tastes indicate spoilage.
If expired canned beef broth passes all those checks, it should still be safe to use. However, the flavor and quality may gradually decline after the expiration date.
How long past expiration is canned broth still good?
An unopened can of beef broth stored continuously at room temperature may stay good 1-2 years past its printed expiration date. However, it’s ideal to use canned broth within 6 months after the expiration date for best flavor and nutritional value.
Once opened, canned broth should be used within 3-5 days when refrigerated. Discard any leftovers after 1 week in the fridge.
The freezer time extends the shelf life much longer. Unopened canned broth that has been continuously frozen can safely stay good for 2-3 years past the expiration date. Previously opened broth can last 6-8 months frozen.
Proper storage to maximize canned beef broth shelf life
Storing unopened canned beef broth properly helps maintain its safety, quality, and shelf life after the expiration date. Recommended storage guidelines include:
- Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place like the pantry.
- Avoid storage areas with temperature extremes or direct sunlight.
- Keep cans away from direct heat sources like ovens or dishwashers.
- Store cans upright and check periodically for dents, rust, or swelling.
- Use opened broth within 3-5 days. Keep refrigerated.
- Freeze for longer shelf life. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles which degrade quality.
Can you re-can beef broth after opening?
Re-canning opened broth is not recommended, as the canning process requires specific conditions to destroy any potential botulism spores present. Without specialized equipment, you cannot replicate these conditions at home.
To safely extend the shelf life of opened canned beef broth:
- Refrigerate in a covered airtight container up to 1 week.
- Pour broth into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, pop cubes into ziplock bags.
- Freeze in muffin tins or silicone molds up to 3 months.
- Transfer to freezer bags, leaving 1 inch headspace. Squeeze out excess air.
How to tell if frozen beef broth has expired?
Frozen beef broth maintains quality longer, but it can eventually degrade in the freezer. Signs that frozen broth may be past its prime and should be discarded:
- Ice crystals, thickening, separation, or color changes
- Strange odors, off smells when thawed
- Unnatural brown or yellow discoloration
- Mold growth anywhere in container
- Thawed broth texture seems overly thick or slimy
Beef broth frozen continuously at 0°F should stay safe and retain good quality for 2-3 years past the printed expiration date. Discard if frozen longer than that.
Can spoiled broth make you sick?
Consuming spoiled, expired canned or frozen beef broth could potentially make you sick if dangerous bacteria are present. However, it’s unlikely to cause illness if only degraded in quality and has an unpleasant taste.
Reheating contaminated beef broth thoroughly to 165°F minimum will kill most bacteria and viruses. But some toxins cannot be destroyed by cooking. It’s best to discard expired broth with any odd odors, textures, or appearance.
Should you cook expired broth before use?
It’s recommended to boil or simmer expired but still edible canned beef broth for several minutes before use. This provides an extra safety precaution.
Bring the broth to a full rolling boil for 1-2 minutes. This helps kill any possible pathogenic bacteria that could be present.
Cooking the broth also improves the flavor. Boiling helps evaporate off unpleasant “off” odors and tastes.
Can you use broth after expiration date in recipes?
Expired but properly stored canned beef broth can be used in recipes calling for broth or stock. To be safe, it’s best to boil the broth for a couple minutes first.
Here are some recipe ideas that work well with older broth:
- Soups – Expired broth works fine for soup bases. Boil before adding other ingredients.
- Risotto – The rice and flavors disguise any degraded broth taste.
- Gravies – Beef broth is often simmered when making gravy.
- Braising liquids – Pot roasts or tough meats cooked in broth soften flavors.
- Stews and chilis – Intense spices and seasonings cover up off tastes.
Avoid using questionable broth in more delicate dishes like sauces or broth-based drinks. The flavors won’t be covered up.
What are substitutes for expired beef broth?
If you don’t want to use expired or degraded canned beef broth, some suitable substitutes include:
- Freshly made beef broth or stock
- Chicken, mushroom, or vegetable broth
- Beef consomme or bouillon cubes
- Water or non-dairy milk + beef bouillon powder
- Red wine, red wine vinegar + water
For most recipes, you can replace 1 cup beef broth with 1 cup of any liquid broth, stock, or non-dairy milk plus a couple teaspoons of bouillon powder or paste.
Does cooking with wine or vinegar help expired broth?
Adding an acidic ingredient like wine, vinegar, or tomato paste to expired canned beef broth can help mask off flavors and odors. Here’s how to use them:
- Red wine – Use 1/2 cup per 1 quart broth. Simmer 5+ minutes.
- Red wine vinegar – Use 1-2 tablespoons per 1 quart broth. Boil 2-3 minutes.
- Tomato paste – Add 1-2 tablespoons per quart. Simmer broth with tomatoes/juices.
The acids help extract flavors from other ingredients to overpower any “off” tastes. Salt and spices also help mask issues with older broth.
Conclusion
Canned beef broth can often be safely used for a period after its printed expiration date. Look for any signs of spoilage and discarded damaged cans. Store broth properly to maximize shelf life. If the broth was frozen, it may stay good for years past expiration. Always boil or cook expired broth thoroughly before consumption to kill bacteria. While not ideal in flavor, older beef broth can still be useful in strongly flavored recipes.
