Quick Answers
Here are some quick ways to tell if unopened chicken broth has gone bad:
- Check the expiration or best by date on the packaging – if it’s past this date, the broth may be spoiled.
- Look for any bulging, rusting, or damaged packaging which can indicate spoiled contents.
- Open the container and smell the broth – spoiled broth will have an off, sour odor.
- Check the consistency and color of the broth – it should be a light golden color and have a thick, gelatinous texture when cold.
- Taste a small amount of the broth – rancid flavors like sourness or bitterness indicate it has spoiled.
Examining the Expiration Date
One of the first things to check when determining if unopened chicken broth is still good is the expiration date or “best by” date printed on the packaging. This date indicates how long the manufacturer guarantees the optimal flavor and quality of unopened chicken broth.
Broth manufacturers determine these dates by conducting shelf life tests under controlled storage conditions. But the actual shelf life may vary depending on how the broth is stored after purchase. Properly stored, unopened chicken broth can last 1-2 years past its printed date if it has been continuously refrigerated. If stored at room temperature, it will likely expire closer to the printed date.
As a general guideline:
- Unopened shelf-stable chicken broth will maintain best quality for about 2 years past the printed date when stored properly in a cool, dry pantry.
- Refrigerated chicken broth will maintain optimal flavor for about 1 year past the printed date if kept continuously refrigerated.
- Frozen chicken broth is good for about 1-2 years past the printed date if kept continuously frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
Keep in mind that broth may lose quality and flavor over time past its date, even if it is safe to consume. So you cannot rely on the date alone to determine if broth is good or not.
Inspecting the Packaging
While still sealed, check the entire container and packaging for any signs of spoilage. Watch for these warning signs:
- Bulging or swollen container – This can indicate gas build-up from microbial growth inside the broth. Do not use broth with a bulging can or lid.
- Damaged or rusted can – Any physical damage like deep dents, large holes, or severe rusting can introduce microbes and cause spoilage. Do not consume any broth from a significantly damaged package.
- Leaking packaging – If the sealed broth container leaks at all, it likely has been compromised and may be contaminated. Air can enter, allowing microbial growth. Do not use leaking chicken broth.
- Changed color – Over time on the shelf, the packaging may slowly start changing color, appearing faded. This indicates the nutrients have started degrading. While not dangerous, it won’t taste as vibrant.
If you notice any of these issues with old, unopened chicken broth, it’s best to err on the side of caution and not consume it. A compromised container cannot protect the safety and quality of the contents inside.
Opening the Container
Once you open the container, you can visually inspect the chicken broth for signs of spoilage and sniff it for any rancid odors. This is often the best way to determine if unopened broth has truly gone bad.
Looking for Visual Cues
When you open a fresh container of chicken broth, it should have these qualities:
- Broth looks clear and light golden in color
- Has a viscous, gelatinous consistency when cold
- Fat droplets or film on the surface when chilled
- No visible mold or sliminess
Here are some visual signs that opened chicken broth has spoiled:
- Mold growth – Any fuzzy mold spots or filmy build-up means the broth has spoiled. Mold can come in many colors like black, green, or white.
- Slimy texture – A slippery, slimy consistency or visible strands means bacterial growth has progressed.
- Separated liquid – Separation of the gelatin and fatty film from the liquid indicates spoilage.
- Darker, dull color – As chicken broth spoils, it tends to turn darker with a dull or greyish look.
- Cloudy appearance – Broth may look foggy or opaque instead of clear when bacterial growth occurs.
Smelling for Rancid Odors
Smelling the opened chicken broth provides more helpful indicators if it has spoiled. Fresh broth has an inviting, chicken-y aroma.
Over time, the aroma becomes unpleasant and rancid. Some common off-odors include:
- Sour, pungent smell
- Vinegar-like smell
- Rotten eggs or sulfur smell
- Ammonia-like smell
- Stale, musty odor
The stronger and more unpleasant the smell, the more likely the chicken broth has spoiled and may be dangerous to ingest. Rancid odors are a clear sign to discard the broth.
Testing the Taste
As a final check, you can taste a small amount of the opened chicken broth to help determine if it has spoiled.
When tasting chicken broth, look out for these warning signs of spoilage:
- Sour, tangy, or acidic taste
- Bitter, chemical-like taste
- Metallic, ammonia taste
- Very salty taste
- Burning aftertaste in mouth or throat
- Lingering aftertaste when breathed out through nose
Any pungent, unpleasant flavors indicate the broth has been contaminated and should not be consumed. A spoiled broth may also cause stinging, burning, or other irritation when tasting – so taste only a small sip.
On the other hand, if the chicken broth smells fine but tastes a little flat or lacking in rich flavor, it may be past its prime but not necessarily spoiled and dangerous. Use your judgment.
How to Store Chicken Broth Properly
To maximize the shelf life of chicken broth once opened, it’s important to store it properly. Follow these guidelines:
Refrigeration
- Refrigerate opened chicken broth within 2 hours of opening.
- Keep broth refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Seal the container tightly before refrigerating.
- Consume refrigerated broth within 4-5 days.
Freezing
- For longer storage, freeze extra broth in airtight containers.
- Leave about 1 inch headspace to allow for expansion.
- Freeze at 0°F (-18°C) or colder.
- Frozen broth stays good for 2-3 months.
Properly storing opened chicken broth keeps it fresher longer. But if ever in doubt, remember the motto: “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Food Safety Risks of Spoiled Chicken Broth
Eating rancid, spoiled chicken broth poses some health hazards:
- Foodborne Illness – Spoiled broth can contain dangerous bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause food poisoning symptoms.
- Toxins – Microbial growth in spoiled broth also produces harmful toxins that can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains.
- Compromised Immunity – Consuming expired chicken broth fills the body with bacteria and toxins that overwhelm normal immune function.
Groups especially susceptible to illness from spoiled broth include pregnant women, young children, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. But everyone is potentially at-risk when consuming rancid broth.
Symptoms of Foodborne Illness
Common symptoms of foodborne disease from spoiled broth may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
Seek medical care immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms after consuming expired or questionable chicken broth. Foodborne illness can be serious if not treated promptly.
Precautions for Safe Food Handling
You can prevent chicken broth from spoiling prematurely and reduce foodborne illness risks by following some basic food safety tips:
- Check expiration or best by dates before purchasing.
- Inspect packaging for damage or leaks before buying.
- Store unopened broth in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and light.
- Keep chicken broth refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below after opening.
- Cook and consume chicken broth within 4 days after opening.
- Discard broth immediately at first signs of spoilage like odor, taste, or texture changes.
- Avoid introducing bacteria – use clean utensils when handling broth.
- Keep cooking surfaces and utensils clean.
- Defrost frozen broth safely in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
Following safe broth handling and storage methods reduces foodborne illness risks and helps chicken broth stay fresh longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if opened canned chicken broth is bad?
Check opened canned broth for foul odors, change in appearance, slimy texture, mold growth, separation, and an off taste or flavor. Discard immediately if any signs of spoilage.
Can you eat chicken broth after expiration date?
It’s not recommended to eat chicken broth after the expiration date, but unopened, commercially packaged broth may still be safe for a short time if stored properly. However, consume by date quality degrades over time. Opened broth should be eaten within 3-5 days.
Does chicken broth need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, opened chicken broth should always be refrigerated. Keep broth refrigerated within 2 hours of opening and consume within 3-5 days. The broth contains perishable ingredients and microbes can multiply rapidly at room temperature when exposed to oxygen.
How do you fix spoiled chicken broth?
There is no safe way to fix or salvage chicken broth that has spoiled. The bacteria and toxins cannot be reversed. Spoiled broth should always be discarded immediately and never tasted or consumed.
Can freezing chicken broth extend the expiration date?
Freezing can prolong the shelf life of chicken broth past the printed expiration date. If frozen continuously at 0°F, unopened broth may last up to 2 years frozen and opened broth up to 3 months frozen before significant quality loss occurs.
Conclusion
Checking the expiration date, inspecting the packaging, evaluating appearance, smelling for odors, and tasting chicken broth are all ways to determine if unopened broth has gone bad. Discard immediately if there are any signs of spoilage like foul smells, off-flavors, changed texture, or mold growth. Consuming spoiled chicken broth poses significant health risks, so when in doubt, it’s always best to throw it out. Follow proper storage methods like prompt refrigeration after opening to help chicken broth stay fresh and maximize its shelf life.
