In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “How long does soup last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of soup. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled soup.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long does soup last in the fridge?
Generally, soup lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be kept in plastic zipper bags on one of the refrigerator’s shelves.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for the soup’s expected shelf life. Moreover, the exact shelf life of the soup varies depending upon the particular type of stir fry and the storage conditions in which it is kept.
Chicken soup lasts for about 2-3 days when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.
On the other hand, vegetable soup lasts for about 3-4 days when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.
Lastly, chicken noodle soup lasts for about 3-4 days when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the air-tight container or plastic zipper bag.
What is the best temperature to keep soup at?
The soup should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your soup at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
How long does soup last at room temperature?
When kept at room temperature, soup lasts for around 2 hours.
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, soup left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and soup left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
How long does soup last in the freezer?
Soup lasts for 4-6 months in the freezer if stored in an airtight plastic freezer bag, although it is best consumed within 1-2 months for the best quality and taste.
As a result, freezing the soup extends its shelf life significantly due to the freezer’s low temperature, which inhibits bacterial growth in the soup.
How to defrost frozen soup?
You can quickly defrost frozen soup by placing it in the refrigerator overnight, and thawed soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before reheating and consuming it.
If you’re defrosting frozen soup in a bowl of cold water, the microwave, or on the counter, you should utilize it right away after reheating it till its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to reheat soup?
- Transfer the soup to a pot and keep it on the heat for 2-3 minutes, or bring it to a boil once or twice. If the soup is a clear broth, you can add water that was lost during the cooking process to balance the liquid.
- You can reheat the soup in the microwave on low power if it’s frozen or kept in a glass jar. It’s not a good idea to microwave soup that hasn’t been kept in a glass container.
- If the soup contains cream or veggies, a water bath is a nice option. The texture of the cream or milk in your soup will not be damaged by indirect heating.
Is it possible to refrigerate the reheated soup?
Once the refrigerated/frozen soup has been reheated, it should never be refrigerated again. Because the temperature of the soup goes above 40 degrees Fahrenheit when reheated and we know that bacteria develops rapidly between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
As a result, bacteria will make their way into your soup, and reheated soup should never be refrigerated, rather it is better to consume it completely or otherwise discard the reheated leftovers properly.
What are different ways to spot spoiled soup?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your soup has gone bad. To determine if the soup has gone bad, look at its appearance and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your soup, it’s time to throw it out.
It’s worth noting that you should avoid smelling moldy soup since molds can produce mycotoxins, which can disturb your gut microflora and damage your immune system if they enter your body by inhalation.
Smell
If you smell something sour or putrid while sniffing your soup, it’s time to throw it out.
Lastly, I do not recommend tasting soup with a foul odor, but if you are brave (and silly) enough, you will notice a significant change in the texture and mouthfeel of the spoiled soup. It will have an off-flavor.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your soup and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store soup?
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the soup within 2 hours it is cooked in airtight containers to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- If you wish to extend the shelf life of soup, keep it in an airtight container in the freezer. Soup that has been frozen at 0°C is safe to use for extremely long periods.
- The soup should be stored in shallow compact containers to allow it to cool quickly.
You can read how to make vegetable soup here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “How long does soup last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of soup. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled soup.