How long does chicken broth/stock/consommé last?
Chicken broth/stock/consommé keeps for 7 days in the fridge, until the date on the package in the pantry, up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Times are USDA FoodKeeper quality guidelines from the point of purchase unless noted.
Use by the package date
Bouillon cubes will keep their best quality 1 year. The reconstituted broth lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
7 days
from purchase; after opening: 3 to 4 days
2 to 3 months
best quality within
How to tell chicken broth/stock/consommé has gone bad
General signs for condiments, sauces & canned goods, the group USDA lists chicken broth/stock/consommé under.
- Dented, bulging or rusted cans, especially at the seams
- Hissing sound or spray when a can or jar is opened
- Mould on the surface of a sauce or condiment
- Separation, discoloration or a sharp off smell from the jar
- Metallic taste or cloudy liquid in canned food
More on condiments, sauces & canned goods. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Refrigerate opened condiments and sauces with their lids on tightly, and use a clean spoon each time to avoid contamination. Store unopened cans in a cool, dry cupboard, and once opened, transfer leftover canned food to a covered container in the fridge rather than storing it in the can.
More in condiments, sauces & canned goods
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). Times assume a fridge at 40 F (4 C) and a freezer at 0 F (-18 C). How we decode the data.