How to store chicken broth, homemade stock, and bouillon cubes
Quick answer
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Room temperature
Keeps for until use-by date
Keep unopened store-bought broth in the pantry until the use-by date on the package.
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Fridge
Keeps for 3-4 days
After opening, keep broth in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 days.
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Freezer
Keeps for 2-3 months
Freeze store-bought or homemade broth and use it within 2 to 3 months for best quality.
Opened chicken broth lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, and so do beef, vegetable, and homemade broth. Unopened store-bought broth keeps in the pantry until the use-by date on the package. Frozen broth keeps its best quality 2 to 3 months, and bouillon cubes keep theirs 1 year.
Buying broth this week?
On a Listonic list, every item gets the amount you need and a note on when to use it by.
- Quantity and unit on every item
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Opened chicken broth lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Beef broth, vegetable broth, and homemade broth last the same 3 to 4 days. Freeze what you won’t use in time, and it keeps its best quality 2 to 3 months.
Unopened store-bought broth can wait in the pantry until the use-by date on the package. Bouillon cubes keep their best quality 1 year.
How long does broth last?
Opened store-bought broth and homemade broth both last 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 2 to 3 months in the freezer. The table shows the times from the USDA FoodKeeper app for each kind.
| Broth | Pantry | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Store-bought chicken, beef, or vegetable broth | Until the package use-by date, unopened | 7 days unopened, 3 to 4 days after opening | 2 to 3 months |
| Homemade broth | Not listed | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
| Broth made from bouillon cubes | Not listed | 3 to 4 days | Not listed |
| Bouillon cubes | 1 year for best quality | Not listed | Not listed |
| Dry bouillon soup mix | 1 year, unopened or opened | Not listed | Not listed |
How long does chicken broth last in the fridge?
Opened chicken broth lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Beef broth and vegetable broth from the store have the same 3 to 4 days after opening. Chicken stock and consommé share the chicken broth line in FoodKeeper, so they keep for the same time.
Does chicken broth need to be refrigerated?
Unopened chicken broth doesn’t need the fridge, because it keeps in the pantry until the use-by date on the package. After opening, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within 3 to 4 days.
How long does homemade chicken stock last in the fridge?
Homemade chicken stock lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge, the FoodKeeper time for any homemade broth. Freeze it if you won’t use it by then.
Hot broth can go straight into the refrigerator. Divide a large pot into small portions in shallow containers first, as the USDA’s refrigeration guide advises for soup. Cover the containers so the broth keeps its moisture and doesn’t pick up odors from other foods.
How long does bone broth last in the fridge?
Homemade bone broth lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge, the same as other homemade broth. USDA FoodKeeper has no separate line for bone broth.
Can you freeze chicken broth?
Yes, store-bought and homemade chicken broth both keep their best quality 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Beef broth, vegetable broth, and homemade bone broth have the same 2 to 3 months.
These times are about quality, not safety. Broth kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe, as the USDA’s guide to freezing and food safety explains.
Do bouillon cubes go bad?
Bouillon cubes keep their best quality for 1 year, according to USDA FoodKeeper. Dry bouillon soup mixes last 1 year in the pantry from the date you buy them, and 1 year after opening. Once you mix bouillon with water, the broth lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions
Does chicken broth go bad?
Yes, chicken broth goes bad. Opened, it lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge, and unopened, it keeps in the pantry until the use-by date on the package.
How long is beef broth good for after opening?
Opened beef broth is good for 3 to 4 days in the fridge, the same as chicken and vegetable broth. Frozen, it keeps its best quality 2 to 3 months.
Is frozen broth safe after 3 months?
Yes, broth kept constantly at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe. The 2 to 3 months is a quality limit, so older frozen broth is safe but lower in quality.
Can you cool broth in an ice bath?
Yes, you can chill hot broth fast in an ice or cold water bath before you refrigerate it. Hot broth can also go straight into the refrigerator.
