Can Chicken Bone Broth Go Bad : What You MUST Know

Whether you’re making your own homemade batch or buying it from the store, understanding the shelf life and potential risks of spoiled broth is important to avoid wasting food or harming your health. Let’s dive into the specifics of chicken bone broth’s lifespan, how to store it, and the common signs of spoilage so you can enjoy this nourishing liquid without a second thought.

Can Chicken Bone Broth Go Bad?

Yes, chicken bone broth can go bad. Like most perishable foods, its shelf life is dependent on various factors such as how it was made, how it’s stored, and whether it’s been exposed to contaminants. Since bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissues for long periods of time, it’s naturally full of moisture and proteins, which, when left unchecked, can create an environment for bacteria to grow.

The broth’s liquid nature makes it susceptible to bacterial growth, mold, and spoilage over time, especially when not refrigerated or frozen properly. This is why it’s crucial to know how to handle and store it to preserve its flavor and nutritional value while preventing foodborne illnesses.

Shelf Life For Chicken Bone Broth

The shelf life of chicken bone broth varies depending on whether it’s homemade, commercially prepared, or stored properly. Here’s a breakdown of the general shelf life:

• Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

  • Refrigerated: 3 to 4 days. Homemade bone broth typically doesn’t contain preservatives, so its shelf life is relatively short.
  • Frozen: 6 months to a year. Freezing the broth significantly extends its life. Ensure it’s properly sealed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve its flavor.

• Store-bought Chicken Bone Broth (Unopened)

  • Pantry: 1 to 2 years (check the “best by” date). Commercial bone broth is typically packaged with preservatives or vacuum-sealed, which helps it last much longer than homemade varieties. Always refer to the product’s expiration date for best results.
  • Refrigerated After Opening: 5 to 7 days. Once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator and used quickly.

• Store-bought Chicken Bone Broth (Opened)

  • Refrigerated: 5 to 7 days. Like homemade broth, after opening, the store-bought version is best used within a week for both safety and flavor.

Common Signs Of Spoilage

Recognizing when your chicken bone broth has gone bad is crucial to avoid unpleasant surprises or potential food poisoning. Here are the common signs of spoilage to watch out for:

• Smell

  Fresh chicken bone broth has a savory, meaty aroma. Spoiled broth will emit a sour, rancid, or off-putting smell. If it smells like rotten food, throw it out.

• Appearance

  • Mold: If you see any green, white, or black mold spots floating on top, it’s time to discard it.
  • Cloudy or Discolored Liquid: Bone broth can naturally be a little cloudy, but if it turns an unusual color, like a dull brownish or yellowish hue, it could indicate bacterial growth or oxidation. If it looks significantly different from when you first made or bought it, it’s safer not to consume.

• Texture

  Bone broth naturally contains gelatin, which makes it slightly thicker when refrigerated. However, if the texture becomes slimy or sticky (not due to natural gelatin), it may have gone bad.

• Taste

  Always taste a tiny bit before consuming large quantities. If it tastes off, sour, or rancid, discard it. Fresh broth should have a savory, deep flavor that is smooth and balanced.

How To Store Chicken Bone Broth?

Proper storage is key to preserving your chicken bone broth’s taste and safety. Here are the best ways to store both homemade and store-bought bone broth:

Refrigeration (For Short-Term Storage)

• Cool Down: Before refrigerating, allow your chicken bone broth to cool to room temperature. Placing hot broth directly in the fridge can raise the internal temperature of your fridge, leading to a higher risk of bacterial growth.
• Storage Containers: Store your broth in airtight containers or glass jars with secure lids. This helps to keep the broth fresh and prevents any contamination from other foods in the fridge.
• Portion It: If you made a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you only open a small amount each time, reducing exposure to air and contaminants for the rest of the broth.

Freezing (For Long-Term Storage)

• Airtight Containers: Freeze the broth in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags. If you plan to use small portions, consider using ice cube trays to freeze it in one-cup servings, making it easy to thaw and reheat as needed.
• Label and Date: Always label your containers with the date of freezing. Although bone broth can last 6 months to a year in the freezer, you want to keep track of how long it’s been stored.
• Freezer Burn: Be mindful of freezer burn. Even if the broth remains safe to eat, freezer burn can affect the flavor. To avoid this, remove as much air as possible from the container before freezing.

Avoiding Contamination

• Use Clean Utensils: Always use clean spoons or ladles when handling bone broth to avoid introducing bacteria from other food sources.
• Keep It Covered: When reheating, always keep your broth covered to avoid contamination and moisture loss.

Expert Tips For Storing Chicken Bone Broth

• Make Small Batches: If you’re making your own broth, consider making smaller batches to reduce the chance of spoilage. This way, you can use it all up before it has a chance to go bad.
• Freeze Half Immediately: If you know you won’t consume all the broth in a few days, freeze a portion right away. This helps preserve the broth before bacteria have a chance to proliferate.
• Check Expiry Dates: For store-bought broth, always check the expiry or best-by date, especially when buying in bulk. Even if the broth hasn’t been opened yet, it still has a shelf life, and you don’t want to risk using it past its prime.
• Don’t Overheat: If you’re reheating frozen or refrigerated broth, avoid boiling it at high temperatures for extended periods. Doing so can break down the nutrients and make the broth less flavorful. Gently heat it instead.
• Flavor Enhancements: When making homemade broth, some chefs recommend adding a little bit of vinegar during the cooking process, which can help extract more minerals from the bones. While this doesn’t directly impact shelf life, it does enhance the broth’s nutritional profile.

FAQs

Can Chicken Bone Broth Go Bad If Left Out At Room Temperature?

Yes, chicken bone broth can go bad if left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, leading to foodborne illnesses.

How Long Can Chicken Bone Broth Last In The Refrigerator?

When properly stored in an airtight container, chicken bone broth can last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. However, it is important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming.

How Can I Tell If Chicken Bone Broth Has Gone Bad?

Signs that chicken bone broth has gone bad include a sour or off smell, visible mold growth, or a change in color or texture. If the broth tastes rancid or has an unusual flavor, it’s best to discard it.

Can Chicken Bone Broth Go Bad After Freezing?

Chicken bone broth can last 4 to 6 months in the freezer without going bad. However, after thawing, it should be used within 3 to 4 days if kept in the refrigerator.

How Long Can Chicken Bone Broth Be Left In The Freezer?

Chicken bone broth can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. After that, the quality may start to degrade, but it will still be safe to consume if kept at a consistent temperature of 0°F.

Can Chicken Bone Broth Go Bad If It’s Been Pasteurized?

While pasteurization can extend the shelf life of chicken bone broth, it can still go bad if not stored properly. Even pasteurized broth must be refrigerated or frozen to prevent spoilage.

Can Chicken Bone Broth Spoil In A Sealed Jar Or Vacuum-sealed Bag?

Yes, chicken bone broth can still spoil in a sealed jar or vacuum-sealed bag if it is not refrigerated or frozen. Proper temperature control is crucial to prevent bacterial growth.

Does Chicken Bone Broth Go Bad Faster If It Contains Added Vegetables Or Seasonings?

Yes, added vegetables or seasonings can accelerate spoilage. These ingredients introduce additional moisture and organic matter, which can encourage bacteria or mold growth if not properly stored.

Can I Drink Chicken Bone Broth After The Expiration Date?

Drinking chicken bone broth after its expiration date is not recommended, as it could pose health risks. Expiration dates are provided to ensure safety and quality, so consuming expired broth may lead to foodborne illness.

Can Chicken Bone Broth Spoil If Reheated Multiple Times?

Reheating chicken bone broth multiple times can increase the risk of spoilage. Bacteria can proliferate during repeated heating and cooling cycles, which can lead to foodborne illness. It’s best to reheat only the portion you plan to consume.