Every cupboard now holds Progresso Soup, which has proven to be one of the best comfort foods, especially on those terrible, sick days. However, there are times when we buy a lot of these cans and forget to use them until the expiration date comes around.
Therefore, if you are having trouble deciding whether to eat the soup or throw it out, we can help! The good news is that canned soup can last for a very long time, sometimes way past its date of expiry.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the estimated timeline during which these soups are safe to consume. We will discuss some more tips that can help you extend the shelf life of your canned products, as well as the warning indications you should look out for before consuming canned soups.
Does Progresso Soup Expire or Go Bad
Well, every canned food item has a limited shelf life span, depicted by the best buy or sell-before date present on the back of the can. Hence, Progresso Soup can also expire and go bad.
Typically, the shelf life of Progresso cans is 24 months from their date of manufacture to ensure that the consumer gets the best possible quality. Beyond this date, it is not advised to be sold in shops.
Can We Eat Progresso Soup After the Date of Expiry?
As per the USDA, canned food can last for years after its expiry as long as there is no physical damage on the cans in the form of rust, fractures, dents, holes, mold, etc.
Hence, we can eat these soups way past their expiry without worrying about serious health issues.
How long does Progresso Soup Last?
An unopened Progresso Soup can last for almost a decade or two as long as it is stored in the ideal conditions. It is also advisable not to keep unopened cans in the fridge or the freezer to prevent can damage.
However, once the can is open, it is best to consume the soup on the same day. However, if you are too full to finish the soup in one sitting, you can refrigerate it for about 4 to 5 days. However, before putting it in, he transfers the contents into another air-tight container to prevent cross-contamination with other flavors and aromas.
How to Know if Progresso Soup has Gone Bad
You can carry out a few quick tests if you are unsure and nervous before eating soup that has passed its best-before date. As mentioned above, the manufacturer estimated the date to shelf them in shops and stores. If they are in your pantry and kept under ideal conditions, there is no harm in consuming them.
Packaging Damage
Before drinking the soup, closely examine the packaging of the can. If you notice any random dents, bumps, holes, or crevices on the can, it may indicate spoilage.
If you notice insects or mites on the can, there are chances that you may find some inside the can as well. Hence, you can bin cans that are infested.
Authors Note: Dents on the can either be concave or convex. If the bend is inward, you can consume the soup; however, if the lid is bent upward, it indicates seal disruption. Hence, you can discard it.
Change in Color
We all know the color of the soup we intend to consume. If you notice any random green or black hues, it may indicate mold or bacterial biofilms. Hence, carefully check if the soup has retained its original color or changed.
Change in Texture
Progresso soup has a thick creamy texture. If you notice that the soup has become slimy or sticky, it may be because it has become too old for consumption.
Change in Smell
Always give the can a sniff before drinking it. If you are someone who knows how these soups typically smell, you will be able to detect hints of any other additional aromas.
Can we Freeze Progresso Soup?
It is a good idea to freeze the leftover soup for later use rather than discarding it. Freezing soup helps to keep the soup drinkable for about 6 to 12 months without noticing any signs of spoilage.
However, to avoid metal leaching and ice crystal formation, ts best to transfer them in zip-lock bags or vacuum-sealed containers. If you have these soups in bulk, you can divide them into more minor potions to avoid constant thawing and freezing.
Tips to increase the Shelf Life of Progresso Soup
Here are 5 tips to help you store the Graham Crackers for a long time.
Tip 1: Ensure that the can is stored in a place free from temperature fluctuations, moisture, dust, etc.
Tip 2: Do not let dust and mites accumulate in the jar. Every time you notice it, clean it with a dry paper towel.
Tip 3: Do not store these cans on your kitchen counter to avoid contact with direct sunlight.
Tip 4: Avoid storing the canned soup in refrigerators and freezers unless it is open. Keeping them in the fridge will affect the packaging of the soup.
Tip 5: Once the can is opened, you can store them in the fridge as long as it is appropriately sealed with cling wrap or in air-tight containers. Furthermore, transferring the soup contents to another container will prevent the metallic can from leaching inside the soup during storage.
FAQs Regarding Progresso soup Expiry, Shelf Life & Storage
In this section, we will answer some commonly asked questions.
Why is my soup lid bulging? Can I consume it?
Answer: Progresso soup, like any other canned soup, is packed under high pressure and sealed to ensure its long shelf life. However, if the lid bulges due to extrinsic or intrinsic factors, it clearly indicates that this seal is damaged. Hence, there are chances that the soup may have become contaminated. It is best to avoid drinking soup with a bulging lid.
Can I fall sick if I drink Progresso Soup after its expiry?
Answer: Ideally, these soups do not have a date of expiration. Hence, you can consume them even after the date of expiry. However, to avoid any health hazards, inspect the soup can closely and ensure that it is not dented or punctured. While drinking the soup, pay attention to the overall taste and texture.
Why does the can hiss when you open it
Answer: These soup cans are vacuum sealed under high temperatures along with a sealant. As soon as you open the lids of the can, the compound interacts with the air around it, which has relatively low pressure and temperature. This hissing sound is a reaction to that sudden change.
Takeaway
Progresso soups can last in your pantry for 20 years without losing their flavor and taste significantly. However, once the can is open, you should always store it at a low temperature to avoid contamination.
If you need more clarification about the safety of your soup, you can inspect it by performing the test mentioned above. Once satisfied with the result, you can decide to consume it or discard it.
I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any other questions regarding Progresso Soup, feel free to reach us in the comment section below.
