Chicken Noddle Soup has made its way into every kitchen due to its long-lasting shelf life and comforting taste. However, if you have overloaded on these soups or overestimated your soup-drinking capacity and wondered how long you could store them, we have you covered!
As per USDA, canned foods can stay fresh for as long as you can keep them! Hence, if you can store the cans in a cool and dry place in your pantry, you can consume them for over half a decade without any drawbacks.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the estimated timeline during which these chicken noodle canned soups are safe to consume. We will also discuss some tips that can help you improve the overall shelf life of the soup.
Does Chicken Noodle Soup Expire or Go Bad
Contrary to the popular belief that canned soups do not have a date of expiration, they have a limited time frame during which you can consume them. The manufacturer’s recommendation for consumers is shown by the expiration date, printed on the back of the container.
Depending on the can you purchase, the expiry date is generally 2 years from the expiration date. If you consume the soup before that date, its contents will be at their peak quality and taste.
Can We Eat Chicken Noodle Soup After the Date of Expiry?
According to the USDA, any canned soup can be consumed for years after the date mentioned on the cans. However, the consumer should follow proper storage techniques to ensure no physical damage to the cans.
Thus, we can consume these soups well after their expiration date without fear of developing major health problems.
How long does Chicken Noodle Soup Last?
An unopened can of chicken noodles soup can last for half a decade if it is stored in ideal conditions. However, before stocking and storing them, ensure you find a cool and dry place in the pantry for these cans since they are prone to mold formation.
However, once the can has been opened, it is ideal to consume the soup within 24 hours. However, if you are too full for that, you can keep it in the fridge for about a week.
But, the soup quality will be significantly reduced as time goes by; hence, if you intend to consume it on the seventh day, it may not taste as impressive as it did on the first day.
Can we Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup?
Freezing the chicken noodle soup is an excellent way of storing them if you are left with tons of leftovers. Freezing these soups can help increase the shelf life of these nutritious soup for about 4 to 6 months if it has been opened.
To prevent the hassle of frequent thawing and freezing, it is best to freeze them in smaller quantities. Additionally, unlike other types of soup, you cannot freeze them for an extended time because the noodles can break down over time.
How to Know if Chicken Noodle Soup has Gone Bad
If you are apprehensive and worried before eating soup that is way past its expiry or if it was kept for a long time, you can quickly check the can and determine its usability.
Packaging Damage
Dents and holes are the most common signs of damage on these cans. These cans are packed under high pressure; punctures and bends indicate that the high-pressure seal is broken.
If the can is not stored correctly, there are chances that the integrity and structure of the can will get compromised. Why is that concerning? It is advised not to consume such a soup since there are chances it may be contaminated.
Color
Usually, chicken noodle soup has a clear but velvety texture that may vary from shades of brown and golden to white. However, if you notice streaks of green or black in it, it may be possible that the chicken broth may be getting stale.
Mold
Chicken broth is an ideal source for the growth and proliferation of various microbes due to the varying sources of carbohydrates and protein. Hence, they may be contaminated if the seal is broken or left at room temperature after opening.
Furthermore, while storing it n the pantry, ensure you keep it in a cool and dry place away from moisture residues. If you notice a streak of mold on the can, discard it since it may have penetrated inside.
Texture
The noodles present in the broth should have a thin and smooth texture. If you notice that the noodles are inflated or flaky, the soup has been kept for a long time. Hence the noodles absorbed a significant amount of the soup. Additionally, you might have noticed that these noodles crumble and break easily.
Smell
We can all agree that the stale and old chicken soup smell is unpleasant. The odor is not bearable. Therefore, if your chicken soup has an offensive and off-putting odor, it may have reached its expiration date.
Tips to increase the Shelf Life of Chicken Noodle Soup
Here are 5 tips to help you keep the chicken noodle soup tasting great for a long time.
Tip 1: Make sure that the can is kept in a safe place within the pantry. A safe place can be defined as a place that is free from termites, water, dust, etc.
Tip 2: If you plan to store the soup for an extended period, keep wiping the can’s surface to prevent the accumulation of gunk and dust.
Tip 3: Once the can is open, keep it in the fridge or the freezer.
Tip 4: Do not keep the cans, whether opened or packed, under direct sunlight. Since the cans are made up of metal, it can facilitate leeching.
Tip 5: If you wish to freeze the soup, transfer the contents into air-tight containers and divide them into more minor potions for easy consumption.
FAQs
In this section, we will answer some commonly asked questions.
Why is my chicken noodle soup tasting salty?
Answer: Canned chicken noodle soup has a relatively long shelf life. However, if it is not stored in the desired temperature and humidity, there is a possibility that these cans can get infiltrated with microbes and other bacteria. Since the broth is rich in proteins and other nutrients, microorganisms utilize it to proliferate, thus, making it salty.
Can I have diarrhea after consuming expired chicken noodle soup?
Answer: Diarrhea is a tell-a-tale sign that the stomach is infected. Although these soups can be consumed after the expiration date, if the soup is bad or stale, there are chances that you may have stomach pains, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hence, it is best to inspect the soup before drinking it to avoid serious health hazards.
How long does chicken soup good in the fridge?
Answer: These soup cans are vacuum sealed under high temperatures along with a sealant. Hence, once opened, they should be consumed within 24 hours. However, if you are too full to eat, you can keep them in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days as long as it is sealed tight.
Takeaway
Canned chicken noodle soup can be consumed within 2 years of its manufacturing date. However, if the can is stored in a safe place such that it retains its structure, you can use them for about 5 years after that date.
If you have opened a can, it’s best to consume it within 24 hours or refrigerate it and enjoy it within a day. If you are not sure about the quality of the soup, you can self-evaluate by using the tests mentioned above.
I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any other questions regarding these soups, feel free to reach us in the comment section below.
