Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Unopened canned soup can last 2-5 years, depending on the best by date printed on the can. Once opened, canned soup will only last about 7 days in the refrigerator. If the soup was homemade, you can expect it to last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Soups with meat tend to spoil faster so they are better off consumed as soon as possible. Freezing the soup can extend its life to 4-6 months, but after that, you may notice a decrease in quality and flavor.

Smell is the key factor here. Soups that have gone bad will have an off smell. It may also have a sour taste, so if you’re unsure, take a small taste. When checking visually, if you see any mold or discoloration, that is a sign that the soup has gone bad. In addition, if the soup has been sitting out for a long period of time (over 2 hours at room temperature), it's best to discard it as it may have grown bacteria that could cause food poisoning.

• Always store opened soup in the refrigerator. If it was homemade, cool it down rapidly (within two hours) to prevent bacteria growth and then put in the refrigerator. • Use airtight containers to store soup as this can prevent exposure to bacteria and keep the soup fresh for longer. • Avoid putting hot soup directly in the refrigerator or freezer as it can raise the overall temperature and make food spoil faster. Allow it to cool slightly first. • Freezing soup is a great option for long-term storage. Remember to leave some space in your container as the soup will expand as it freezes. To defrost, move it to the refrigerator a day or two before you plan to eat it. Or you can defrost it safely in the microwave following your microwave's guidelines for defrosting soup.