Expiration & Storage Tips
When does cream of onion soup expire?
If you've purchased canned cream of onion soup, it can typically last unopened in your pantry for 2-5 years past its printed expiry date. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days. Homemade cream of onion soup can last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator as well. If you've decided to freeze it, cream of onion soup can last up to 4-6 months.
How do you tell if cream of onion soup is bad?
The signs of a bad cream of onion soup can be quite clear. Firstly, if there is a significant change in the color or consistency - such as it becoming too watery, lumpy, or discolored - it may be a sign that the soup has spoiled. It shouldn't smell sour or unpleasant. Also, if it has been left out for more than 2 hours at normal room temperature, it should be discarded as it may have turned bad.
Tips for storing cream of onion soup to extend shelf life
• Always ensure that the soup is properly covered before storing in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container to prevent exposure to air.
• It's a good idea to cool the soup down to room temperature before refrigerating.
• To freeze the soup, pour it into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• If you freeze the soup, thaw it in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours before reheating. You can also defrost it in the microwave using the defrost function, but remember to stir periodically for even heating.
• As a general rule, it's better to freeze in servings to avoid defrosting more soup than you need at once.