Expiration & Storage Tips
When does vegetable broth expire?
Unopened vegetable broth can last up to a year past its printed date if stored in a cool, dry pantry. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 4 to 5 days. Homemade vegetable broth should be used within 3 to 4 days if refrigerated. If frozen, vegetable broth can last up to 6 months.
How do you tell if vegetable broth is bad?
Check for changes in color, smell, or texture. If your broth has turned a strange color, developed a sour or off smell, or has visible mold or slime, it should be discarded. Even if it looks fine, if it has been more than a week since you opened your canned broth or made homemade broth, it’s safer to throw it out.
Tips for storing vegetable broth to extend shelf life
• Store opened vegetable broth in the refrigerator and use it within a week of opening.
• Freeze vegetable broth in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a bag or container for long-term freezer storage. This allows you to defrost only what you need.
• If you make your own vegetable broth, letting it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing it can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Store purchased vegetable broth in a cool, dark, and dry place before it's opened.