Does better than bouillon go bad?

In this brief guide, we will discuss the following question, “does better than bouillon go bad?”, does better than bouillon need to be refrigerated, what are the spoilage signs, and other queries related to this topic.

Does Better Than Bouillon go bad? 

Yes, better than bouillon goes bad since it has ingredients such as meat, chicken, and vegetables and contains added lipids, which are susceptible to oxidation and to microbial spoilage (5).

Yeasts, bacteria and fungi are able to grow in powdered bouillons, bringing a possible risk to health. 

Although these products have a long shelf life, similarly to bouillon cubes, Better Than Bouillon can go bad with prolonged storage and especially when not properly stored.

What is the shelf life of Better Than Bouillon?

The shelf life of Better Than Bouillon is 2 years, according to the manufacturers website (3). 

Although Better Than Bouillon is a shelf stable product, it should be placed in the refrigerator after opening. Once opened, the product is exposed to the environmental oxygen, which triggers oxidation reactions and leads to rancidity (2). 

Refrigeration can reduce the possibility of food spoilage since cool temperatures decrease the rate of bacterial growth and the rate of oxidation reactions, which cause the rancidity in these types of products. Therefore, after opening the product, it should be placed in the fridge.

However, if you put your better than bouillon in the refrigerator and it passed the expiry date it is better to throw it away and buy a new jar, following the recommendations of the manufacturer (3).

It is also recommended by the manufacturer that Better Than Bouillon should not be frozen.

How can you tell if Better Than Bouillon is bad?

The rancid odor is one of the most evident signs of spoilage of Better Than Bouillon. Better Than Bouillon contains a high amount of lipids that undergo oxidation processes (5). 

Oxidation of lipids generates aldehydes, alcohols and ketones which characterize the off-odors of oxidized lipids (1). 

Moreover, the growth of fungi species can be manifested by discoloration and growth of mold on the surface. Generation of off-odors and off-flavors can also be a result of fungal growth (7).

The increase in the moisture of the product after opening can lead to clumping and favor the microbial growth (5). Excessive clumping is an early sign of spoilage.

What are the risks of eating spoiled Better Than Bouillon?

The possible health risk of eating spoiled Better Than Bouillon in the long term is an increased risk of developing inflammatory diseases, due to the consumption of oxidized lipids.

Better Than Bouillon contains lipids which oxidize with time (5). Oxidation of lipids results in the production of possible toxic compounds, such as aldehydes, ketones and alcohols. 

These compounds may affect cell metabolism and cause damage. With increased ingestion of these compounds, the risks of having diseases increase. Atherosclerosis, cancer and premature aging are some diseases that may follow the long term ingestion of oxidized lipids (1).

In addition, pathogenic bacteria are able to grow in Better Than Bouillon as moisture increases with prolonged storage (5). Pathogenic bacteria may cause foodborne diseases, which typical symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps (4).

Finally, Better Than Bouillon is susceptible to the growth of fungi, which can produce toxins. Mycotoxins (toxins produced by fungi) are related to several health adversities, such as kidney and liver complications, cancer, gastritis and respiratory diseases (7). 

How to store Better Than Bouillon?

Unopened jars of Better Than Bouillon should be kept in a dark and cool place free from moisture and protected from sunlight.

Heat is a critical factor that accelerates spoilage of these types of products, as well as moisture (2,5). Ideally, the temperature in the pantry should be 50 to 70 °F (6).

After opening, Better Than Bouillon should be kept in the fridge (3). 

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we discussed the following question, “does better than bouillon go bad?” does better than bouillon need to be refrigerated, what are the spoilage signs, and other queries related to this topic.

References

  1. Vieira, Samantha A., Guodong Zhang, and Eric A. Decker. Biological implications of lipid oxidation products. J Am Oil Chem Soc, 2017, 94, 339-351.  
  2. Johnson, David R., and Eric A. Decker. The role of oxygen in lipid oxidation reactions: a review. Ann rev food sci technol, 2015, 6, 171-190..
  3. FAQ Better Than Bouillon.
  4. Foodborne illness and disease. United States Department of Agriculture.
  5. M El-Sayed, Samiha. Comparison between Some Processed Dried Soup Products. Alexandria Sci Exchange J, 2008,29, 130-144.
  6. Van Laanen, Peggy. Safe home food storage. Texas FARMER Collection. 2002.
  7. Adeyeye, Samuel AO. Fungal mycotoxins in foods: A review. Cogent Food Agric, 2016, 2, 1213127.

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