How Long Does Soup Last In The Fridge? (+5 Tips)

How long does soup last in the fridge? (+5 tips)

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long does soup last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of a soup in different conditions. Moreover, we are going to discuss the proper way to reheat the soup and the way to tell if your soup has gone bad.

Soup is a popular dish enjoyed by all and sundry. So if you have made soup in a larger amount than you need and are wondering about “how long does soup last in the fridge”, then you do not have to worry as we are going to give you a thorough overview of the shelf life of different soups.

So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.

How long does soup last in the fridge?

Soup lasts for about 3-4 days when stored at approximately 40°F or below in the fridge in an air-tight container or jar.

The shelf life of soups varies according to different ingredients that are added in its formulation, the processing techniques, and the storage conditions.

How long does homemade vegetable soup last in the fridge?

Homemade vegetable soup lasts for about 3-4 days when stored at approximately 40°F or below in the fridge in an air-tight container or jar.

How long does homemade chicken soup last in the fridge?

Homemade chicken soup or chicken noodle soup lasts for about 3-4 days when stored at approximately 40°F or below in the fridge in an air-tight container or jar.

You can read how to make chicken soup at home here.

How long does creamy soup last in the fridge?

Creamy soups last for about 3 days when stored at approximately 40°F or below in the fridge in an air-tight container or jar.

How long does seafood soup last in the fridge?

Seafood soups last for about 2-3 days when stored at approximately 40°F or below in the fridge in an air-tight container or jar.

How long does soup last at room temperature?

Soup lasts for about 2 hours when left at room temperature. The bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between 40°F and 140°F so if the soup is kept out for more than 2 hours, there is a great chance that bacteria and other microbes will find their way to it and will spoil it.

How long does soup last in the freezer?

Homemade chicken or vegetable soup lasts for about 4-6 months if stored in an air-tight container or plastic freezer bag in the freezer.

Thus keeping the soup in the freezer will increase its shelf life considerably owing to the cool temperature of the freezer that halts the bacterial growth on the soup.

How long does soup last after being frozen and thawed?

Frozen soup that is thawed in the refrigerator can stay there for 3-4 days before reheating but the soup that is thawed in the microwave or a bowl of water should be reheated and consumed immediately.

How should you reheat the soup?

Soup can be reheated by putting it in the microwave-safe bowl and heating it in the microwave. Conversely, you can also reheat the soup in the pan over the stovetop. In case you are reheating your soup on the stovetop, it is recommended to let it boil for 3 minutes to ensure that all the bacteria are killed.

What is the optimum temperature to store soup?

You should always store your soup at 40°F or below in the fridge. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40°F and 140°F, therefore it is always advised to store your soup at a lower temperature.

How to tell if your soup has gone bad?

If you can smell something acidic, sour then it means that your soup has gone bad and you should discard it.

How to store soup properly?

The soup should be stored in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag in the refrigerator.
You should never store the hot soup directly in the air-tight container in the bag, or the moisture built-up inside the container due to steam emitted from the hot soup will provide a suitable environment for bacteria and microbes to grow in it. Therefore it is advised to thoroughly cool the soup before storing it in an air-tight container.
You should always store the soup at or below 40°F in the refrigerator.
It is recommended to store your soup container on one of the shelves of the fridge rather than the door, as there is a lot of temperature fluctuation at the door of the fridge.
Never leave your soup on the kitchen counter for more than 2 hours or else the bacteria and other microbes will contaminate it.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long does soup last in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of a soup in different conditions. Moreover, we discussed the proper way to reheat the soup and the way to tell if your soup has gone bad.