How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last in the Fridge? Storage & Safety Tips
Chicken noodle soup can be kept in the fridge for three to five days if it is kept at or below 40°F (4°C) in a container that keeps air out. It might go bad after that, even if it looks fine. It can last up to two or three months longer if you freeze it.
A sour smell, a slimy texture, and mold are all signs that food is going bad. If you're not sure, throw it away to avoid getting sick. If you store it right, it stays fresh and safe to eat.
How Long Does Chicken Noodle Soup Last in the Fridge?
If you store homemade soup the right way, it will stay safe in the fridge for up to 5 days. However, things like temperature, ingredients, and how it's stored can change its quality.
Storage Duration Based on Food Safety Guidelines
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Homemade batch: 3 to 5 days in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below.
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Canned soup: Keeps in the fridge for three to four days after being opened.
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Frozen soup: Keeps for two to three months in heavy-duty freezer bags or containers that can go in the freezer.
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Hot soup warning: Let it cool before refrigerating to avoid raising the internal temperature of the fridge.
Factors That Affect Shelf Life
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Ingredients: Over time, the egg noodles soak up the soup and make it mushy.
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Cooling method: To quickly cool down a big soup pot, put it in an ice bath or ice water.
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Storage method: If you want a better texture, keep the broth away from the noodles.
Can I Eat Chicken Soup After 5 Days?
Leftover chicken noodle soup might not be safe to eat, even if it looks fine. According to many recipes, it should be eaten within 3 to 5 days.
Understanding Food Safety Risks
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Bacterial growth: After 5 days, certain bacteria, like Listeria monocytogenes, may continue to grow slowly, increasing the risk of spoilage and foodborne illness.
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Food poisoning: Stomach problems can happen if you eat spoiled homemade chicken soup.
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Proper storage: For longer storage, always put it in a container that can go in the freezer.
When to Toss It: Signs It’s Unsafe to Eat
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Sour smell: That clearly indicates that the soup has gone bad.
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Cloudy broth: Cloudy broth may result from fat emulsification or natural ingredient breakdown rather than spoilage. Look for other signs such as odor, slimy texture, or mold.
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Slimy texture: A note saying that it's gone bad.
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Mold growth: Throw it away right away if you see mold.
Does Chicken Noodle Soup Go Bad in the Fridge?
Yes, even chicken soup that is stored properly will go bad at some point. After 5 days, the quality starts to go down, and opened canned soup should be consumed within 3–4 days for best quality and safety.
The Science Behind Food Spoilage
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Bacteria thrive: Certain bacteria, like Listeria monocytogenes, can still grow slowly at refrigeration temperatures, though most bacterial growth is significantly slowed.
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Changes in flavor and texture: Chicken noodle soup you make at home loses its flavor over time.
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Creamy soups: These go bad faster than soups made with clear broth.
Does Freezing Extend the Shelf Life?
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Proper storage: Use containers or bags that can go in the freezer that are safe to do so.
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Avoid freezing noodles: When they thaw, they get soft.
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Label containers: Mark the date on the soup to keep track of how fresh it is.
How Can You Tell If Chicken Soup Has Gone Bad?
Even if chicken noodle soup looks fine, it might not be safe to eat. Food safety experts recommend looking for signs that it is going bad before you eat leftovers. You also need to store soup the right way because bacteria can grow even in the fridge.
Smell, Texture, and Appearance Changes
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Off odor: Immediately throw away the chicken soup if it smells sour or rotten.
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Slimy texture: Microbes have grown if the surface feels slippery or sticky.
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Cloudy broth: Your noodle soup is probably bad if it looks cloudy or has bits floating in it.
Taste Test: A Last Resort
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Avoid tasting spoiled soup: Keep away from it if you think it's bad.
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Strange flavors: Eating something that tastes sour or bitter is unsafe.
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Check before reheating: Even if it smells fine, throw it away if it's been in the fridge for more than 5 days.
What Is Fully Healthy?
Fully Healthy is an online store that sells food that is good for you. It focuses on making foods that are good for people with allergies or special dietary needs.
A Health-Focused Marketplace
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Offers organic and allergen-free foods: Great for keeping your own health in check.
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Supports small brands: Focuses on healthy food and clean ingredients.
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Catered to specialized diets: Offers AIP-, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly options.
How It Helps People with Dietary Restrictions
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Easier meal planning: It has a variety of canned chicken noodle soup and other food that everybody needs.
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Quality assurance: Makes sure that food follows strict rules for health.
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Expands access to clean eating: It helps people come up with healthy meals to eat every day.
Final Thoughts
How long can chicken noodle soup be kept in the fridge? If you store it right, homemade chicken noodle soup will stay fresh for three to five days. Before eating something, always smell it or feel it differently if you're unsure. Frozen food is best for long-term storage.
To make chicken noodle soup taste even better, always reheat it on medium heat and add fresh herbs. To keep the soup from going bad, eat it within the time frame given.
FAQs
How long does chicken noodle soup last in the fridge if made fresh?
Homemade chicken noodle soup lasts 3 to 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze chicken noodle soup with egg noodles?
Freezing is fine, but egg noodles may get mushy. It’s best to freeze the broth separately.
What’s the best way to reheat chicken noodle soup?
Heat on medium heat until hot. Add fresh herbs before serving.
Can I store noodle soup in any container?
Always use an airtight container to keep chicken noodle fresh.
How can I make my chicken soup taste better?
Add fresh herbs, spices, and more egg noodles when reheating.
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