Does Vegetable Broth Go Bad? (And How Long Can It Last)


Does Vegetable Broth Go Bad

Vegetable broth is used for many soups and gravy recipes. The base of the broth is typically onions, carrots, and celery but you can add a plethora of different root vegetables to create your own. Many people use vegetable broth for one recipe before storing so often the question is: does vegetable broth go bad?

Vegetable broth can go bad in 4-5 days if you open it and store the container in the refrigerator. You can expect unopened vegetable broth to last for 3-5 years if you store it in a room-temperature environment. Extend its life and store opened vegetable broth in your freezer so that it can last for up to 6 months.

In this article, we will discuss whether vegetable broth goes bad over time, as well as how to properly store vegetable broth. We will also highlight alternatives to vegetable broth. Let’s dig in!

Does Vegetable Broth Go Bad Over Time?

If stored improperly vegetable broth can go bad quickly because the broth is typically made from fresh vegetables. Refrigerated vegetable broth will maintain its shelf life for about 4 to 5 days.

An unopened commercial vegetable broth, if undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage can outlive its “Best By,” “Best if Used By,” “Best Before,” or “Best When Used By” date. This is not a safety date, but rather it is the manufacturer’s estimate of how long the vegetable broth will remain at peak quality.

Does Homemade Vegetable Broth Go Bad?

Yes, just like commercial vegetable broth, a homemade broth will go bad over time. If you have made a homemade vegetable broth and not used the entire serving you can extend its shelf life by freezing it.

Cooked vegetable broth that has been thawed in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before cooking. Vegetable stock that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be eaten immediately. Cooked vegetable broth should be discarded if left for more than 2 hours at room temperature.

The same rules apply to the homemade broth as the commercial broth if you want to store it in the fridge. Make sure it is properly sealed and it will keep for about 4 to 5 days.

How To Properly Store Vegetable Broth?

How to store your vegetable broth depends on the type of container it comes in, if you made it yourself, and whether or not it has been opened.

  • Unopened cans: unopened cans should be stored in a cool dark place such as a pantry or cabinet.
  • Unopened cartons: unopened cartons should be stored in the pantry. They can also be stored in the freezer to make them last longer.
  • Homemade broth: homemade broth should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the fridge or the freezer. Remember do not leave homemade broth out for longer than 2 hours.
  • Opened cans or cartons: cartons or cans that have been opened need to be refrigerated or frozen and store in airtight containers.

If frozen, your vegetable broth will keep for up to 6 months. If properly stored in the fridge it can keep up to 5 days. If unopened, commercial vegetable broth last for about 3 to 5 years.

How Can You Tell If Vegetable Broth Has Gone Bad?

If cooked vegetable stock develops an off odor, flavor, or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded. If it appears normal and does not show signs of mold, try to remember how long ago it was cooked and how it has been stored. If it has been stored properly in the fridge or freezer and has not been opened since being stored, it may be safe to consume.

Commercial vegetable broth can outlive its expiration date. So if it has been unopened, stored safely in a cool dark place like a pantry, and does not have a bad odor or appearance such as mold forming, it is likely safe to consume.

Does Vegetable Broth Go Bad After Opening?

If opened, vegetable broth will go bad. Cartons of vegetable broth can maintain their quality for about 3 months past the best by date when unopened. Once opened, it is good in the fridge for up to 5 days. If opened and left out a carton of vegetable broth will go bad in a few hours. Unopened cartons of vegetable broth do best in stored in the pantry. You can also freeze an unopened carton of vegetable broth but it is best to let it thaw before warming it up.

Can You Get Sick From Old Vegetable Stock?

If you notice a funky smell before consuming your vegetable broth, it is best to just toss it. But what happens if you consume it and it has already gone bad? It depends if it is a few days past expiration it may be fine. However, if it is well past its expiration, it may cause an upset stomach.

Are Vegetable Broth And Vegetable Stock The Same?

No, there is a qualitative difference between vegetable broth and vegetable stock. Broth uses clean, well-trimmed vegetables, prepared like those you’d plan to consume in a chunky vegetable soup. A stock uses clean, untrimmed vegetables with leaves, stems, stalks, roots, shoots, skins, and peels, or sometimes just the trimmings saved from the preparation of other dishes. It may also be important to note that while a vegetable broth may be very delicious as is, without dilution, a stock will have more concentration of flavor and should be diluted. Vegetable stock is primarily used as an ingredient while vegetable broth is the result. It would be sensible to make vegetable broth from stock, but it would not be sensible to reverse the process to make vegetable stock from broth.

Does Vegetable Broth Have Dairy?

No, vegetable broth is dairy-free. Vegetable broth does not contain milk and should be safe for those with a dairy allergy. Its main ingredients are vegetables and water and different spices, so it is often also gluten-free. It is most important to be careful of the fat, sugar, and salt content in commercial vegetable broths as they may be present in excessive amounts.

Alternatives To Vegetable Broth

Nutra Organics Low Sodium Vegetable Broth – Garden Veggie Broth For Immune Wellbeing

This delicious vegetable broth elixir is your whole veggie garden in a cup.  Plus with ingredients such as deactivated nutritional yeast naturally filled with B vitamins, Vegetable Broth not only tastes delicious but when consumed as part of a balanced diet will also support the immune system.

With nourishing red miso and Tasmanian kelp, veggie broth is also a wholesome vegan stock alternative. One serve of our Vegetable Broth is equal to one serving of veggies, making it even easier to get in your daily serves.

Beyond Broth

A warming, soothing mix designed to settle the belly and support the digestive system. Ginger, basil, and parsley work in tandem with our delicious base of simple organic veggies and herbs to satisfy and support healthy digestive functions for all systems.

Orrington Farms – Broth Base & Seasoning Vegan Vegetable Flavored

Orrington Farms Flavored Broth Base and Seasoning, Vegan Ham, 6 Ounce This all-natural product allows you to create delicious, full-bodied soups, or add flavor to side dishes, casseroles, vegetables, and gravies. This is a no fat, no sugar, and gluten-free option.

Spice & Leaf – Premium Vegan Broth Base

Premium Vegan Broth Base by Spice + Leaf - Vegan, Dairy Free, Salt Free, Preservative Free Soup Powder and Seasoning This unique spice blend uses the freshest ingredients, including, white onion, carrots, potato, garlic, peas, turmeric, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and more. Spice & Leaf spices are fresh and high quality.

They are non-GM, with no additives, fillers, or preservatives. Their Vegan Broth Base has no added salt or coloring. It is just fresh spices.

Related Questions

How To Thaw Frozen Vegetable Broth?

There are a few options for thawing your broth. The best way is to place the frozen container in the fridge overnight. If you are going to be cooking with it you can run it under warm water until it loosens from the container and can be moved into a saucepan where it can be heated on the stove.

If My Homemade Vegetable Broth Is Cloudy Has It Gone Bad?

No, not necessarily. Taste is what will truly let you know if a broth has gone bad or not. If it becomes cloudy, that could be okay. The cloudiness comes from impurities or particles in the brother or from fat that is emulsified in the liquid. It can also become cloudy if it was not strained well enough or not strained at all.

Is It Okay If My Vegetable Broth Is Dark?

Yes, vegetable broth can come in a wide range of colors depending on the brand that you’ve purchased or the vegetables that were used to make it. As long as it has not expired and has been stored properly it should be safe to eat.

Related Guides

Choosing Nutrition Team

Here at Choosing Nutrition, our goal is to help people with making smarter food choices. Whether you're wondering about vegan, keto, paleo, or other diets, we'll help you determine which options fit your nutritional lifestyle. Our staff is composed of registered dieticians, nutritionists, and health-conscious individuals.

Recent Posts