Canned soup is a staple in many pantries – it is convenient, inexpensive, and offers great variety. But as with most perishable food items, the question of shelf life comes into play. Many people are uncertain of how long canned soup can be stored before it goes bad. In order to answer this question, we must investigate the shelf life of canned soups. In this article, we will explore the various factors that affect the shelf life of canned soup, and how long they can safely be stored in the pantry or refrigerator. We will also discuss how to properly store canned soup and how to tell when it has gone bad. With this information, you can make sure that your canned soups are safe to eat, and last as long as possible.
Does Canned Soup Go Bad?
Yes, canned soup can go bad. Canned soup typically has a shelf life of 2-5 years, although this can vary depending on the specific ingredients and type of soup. Generally, if you keep the can unopened and stored it at room temperature, it should last up to 5 years. Once opened, however, its shelf life is much shorter and can range from 1-3 days depending on the type of soup.
How To Tell If Canned Soup Has Gone Bad?
Check The Expiration Date
This is the first thing you should do when trying to determine whether your canned soup has gone bad. If the canned soup is past its expiration date, you shouldn’t consume it. This is because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you don’t keep canned foods for more than two years. Exceptions to this rule include canned tuna and canned salmon. These types of fish can be kept for up to three years after their “best by” date. Keep in mind that the expiration date is a guide, not a rule. So if you have a can of soup that’s a year or two past its expiration date, there’s a chance it’s still safe to eat as long as it doesn’t have any visible signs of spoilage.
Smell The Soup
After checking the expiration date, you should also smell the soup. If the soup smells sour, slimy, or like seafood, it’s probably bad and should be thrown away. If the soup smells like nothing or has a chemical or “off” odor, it’s also probably bad and should be thrown away. If the odor of the soup is fine, but you’re still unsure, you can also check the color of the soup. If the color is darker than it should be, or if it has a rusty color to it, you should throw the soup away. But if the color is normal, but the expiration date has passed, it’s best to throw it away regardless.
Look For Signs Of Mold And Discoloration
Mold is one of the biggest signs that canned soup has gone bad. If you find signs of mold on the surface of the soup, toss it in the trash. If you find mold growing inside the can, you should discard both the can and the soup inside it. Discoloration is another common sign that canned soup has gone bad. If the soup is darker than it should be or has a green or black tint to it, it’s not safe to eat. The canned soup should be a light brown color. If you notice any of the above symptoms, discard the soup. The only exception is if you see signs of mold or discoloration on the lid of the can but not on the inside of the can. In this case, you can still keep the soup and just throw away the lid.
Check The Texture And Taste Of The Soup
Besides appearance, you can also check the texture of the soup to see if it’s gone bad. If the soup is mushy, sticky, or has lumps in it, it’s probably bad and should be thrown away. You can also taste the soup to see if it’s safe to eat. If the soup tastes sour, like vinegar, or has a pungent smell, it’s probably not safe to eat. But if the soup tastes fine, but you’re unsure, you can also check the can for signs of dents and rust. If the soup has gone bad, it’s best to throw it away, even if it still smells and tastes fine. This is because some canned foods can be contaminated but not visible to the naked eye.
Check The Can For Signs Of Dents And Rust
Dents and rust are common signs that canned soup has gone bad. Dents are usually easy to spot, but rust is not. If you find dents on the outside of the can, you should throw it away. If you find rust on the outside of the can, you should discard the can and the soup inside it. But if you only find rust inside the can, the soup is probably safe to eat. Keep in mind that dents and rust can also be signs that the can has been impacted by extreme temperatures or pressure. If the can has only been dented or rusted, it’s probably fine. But if the can has been punctured or compromised in any other way, you should throw the soup away.
What Factors Determine the Shelf Life of Canned Soup?
- There are a few factors that determine the shelf life of canned soup. First, we must consider the type of canned soup and its contents. Generally, canned soups fall into one of four categories:
- Broth-based soups – Cream soups – Vegetable or bean-based soups – Chili or stew-like soups. The type of soup can affect the shelf life of canned soup. For example, vegetable or bean-based soups tend to have a shorter shelf life than broth-based soups.
- The contents of the can also have an effect on the shelf life of canned soup. Canned soups that have higher sodium content have a shorter shelf life than those with low-sodium ingredients. The can itself also factors into the shelf life of canned soup.
How Long Does Canned Soup Last?
- Canned soup has a fairly long shelf life if stored properly. The shelf life of canned soup is affected by the type of soup, whether it is low-sodium or regular, and the car’s condition.
- The following table lists canned soup’s shelf life based on these factors. As you can see, the most common canned soup varieties – canned broth, and vegetable/bean, have a shelf life of about one year.
- Regular-sodium varieties of these soups, as well as low-sodium varieties, have a shelf life of about one year. As for chili or stew-like canned soups, they have a shelf life of about one and a half years.
- Again, these numbers are for canned soups stored properly in a pantry or other cool, dry place – not in a refrigerator.
How To Properly Store Canned Soup
- Avoid storing canned soup in a cabinet, as it is exposed to high humidity. Instead, store canned soup in a cool, dry pantry, or in the refrigerator.
- Avoid placing canned soup in direct sunlight, as this can lead to food contamination. – Use canned soup within 12 months after its “best by” date to get the most out of it.
- Avoid storing canned soup in areas that are susceptible to extreme heat or cold. – Avoid storing canned soup in areas where it may be knocked over, as this can lead to spilled or damaged cans.
- Avoid storing canned soup in areas with pests, as rodents and insects can contaminate canned soup and cause it to go bad sooner.
Summary
Canned soup is a convenient and inexpensive way to add variety to your meals. However, as with most perishable foods, you must be aware of the shelf life of canned soup. Canned soup has a long shelf life if stored properly. The type of soup and the can’s condition affect the shelf life of canned soup. The contents of the can also have an effect on the shelf life of the canned soup.
