ShelfLife
How long does soup last in the fridge?
Homemade soups and stews keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge, and 2 to 3 months in the freezer for the best quality. Cool them quickly and refrigerate them within 2 hours of cooking.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Soups and stews | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Homemade vegetable soup | 3–4 days | 3 months |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if soup has gone bad
- A sour smell or taste.
- Bubbles, fizzing or a slimy texture in a soup that has been sitting.
- Mold, or soup that was left out for more than 2 hours.
How to store soup
- Don't leave a big pot to cool on the stove: divide the soup into shallow containers, or set the pot in a sink of ice water, so it cools quickly.
- Refrigerate soup within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat only what you'll eat, and bring it to a rolling boil.
Can you freeze soup?
Yes, most soups freeze well for 2 to 3 months. Leave room in the container for expansion. Cream soups and those with potatoes or pasta can change texture: add cream after reheating, and cook pasta fresh. Thaw in the fridge or reheat from frozen.
Questions
Can you leave soup out overnight to cool?
No. A large pot stays warm for hours, long enough for bacteria to grow. Divide it and refrigerate it within 2 hours.
Does boiling soup make it safe again?
Not always. Some bacteria produce toxins that reboiling doesn't destroy, so soup that sat out too long should be thrown out.
How long does canned soup last once opened?
3 to 4 days in the fridge, in a sealed container.
Add batch-cooked soup to ShelfLife and get a reminder before day 4.
Related foods
More in leftovers and prepared food
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.