How Long Can Canned Soup Last?

Last Updated on July 17th, 2023

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Once opened, canned soups (other than tomato soup) and other low-acid foods can be kept at room temperature for between two and five years after they have been canned, but they only need to be refrigerated for between three and four days once opened.

 

Can I eat Canned Soup after the expiration date?

Is it okay to eat canned items after the “expiration” date has passed, or should they be thrown away? 

Even if the taste of canned goods that have passed their “best by” date may not be up to par, there is no real risk to your health in continuing to consume them as long as they are in good shape.

Person drinking soup from a can with a spoon - How Long Can Canned Soup Last?

How long is Campbell’s soup good for after the expiration date?

Canned vegetables, meats, and soups with a low acid content should be consumed no later than two to three years after their expiration date. This allows for proper preservation of the food’s flavor.

 

How Can You Tell If the Soup has Gone Bad?

If it tastes sour even though it shouldn’t, your soup probably went bad before it was cooked. You may even just take a sniff of it from a spoonful if you don’t want to ingest it. 

That’s your preference. If you smell something unpleasant or otherwise off-putting, it’s possible that it’s gone bad.

 

How Should You Store Canned Soup?

The ideal storage temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus a cold, dry environment below 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. 

Try to use the oldest food first by rotating it in. It’s best to consume canned goods within a year of purchasing them.

All canned goods should be kept in a cool, dark, dry place, far from heat sources such as furnaces and pipes and temperature variations caused by places such as uninsulated attics. Cans and glass jars should not be frozen if they are sealed properly. 

A number of issues can arise from freezing food, including a change in texture, rust, burst cans, and broken seals, all of which can allow hazardous microorganisms to enter the food supply.

 

Does it Last Longer in a Fridge?

The leftovers from canned items can be refrigerated while still in the can, but the best approach to preserve their flavor and freshness is to store them in a container made of either glass or plastic that is designed specifically for food storage. 

Discard after a period of 4 days. You shouldn’t put opened metal cans in the fridge because the iron and tin can leach into the food, ruin the taste, and in rare situations, even be harmful to your health.

 

Final Thoughts on How Long Can Canned Soup Last

As with many canned foods, you can still use them many years after the expiration date as long as they have been kept in a cool, dry place in good condition. However, it is still worth giving the soup a sniff before eating if it has been stored for long periods. 

Canned soup, in good condition, can last up to five years past the expiration date. Making it a good option for long-lasting foods.

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