If you've recently started making your own bone broth, or are considering giving it a try, then one of the first questions that comes to mind is - how long will it last in the fridge?
The answer may surprise you as there's no definite answer - it all depends on how well you store and preserve the broth.
While some recipes come with instructions about shelf-life expectations for certain flavors, like chicken or beef bone broth, a few simple tips can help extend their life even further.
What is Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a savory liquid made by simmering bones and connective tissue in water.
It's a staple in many cuisines, including French, Chinese, and Jewish cooking.
Bone broth is rich in minerals that support the immune system and it's also been shown to promote gut health.
There are many different ways to make bone broth, but the basic ingredients are always the same: bones and water.
The bones can be from any animal, although chicken, beef, and fish are the most common.
The water should be filtered or distilled to remove impurities.
The key to making good bone broth is to simmer it for a long time - at least 12 hours, and up to 24 hours for beef or pork bones.
This slow cooking process allows the marrow and other nutrients to seep into the water, giving the broth its characteristic flavor and nutrition profile.
Bone broth can be enjoyed on its own as a savory drink, or used as a base for soups, stews, or other recipes.
It can also be frozen for later use.
Bone Broth Refrigerator Storage Duration
If you're like me, you love bone broth. It's delicious, nutritious, and versatile.
You can use it in soups, stews, sauces, and even as a drink on its own.
But how long does this magical elixir last?
Unfortunately, bone broth doesn't last forever.
Even when stored properly in the fridge, it will only stay good for about 5-7 days.
After that, the quality starts to decline and it can become sour and rancid.
So if you make a big batch of bone broth, be sure to use it up within a week.
There are a few ways to extend the shelf life of your bone broth.
One is to freeze it in individual portions so that you can thaw and use only what you need.
Another is to add a bit of acidity, such as vinegar or lemon juice, which will help preserve the broth for longer.
So enjoy your bone broth while it lasts. And be sure to use it up before it goes bad.
Can You Freeze Bone Broth?
You can freeze bone broth, but it's important to do it correctly so that the broth doesn't become contaminated.
The best way to freeze bone broth is to use ice cube trays.
This way, you can thaw out only as much as you need at a time.
Once the broth is frozen in the ice cube trays, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label the bag or container with the date so that you know how long it's been in the freezer.
When you're ready to use the frozen broth, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
You can then use it as you would any other type of broth.
Keep in mind that bone broth that has been frozen and thawed may not have the same flavor or texture as fresh broth.
But it will still be packed with nutrients and health benefits.
How to Store Bone Broth?
There are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First of all, it's important to make sure that your bone broth is properly cooled before storing it.
This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Once your bone broth is cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
If you want to store your bone broth for a longer period of time, you can freeze it.
Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container and label it with the date so you know when it was frozen.
Bone broth can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.
When you're ready to use your frozen bone broth, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place the container in a bowl of warm water until it's thawed.
Once thawed, you can reheat it on the stove over low heat until it's warmed through.
How to Tell If Bone Broth is Bad?
How can you tell if it's gone bad? The answer is, unfortunately, not as simple as we would like it to be.
There are a few key things to look out for that will help you determine whether or not your bone broth has spoiled.
The first thing you'll want to do is take a look at the broth itself.
If it's starting to develop a cloudy appearance or has chunks floating in it, that's a sign that it's beginning to spoil.
You'll also want to give it a smell - if it smells sour or otherwise off, that's another indication that it's no longer safe to consume.
If you're still not sure, the best way to tell if bone broth has gone bad is to taste it.
Take a small spoonful and see how it tastes.
If it tastes sour or otherwise off, spit it out and throw the rest of the batch away.
It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food poisoning.
Bone Broth Spoilage Indicators
However, the best way to store bone broth is to keep it in the fridge and use it within one week.
Once you have opened the bone broth, make sure to store it in an airtight container.
You can tell if bone broth is bad if it has a sour smell or if it has changed in color.
Ingredients
Method
- Store your product in an labelled container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
- If your food is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Make sure to look for signs that your food has gone bad before eating it.
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The Complete Food Storage Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
See all food storage guides →Bone Broth typically lasts [timeframe] when stored properly. Refrigeration extends its life significantly compared to room temperature, and freezing can preserve it for months.
Signs that Bone Broth has gone bad include off smells, visible mold, discoloration, or a slimy texture. When in doubt, it's safest to discard it.
Airtight containers make a noticeable difference - they reduce moisture loss and limit exposure to air and odors from other foods in the fridge. Always transfer from original packaging when possible.
For most refrigerated items, 35-38°F (1.5-3°C) is optimal. Keeping your fridge at this range - not too cold, not too warm - maximizes freshness across all foods.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
