How Long Does French Onion Soup Last Once Opened?

FRENCH ONION SOUP, COMMERCIALLY CANNED OR PACKAGED, SOLD UNREFRIGERATED — OPENED

Refrigerator
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3-4 days
Freezer
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4-6 months

 

Shelf Life Tips

  • How long does French onion soup last once opened? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep opened French onion soup refrigerated and tightly covered.
  • To maximize the shelf life of canned or packaged French onion soup after opening, refrigerate in covered glass or plastic container.
  • How long does opened French onion soup last in the refrigerator? French onion soup that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 3 to 4 days.
  • Is French onion soup safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below) - commercially packaged French onion soup will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the French onion soup will remain at peak quality.
  • To further extend the shelf life of opened French onion soup, freeze it: to freeze French onion soup, place inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
  • How long does French onion soup last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 6 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
  • The freezer time shown is for best quality only - French onion soup that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
  • How long does French onion soup last after being frozen and thawed? French onion soup that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator before using; French onion soup that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
  • How can you tell if opened French onion soup is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the French onion soup: if the French onion soup develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
  • Discard all French onion soup from cans or packages that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.

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