Is expired soup safe to eat?
Quick Answer
Not necessarily
While some expired foods are safe to eat, expired soup can pose a risk of foodborne illnesses, especially if it has been improperly stored. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming expired soup.
What Is It?
Expired soup refers to soup that has passed its ‘best by’ or ‘use by’ date indicated on its packaging.
How to Tell
- Unusual smell
- Change in color
- Visible mold
- Altered taste
Why It Can Be Risky
Consuming expired soup can pose several health risks, including:
- Food poisoning
- Stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Safe Method?
If you’re unsure whether your soup is safe to eat, it’s best to discard it. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
If the soup is more than a week past its ‘best by’ date, it’s safest to discard it.
Safe Alternatives
If you find yourself frequently dealing with expired soup, consider freezing portions that you can’t consume before the expiration date.
Storage Tips
Store soup in a cool, dry place’, ‘Refrigerate opened cans of soup within two hours’, ‘Freeze soup in portion-sized containers for longer shelf life