Ever stared at a jar of homemade bone broth in your fridge and wondered, Wait, how long is this actually good? You’ve spent hours simmering bones, vegetables, and herbs to get that rich, nourishing flavor, only to feel unsure about whether it’s still safe to use. It’s frustrating when you don’t want to waste your hard work, but also don’t want to risk your health. You just want a clear answer so you can enjoy every last drop without a second thought.
In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly how long bone broth is good in the refrigerator, including tips for storing it safely and keeping it fresh. You’ll learn practical ways to preserve your broth, how to tell if it’s gone bad, and even some tricks to extend its shelf life. By the end, you’ll feel confident reaching for your jar, knowing it’s safe and ready to use.
What Is Bone Broth and Why People Store It
Bone broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering bones, connective tissues, and aromatics for hours. It’s valued for its collagen, gelatin, amino acids, and minerals that support gut health, joint function, and overall wellness. Because it takes so long to prepare, many people make it in large batches and store it for later.
Whether you’re sipping it as a warm health drink, adding it to soups, or using it as a base for sauces, proper storage ensures you get both the nutrition and safety benefits without waste.
How Long Is Bone Broth Good in the Refrigerator?
Here’s the short answer: Bone broth typically lasts 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
- Homemade bone broth: Usually stays fresh for 3 to 4 days since it lacks preservatives.
- Store-bought bone broth (opened): Good for 4 to 5 days once refrigerated.
- Unopened store-bought broth: Can last months past its printed date if kept in a cool pantry.
This guideline comes directly from food safety standards like the USDA, which recommend using broth within a few days to avoid bacterial growth.
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Factors That Affect Bone Broth’s Shelf Life
The exact time bone broth stays fresh in the fridge depends on several factors:
- Type: Homemade vs store-bought
- Ingredients: Vegetables, meat, and fat content can shorten or lengthen the freshness
- Storage method: Airtight glass jar vs loosely covered bowl
- Fridge temperature: Should always be 40°F (4°C) or below
The more careful you are about these details, the longer your broth will remain safe to use.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Bone Broth in the Fridge
Not all bone broths are created equal when it comes to refrigeration:
- Homemade bone broth: Fresher, nutrient-dense, but spoils faster (3 to 4 days).
- Boxed/canned store-bought broth: Treated for longer shelf stability and can last 4 to 5 days after opening.
- Powdered or concentrated broth bases: Last longer, but aren’t technically bone broth.
So, if you’re making your own, plan small batches or freeze the extra to avoid waste.
Ways to Know If Bone Broth Has Spoiled
Before you take a sip, here are clear signs that bone broth has spoiled:
- Smell: A sour, off, or funky odor.
- Appearance: Cloudiness, mold, or unusual film.
- Texture: Slimy or gelatinous, broken down into watery separation.
- Taste: Bitter or strange flavor.
When in doubt, throw it out. Even a little spoiled broth may lead to foodborne illness.
Optimal Storage Methods for Bone Broth in the Refrigerator
To make your broth last as long as possible:
- Cool it quickly before refrigerating (don’t leave it out for hours).
- Store in airtight glass jars or food-safe containers.
- Keep it at the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using clean spoons each time.
Following these steps ensures maximum freshness.
Can You Freeze Bone Broth to Extend Its Life?
Yes! Freezing is the best way to extend bone broth’s shelf life. Properly stored in the freezer, it lasts up to 3 months.
Tips for freezing:
- Use freezer-safe jars, silicone ice cube trays, or zip-top bags (lay flat for easy storage).
- Leave space at the top of jars for expansion.
- Mark the container with the storage date to keep track of how long it has been kept.
Thawed broth should be used within 24 to 48 hours for safety.
Reheating Bone Broth Safely
When reheating broth:
- Boil it strongly for at least 1 minute to destroy any bacteria.
- Only reheat the portion you’ll use (don’t repeatedly heat and cool the same batch).
- Stir well since fat and solids may separate.
This ensures safety and preserves nutrients.
Storing Bone Broth in the Pantry vs the Refrigerator
- Unopened boxed or canned broth: Store in a pantry for up to 12 months past the printed date.
- Once opened, broth should be refrigerated and consumed within 4 to 5 days.
- Homemade broth: Pantry storage is not safe; always refrigerate or freeze.
Nutritional Changes Over Time in Storage
The longer bone broth sits, the more its collagen and gelatin break down. This affects texture (less jiggly, more watery) and reduces nutrient density slightly. While still safe within the recommended time frame, fresher broth always delivers better benefits.
Common Mistakes That Make Bone Broth Spoil Faster
Avoid these errors if you want your broth to last:
- Leaving broth at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Using containers that aren’t fully sealed.
- Dipping dirty utensils directly into storage jars.
- Forgetting to date containers before refrigerating/freezing.
Small mistakes can cut storage life in half.
Comparing Refrigerated Shelf Life: Bone Broth vs Other Broths
- Bone broth: 3 to 5 days in the fridge
- Chicken broth: 4 to 5 days
- Beef broth: 4 to 5 days
- Vegetable broth: 3 to 4 days
Bone broth behaves much like chicken or beef broth, but its fat content sometimes causes faster spoilage if not stored properly.
Expert Food Safety Guidelines
The USDA and FDA recommend:
- Storing broth at or below 40°F (4°C)
- Homemade broth should be used within 3 to 4 days, while store-bought typically lasts 4 to 5 days.
- Freezing if you won’t finish within that timeframe
These rules apply across brands and kitchens.
Practical Tips for Using Up Bone Broth Before It Spoils
Not sure you’ll finish it all? Try these quick uses:
- Sip it warm as a drink.
- Add it as a base for stews and soups.
- Prepare rice, pasta, or quinoa using broth in place of water.
- Add to sauces, gravies, or stir-fries for flavor.
Creative use ensures you don’t waste a drop.
Final Answer: How Long Is Bone Broth Good in the Refrigerator?
To wrap it up: Bone broth is good in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days, depending on whether it’s homemade or store-bought. Beyond that, freezing is the safest way to extend its shelf life up to 3 months. Rely on your senses. If the broth smells, tastes, or looks unusual, it’s best not to consume it.
By following proper storage, reheating, and freezing practices, you’ll always have safe, nourishing broth ready to go.
Conclusion
Bone broth is one of those kitchen staples that’s both nutritious and versatile, but only if stored safely. Now that you know exactly how long bone broth is good in the refrigerator, you can avoid waste, prevent food poisoning, and get the most out of every batch.
Whether you’re simmering bones at home or opening a carton from the store, a little care goes a long way in keeping your broth fresh and ready to enjoy.
FAQS
Does bone broth go bad in the fridge?
Yes, bone broth typically spoils in the fridge after about 3 to 5 days.
Can you use beef broth after 14 days?
No, beef broth is unsafe to use after 14 days.
What does bone broth look like when it goes bad?
Spoiled bone broth looks cloudy, may develop mold, or have a slimy texture.
What effects does drinking bone broth have on your body?
Consuming bone broth may improve gut health, support joints, enhance skin, and aid hydration.