From the fridge to the deep freeze, we’re telling you all about how to keep your mushroom soup tasty, safe, and ready for your next cravings.
Mushroom soup: this smooth, rich soup, filled with the earthy goodness of mushrooms and often a hint of cream, is the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly day or whenever you fancy a bowl of comfort.
Its blend of mushrooms, often cream or milk, and spices makes for a dish that’s not only moreish but also a lovely way to get some veg into your day.
But let’s face it, as tempting as mushroom soup is, you might not always finish every last drop in one sitting (I know, it happens!). So the question is—how long does mushroom soup stay fresh? Does it gain more earthy richness over time, or does it lose its charm once it cools down?
When it comes to saving that leftover mushroom soup for another day, what’s the best way to keep it? Is it okay in the fridge, or can it brave the cold of the freezer?
If these questions are popping up in your mind, you’re in the right place. This article’s got the answers you need.
Shelf Life of Canned Mushroom Soup
A big draw of canned soup is its impressive shelf life, making it a staple in kitchens across the globe.
Unopened canned mushroom soup can keep for anywhere between 2-5 years when stored in a cool, dry spot. The ‘best by’ date on the can is usually a cautious guess by the manufacturer of when the soup will be at its finest quality.
Even past this date, the soup is likely still safe to eat, although its flavor and texture might deteriorate over time. Once opened, canned mushroom soup has a similar shelf life to homemade soup; see the guidelines provided earlier.
How Long Mushroom Soup Lasts Once Opened
How long mushroom soup lasts depends on how you store it.
Generally, if you leave mushroom soup out, it will only stay good for 1 to 2 hours. When refrigerated, it can last for 3 to 4 days. And if you freeze it, it will maintain its quality for about 3 to 4 months.
Left Out: 1–2 Hours
If you leave mushroom soup at room temperature, it can last for about 2 hours. However, on hot days when it’s 90°F (32°C) or higher, mushroom soup only stays good for about 1 hour.1United States Department of Agriculture (2023, March 24). What is the “2 Hour Rule” with leaving food out? AskUSDA. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-is-the-2-Hour-Rule-with-leaving-food-out
Refrigerated: 3–4 Days
If you keep mushroom soup in the fridge, at a temperature of 40°F (4.4°C) or below, and store it in a jar, food container, or the original bottle or carton in case you bought it from the store, it will last for about 3 to 4 days.2U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2021, September 20). Cold Food Storage Chart. FoodSafety.gov. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts
Frozen: 3–4 Months
Technically speaking, you can keep frozen mushroom soup for as long as you want because freezing pauses the growth of bacteria.3U.S. Department of Agriculture (2013, June 15). Freezing and Food Safety. Food Safety & Inspection Service. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety With that being said, it is best to eat it within 3 to 4 months to enjoy it at its freshest and highest quality.
Keeping Your Mushroom Soup Fresh
Mushroom soup really hits the spot when it’s hot and filled with the earthy goodness of mushrooms.
If you’re not planning to finish your soup right away, it’s important to know how to store it so it stays delicious and doesn’t spoil.
Here’s the deal:
Storing Mushroom Soup in the Fridge
First off, pour your mushroom soup into a clean, sealable container. Glass containers work great, but if you don’t have those, any food storage container with a tight lid will do. Then pop it into the fridge.
Aim to eat the mushroom soup within 3-4 days. The cold temperature in the fridge slows down the bacteria that cause food to go bad, but it can’t stop it completely.
Freezing Mushroom Soup
If you’ve made a big pot of mushroom soup and can’t finish it within a few days, or you want to keep some for a cozy evening, then freezing is your best bet. You’ll need a clean, tight-sealed container that can handle the frost of the freezer.
Remember to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container because the soup will expand as it freezes. This might take a few hours. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, move the frozen mushroom soup to the fridge about a day in advance.
And that’s the whole story—mushroom soup is pretty easy to store, and it’s great to have some on hand for those chilly evenings or when your tummy’s rumbling.
A little care in storing it ensures each serving is as tasty as the first one, so don’t miss these steps!
How to Tell If Your Mushroom Soup Has Gone Bad
Found an old container of mushroom soup tucked away in the back of your fridge?
Or are you just not sure if it’s still good to eat? Like any soup, mushroom soup can go off if it’s been left untouched for too long, and trust me, eating spoiled mushroom soup is not something you want to experience.
Here are some signs that your mushroom soup might have gone bad:
- Time: If your mushroom soup’s been out for more than 1-2 hours or hiding in the fridge for over 3-4 days, it’s safer to throw it away, even if it looks okay. The bacteria that can make you sick don’t always change how our food looks, smells, or tastes.
- Smell: Fresh mushroom soup has an earthy, appealing aroma. If you open your container and it smells off or unpleasant, it’s time to part ways with your soup.
- Color: Good mushroom soup usually has a creamy, appetizing color. If it’s turned a different color or looks strange, it’s better to play it safe and throw it away.
- Texture: Mushroom soup should be smooth and creamy with pieces of mushroom. If it’s slimy or overly thick, your soup might be past its best.
- Taste: This should be your last test. If your mushroom soup passes the other checks but tastes strange, it’s time to let it go.
Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! It’s always safer to play it safe. Mushroom soup is easy to make, so why take unnecessary risks?
Just cook up a new batch and savor the earthy, comforting flavors of this classic soup.
Wrapping It All Up
And there you have it, home cooks!
This is your one-stop guide to not just enjoying this creamy, delightful soup, but also making sure it stays as fresh as the day you made it, for each and every bowlful.
Remember, whether you’re storing your mushroom soup in the fridge or the freezer, it’s easy to keep it fresh for those cozy nights if you follow these straightforward storage steps we’ve shared.
And always remember, if your mushroom soup seems a bit iffy—be it in smell, color, texture, or taste—it’s always safer to throw it away. Better safe than sorry!
