Beef broth is a versatile kitchen staple used for making soups, stews, gravies, and more Swanson is a popular brand of beef broth that comes in convenient shelf-stable cartons and cans But with any packaged food, it’s normal to wonder – how long will it stay fresh and safe to use?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the shelf life and safety of Swanson beef broth after opening.
Overview of Swanson Beef Broth
Swanson produces high-quality beef broths and stocks made from concentrates Their original beef broth contains beef stock and natural flavorings. It has a rich, meaty taste that enhances any dish.
Swanson broths come in a few different varieties:
- Original: Made with beef stock and natural flavorings
- Certified Organic: Similar to original but USDA certified organic
- Natural Goodness: Contains no added hormones or antibiotics
- Lower Sodium: With 25% less sodium than regular broth
Their beef broths are available in 14.5 oz cans and 32 oz resealable cartons. The cartons are more convenient for multiple uses over time.
How Long Does Unopened Swanson Beef Broth Last?
An unopened, properly stored container of Swanson beef broth will stay fresh well past its “best by” date printed on the label.
The exact shelf life depends on the variety:
- Canned broth: Stays fresh for 2 to 5 years past the printed date.
- Carton broth: Lasts 10 to 12 months past the date before quality starts declining.
Canned broth lasts longer because the canning process removes oxygen, preventing oxidation. The cardboard cartons allow more air exposure.
For best quality, try to use Swanson beef broth within a year of purchase, even if unopened. Store it in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
How to Tell if Unopened Swanson Broth Has Gone Bad
It’s rare for unopened commercially packaged foods like Swanson beef broth to actually spoil. But here are a few signs to watch out for:
- Bulging or leaking container
- Rust or dents on the sides/seams of cans
- Foul, unpleasant odor when opening
- Mold growth inside packaging
- Drastic change in color or consistency
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to play it safe and discard the broth.
How Long Does Opened Swanson Beef Broth Last?
Once opened, the shelf life of beef broth is significantly reduced. Exposure to oxygen and potential bacteria growth shortens freshness.
Here’s how long Swanson beef broth lasts refrigerated after opening:
- Canned broth: Stays good for 5 to 7 days
- Carton broth: Lasts 7 to 10 days
For maximum freshness, use opened canned broth within 5 days and cardboard cartons within 7 days.
Always refrigerate Swanson beef broth after opening. Keep it in a sealed container to help prevent contamination and odors from absorbing.
Maximizing the Shelf Life of Opened Broth
To make your opened Swanson beef broth last as long as possible:
- Transfer broth into airtight containers or mason jars
- Make sure lids seal tightly
- Fill containers leaving minimal headspace
- Avoid introducing extra air bubbles when pouring
- Refrigerate immediately after opening
- Use clean utensils each time
You can also safely freeze broth for longer term storage. It will keep for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Can You Use Swanson Beef Broth After Expiration Date?
The printed expiration date on Swanson broth is simply a general guideline for best quality, not an indication of when it becomes unsafe.
As long as the container is unopened and properly stored, Swanson beef broth can safely be used for a while past its date stamp.
Same goes for opened broth if it has been continuously refrigerated and shows no signs of spoilage.
Use your judgment – give it a look and sniff test. If the broth still smells and tastes normal with no sourness, it should be fine. But discard at the first hint of spoilage.
Signs that Opened Broth Has Gone Bad
Watch for these red flags that indicate opened Swanson beef broth has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Sour, unpleasant odor
- Mold growth
- Fizzing or bubbling
- Drastic change in appearance – separation, chunkiness, gelliness
- Off tastes and flavors – sharp, tangy, bitter, metallic
If refrigerated after opening, broth can last 5-10 days. But when in doubt, don’t risk getting sick – play it safe and toss it out!
Nutrition of Swanson Beef Broth
One of the perks of Swanson beef broth is that it packs a solid nutritional profile.
One cup (240ml) of Swanson’s original beef broth contains:
- 60 calories
- 1380mg sodium (58% DV)
- 8g protein
- Zero carbs or fat
It’s an excellent source of protein and rich in minerals like iron, selenium, zinc, and B-vitamins. The sodium content is higher, so opt for lower sodium varieties if that’s a concern.
Tips for Using Swanson Beef Broth
Swanson’s beef broth is incredibly versatile in everyday cooking. Here are some delicious ways to use it up:
- Make simple soup – just add veggies, meat, or noodles
- Use as the base of stews, chilies, and gravies
- Cook rice, quinoa or other grains in broth instead of water
- Deglaze pans with broth instead of wine
- Add to meatloaf or casseroles for extra moisture
- Use when making roasts, braises, or pot roasts
- Flavor sautéed veggies, beans or lentils
- Add to pan sauces for extra depth
For the best flavor, try to use opened beef broth within a week. But the unused portion can be frozen for later use.
Common FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Swanson beef broth:
How long does broth last at room temperature?
Never leave Swanson beef broth out at room temperature. Refrigerate promptly after opening.
Can you re-freeze thawed Swanson broth?
It’s best not to refreeze previously thawed broth. Refreezing can affect the quality and taste.
Does Swanson beef broth need to be diluted?
Swanson’s broths are ready to use as is. There’s no need to dilute with added water.
Is it okay to microwave Swanson broth?
Yes, you can safely microwave Swanson’s beef broth to heat it up. But don’t microwave in the original carton or can.
Can dogs eat Swanson beef broth?
Plain Swanson beef broth is safe for dogs to consume. But limit amounts to avoid excess sodium intake.
The Bottom Line
Swanson provides high-quality, tasty beef broth that can elevate everyday cooking. Their broth stays fresh unopened for up to a year past its printed date. Once opened, use within 5-10 days for safety and maximum freshness.
To prolong shelf life, store opened broth in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer. And use your senses – if it smells and tastes normal, it should be fine! With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy Swanson’s delicious beef broth for months to come.