In the realm of culinary convenience, few ingredients rival the humble bouillon cube.
These tiny, flavor-packed blocks have long been a pantry staple, offering an instant boost of savory goodness to soups, stews, sauces, and more.
Being shelf-stable, some of us tend to store them for long periods of time.
How do we know when they’ve lost their potency and flavor … or when they’re no longer good to eat? And what is the shelf life of bouillon cubes anyway?!
Let’s chat about it!
How Long Do Bouillon Cubes Last?
These small cubes of condensed flavor are more rugged than they appear. With a shelf life stretching between 1 to 2 years when stored in a cool, dry, dark place, they’re like the pantry version of a desert cactus.
Best tucked beside your favorite spices in a dry pantry or a kitchen cabinet, their longevity not only ensures you can whip up a homemade broth or beef stock at a moment’s notice but also secures their spot as a true pantry staple.
No wonder they’re such a popular choice for both seasoned chefs and casual cooks alike!
That said, I don’t looove the ingredients in most bouillon cubes. Thankfully, I found a “cleaner” brand with better ingredients, including NO monosodium glutamate:
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We’ve been using the Orrington Farms brand for years!
How to Tell When Bouillon Cubes Have Gone Bad
Have you ever stumbled upon a chicken bouillon cube from what feels like a decade ago?
Before you dream up a grand chicken soup for the soul, let’s uncover the signs that scream “I’ve seen better days!”
If your cube packs an off odor, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to part ways.
Next, if you find the once vivid loss of flavor leaving your homemade broth tasting like hot water with a faint memory of chicken or beef, that’s the cube’s way of waving a white flag.
And, should the cube start crumbling into a powdery shadow of its former self, it’s pretty much signaling a cry for retirement.
How to Store Bouillon Cubes to Make Them Last Longer
Store your cubes in a cool, dry place away from the relentless pursuit of heat sources and direct sunlight. Think about that well-positioned kitchen cabinet or the secluded corner of your dry pantry.
But don’t stop there—an airtight container is your best friend when longevity is the goal.
A tightly sealed container, or even mylar bags with oxygen absorbers or a trusty mason jar, ensures that your bouillon cubes last as long as possible.
Back when I purchased cubes (before I discovered Orrington Farms), I would transfer them from their original packaging and vacuum seal them in Mason jars. I enjoyed a much longer shelf life this way.
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Such barriers shield your bouillon cubes from humidity and other invaders, extending their shelf life beyond the printed date, ensuring that the flavors of your homemade or store-bought chicken broth, beef stock, or vegetable broth remain their best.
Remember, proper storage conditions not only lead to the best flavor for a longer time but also provide a convenient way to add depth to your dishes without hours of slow simmering.
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Can I Still Use Bouillon Cubes Past Their Expiration Date?
So, you’re rummaging through your pantry, trying to whip up something that’ll warm the soul, and your hand lands on a box of bouillon cubes.
They are the secret weapon for a flavorful broth, after all. But wait, the printed date on the package has passed!
Thankfully, that best by date is just a guideline.
Chicken bouillon cubes are designed with a long shelf life in mind.
When stored properly in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, they can last well past the date stamped on the package.
In fact, if they were in a vacuum-sealed environment, they can last up 4 years.
But how can you be sure they’re still good to go?
Conduct a taste test:
Dissolve a cube in hot water and give it a taste. If it still packs the punch you’re looking for, you’re in business. This little test is the best way to judge the quality of your bouillon cubes.
That said, use your eyes and nose before taste testing. They reveal signs of spoilage better than anything else. If something looks or smells off when you open the package, toss it.
How Long Does Broth Made with Bouillon Last?
There you are … standing in front of the fridge, door ajar, staring at the pot of broth you made a few days back with the bouillon cubes you found lurking in the back of your cupboard.
It appears we’ve all been there, haven’t we?
The question bouncing around your head is probably, “How long does this last again?”
Let’s dive into this murky broth scenario together, shall we?
First, broth—whether it’s chicken, beef, or vegetable stock—should be savored within 3-4 days when refrigerated.
If you can’t consume it within this timeframe, transfer your liquid broth into ice cube trays and store in the freezer.
