How long does bone broth last depends on where you keep it and how carefully you cooled it. Homemade broth is a perishable, protein-rich liquid, so it follows the same rules as soup and leftovers. The short version: a few days in the refrigerator and a few months in the freezer, with quick cooling and proper reheating in between.
Quick Answer
Homemade bone broth lasts about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator at 40°F or below, although some university sources say about 3 days and a USDA-based chart lists 1 to 2 days for meat broth. In the freezer at 0°F it stays safe indefinitely, with best quality for roughly 2 to 6 months. Cool it within 2 hours and reheat to 165°F.
Key Takeaways
- Refrigerate broth within 2 hours of cooking, or within 1 hour if the room is above 90°F.
- Refrigerator limits vary by source from 1 to 2 days up to 3 to 4 days, so the cautious choice is to use it within 3 days.
- Frozen broth stays safe indefinitely at 0°F, but quality fades after a few months.
- Divide hot broth into shallow containers so it cools quickly.
- Reheat to 165°F, and discard broth that smells sour or looks cloudy, slimy or foamy.
Fridge Time: Why the Numbers Differ
Different extension sources give slightly different windows. A University of Illinois Extension recipe says to store broth in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. New Mexico State University says about 3 days at 40°F or below. A chart based on USDA guidance, published by the University of Minnesota Extension, lists gravy and meat broth at 1 to 2 days.
| Source | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Extension | 3 to 4 days | 4 to 6 months |
| New Mexico State University | Up to about 3 days | Several months for best quality |
| University of Minnesota Extension chart | 1 to 2 days (gravy and meat broth) | 2 to 3 months |
| USDA soups and stews | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 3 months |
If you want a single rule, treat 3 days as the upper limit for plain broth and use or freeze it sooner when you can.
How Long Does Bone Broth Last in the Freezer?
The USDA says food kept at 0°F stays safe indefinitely, and that time limits are about quality. Broth tends to taste best within 2 to 6 months. Freeze it in portions you will use, leaving space at the top because liquid expands. Label each container with the date.
Thaw broth in the refrigerator. Food thawed there can be refrozen without cooking, though quality may drop. Our bone broth recipe includes freezer tips.
Cooling It Safely
A big pot of hot broth cools slowly in the center, which gives bacteria time to grow between 40°F and 140°F. The USDA advises dividing large amounts into shallow containers and refrigerating within 2 hours. Strain the broth first, since solids spoil faster. An ice bath around the pot speeds things up.
Reheating and Using Leftovers
Bring refrigerated broth to a steaming simmer before use. The USDA says leftovers should reach 165°F, and a gentle boil exceeds that. Reheat only what you need, because repeated cooling and warming raises risk. Sipping a mug of broth is fine, but do not leave it on the counter for hours.
Signs Broth Has Spoiled
- A sour or off smell
- Slimy texture, foam or fizzing
- Cloudiness that was not there before
- Mold on the surface
Bacteria that cause illness do not always change smell or look, so rely on time and temperature first, not on your nose. A layer of fat on top is not a safe seal. For more on how it compares with supplements, see bone broth versus collagen.
How Long Does Bone Broth Last: The Short Version
How long does bone broth last? About 3 days in the refrigerator is a cautious rule, and months in the freezer. Whatever your answer to how long does bone broth last, cool it fast, reheat it to 165°F and throw it out if it smells or looks wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bone broth sit out overnight?
No. The USDA says to discard perishable food left out more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F.
Can I freeze bone broth in glass jars?
Yes, if the jars are freezer safe and you leave space at the top. Plastic containers or freezer bags also work.
Why did my broth turn jelly-like in the fridge?
Gelatin from the bones sets when cold. It melts when warmed and is normal.
Is canned or boxed broth different?
Unopened shelf-stable broth follows the date on the label. Once opened, treat it like homemade broth.
Can I refreeze thawed broth?
Broth thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking. Quality may decline.
Conclusion
Good broth habits are simple: cool it fast, store it cold, label it and use it within a few days. Freeze what you cannot finish, and discard anything that has been left out too long.
Keep Reading
- How to Make Beef Bone Broth: A full recipe with storage tips.
- Bone Broth vs Collagen: How the two compare.
- How Long Does Cooked Steak Last?: Safe fridge limits for cooked meat.
- How Long Does Meat Last in the Freezer?: Quality times for common cuts.
Sources
- University of Illinois Extension: Turkey Bone Broth: Refrigerator and freezer storage times.
- New Mexico State University: Homemade Bone Broth Storage: Refrigerator, freezer and bone storage.
- University of Minnesota Extension: Storage Times for Food: Gravy and meat broth, soups and leftovers.
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and Food Safety: 2-hour rule, cooling and reheating to 165°F.
