Tomato soup's shelf life in the refrigerator depends on whether it's store-bought or homemade.
Refrigeration Guidelines for Tomato Soup
| Soup Type | Refrigerator Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Opened Store-Bought | 3-5 days |
| Homemade | 5-7 days |
Factors Affecting Shelf Life:
- Storage Conditions: Always store soup in an airtight container to minimize bacterial growth and keep it fresh.
- Temperature: Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Initial Quality: If the soup was not stored properly before being refrigerated, its shelf life may be reduced.
- Ingredients: Homemade soup with fresh ingredients might have a shorter shelf life than store-bought soup that contains preservatives.
Consumption Recommendations
Once refrigerated, it's best to consume your soup within the suggested time frame. Always examine the soup for any signs of spoilage before consumption. These may include:
- Off smells
- Visible mold
- Changes in texture
Additional Tips:
- Always refrigerate leftover tomato soup as soon as it has cooled down.
- If you're not sure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and discard any questionable soup.
- Freezing: If you know you won't be able to consume the soup within the recommended time frame, consider freezing it for longer storage.
