How Long Does Soup Last in the Fridge? Tips for Storing Soup Safely

most homemade soup lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Below we cover how different soups keep, how to store and freeze them safely, and how to reheat them.

There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. But making soup from scratch every time isn't always realistic with a busy schedule, so knowing how to store it safely means dinner or lunch is just a quick reheat away.

These tips work for store-bought soups too, in case cooking is not your forte!

Proper Good soups are shelf-stable, so they live happily in your pantry, desk drawer or bag with no fridge or freezer needed. They're truly ready to eat - no water, no prep. Just heat and eat.

The general rule of thumb is that leftover soup can safely be stored in a fridge for up to three to four days. However, stored soups should always be checked before eating.

Signs that your soup has gone bad include discoloration, a foul-smelling odor, and a bad taste. If you notice any of these, it is best to throw the soup out.

Usually, 3 to 4 days in the fridge will be fine for your soups, but there are several factors that determine how long a soup can be refrigerated. These include the type of soup and its ingredients.

Different types of soups will naturally keep for different lengths of time. For example, creamy soups will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge, whereas seafood soup will generally only last a maximum of two.

Meat-based soups, such as chicken, will also last in the fridge for up to 4 days, as will both homemade and store-bought tomato soup.

Frozen soups that have been thawed in the fridge also follow this general 3 to 4-day time frame. For frozen soup that has been defrosted in a microwave or water, it is best to eat it right away rather than refrigerate it again.

Ingredients are important to consider when working out how long a soup will last in the fridge and freezer.

If you have a meat-based or cooked chicken soup, the pre-cooked meat will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Soups with a higher dairy content, including milk and cream, are best kept in the fridge for 1 to 2 days before they risk going bad.

For the best results, use these tips to keep your soup at its best:

Cooked soup can be stored in the fridge or freezer with great results, though freezing soup needs a little more guidance! We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions below.

Yes! It is important to let hot soup cool before freezing it to keep it at its best quality and safe from bacteria.

Most soups can only last in a refrigerator for 3 to 4 days before they risk going bad, so make sure you move your cooled soup to the freezer before this point.

Make sure your soup lasts well by placing it in an airtight freezer-safe container. If your freezer is packed full, avoid spills by separating it into smaller containers. This also makes reheating easier, since you can portion the soup out instead of reheating the whole thing!

On average, soup can be frozen for 2 to 3 months when stored the proper way, meaning in an airtight container or suitable freezer bag. Try not to fill containers all the way, as the soup will expand slightly as it freezes.

There are some exceptions to this rule. Some dairy-free and vegan soups can last in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Frozen soup should be properly reheated before eating, using either a microwave or a stovetop. It is easier if your freezer-friendly container is also microwave-safe, so you don't have to transfer it before reheating.

Place the soup in a microwave-safe container and place it in the microwave. To let the ice melt without affecting the soup's flavor, set your microwave to around 30% power and heat for 3 to 5 minutes.

Remove the soup and stir to defrost evenly. Place a knife into the middle of the soup to check its temperature. If the submerged part of the knife is hot when taken out, the soup is ready to eat.

If the knife is cool, place the soup back into the microwave and heat it at a low temperature for 2 more minutes.

To defrost soup on the stovetop, you will first need to gently thaw it using warm water. Place the frozen container into a big pot of warm water and leave it to melt slightly for 5 to 10 minutes. If you are not in a rush, you can also use cold water, though this will take longer.

When the soup starts to melt or break into chunks, transfer it into a pot or pan on the stovetop. Add a quarter cup of warm water and gently stir it in.

Warm the soup on a low to medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent burning.

All that storing, freezing and thawing? Proper Good soups skip it.

Proper Good soups do not need refrigeration or freezing, making them a pantry favorite! Each single-serve pouch keeps for months at room temperature, so there are no leftovers to worry about.

After a busy or challenging day, cooking dinner is the last thing you want to do. Our soups are truly ready to eat - no water, no prep. Just pop one in the microwave or warm it in a pan.

"I was pleasantly surprised at how yummy their cream of chicken was." - Cheavon B. ★★★★★

There's a range of options to suit how you eat:

You'll find Proper Good in the soup aisle at Walmart, Target and more. Find a store near you, or stock your pantry online.

Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially in the colder months. Store your homemade soup correctly and it'll be a quick, tasty meal for days. And for the days you don't want to cook at all, keep a few Proper Good soups in the pantry. Happy eating!