Food Safety 101: Properly Storing Leftover Soups (2025)

Most of us are always on the go and having leftovers in the fridge can be a lifesaver! A quick reheating and you're off to your next activity. Eating leftover soup is an excellent way to minimize food waste and helps you save time that is why learning how to store leftovers properly would be very beneficial to your kitchen routine.

While everyone at Anderson House has their own preferences and practices for storing leftover soup, we must look at theUSDA Food Safety and Inspection Service's recommendation. According to the USDA, it is important to keep leftovers out of the "danger zone" - a temperature range between 40°F and 140°F which is an optimal environment for bacterial growth. So, to ensure safe storage of your leftovers, makesure to pack them within two hours of cooking or after it is removed from a warming appliance.

Food Safety 101: Properly Storing Leftover Soups (1)

Storing leftover creamy soups such asBroccoli Cheddar,Creamy Cauliflower,Tomato Basil,Corn Chowder, andLoaded Potato can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques, you can keep them fresh and tasty for longer.

We let the soup cool down to room temperature before putting it in the fridge for a maximum of three days. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can make the soup watery and affect its flavor.

It's essential to note that soups that contain milk or cream don't generally hold up well in the freezer. They tend to take on a grainy texture and separate when defrosted and reheated. To avoid this we suggest dividing the soup before adding the cream and freezing the portion that you won't be consuming immediately. Add the cream to the frozen portion when you defrost and reheat the soup.

We label and date the containers so that we can easily identify what's inside and when it was made. This will help keep track of what needs to be consumed first.

Food Safety 101: Properly Storing Leftover Soups (2)

If you have a leftover soup that doesn't contain creams, likeTortilla soup,Chicken Noodle,Chicken Stew,White Bean Chili,Vegetable Soup, and more, there are several ways to store it properly.

As previously mentioned, we let the soup cool down before storing it. Doing so will prevent the appliance's (or portable cooler’s) internal temperature from rising to unsafe levels, which can put other perishable items stored inside at risk.

Use airtight containers to store the soup like tupperware or quart-size ziplock bags. It will prevent any bacteria or odors from seeping into the soup and makes it easy to defrost also.

Practice writing labels on the container with the date you stored it and keep track of how long it has been in the fridge or freezer.

Food Safety 101: Properly Storing Leftover Soups (3)

If you have a container of soup sitting in the fridge for a few days without any date labels, you might be wondering whether it's still safe to eat. Here are some ways to tell if your leftover soup has gone bad:

  • Check the smell: If the soup smells sour or has an off-putting odor, it's a sign that bacteria has started to grow and it's no longer safe to eat.
  • Look for mold: If you see any mold growing on the surface of the soup, it's definitely time to throw it out.
  • Check the texture: If the soup has become slimy or has a strange texture, it's a sign that it's gone bad.
  • Taste a small amount: If you're still not sure, you can taste a small amount of the soup. If it tastes off or has a strange flavor, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety. If you're ever in doubt about whether a food is still safe to eat, it's best to throw it out and avoid any potential risks to your health.

Food Safety 101: Properly Storing Leftover Soups (2025)

FAQs

Food Safety 101: Properly Storing Leftover Soups? ›

Use airtight containers to store the soup like tupperware or quart-size ziplock bags. It will prevent any bacteria or odors from seeping into the soup and makes it easy to defrost also. Practice writing labels on the container with the date you stored it and keep track of how long it has been in the fridge or freezer.

How to properly store leftover soup? ›

The simplest way to store soups and stews (if you're planning to use them within a few days) is in the fridge. Refrigerating soups and stews is mostly a matter of transferring it to some sort of container with a tight-fitting lid and getting it into the fridge within two hours.

What are the hygiene and safety factors to consider when storing soups? ›

For best safety and quality, plan to eat refrigerated soup within 3 to 4 days or freeze it. And avoid letting soup set at room temperature for more than TWO hours. Don't put a large pot of hot soup directly into your refrigerator.

What are the rules for leftovers? ›

Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of preparation (or one hour on days over 90º F) to reduce the chance of bacteria growing. Any perishable foods sitting out at room temperature for longer than two hours should be discarded. Leftovers can also be immediately frozen for reheating later.

How long is leftover soup good in the refrigerator? ›

A general rule of thumb is that soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days, but you should always taste your dish before deciding to reheat. A clear, vegetable-based soup with some acidity, such as tomatoes, may last longer. Chicken soup usually lasts three to five days.

How should finished soups that are not to be served immediately be stored? ›

Once cold, the soup must be kept in the fridge until ready to re-heat. The fridge must keep the soup cold enough to slow down bacteria. It should be 8 °C or lower but if you can only check the air temperature of the fridge you should aim for 5°C or lower.

How do you store leftover canned soup? ›

Unused portions of canned food may be refrigerated in the can, but to preserve optimum quality and flavor, place the unused portion in a food-grade glass or plastic container. Use within 4 days.

What are the 5 guidelines for food storage? ›

Food safety and storage
  • Keep high-risk food at 5 °C or below or above 60 °C to avoid the temperature danger zone and food poisoning.
  • Store raw foods below cooked foods.
  • Store food in suitable, covered containers.
  • Avoid refreezing thawed foods.
  • Check and observe the use-by dates on food products.

What are the 3 most important principles for storing food safely? ›

Storing food safely
  • keep storage areas clean, dry and free of pests.
  • use food-safe containers, covers and packaging to protect food.
  • store potentially hazardous food at 5°C or colder - check it with a thermometer.
Dec 6, 2023

What should food workers do to keep soup safe? ›

When hot holding soups on a buffet line, food workers are required to take the soup temperatures frequently to ensure they remain at safe temperatures. This is important because bacteria can grow rapidly in the temperature danger zone of 41°F to 135°F.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for leftovers? ›

Non-profit organisation Love Food, Hate Waste recommends the 2:2:2 rule. Two hours to get them in the fridge. Two days to eat them once they're in there. Or freeze them for up to two months.

What are the guidelines for storing leftovers? ›

Cover leftovers, wrap them in airtight packaging, or seal them in storage containers. These practices help keep bacteria out, retain moisture, and prevent leftovers from picking up odors from other food in the refrigerator. Immediately refrigerate or freeze the wrapped leftovers for rapid cooling.

What does the 2-2-4 rule for leftovers state? ›

One way to keep your family and yourself safe from foodborne illness is to remember the 2-2-4 rule: Refrigerate within 2 hours. Use shallow, 2-inch-deep dishes for storing leftovers to allow food to cool quickly. Eat the leftovers within 4 days.

What is the best way to store leftover soup? ›

Use airtight containers to store the soup like tupperware or quart-size ziplock bags. It will prevent any bacteria or odors from seeping into the soup and makes it easy to defrost also. Practice writing labels on the container with the date you stored it and keep track of how long it has been in the fridge or freezer.

Can I eat leftover soup after 5 days? ›

Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away. Frozen leftovers will stay safe for a long time.

Is it safe if leftover soups are left at room temperature for more than 2 hours? ›

Food should not be at room temperature for more than two hours. Shallow containers or small amounts of hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled in an ice or cold water bath before refrigerating. Cover foods to retain moisture and prevent them from picking up odors from other foods.

How long can leftover soup be held for? ›

The general rule of thumb is that leftover soup can safely be stored in a fridge for up to three to four days. However, these stored soups should always be tasted or smelled before consumption to detect signs of rancidity.

How do you cool down soup and store it? ›

Use ice water bath

An ice water bath is effective for cooling soups. This method helps decrease the food temperature quickly and safely. Fill a large container or clean sink with ice and a small amount of water. Place the kettle of soup into the ice bath.

Can soup be refrigerated and reheated? ›

Soup can be stored for up to three months in the freezer. You should always defrost frozen soup in the fridge or the microwave. You can then reheat it in a saucepan on the stove, or in a bowl in the microwave. Soup should not be reheated more than once, so only heat up as much soup as you will eat each time.

Can you store soup in plastic containers? ›

Whenever you're storing soup in the freezer in a plastic or glass container, you must leave room for the food to expand without causing the container to crack. At the very least, leave a ¾-inch space at the top of the container for the food to expand.

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