Knowing how to store soup correctly is essential for food safety, taste preservation, and convenient meal prep. Whether you’re storing homemade soup, leftover soup, or store-bought soup, improper storage can lead to bacterial growth, flavor loss, and wasted food.
This comprehensive guide explains the best way to store soup, how long soup lasts in the fridge or freezer, and which containers work best so your soup stays fresh, safe, and delicious.
-
How to Freeze Soup in Mason Jar Safely - Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Can Pea Soup Be Frozen Without Losing Flavor?
-
Broth Containers – Complete Guide for Food Service and Storage
Why Proper Soup Storage Matters
Soup is a high-moisture food, which makes it especially vulnerable to bacteria if stored incorrectly. Learning how to store soup safely helps you:
-
Prevent foodborne illness
-
Maintain soup flavor and texture
-
Extend soup shelf life
-
Save time with meal prep
Improperly stored soup is one of the most common causes of spoiled leftovers.
How to Store Soup Safely: General Rules
Before choosing refrigeration or freezing, follow these essential soup storage rules:
-
Cool soup before storing (never refrigerate boiling soup)
-
Store soup in airtight containers
-
Refrigerate soup within 2 hours of cooking
-
Label containers with the storage date
-
Store soup at or below 40°F (4°C)
These steps apply to all types of soup, including vegetable soup, chicken soup, broth, and cream-based soup.
How to Cool Soup Before Storing
How to Cool Hot Soup Quickly
Cooling soup properly is critical for food safety. The fastest methods include:
-
Ice bath method: Place the pot in ice water and stir
-
Shallow containers: Divide soup into smaller portions
-
Stirring: Releases heat faster than leaving soup untouched
Never leave soup at room temperature for extended periods.
How Long to Let Soup Cool Before Refrigerating
Soup should cool to room temperature within 30–60 minutes and must be refrigerated within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
How to Store Soup in the Refrigerator
Best Containers for Storing Soup in the Fridge
Choosing the right soup storage container helps prevent leaks and contamination:
-
Glass food containers with airtight lids
-
Eco-friendly food storage containers
Avoid storing soup uncovered or in non-sealed bowls.
How Long Can Soup Be Stored in the Fridge?
-
Homemade soup: 3–4 days
-
Vegetable soup: up to 4 days
-
Soup with meat or poultry: 3–4 days
-
Cream-based soup: 2–3 days
-
Store-bought soup (opened): 3–4 days
If soup smells sour, looks cloudy, or shows mold, discard it immediately.
Request Free Packaging Samples
How to Store Soup in the Freezer
Can You Freeze Soup?
Yes, most soups freeze very well. However, not all ingredients freeze equally.
Soups that freeze well:
-
Broth-based soups
-
Vegetable soup
-
Lentil soup
-
Chicken soup (without noodles)
Soups that don’t freeze well:
-
Cream-based soup
-
Soup with milk or cheese
-
Potato soup (texture may change)
How to Freeze Soup Properly
-
Let soup cool completely
-
Portion soup into freezer-safe containers
-
Leave space for expansion
-
Use freezer bags or airtight containers
-
Label with the freezing date
How Long Does Soup Last in the Freezer?
-
Best quality: 2–3 months
-
Safe to eat: up to 6 months (if frozen properly)
How to Store Different Types of Soup
How to Store Chicken Soup
Store in airtight containers. Remove bones for longer shelf life.
How to Store Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup lasts longer and freezes exceptionally well.
How to Store Cream-Based Soup
Refrigerate for short periods only. Freeze without cream and add it later.
How to Store Broth and Stock
Freeze in small portions for easy use.
How to Store Noodle Soup
Store noodles separately to avoid sogginess.
How to Store Soup for Meal Prep
Meal prepping soup saves time and ensures healthy meals:
-
Use individual portion containers
-
Store soup for 3–4 days in the fridge
-
Freeze extra portions for later use
-
Reheat only what you need
Meal prep soup works best with broth-based recipes.
How to Reheat Stored Soup Safely
-
Reheat soup to 165°F (74°C)
-
Stir while reheating for even heat
-
Reheat soup only once if possible
-
Microwave or stovetop methods both work well
Never reheat soup multiple times.
Signs Soup Has Gone Bad
Discard soup if you notice:
-
Sour or unpleasant odor
-
Mold growth
-
Slimy texture
-
Unusual separation
-
Bitter or off taste
When in doubt, throw it out.
Common Mistakes When Storing Soup
-
Leaving soup out overnight
-
Storing soup uncovered
-
Overfilling containers
-
Refreezing soup multiple times
-
Storing soup in non-food-safe containers
Avoid these mistakes to keep soup safe.
FAQs: How to Store Soup
How long can soup sit out before refrigerating?
No more than 2 hours.
Can you store soup in the pot in the fridge?
Yes, if covered tightly, but airtight containers are better.
Can you freeze soup in glass containers?
Yes, if they are freezer-safe and not overfilled.
Is it safe to reheat soup the next day?
Yes, if stored properly and reheated thoroughly.
Can you refreeze soup after thawing?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and not reheated.
Conclusion
Understanding how to store soup properly ensures better food safety, longer shelf life, and better flavor. Always cool soup correctly, choose airtight containers, and follow recommended storage times for refrigeration and freezing.
With the right storage practices, soup becomes one of the most convenient, budget-friendly, and sustainable meals you can prepare.
