Ah, Costco chicken noodle soup – that hearty, convenient meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather I’ve grabbed this deli section staple many times, but always wonder exactly how long can I keep it before it goes bad? If you’ve found yourself with a big container of this popular Kirkland Signature soup, you might be wondering the same thing
Well, I’ve done the research and compiled everything you need to know about keeping your Costco chicken noodle soup fresh and safe to eat. Let’s dive right in!
The Quick Answer: 3-4 Days in the Fridge
According to food safety guidelines Costco’s prepared chicken noodle soup stays good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when properly stored at or below 40°F (4°C). This timeframe starts from the day of purchase, not from when you open it.
The clock begins ticking from the moment the soup is made, so keep that in mind when deciding how long to keep it. After this 3-4 day window, the risk of bacterial growth increases significantly, potentially leading to foodborne illness – definitely not what you want when you’re already reaching for comfort food!
Factors That Affect How Long Your Soup Stays Good
Several things can influence how quickly your Costco chicken noodle soup spoils:
1. Storage Temperature
This is probably THE most important factor. Your refrigerator should maintain a consistent temperature below 40°F (4°C). Any warmer, and bacteria multiply much faster. I recommend using a refrigerator thermometer to make sure your fridge is cold enough.
Important safety tip: Never leave the soup at room temperature for more than 2 hours! Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F (4°C and 60°C).
2. Container Type
The soup comes in a plastic container from Costco, but if you transfer it to a different container, make sure it’s airtight. This helps minimize exposure to air and potential contaminants that could accelerate spoilage.
3. Refrigerator Location
Store your soup in the coldest part of your refrigerator – typically on a lower shelf toward the back. Avoid storing it in the door where temperatures fluctuate more.
4. How You Handle It
Each time you open the container, you introduce bacteria. Use clean utensils each time you serve the soup to minimize contamination.
Signs Your Costco Chicken Noodle Soup Has Gone Bad
Even if you’re within that 3-4 day window, always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Trust your senses!
Visual Clues
Look for:
- Mold growth (obvious no-no!)
- Discoloration
- Cloudy or slimy texture
- Separation of liquids
- Excessive thickening beyond what’s normal
Smell Test
Fresh chicken noodle soup should smell, well, like chicken soup! If you detect:
- Sour odors
- Ammonia-like smells
- Any generally unpleasant or “off” odors
…it’s best to toss it out.
Taste Test (Last Resort)
If the soup passes the visual and smell tests, you can taste a tiny amount. If it tastes sour, acidic, or just plain weird, don’t eat it. Remember the food safety mantra: When in doubt, throw it out!
Extending Shelf Life: Freezing Costco Chicken Noodle Soup
Want to make your soup last longer? Freezing is your best option! When properly frozen, Costco chicken noodle soup can last 2-3 months while maintaining good quality.
How to Freeze It Properly
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Cool it completely before freezing. Putting hot soup directly in the freezer can raise the temperature inside, potentially thawing other foods.
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Portion it out into smaller containers or freezer bags. This makes thawing easier and lets you just defrost what you need.
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Leave some headspace if using containers – soup expands when frozen!
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Remove as much air as possible from freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
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Label everything with the date so you know when you froze it.
A Quick Note About Texture After Freezing
Be aware that freezing might change the texture a bit, especially the noodles. They might become a bit softer after thawing. This is perfectly normal and doesn’t mean the soup is bad – it’s just a texture change!
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Soup
For best results:
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Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This is the safest method to prevent bacterial growth.
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Reheat thoroughly until the soup reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Only reheat what you’ll eat. Repeatedly thawing and reheating increases the risk of foodborne illness.
What About the “Sell By” Date?
The container of Costco chicken noodle soup typically has a “sell by” date. This is primarily for the store’s use and doesn’t necessarily indicate when the soup will go bad.
The general 3-4 day rule applies from the time of purchase, assuming proper refrigeration. However, if the “sell by” date has already passed when you purchase the soup, it’s best to choose a fresher container if available.
Nutrition Info While We’re At It
Since we’re talking about Costco’s chicken noodle soup, here’s a quick look at what you’re getting nutritionally (per 240g/8oz serving):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 1040mg (this is quite high – 44% of daily value!)
- Total Carbs: 13g
- Protein: 10g
It’s a relatively low-calorie and low-fat meal option, but watch out for that sodium content if you’re monitoring your salt intake!
Common Questions About Costco Chicken Noodle Soup Storage
Can I eat the soup after 5 days if it looks and smells fine?
While it might be okay, the risk increases significantly after day 4. I wouldn’t recommend it – better safe than sorry!
How long can the soup sit at room temperature?
Never leave it out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the room is above 90°F/32°C).
My power went out for several hours. Is the soup still safe?
If your refrigerator maintained a temperature below 40°F (4°C) during the outage, it’s probably fine. Otherwise, discard it to be safe.
Can I refreeze the soup after thawing?
This isn’t recommended. Refreezing can degrade quality and increase bacterial risk.
What if my soup is slightly thicker than when I bought it?
Some thickening is normal after refrigeration. However, if it’s excessively thick or has other spoilage signs, don’t risk it.
What Makes Costco’s Chicken Noodle Soup Different?
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Chicken Noodle Soup has some unique characteristics compared to other store-bought options:
- Made with rotisserie chicken – Costco uses their famous rotisserie chicken in the soup
- Thick, flat noodles – Not your typical thin egg noodles
- Relatively thick broth – Some reviewers note it’s thicker and somewhat creamier than traditional chicken noodle soup
- Fresh preparation – Unlike canned soups, this is made fresh in-store
The soup costs about $3.49 per pound (item #23086), with containers typically weighing around 4 pounds, making the total cost about $13-14.
Reheating Tips
For the best taste when reheating your Costco chicken noodle soup:
Stovetop Method (Recommended):
- Pour soup into a saucepan
- Heat on medium, stirring occasionally
- Heat until it reaches 165°F (74°C)
Microwave Method:
- Place soup in a microwave-safe container
- Cover with a paper towel to prevent splatter
- Heat in intervals, stirring between each
- Ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C)
My Personal Experience
I’ll be honest – I’ve pushed the limits with this soup before. Once, I ate some on day 5 and lived to tell the tale, but another time I got a mild stomachache. Now I stick to the 3-4 day rule religiously or freeze portions right away if I know I won’t eat it all within that window.
One thing I’ve found helpful is adding a bit of fresh chicken broth when reheating. The soup tends to be noodle-heavy, and adding extra broth not only extends it a bit but also helps refresh the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Costco’s chicken noodle soup is a convenient and comforting option, especially during cold and flu season. Just remember:
- 3-4 days is your safe window for refrigerated storage
- 2-3 months in the freezer maintains good quality
- Always check for signs of spoilage before eating
- When in doubt, throw it out!
Following these guidelines will help ensure you enjoy your soup safely. And honestly, at $3.49/lb, it’s not the end of the world if you occasionally have to toss some that’s been lurking in your fridge too long.
Understanding the Shelf Life of Prepared Soups
Prepared and packaged soups, like the ones you purchase from Costco, come with a “use by” date printed on the packaging. This date is your first indicator of how long the soup can be kept before its quality begins to deteriorate. Generally, for most store-bought prepared foods, you can expect them to last until this date while unopened and stored properly in the refrigerator.
Once opened, the countdown begins. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), prepared soups should be consumed within 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). After this period, the risk of foodborne illness increases as bacteria can grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F, a range known as the “danger zone.”
For more specific guidelines on food safety related to soups and broths, the USDA’s FoodKeeper App provides valuable information on how best to store different types of foods, including soups and broths, to maximize their freshness and safety.
Freezing for Extended Enjoyment
If you’ve bought a large quantity of Costco chicken noodle soup and want to extend its shelf life beyond a few days, freezing is an excellent option. When properly frozen, chicken noodle soup can maintain its quality for 4 to 6 months. To freeze your soup, ensure it’s cooled down to avoid increasing the temperature inside your freezer which can affect other stored items. Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room at the top as liquids expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
For more details on safe freeze-thaw processes, you can visit the FDA’s page on refrigeration and food safety, which offers a wealth of information about keeping your foods safe at various temperatures.