Soup is comforting, versatile, and great for leftovers-but like any food, it has a limit for how long it can last in the fridge. The good news is, with the right storage habits, you can safely stretch the shelf life of nearly any soup, and make it last even longer
Let’s break down exactly how long soup lasts, how to store it properly, how to tell when it’s gone bad, and even why you might consider turning your soup hobby into a small business.
How Long Does Soup Last in the Fridge?
Most types of soup, no matter the ingredients, can last up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge. With excellent storage (airtight containers, quick chilling), you can generally extend the storage time in the fridge to about 5–6 days.
What Determines How Long Soup Lasts?
Four main factors determine how long soup lasts in the fridge: the ingredients used in the soup (meat, dairy, or vegetables), the level of acidity of the soup, the temperature at the time it enters the fridge, and whether or not it is contaminated.
1. Ingredients in the Soup
- Meat-based soups spoil fastest, and so they have the shortest lifespan in the fridge
- Dairy-based soups (cream, milk, cheese) also go bad more quickly.
- Vegetable-only soups last the longest in the fridge because they don’t have proteins that break down as quickly.
2. Level of Acidity: Tomato-based soups last a bit longer because tomatoes are naturally acidic and inhibit bacterial growth.
3. Temperature: Soup left out too long before refrigerating will spoil faster, even if chilled afterwards.
4. Contamination: Double-dipping, dirty ladles, or storing soup in an open pot will reduce how long the soup can last in the fridge before spoilage.
How to Store Soup in the Fridge
If you want your soup to last longer in the fridge ( closer to 5–6 days), the key is to ensure that it cools properly before storage, do not let it get contaminated while it cools and store it in airtight containers. Follow these best practices:
- Cool it quickly before refrigerating (use an ice bath if needed)
- Store in airtight containers
- Keep the soup refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or lower
- Never store soup in metal pots: use food-safe containers
- Leave a little headspace if you are storing the soup in plastic containers (soups expand slightly)
How Do You Know Soup Has Gone Bad?
Soup that has gone bad gives off a sour smell, looks rather dull, may contain mould, and is usually slimy in texture. If you notice any of the following signs, throw it out immediately:
- Sour or “off” smell
- A noticeable change in colour
- Cloudiness is not originally part of the recipe
- Mould on top (even a tiny amount!)
- Slimy texture
If you have doubts, don’t taste it. If it looks or smells wrong, it's done.
Storing Homemade Soup: How Long Does Homemade Soup Last in the Fridge?
Homemade soup typically lasts just about 3-4 days in the fridge. Since it is homemade, it contains no preservatives and may even be made with fresh stock, fresh vegetables, or meat. This explains why it spoils faster than store-bought soup, even if you put it in the fridge
Below are the most common types of homemade soups and how long you can expect them to last.
Homemade Soup Storage Duration in the Fridge
| Type of Soup | Homemade (Days) | Not Homemade (Days) |
| Tomato Soup | 4–5 days (acidic, keeps well) | 5–7 days |
| Chicken Soup | 3–4 days | 4–5 days |
| Vegetable Soup | 4–5 days | 5–6 days |
| Potato Soup (dairy-heavy) | 3–4 days | 4 days |
Why do Different Homemade Soups Last Different Amounts of Time in the Fridge?
- Chicken soup contains protein, which causes it to spoil faster.
- Vegetable soups last longer because the ingredients are less perishable.
- Potato and creamy soups tend to separate or sour earlier due to the dairy present in the soup.
- Tomato soups last longer thanks to their natural acidity.
How Long Do Specific Soups Last in the Fridge?
Miso soup, egg drop soup, taco soup, wonton soup, and bean soup are some of the most common types of soup out there. So, how long can you store these soups in the fridge before they get bad? Below is a breakdown of popular soups that people often store.
1. Miso Soup (3-4 days)
Miso soup typically lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. Miso is fermented (which should make it last longer), but once mixed with broth and ingredients, it begins to lose freshness.
To make it last longer in the fridge, consider storing the miso soup without tofu added. You can later add the tofu when reheating.
| Soup Type | How Long Does It Last in the Fridge? |
| Miso Soup | 3–4 days |
| Egg Drop Soup | 2–3 days |
| Taco Soup | 4–5 days |
| Wonton Soup | 2–3 days |
| Bean Soup | 4–5 days |
2. Egg Drop Soup: (2-3 days)
Eggs are protein, and they tend to spoil very quickly. From there, the texture breaks down fast, and the soup goes bad. To make your egg drop soup last longer in the fridge, you can store the broth separately and add the egg mixture when reheating.
3. Taco Soup (4-5 Days)
Taco soup generally lasts about 4–5 days in the fridge. The higher acidity from tomatoes helps preserve it in the fridge. However, for maximum shelf life, always store taco soup with the lid fully sealed, and keep the toppings (cheese, sour cream) separate.
4. Wonton Soup: 2-3 days
The wontons soften and break apart quickly. To make it last longer, refrigerate broth and wontons separately if possible.
5. Bean Soup: 4-5 days
Generally, beans last long in the fridge, and the soup tends to improve overnight. However, always stir before reheating: the beans may thicken the soup as it cools.
Can You Put Warm Soup in the Fridge?
There is no problem with putting warm soup in the fridge. The old myth that hot food “ruins your fridge” isn’t accurate, especially because modern refrigerators can handle the heat.
However, it is always better to let the soup cool before refrigerating it. This remains the best practice for storing soup, and it also ensures maximum food safety. Remember, bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F.
To cool soup faster:
- Place the pot in an ice bath
- Divide into small, shallow containers
- Stir occasionally while cooling
Common Soup Storage Mistakes You Should Avoid
- Storing soup on the stove “to cool overnight.”
- Leaving soup out for more than 2 hours
- Storing soup in a giant deep container (the centre stays warm too long)
- Tasting cold soup to check if it’s still good
- Keeping soup in metal pots in the fridge
- Avoid these, and your soup will last significantly longer.
Thinking of Starting a Soup Business? Here’s Why It’s a Good Idea
If you already love making and storing soup, you might be surprised at how many people would be willing to pay good money for a bowl of soup. Soup businesses are becoming popular because they’re low-cost to start, easy to scale, perfect for meal-prep customers, and highly profitable due to low ingredient costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Soup Business?
A very small soup operation can cost as little as $300–$800 for home-based, selling locally, and about $2,000–$5,000 (full small-business setup with licenses)
What Equipment Do You Need?
To safely store soup for sale, you’ll need cooking, storage equipment, and transport equipment. The following commercial kitchen equipment essentials are crucial for a soup business:
1. A Commercial-Grade Refrigerator
A commercial-grade solid door refrigerator is ideal storage of ingredients and items for soup prep, and a large freezer for batch cooking.
For the refrigerator, you can get a smaller commercial refrigerator. The Commercial Single Door Reach-in refrigerator stands at just 27", but provides up to 18.7 cu.ft of storage capacity. With an adjustable temperature range of 32-50°F, and 5 adjustable shelves (each capable of holding up to 88 lb), you can properly store eggs, milk, vegetables, and more fresh produce for your soup business.
For a commercial freezer, you can go for the Commercial Solid Door Reach-In Freezer, which offers a temperature range of -11 to 14°F, letting you properly store meat, seafood, desserts, and more frozen foods for your business. It offers exactly the same storage capacity, number of shelves, and shelf space.
2. Food-safe Storage and Transport Containers
For transport and storage of soup, you need large stock pots and ladles, thermal containers for transport, and accurate food thermometers to ensure even temperatures during storage and transit.
If you plan to sell in bulk, such as to cafés or local meal-prep businesses, you may eventually need:
- 3-door solid refrigerators
- Blast chillers
- Commercial freezers
A soup business can start small, grow slowly, and become a profitable side hustle or full-time operation, with very little risk compared to other food businesses.
FAQs About How Long Food Stays in the Fridge
1. How Long Can Soup Stay in the Fridge Before it Goes Bad?
Most soups last 3-4 days in the fridge. Vegetable and tomato-based soups may last 4–5 days, while dairy or egg-based soups spoil faster.
2. Can You Eat Soup After 5 Days?
It depends. Some soups can last up to 5–6 days with proper storage, but eating soup after 5 days always carries a risk. If it smells sour, looks cloudy, or has any unusual texture, throw it out.
3. Can You Put Hot Soup in the Fridge?
Yes, you can refrigerate warm soup. Modern fridges can handle it. However, it’s best to cool it slightly first using shallow containers or an ice bath, so it chills quickly and safely.
4. Can I freeze soup to store it longer?
Absolutely. Most soups freeze extremely well and can last 2–3 months in the freezer. Avoid freezing soups with cream or potatoes unless you plan to reblend them after thawing.
5. Does homemade soup spoil faster than store-bought soup?
Yes. Homemade soup typically lasts 3–4 days because it contains no preservatives. Store-bought soups may last 4–7 days, depending on ingredients.
