Bouillon cubes are concentrated cubes of dehydrated meat or vegetable stock. Did you happen to buy too many bouillon cubes for your stock, and now you’re left with more than you plan on using?
Are you worried about them getting old and asking yourself: Have my bouillon cubes gone bad? How long do they last?
In summary, for the best quality, bouillon cubes keep fresh for 1-3 months past the best-by date.
How To Tell If Bouillon Cubes Have Gone Bad
Check your bouillon cubes for any signs of mold or white specks. If they are present, get rid of your cubes. Similarly, if you find changes in color or a difference in the smell of your cubes, be sure to discard them.
Keep an eye out for cubes that may break apart easily. This indicates that the cubes are quite old and, as a result, have lost some of their quality. Lastly, if everything seems okay, give it a taste. If you aren’t happy with it, toss it out.
How To Store Bouillon Cubes
Bouillon cubes should be stored in a cool and dry place like a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Once the stock is made, it should be refrigerated.
Can You Freeze Bouillon Cubes?
Due to the ingredients being dehydrated and without water, refrigeration or freezing isn’t necessary to retain their freshness.
How Long Do Bouillon Cubes Last?
You should use the best-by date on the label to determine when bouillon cubes will spoil. If you’ve thrown the packaging out, it is safe to assume that the cubes will last about a year. The suggested storage period is between a year and 18 to 24 months.
If the bouillon cubes have gone past the best-by date, you can hold onto them for 1-3 months past the date.
Substitutes for Bouillon Cubes
If you don’t have any bouillon cubes on hand, you can replace each cube with a cup of broth. Use chicken broth if the recipe calls for chicken bouillon and beef broth for beef bouillon. If the recipe asks you to drop the cube in without dissolving it first, be sure to omit one cup of water from the recipe when you add your broth.
Secondly, you can make use of dry white wine. For every one bouillon cube dissolved in one cup of water, replace the cube and ¼ of the water with ¼ of white wine.
Another option is to add the water without the bouillon cube. Instead, use seasoning and add it to the water. This will help to bring some flavor.
In Summary
Bouillon cubes were first commercially- made in 1882 so that the poor living in slums could make an inexpensive, nutritious soup.
Bouillon cubes can keep fresh for 1-3 months after the best-by date, so you won’t have to worry about them going bad soon. Although, keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage, such as a change in color, smell, flavor, and texture.
