[Gilthoniel4]

I use Better than Bouillon and like it very much. But I recently found an unopened jar in my pantry with a date on it from 2021.

My question is, how long after the expiration date is it safe to use an unopened jar of Better Than Bouillon? (this one is garlic). I see lots of posts about how long after it's been opened, but nothing about jars that are still sealed.

 

[brianshaw]

In my experience that stuff lasts virtually forever. I keep mine in the refrigerator once opened… whether it needs it or not. I’m also quite fastidious in avoiding any cross-contamination when using it.

 

[brianshaw]

From the manufacturer:

What is the shelf life?

The shelf life for Better Than Bouillon is two years and starts from the date of manufacture. If the product has passed the Best By date printed on top of the lid, we do not advise use, as we cannot guarantee performance.

How is the Best By date formatted?

For our U.S. products, the expiration date is formatted as Day/Month/Year. For our Canada labeled products, the expiration date is formatted as Year/ Month/ Day.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Yes, Better Than Bouillon should be refrigerated after opening. For any jar of Better Than Bouillon that is older than the Best By date printed on top of the lid and/or was not put in the refrigerator after opening, we cannot guarantee the quality or performance, and we advise that it should be discarded.

 

[teamfat]

It has a LOT of salt in it. Salt is a preservative. The main problem I have with BTB is it drying out as it gets older.

mjb.

 

[brianshaw]

Also, the lighter colored Better Than Bullions will darken a bit upon extened storage. Seems mostly an appearance change but that's when I throw it out.

 

[chrislehrer]

I doubt very much there's a safety issue if it's kept refrigerated and it both looks and smells good. But it certainly isn't so expensive that I'd cling on to it if it makes you nervous.