Whether or not you can eat 5 day old lentil soup depends on a few key factors. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll take a quick look at how long lentil soup keeps in the fridge and what signs to look for that it may have gone bad. Further detail is provided in the sections below.
Quick Answer: How Long Does Lentil Soup Last in the Fridge?
Most lentil soups, homemade or store-bought, can be kept refrigerated for 3 to 5 days. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends throwing out cooked lentils within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.
How to Tell if Lentil Soup Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that lentil soup has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat:
- It smells sour, rancid, or unpleasant
- It has mold growing on the surface
- It looks curdled or separated
- It has an unusual color
If your lentil soup exhibits any of these characteristics after 5 days in the fridge, it’s best to throw it out. When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.”
Factors That Affect How Long Lentil Soup Lasts
There are a few key factors that affect how long leftover lentil soup will stay fresh and safe to eat:
Ingredients
Soups with animal-based ingredients like meat, dairy, or fish will spoil faster than plant-based soups. The proteins and fats in animal products are more prone to going rancid. Lentil soup made with solely vegetables will generally last a bit longer.
Acidity Level
Acidic ingredients like tomatoes, citrus, vinegar, or wine help preserve soup for a longer shelf life. The acidity makes it harder for bacteria to grow. Non-acidic lentil soups have a shorter fridge life.
Storage Method
How you store leftovers also impacts shelf life. Lentil soup that is left sitting out at room temperature will spoil faster than soup promptly refrigerated or frozen. Refrigerating below 40°F preserves food safety.
Reheating
Properly reheating lentil soup to an internal temperature of 165°F kills off any bacteria that may have developed and makes it safe to eat again. Just be sure to only reheat once, not multiple times.
How to Store Leftover Lentil Soup
To get the longest shelf life out of leftover lentil soup, follow these storage methods:
- Refrigerate in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Make sure soup is cooled below 40°F as quickly as possible.
- Store in the back of the fridge where temperature is coldest.
- Keep fridge set below 40°F at all times.
- Fill containers as full as possible to limit air exposure.
- Consume within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness.
Can You Freeze Lentil Soup?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of leftover lentil soup for several months. Here are some freezing tips:
- Let soup cool completely before freezing.
- Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label containers with name and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 to 6 months.
When ready to eat, thaw lentil soup overnight in the fridge or reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot.
Food Safety Risks of Eating Spoiled Lentil Soup
Eating lentil soup that has sat in the fridge for too long can potentially make you sick. Here are some of the most common risks:
Foodborne Illness
Bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus can grow in soups and cause foodborne illness. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping.
Food Poisoning
Mold and bacterial growth in spoiled soups can produce toxins that cause food poisoning. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Allergic Reactions
Microbial growth in spoiled lentil soup can produce histamines and tyramines that provoke allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Who is Most at Risk from Spoiled Lentil Soup?
Some groups of people are at higher risk for getting sick from eating spoiled lentil soup. This includes:
- Children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Individuals with chronic illnesses
Their underdeveloped, weakened, or compromised immune systems make it harder to fight off foodborne pathogens. Exercising caution with food safety is especially important.
How to Reheat Leftover Lentil Soup Safely
The right reheating method kills off any bacteria and makes leftover lentil soup safe to eat again. Follow these tips:
- Only reheat once – don’t let soup sit in fridge after reheating.
- Use stove, microwave, or oven to reheat to 165°F internal temperature.
- Bring soup to a rapid boil on stove.
- Stir regularly to distribute heat evenly.
- Microwave in short bursts, stirring between.
- Don’t slow cook or heat on low – use high heat.
- Serve immediately once fully heated through.
How to Know if Reheated Lentil Soup is Safe to Eat
Follow these guidelines to check if reheated lentil soup reaches the safe 165°F internal temperature:
- Use a food thermometer to test temperature.
- Check in several spots – near edges and center.
- Look for steaming hot broth and bubbles rapidly breaking the surface.
- Spoon some broth into a separate container – it should be too hot to touch.
- If lentils are added, they should be very hot to the touch.
The soup is safe to eat once fully reheated to 165°F. Try a small spoonful first to check taste and consistency.
What to Do if You Think You Have Food Poisoning from Lentil Soup
If you develop concerning symptoms like vomiting, fever, or bloody diarrhea after eating lentil soup, follow these steps:
- Stop eating the soup immediately.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Call your doctor for medical advice.
- Write down details about when you ate the soup and what symptoms you experienced.
- Report illness to your local health department.
- Label leftover soup and refrigerate in case testing is needed.
- Discard soup after investigation or if doctor recommends.
- Wash hands, containers, and surfaces that touched the soup.
- Continue monitoring symptoms and seek medical care if they persist or worsen.
Getting prompt medical treatment can help you recover faster from foodborne illness.
Conclusion
In most cases, lentil soup that has been properly stored in the fridge should be safe to eat for 3 to 5 days after cooking. The exception is soup containing animal products like meat or dairy, which has a shorter shelf life of only 2 to 3 days. Be on the lookout for any signs of spoilage like off smells, changed texture, or mold growth. The best way to have lentil soup again after 5 days is to freeze leftovers for long-term storage. Always reheat to 165°F and consume within a day to prevent bacterial growth. With proper handling, storage, reheating, and consumption within the limited timeframe, enjoying 5 day old lentil soup poses minimal risks.