Tone’s chicken base is a popular ingredient used to add flavor to soups, sauces, gravies, and more. It’s a concentrated paste made from chicken stock that provides a boost of savory chicken flavor. Some cooks wonder if Tone’s chicken base needs to be refrigerated after opening or if it can be stored at room temperature like some broths or bouillon cubes. There are a few factors to consider when determining the proper storage method for an opened jar of Tone’s chicken base.
Ingredients in Tone’s Chicken Base
To understand if refrigeration is required, it helps to look at the ingredients list on a jar of Tone’s chicken base:
– Chicken stock
– Salt
– Chicken fat
– Flavorings (yeast extract, onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric)
– Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
The main ingredient is chicken stock, likely made by cooking chicken bones and meat trimmings in water to extract flavor. Chicken fat is also added, which comes from rendered chicken skin and tissue. Finally, seasonings like salt, MSG, and dried vegetables and herbs are included.
There are no preservatives or acidifiers like citric acid or vinegar in Tone’s chicken base. These types of ingredients help food stay shelf-stable after opening. The lack of preservatives suggests refrigeration could be needed after opening Tone’s chicken base.
Water Activity in Tone’s Chicken Base
Another factor to consider is water activity in Tone’s chicken base. Water activity measures how much free water is available in a food for microbial growth. Foods with a water activity above 0.85 are at higher risk of growing dangerous bacteria if left unrefrigerated.
Since chicken stock and fat contain a lot of moisture, the water activity of Tone’s chicken base is likely around 0.95-0.99. This high water activity means the product could easily grow bacteria once opened and exposed to air. Refrigeration is necessary to inhibit bacterial growth in foods with high water activity.
USDA Recommendations for Chicken Broth and Stock
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides recommendations for safe storage of chicken broth and stock:
– Store unopened chicken broth or stock on the shelf.
– Once opened, chicken broth or stock should be refrigerated for no longer than 4-5 days.
– For longer storage, freeze broth for 4-6 months.
Even though Tone’s chicken base has been boiled down to a paste, it has a similar makeup to chicken broth. Following the USDA guidelines, an opened jar of Tone’s chicken base should be refrigerated and used within 4-5 days. Some manufacturers also recommend this on the product label.
Does Tone’s Chicken Base Need Refrigeration?
Based on its ingredient list, high water activity, and comparisons to chicken broth, an opened jar of Tone’s chicken base should be stored in the refrigerator. Leaving it at room temperature could allow dangerous bacterial growth in the moist, protein-rich product.
Some key points on properly storing open Tone’s chicken base:
– Refrigerate after opening, do not leave at room temperature.
– Use within 4-5 days for best quality and safety.
– Transfer any leftover product to an airtight container before refrigerating.
– Do not return any unused chicken base to the original jar.
– Look for any signs of mold and discard if mold is visible.
– Freeze for longer term storage of 4-6 months.
Following these guidelines will maintain both the quality and safety of Tone’s chicken base after opening. A quick refrigeration step will prevent the growth of bacteria in this versatile and useful chicken-flavored ingredient.
Shelf Life of Sealed, Unopened Tone’s Chicken Base
While refrigeration is recommended for opened Tone’s chicken base, what about unopened jars that have yet to be opened? How long does sealed, shelf-stable Tone’s chicken base last?
Here is an overview of how long Tone’s chicken base lasts before opening:
– Unopened shelf life: 2 years
– Store unopened at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
– Check the “best by” or “expiration” date on top or bottom of jar.
– After opening, use within 4-5 days.
The shelf life of unopened Tone’s chicken base is around 2 years from the manufacturing date. Storing the sealed jars at normal kitchen temperatures is safe and maintains quality and fresh chicken flavor.
Once opened, the shelf life drops down to just 4-5 days in the refrigerator. At that point, oxygen and microbes can start degrading nutrients, flavor, and quality. Following the refrigeration guidelines after opening is key.
Also check any expiration or best by date on top or bottom of the Tone’s chicken base jar and do not use if it has expired. With an unopened shelf life of 2 years from manufacturing, the product should stay fresh until this stamped date.
How to Tell if Opened Tone’s Chicken Base is Bad
Having guidelines for shelf life is helpful, but how do you really know if opened Tone’s chicken base has gone bad and needs to be discarded? Here are a few signs that indicate spoiled chicken base:
– Mold growth – this is an obvious one. Mold on top of the chicken base means it’s time to throw it out. Mold can vary in color but may look fuzzy or filamentous.
– Changes in texture – fresh chicken base should have a smooth, uniform texture. Separation of liquids, excessive thickening, or clumping can indicate spoilage.
– Strange odor – opened chicken base will develop some chicken aromas but should not smell rotten, sulfurous, or unpleasant.
– Off flavors – taste a small amount of chicken base when uncertain. Rancid, bitter, or sour flavors mean it has spoiled.
– Discoloration – chicken base made from real chicken stock can darken over time but should not look grey, green, or exhibit other unnatural colors.
The fridge preserves chicken base but also slowly degrades quality. Use opened jars within 4-5 days and discard immediately at the first signs of mold or spoilage. Don’t risk foodborne illness by consuming chicken base past its prime.
Does Tone’s Chicken Base Need to be Refrigerated After Opening?
In summary, here are reasons why Tone’s chicken base requires refrigeration after opening:
– It contains perishable ingredients like chicken stock and animal fat.
– The high moisture content provides opportunity for bacterial growth if left at room temperature.
– Recommended storage guidelines for chicken broth also apply to Tone’s chicken concentrate.
– Opened jars no longer benefit from the long shelf life of sealed, unopened product.
Once exposed to air, Tone’s chicken base is at risk of rapid spoilage and potential bacterial contamination without proper refrigeration. Even when frozen into ice cubes, be sure to keep frozen chicken base at 0°F or below.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, USDA recommendations, and use opened chicken base within 4-5 days. Proper refrigerated storage is crucial for this versatile pantry staple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tone’s chicken base need to be refrigerated before opening?
No, unopened jars of Tone’s chicken base do not need to be refrigerated. The shelf-stable, sealed containers have a shelf life of 2 years when stored properly at room temperature away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Refrigeration is only needed once the jar has been opened.
Can you freeze Tone’s chicken base?
Yes, Tone’s chicken base can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Transfer any leftover chicken base to an airtight freezer bag or container. Lay flat for faster freezing. Frozen chicken base will last for 4-6 months in the freezer before quality and flavor diminishes.
What happens if you leave Tone’s chicken base out overnight?
It’s risky to leave Tone’s chicken base out overnight after opening. The USDA recommends refrigerator storage for no more than 4-5 days. Leaving it out for extended periods allows bacteria to multiply rapidly. Reheating may not destroy some toxins. For food safety, discard any chicken base left at room temperature overnight.
Does Tone’s chicken base go bad if not refrigerated?
Yes, Tone’s chicken base can go bad if left unrefrigerated after opening. The lingering moisture content allows mold growth and bacterial overgrowth which will make the chicken base unsafe to eat. Always refrigerate opened jars within 4 hours and use within 4-5 days.
Can you substitute Tone’s chicken base for bouillon cubes?
Tone’s chicken base can substitute for bouillon cubes in many recipes. However, you’ll need to use about 4-5 times more chicken base compared to bouillon cubes since it’s much more concentrated. Start with 1 teaspoon chicken base for every 1 bouillon cube called for. Adjust to taste preference.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Sealed, Unopened | 2 years |
| After Opening, Refrigerated | 4-5 days |
| Frozen | 4-6 months |
