Chili is a popular dish that is loved by many for its spicy, robust flavor. It’s often made in large batches and eaten throughout the week. But is it safe to eat chili that has been stored in the refrigerator for 5 days or more? Here is a comprehensive look at the shelf life of chili and whether it’s okay to eat chili leftovers after 5 days.
How Long Does Chili Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, chili can safely last 3-4 days. The USDA recommends discarding chili after 4 days in the fridge. However, depending on the ingredients, chili may last even longer if frozen.
Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of chili will last refrigerated:
- Chili with beans – 3-4 days
- Chili con carne (no beans) – 4-5 days
- Turkey or chicken chili – 3-4 days
- Vegetarian chili – 3-4 days
The ingredients that impact chili’s shelf life most are perishable foods like meat, beans and vegetables. Meat and vegetables have higher water content, so they spoil faster. Beans also tend to spoil quickly compared to other shelf-stable ingredients.
Does Chili Go Bad After 5 Days?
Chili that has been refrigerated for 5 days is past its prime and could potentially go bad after this point. The risk depends on the ingredients.
After 5 days, meat and bean-based chilis are more prone to spoilage from bacteria or mold. The USDA advises throwing away chili with meat or beans after 4 days. Vegetarian chilis may last a bit longer, but 5 days is still pushing the limit.
Here are some signs your refrigerated chili has gone bad and should be discarded after 5 days:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Sour smell
- Off colors like grey, green or black
- Bubbles or froth on the surface
If your chili has developed any unpleasant odors, textures or appearances after 5 days, it’s best to play it safe and throw it out. The spicy flavors of chili can mask the taste of spoilage.
Will Chili Make You Sick After 5 Days?
Eating chili that’s over 5 days old can potentially make you sick. The main foodborne illness risks with spoiled chili are:
- Salmonella – From undercooked meat, poultry or eggs. Causes diarrhea, fever and cramps.
- E. coli – From raw or undercooked beef or vegetables contaminated with animal waste. Causes bloody diarrhea, dehydration.
- Listeria – From meat, cheese, dairy. Causes fever, diarrhea, headache.
- Staph – From hand contact or coughs/sneezes. Causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Clostridium perfringens – From beef, poultry, gravy. Causes diarrhea, cramps, nausea.
- Mold – From spoiled vegetables or grains. Can cause allergic reactions or respiratory symptoms.
So while fully cooked chili stored properly should be safe for 3-5 days, eating chili that’s spoiled can definitely make you ill. If the chili smells funky after 5 days, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How to Tell if Chili Is Still Good After 5 Days
To determine if chili is still good and safe to eat after 5 days in the fridge, look for these signs of freshness:
- No foul odors
- No mold visible
- No separation of liquids
- Pleasant, chili-like aroma
- Expected color and texture
You can also take the chili’s temperature with a food thermometer. It should be 40°F or below. Higher temperatures promote bacteria growth.
Lastly, remember the general rule that chili lasts 3-5 days maximum. Even if the chili still looks okay, err on the side of caution if it’s older than 5 days.
How to Store Chili to Make it Last
To get the longest shelf life and food safety from your chili, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave at room temperature.
- Store chili in airtight containers to prevent drying out.
- Ensure your fridge temperature is 40°F or below.
- Cool chili quickly before refrigerating by placing in ice bath.
- Keep chili in the back of the fridge where temps are coldest.
- Avoid cross-contaminating chili with raw meat juices.
- Freeze for long-term storage up to 4-6 months.
Proper storage slows the growth of bacteria and keeps your chili fresher longer. But regardless of storage method, don’t take chances with chili that’s over 5 days old.
Can You Freeze Chili After 5 Days?
Chili that’s been refrigerated for 5 days shouldn’t be frozen at that point. The potential risks outweigh the benefits.
While freezing stops bacteria growth, it can’t get rid of bacteria that’s already grown. Chili that’s been sitting in the fridge for 5 days may have high levels of bacteria that freezing won’t destroy.
And if mold has started growing on 5-day old chili, freezing will only preserve the mold. It’s still unsafe to eat after thawing.
For best quality and safety, freeze chili within 2-3 days of cooking. Only freeze chili that has been properly refrigerated within the 3-5 day window and shows no signs of spoilage.
Can You Reheat Chili After 5 Days?
It’s not recommended to reheat and eat chili that’s older than 5 days. Reheating doesn’t make chili safe again once it’s gone bad in the fridge.
Bacteria like Listeria and Clostridium can survive reheating temperatures. So reheating chili that’s spoiled can still make you sick.
Even if the chili smells and tastes okay, don’t take risks with foodborne illness. Safely reheated chili should be eaten within 4 days and discarded after that.
Signs Chili Has Gone Bad After Reheating
If you do reheat chili after 5 or more days in the fridge, watch for these signs it’s gone bad and should be thrown away:
- Mold growth
- Curdled texture
- Sour, rancid or yeasty smell
- Bubbling, fizzing or frothing
- Off colors like green, grey or black
A normal freshly made chili that’s reheated should still look, smell and taste like chili. Foul odors, visible mold, and unappetizing changes in texture or appearance mean it’s time to toss it.
Conclusion
In most cases, it’s not recommended to eat chili that’s been refrigerated for longer than 4-5 days. While properly stored chili can potentially last 5-7 days, the risk of foodborne illness increases the longer it sits. Chili containing meat, dairy and beans has a shorter shelf life of just 3-4 days.
Look for signs of spoilage like mold, slime, and bad smells when determining if older chili is still good. When in doubt, remember it’s better to be safe than sick. Follow the 4 day maximum guideline for chili and steer clear of eating 5 day old leftovers.