Heinz soup has jelly consistency?

Is Heinz soup supposed to have a jelly-like texture?

(I should mention that I’m on a tight budget tonight, so this is really my only food option.)

Hey everyone! I’ve got a couple of cans of Heinz soup that have been sitting in my cupboard for about 3-4 years. I just opened one, and while it smells fine, the texture is reminiscent of gelatinous wet dog food. When I tried to pour it out, it made a strange squelching noise, and half of it clung to the rim of the can. The vegetables were mushy and the beef had an odd grayish color with darker spots around the edges. I don’t eat canned soup often (which I guess is obvious), and I’m wondering if it’s too old or past its prime. I know canned goods can last a long time, but my sensitive stomach has me concerned since I don’t have any other food options tonight. I appreciate any insights!

Edit: For those who might think I didn’t check the use-by date, it’s a bit frustrating that you’d assume I’d make a post about something I could easily check myself. Unfortunately, that’s not the case here.

I also wanted to clarify a few things I initially left out for brevity:

  • I have the “Heinz Big’n Chunky Beef Stockpot,” and I’m in Australia. The products and food safety standards might differ from what’s available in the U.S.
  • I did check for a use-by date, but there isn’t one. It’s pretty common for canned items here to lack this information.
  • There’s a batch code on the bottom, but it’s nearly completely worn off.

Comments

One response to “Heinz soup has jelly consistency?”

  1. It’s understandable to be concerned about the quality of your canned soup, especially when it has been in your cupboard for several years. While canned goods can last a long time due to their low moisture content and sealed packaging, 3-4 years is definitely pushing it for optimal quality.

    The texture you described—jelly-like and resembling wet dog food—is not unusual for canned soups, especially if they’re older. The color change in the beef and the mushiness of the vegetables could indicate that the soup has started to spoil or deteriorate, even if it’s not necessarily harmful. If everything smells okay and there are no signs of bulging or leaking in the can, it might still be safe to eat, but proceed with caution.

    If your stomach is sensitive, it might be best to avoid it and wait until you have access to some fresher options, even if that means finding a way to stretch your budget a bit further. Safety first! If you’re unsure, you could also consider checking if any local food banks or community services might provide some affordable or free meal options. Take care!

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