Can you store smoothies in the fridge for a week?
Smoothies make for a convenient and nutritious breakfast or snack. They’re quick to make in a blender, and you can pack them full of fruits, vegetables, protein, fiber and other beneficial nutrients. However, the question arises of how long you can safely store a pre-made smoothie in the refrigerator before it goes bad. Here’s a look at smoothie storage times, tips for maximizing freshness and signs that a smoothie has spoiled.
How Long Do Smoothies Last in the Fridge?
In general, smoothies made with fruits and vegetables will last 3-5 days when stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Leafy green smoothies have the shortest shelf life of around 24-36 hours due to the high water content. Smoothies containing dairy or protein powders will keep for 5-7 days. Here are some guidelines for smoothie fridge life:
| Smoothie Type | Fridge Life |
|---|---|
| Fruit and vegetable smoothies | 3-5 days |
| Leafy green smoothies | 24-36 hours |
| Smoothies with dairy | 5-7 days |
| Smoothies with protein powder | 5-7 days |
Keep in mind these timelines assume the smoothie was freshly made and immediately stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Exposure to air and warmer temperatures will shorten the shelf life.
How to Store Smoothies
Proper storage is key to keeping pre-made smoothies fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips:
- Make sure smoothies are completely cooled before refrigerating. Storing a warm smoothie will lead to faster spoilage.
- Pour the smoothie into an airtight container, leaving at least 1⁄2 inch of headspace at the top. Mason jars or containers with tight sealing lids work best.
- Store smoothies towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
- Keep different flavors of smoothies in separate containers so the flavors don’t mix.
- Make sure to refrigerate smoothies within 30 minutes after blending.
- Give the container a good shake or stir before drinking to recombine any separation.
In addition to proper storage methods, there are some recipe tweaks you can make to help smoothies stay fresher longer in the refrigerator:
- Use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit, which will dilute and spoil faster.
- Add lemon juice, which helps inhibit microbial growth due to the acidic pH.
- Include yogurt for added protein and probiotics.
- Stick to low sugar fruits like berries that resist spoiling.
- Avoid adding ice, which will melt and separate in the fridge.
How to Tell if a Smoothie is Bad
Despite best storage efforts, smoothies won’t last forever. Here are some signs that indicate your refrigerated smoothie has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Change in consistency: Smoothies will thicken and become gelatinous as the ingredients start to spoil.
- Separation: Ingredients like fruit pulp and yogurt separate from the liquid.
- Off odors: An unpleasant sour, fermented smell means bacteria is spreading.
- Fizzing or bubbling: This indicates fermentation from yeast or other microbes.
- Mold growth: You may see fuzzy mold on the surface or floating inside.
- Change in color: The smoothie loses its vibrant hue and becomes brown or grayish.
If you notice any of the above signs, it’s best to throw the smoothie out. Consuming spoiled smoothies can potentially cause foodborne illness.
Smoothie Shelf Life by Ingredient
The ingredients that go into a smoothie impact how long it will stay fresh. Here is an overview of common smoothie add-ins and their fridge life:
Fruits
- Bananas – 3 to 5 days
- Berries – 2 to 3 days
- Pineapple – 5 to 7 days
- Mango – 3 to 5 days
- Apple – 7 days
Fruits are best when fresh or frozen. Canned fruits packed in juice can also be used.
Vegetables
- Leafy greens like spinach – 2 days
- Broccoli, carrots – 5 to 7 days
- Beets – 2 weeks
Leafy greens like kale and spinach oxidize and degrade faster than hardier veggies. Keep vegetable add-ins to a minimum for longer lasting smoothies.
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
- Milk – 7 days
- Yogurt – 7 to 10 days
- Kefir – 14 days
- Almond milk – 7 to 10 days
Dairy products help improve smoothie shelf life due to protein, fat and probiotics. Opt for full fat dairy for maximum freshness.
Other Add-Ins
- Nut butters – 6 months unopened, 2 months opened
- Ground flax/chia seeds – 6 to 12 months
- Protein powder – 6 to 12 months unopened, 4 to 6 weeks opened
- Coconut water – 5 to 7 days
Non-perishable items like nut butters, seeds, proteins extend a smoothie’s fridge life. Oils like coconut oil also preserve smoothies when added.
Safe Smoothie Storage Takeaways
When stored properly in an airtight container, most smoothies made with fruits, vegetables and dairy will keep for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Leafy green smoothies have a shorter shelf life around 24-36 hours. Keep your fridge temperature at 40°F or below and minimize exposure to air and warmth. Look for signs of separation, off smells or mold to determine if a smoothie has gone bad. With the right recipes and handling, you can safely store smoothies to enjoy all week long.
