Smoothies make for a refreshing and nutritious breakfast or snack. They’re quick and easy to make, allowing you to pack in servings of fruits, vegetables, protein, fiber and other beneficial ingredients. However, the main question surrounding smoothies is just how long they stay fresh. Can you store them overnight, or will they spoil?
Below, we’ll take a look at how long smoothies last, signs that they’ve gone bad, and tips for proper storage to keep them safe and delicious for longer.
How long do smoothies last?
In general, smoothies that contain dairy and fruit will only stay fresh for up to 24 hours when refrigerated. After this time, the quality and safety of the smoothie begins to decline as bacteria grow.
Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of smoothies will last:
| Smoothie Type | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Fruit and dairy smoothies | 24 hours |
| Green smoothies | 24-48 hours |
| Smoothies with vegetables only | 48 hours |
| Frozen fruit smoothies | 48 hours |
As you can see, smoothies containing dairy and fruit have the shortest shelf life at just 24 hours. This is because dairy products and cut fruit provide ideal conditions for bacteria growth.
On the other hand, green smoothies and veggie smoothies may stay fresh for up to 48 hours. They have less dairy and sugar, so bacteria grow slower.
Frozen fruit smoothies also last around 48 hours since the frozen fruits inhibit bacteria growth during the first day or so.
Does blending extend the shelf life?
Blending ingredients to make smoothies doesn’t extend their shelf life. In fact, it reduces it.
Once whole fruits and vegetables are cut or blended, they start oxidizing and losing nutrients quickly. Blending also incorporates air into the smoothie, which can encourage spoilage.
So a blended smoothie will go bad faster than the whole fruits and veggies it contains would on their own.
Signs your smoothie has gone bad
How can you tell if your smoothie has spoiled and is no longer safe to drink? Here are a few signs to look for:
- Changes in texture – Becomes noticeably thicker or slimier.
- Changes in smell – Has a sour, fermented odor.
- Changes in taste – Tastes bitter or funky.
- Discoloration – Has turned grey, brown or shows separation.
- Gas bubbles – Carbonation when you open the container.
- Mold – Furry or slimy mold visible on the surface.
If you notice any of these changes in a smoothie that has been refrigerated overnight, it’s best to throw it out. Don’t take chances with foodborne pathogens.
Factors that impact smoothie shelf life
Certain ingredients and storage conditions can impact how long your smoothies stay fresh. Here are some of the main factors:
Ingredients
- Dairy – Adds protein and calcium but speeds spoilage.
- Fruit – Provides nutrients but raises acidity.
- Leafy greens – Rich in nutrients but prone to wilting.
- Vegetables – Add nutrients and fiber for slower spoiling.
- Acidic juices – Preserve smoothies but affect taste over time.
- Nuts, seeds – Spoil quickly once ground into butter form.
Storage method
- Refrigeration – Cools smoothies below bacteria danger zone of 40-140°F.
- Container – Airtight lids prevent contamination and oxidation.
- Freezing – Halts bacteria growth and preserves smoothies for months.
- Blending – Adds oxygen and speeds spoilage once consumed.
By understanding how each ingredient affects the shelf life and using proper storage methods, you can maximize the freshness of your smoothies.
How to store smoothies overnight
To safely store smoothies overnight, follow these tips:
- Make sure smoothies are completely cooled before refrigerating. Bacteria multiply rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F.
- Store in an airtight container to block oxygen and prevent contamination.
- Ensure your refrigerator is 40°F or below. If in doubt, use a thermometer to check.
- Place smoothies on a shelf rather than the door, which may not keep cold enough as it opens.
- Consume refrigerated smoothies within 24-48 hours for best quality and food safety.
- Label smoothies with the prep date so you know when the 24-48 hours is up.
Proper refrigeration is key to keeping smoothies overnight without spoilage or bacterial growth.
Can you freeze smoothies?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of smoothies far beyond 24-48 hours. Frozen properly, smoothies can last for 3-6 months in the freezer.
To freeze smoothies:
- Make sure smoothies are completely chilled before freezing, not room temperature.
- Transfer chilled smoothies to freezable containers or bags.
- Remove as much air as possible to minimize freezer burn.
- Label containers with the prep date and contents.
- Freeze smoothies for up to 6 months at 0°F.
When ready to consume, thaw smoothies overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before giving them a good shake or stir.
Can you freeze smoothies with yogurt?
Dairy products like yogurt tend to separate or turn watery when frozen and thawed. To freeze yogurt smoothies:
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt, which holds up better than regular.
- Incorporate bananas or avocado for creaminess.
- Add a little lemon juice to help stabilize the yogurt.
- Once thawed, blend again before drinking to reincorporate.
The results may not be quite as creamy, but freezing can extend the life of yogurt smoothies by months.
Smoothie shelf life FAQs
Can you drink a smoothie after 48 hours?
It’s not recommended to drink smoothies that are older than 48 hours, even if refrigerated. Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can multiply to dangerous levels after this time, especially in dairy-based smoothies. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe and make a fresh smoothie.
Do smoothies last longer without ice?
Yes, smoothies without ice will generally last a bit longer. Ice dilutes smoothies and makes them more perishable. However, you can still store ice smoothies for 24-48 hours if refrigerated.
Can you get food poisoning from bad smoothies?
Yes, drinking contaminated smoothies that contain bacteria, viruses or mold can lead to foodborne illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and cramps. To avoid this, refrigerate and freeze smoothies properly and never drink them beyond recommended time limits.
Do smoothies need to be refrigerated after opening?
Pre-made bottled smoothies must be refrigerated after opening, and should be consumed within 48 hours for food safety. For homemade smoothies, it’s also important to refrigerate any leftovers immediately to prevent bacterial growth.
Can you refreeze thawed smoothies?
It is unsafe to refreeze smoothies after they have fully thawed. At this point, bacteria may have multiplied during the time spent at warmer temperatures. Only refreeze smoothies if there are still ice crystals present and they have been thawed for less than 1-2 days in the fridge.
Conclusion
In most cases, smoothies will only stay fresh when refrigerated for 24-48 hours. Dairy-based smoothies have the shortest shelf life at just 24 hours. You can identify spoiled smoothies by changes in texture, smell, taste and appearance.
Proper refrigeration and freezing techniques can help maximize smoothie freshness. But for the best quality and food safety, it’s generally best to consume smoothies within 48 hours of preparation.
