Many of us like to stock up on juices whenever we visit the grocery store. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a refreshing and healthy drink whenever we want. However, one of the biggest questions that come to mind is, how long can we store juices in the fridge?
In fact, surprisingly, many people are unaware of the fact that juices can go bad too. So, how long does it take for juice to go bad in the fridge? Let’s find out.
Factors That Affect The Shelf Life Of Juice
There are several factors that can affect the shelf life of juice. These include:
Type Of Juice
Different types of juices have different qualities and properties that impact their shelf life. For instance, citrus juices like orange, lemon, and grapefruit contain high amounts of acid, which helps in preserving the juice for a longer time. On the other hand, juice from fruits like strawberries, kiwis, and peaches tend to spoil much faster.
Storage Temperature
Another vital factor that affects the shelf life of juice is storage temperature. Storing your juice at room temperature accelerates the speed at which bacteria grows, and the juice goes bad. On the other hand, storing it at lower temperatures, like in the fridge, slows down the bacterial growth, which extends the shelf life of juice.
Quality Of The Juice
Juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables are more likely to spoil faster than the packaged ones. This is because fresh juice lacks preservatives, and it’s susceptible to bacterial contamination. Packaged juice , on the other hand, has added preservatives, and the packaging offers a barrier against contamination.
Container Type
The type of container plays a crucial role in preserving the shelf life of juice. Bottles made of glass or plastic are less apt to contaminate the juice than other types of containers. However, once you open the container, the shelf life significantly decreases, whether it is glass or plastic.
How Long Do Juices Last In The Fridge?
Now that we know the factors that affect the shelf life of juice let’s discuss how long different kinds of juices can last in the fridge.
Freshly Squeezed Juice
Freshly squeezed juice must be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours of preparation to avoid the growth of harmful microorganisms.
Store Bought Juice
Store-bought, unopened juice lasts for about eight days in the fridge, and after opening, it can last for up to seven days. The shelf life of packaged juice can vary depending on the type, quality, and packaging.
Smoothies
Smoothies typically are best consumed the same day they are made. Because of the added sugars and other ingredients, they tend to spoil much faster than juices.
Conclusion
In summary, how long juice lasts in the fridge depends on several factors. The type of juice, the temperature, quality, and container type all play a critical role in preserving the juice’s shelf life. Freshly squeezed juice should be consumed within 24 hours, while store bought can last between 7 to 8 days depending on the quality and type.
So next time you stock up on your favorite juice, make sure to store it correctly and consume it before its expiry date to enjoy it at its best. Also, keep in mind that freezing juice is always an option if you don’t intend to use it anytime soon.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to store food items correctly, check out this article on cold food storage charts from the Food Safety website.
FAQ
How long can you keep juice in the fridge?
Once you have made a delicious fresh juice, it’s important to know how long you can keep it in the fridge. Drinking fresh juice every day can be a great way to improve your diet and boost your overall health. However, it’s important to ensure that the juice is fresh and safe to drink – and that means understanding how long it can be kept in the fridge.
According to experts, if you want to preserve your freshly squeezed juice without freezing it, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This is the recommended period as well, as beyond that, the nutritional value of the juice may start to decrease, and potential microbes can grow, making it unsafe to drink.
It’s crucial to mention that not all juices are created equal – some juices may have a longer shelf life than others. For example, if you made a vegetable juice that has less natural sugar, it may last longer than a fruit juice with higher sugar content. Also, fresh juice with no preservatives will inevitably spoil faster than commercial juices with added preservatives.
In case you decide to freeze your juice instead, know that freezing your juice can make it last longer, but the taste and quality can be different from the freshly squeezed. If you’re freezing your juice, be sure to store it in an airtight container, or a freezer-safe jar, and leave enough room at the top for expansion. It’s best to freeze your juice within the first 24 hours of making it, for best taste and nutrient retention. Once frozen, it can last between 12 to 16 months, depending on the type of juice.
If you prefer to make your juice ahead of time, you should store it in the fridge for a maximum of three days, or freeze it for longer-term storage. However, if you want to get the most out of your juice, it’s better to drink it fresh and enjoy the full flavor and maximum nutritional benefits.
How do you know if juice has gone bad?
Juice can be a delicious and healthy way to quench your thirst. However, like any food or beverage, it can spoil if it is not stored properly or consumed before its expiration date. Knowing how to identify spoiled juice can prevent you from getting sick and can also help you avoid the unpleasant taste associated with bad juice.
One of the most noticeable signs that juice has gone bad is discoloration. Over time, the color of juice may darken or become cloudy due to the breakdown of natural compounds. For example, orange juice that has gone bad may turn brown or gray instead of its usual orange color. If you notice any discoloration of your juice, it is best to avoid drinking it.
Another sign that juice has gone bad is a sour smell. If you open a container of juice and it smells sour, it is likely that it has gone bad. The sour smell is usually the first indication that something is wrong with the juice, and in most cases, you should discard it right away. Drinking bad juice can lead to food poisoning and other health problems, so it’s not worth the risk.
Finally, the growth of mold is a telltale sign that the juice has gone bad. Mold growth can occur on the surface of the juice or at the bottom of the container. Mold can be harmful to your health and should be avoided at all costs. If you notice mold on your juice, throw it away immediately.
You can identify spoiled juice by looking for signs of discoloration, a sour smell, and mold growth. If you notice any of these signs, you should avoid drinking the juice and discard it right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to consuming food and beverages that may have gone bad.
How fast does juice go bad?
Juice is a delicious beverage that provides a variety of essential nutrients to our body. However, regardless of the type of juice you choose, it can go bad over time. The shelf life of juice depends on several factors such as the type of juice, storage conditions, and whether it is opened or unopened.
Freshly squeezed juice, including orange, lemon, and grapefruit, will only last for a few days in the refrigerator. After juicing, the oxygen in the air replaces the protective atmosphere, leading to oxidation that causes the juice to deteriorate. Additionally, fresh juices are free from preservatives, making them particularly vulnerable to spoilage. It is therefore recommended to consume fresh juices within 24 hours of juicing or consider freezing them for later use.
On the other hand, commercially produced juices undergo pasteurization, a process that involves heating the juice to a high temperature to kill any bacteria. This process extends the shelf life of juice significantly. An unopened carton of refrigerated orange juice will keep well for about 2 weeks past its “best by” date, typically found on the package. After opening, refrigerated juice should be consumed within 7 days.
Furthermore, some juices are available as shelf-stable products that can be stored at room temperature without refrigeration. These juices undergo ultra-high temperature processing (UHT) to kill any bacteria, allowing them to last much longer. An unopened carton of shelf-stable orange juice can keep for up to 1-2 years from the date of production. Once opened, shelf-stable orange juice should be refrigerated and consumed within 7 days.
The shelf life of juice depends on various factors, including the type of juice, storage conditions, and whether it is opened or unopened. Factors like exposure to oxygen, heat, and light can cause juices to spoil quickly. It is important to check the expiration date and follow storage guidelines for optimal taste and quality.
