Introduction
Beet juice has become a popular health drink in recent years due to its many potential benefits. Beets are packed with nutrients like folate, manganese, potassium, iron and vitamin C. Drinking beet juice may help lower blood pressure, improve athletic performance and reduce inflammation. However, like all fresh juices, beet juice has a limited shelf life. Knowing how long store bought beet juice lasts in the fridge can help you get the most out of this nutritious beverage.
How Long Does Store Bought Beet Juice Last in the Fridge?
The exact shelf life of store bought beet juice depends on a few factors:
Type of Packaging
Beet juice sold in bottles or plastic containers will last longer than juice packed in paper cartons. Bottles and plastic jugs provide more protection against oxygen, light and bacteria. Once opened, beet juice in plastic or glass bottles will last 5-7 days in the fridge.
Pasteurization
Pasteurized beet juice lasts significantly longer than unpasteurized juice. The pasteurization process involves heating the juice to high temperatures to kill harmful bacteria and enzymes that cause spoilage. Pasteurized beet juice will stay fresh in the fridge for 7-10 days after opening.
Preservatives
Some brands of beet juice contain preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. These preservatives expand the shelf life by preventing mold, yeast and bacteria growth. Preservative-packed beet juice lasts 10-14 days refrigerated.
Storage Conditions
How you store opened beet juice makes a difference. Keeping it towards the back of the fridge, far from the door prevents constant temperature changes that speed up spoilage. Storing the juice in a clean airtight container also protects it from oxygen exposure and contamination.
Expiration Date
Always check the “best by” or expiration date on the original package. This gives you an idea of how long the unopened juice will stay fresh. The clock starts ticking once you open the bottle or carton. Even if stored properly, beet juice should not be consumed after the expiration date.
How to Tell if Beet Juice Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that opened beet juice has spoiled and should be discarded:
Appearance
Fresh beet juice usually has a rich, dark reddish-purple color. As it starts to go bad, the color lightens and you’ll see more brown tones. Cloudiness, visible mold or white fizz are also indicators that the juice is no longer good.
Smell
When newly opened, beet juice has a pleasantly sweet and earthy smell. A sour, rotten or fermented odor means the juice has turned.
Taste
Beet juice that has spoiled will simply not taste right. It may have an off flavor that immediately tells you not to drink it. A fizzy or tangy taste are also red flags.
Texture
Fresh beet juice has a smooth, thick texture. Spoiled juice often becomes runny or slimy. If you see any gels, clumps or film floating around, it’s a definite sign not to drink it.
Does Refrigeration Extend the Shelf Life?
Proper refrigeration is key to getting the most shelf life out of store bought beet juice. Here’s why the fridge keeps it fresher longer:
- Cools the juice to temperatures below 40°F where bacteria grow more slowly.
- The cold environment slows down enzymatic and chemical reactions.
- Low humidity in the fridge prevents microbial growth.
- Dark enclosed space shuts out light that degrades nutrients and colors.
With refrigeration after opening, you can expect pasteurized beet juice to last 5-14 days before spoiling. If left at room temperature, the same beet juice may only last a day or two. The exception is shelf-stable varieties that are specially packaged to be stored before opening. Once opened, they still require refrigeration.
Maximizing Freshness of Opened Beet Juice
Follow these tips to keep store bought beet juice as fresh as possible for longer:
- Refrigerate after opening – Don’t leave it out
- Store in airtight containers, not the original bottle or carton
- Keep near the back of the fridge, not on the door
- Check for expiration dates and don’t drink after they have passed
- Finish within 5-14 days of opening (even if refrigerated)
- Look for preservative-free juice with less processing
- Check for signs of spoilage like changes in taste, texture, smell or appearance
- Don’t return any unused portion of juice to the fridge after pouring
- Keep the fridge below 40°F for optimal temperature
- Avoid contamination by using clean utensils and glasses
Preserving Opened Beet Juice to Extend Shelf Life
If you won’t be able to finish the full bottle of beet juice before it goes bad, try these preservation methods:
Freezing
Freezing is one of the simplest ways to make beet juice last longer. It stops bacterial growth and slows deteriorative reactions. Pour the juice into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Frozen beet juice retains its flavor and nutrients for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Canning
Proper canning involves heating juice in sterilized jars to 250°F before sealing. This kills microorganisms and inactivates enzymes that affect quality. Canned beet juice can be stored for up to a year but may have lower vitamin content.
Pickling
Pickled beet juice adds acidity and salt to prevent microbial spoilage. Store pickled juice for 1-2 months refrigerated. Note that the unique tangy flavor is not for everyone.
Adding Preservatives
You can add 300mg potassium sorbate per quart of beet juice to stop mold and yeast growth. Mix in thoroughly and refrigerate. This gives an extra 5-7 days before spoilage.
Safety Risks of Spoiled Beet Juice
Drinking beet juice that has gone bad poses some health risks including:
- Food poisoning – from toxins released by microbes
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea – typical food poisoning symptoms
- Stomach cramps and discomfort
- Inflammation and infection
- Headaches
- Allergic reactions
Severe complications are more common in elderly, infants, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Always err on the side of caution and discard juice that shows any odd changes.
Wholesomeness of Fresh vs. Processed Beet Juice
For the most nutritious and fresh tasting beet juice, nothing beats making it yourself with a juicer or blender. Juicing your own beets ensures:
- Maximum nutrient content
- No added preservatives
- No heat processing that destroys vitamins
- Control over ingredients like fruits and vegetables
- Freshly made juice with a short time until drinking
However, store bought or processed beet juice still retains many of the vegetable’s benefits. It provides an convenient option when you can’t juice your own. Opt for pasteurized varieties with minimal processing and no sugar added.
Commercially Produced Beet Juice Brands
Here are some top brands of high-quality store bought beet juice:
Lakewood Organic Pure Beet Juice
This organic cold-pressed juice contains beet juice and lemon juice. No preservatives, additives or added sugars.
BioPlanete Beet Juice
Has just three simple ingredients – organic beets, filtered water and lemon juice. Non-GMO and vegan.
Naked Pressed Beet Juice
Made with just fresh pressed beets and no added sugar. Also contains pressed apples.
Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company Beet Juice
This pasteurized juice is made from fresh organic beets and filtered water. No preservatives or additives.
R.W. Knudsen Family Organic Beet Juice
Beet juice blended with carrot and apple juice. Certified organic, non-GMO and no added sugars.
SuperBeets Beet Juice Powder
Contains beet juice crystals that you can mix into water or smoothies. Shelf-stable and travel friendly.
| Brand | Ingredients | Shelf Life After Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Lakewood | Beets, lemon juice | 7-10 days |
| BioPlanete | Beets, water, lemon juice | 7-10 days |
| Naked | Beets, apples | 5-7 days |
| Natalie’s | Beets, water | 10-14 days |
| R.W Knudsen | Beets, carrots, apples | 7-10 days |
| SuperBeets | Beet juice powder | 6-12 months (unopened) |
Conclusion
The shelf life of store bought beet juice depends largely on the packaging, storage conditions and ingredients. Pasteurized, preservative-free juice kept refrigerated after opening stays fresh for 5-14 days. Check for changes in smell, taste, appearance and texture to determine if your beet juice should be discarded. For maximum wholesomeness and nutrients, juicing your own beets is ideal. However, quality brands of store bought juice still offer convenience and health benefits. Follow proper storage guidelines and pay attention to expiration dates to get the most out of your bottle of beet juice.
