How Long Do Juices Last in the Fridge? Storage Tips & Shelf Life

Fresh juices can last anywhere from a few to 72 hours, depending on various factors. Different types of juices have varying shelf life. Even if the juice doesn’t go bad quickly, it can lose its freshness and taste if not stored properly. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how long juices last when refrigerated or frozen, as well as how long they can stay good if not refrigerated. We’ll also share tips to extend the shelf life of your juice, if you’re interested in batch juicing.

How Long Does Juice Last Unrefrigerated?

Fresh fruit and vegetable juices may last only a few hours at room temperature, after which they might taste different and start to separate. 

Juices can go bad easily if not refrigerated because of bacteria. Warm room temperature provides the perfect conditions for microorganisms to thrive. They start to feed on the sugars and other nutrients in the juice, which kicks start fermentation. 

Also, raw juices retain the enzymes found in fruits and vegetables. These enzymes cause changes in color, texture, and taste, particularly at room temperature. 

If the juice is left in open air, it oxidizes, accelerating the degradation. 

Make sure to drink the juice within a few hours of pressing it. Otherwise, store it in the fridge. 

How Long Do Fresh Juices Last in the Fridge?

Fresh juices typically last from four hours to three days in the fridge. There are multiple factors that ultimately determine the longevity of the natural juice. 

• Type of juice: The juicing process and types of juicers also impact the juice's shelf life. A juice made from a traditional centrifugal juicer has a shorter shelf life than one made using a slow juicer. 

• Storage: If the juice is stored properly in airtight glass bottles or jars, it can last longer. 

• Ingredients: The contents of the juice also impact its shelf life, as some ingredients tend to go bad quickly. For instance, green juices can go bad in a few hours if not refrigerated in an airtight container. 

• pH level: Research shows that juices with a lower pH level (more acidic) tend to last longer than juices with a higher pH level (more alkaline). Again, that depends on the ingredients of the juice. Citrus fruits contain citric acid, so juices made from such fruits may have a longer shelf life. 

How Long Do Pressed Juices Last?

Cold-pressed juices made using a slow juicer typically have a long shelf life. These juices can easily last up to 72 hours if refrigerated correctly in an airtight container. 

The juice's physical properties and taste may start to change after 72 hours. So, you should drink your cold-pressed juice within that time frame. 

Good storability is one of the main benefits of cold press juice, besides its abundance of nutrients and antioxidants. In comparison, juices made in centrifugal juicers with blades don’t last as long. That’s mainly because such juices lose some critical micronutrients and enzymes that help keep the juice fresh. That’s why slow juicing is better for batch production. 

Keep in mind that even with cold-pressed juices, the shelf life can be impacted by other factors like the freshness of the produce, the quality of the juicer, the ingredients’ acidity, and your preservation method.  

How Long Does Bottled Juice Last?

Bottled juices have a long shelf life if unopened. They can easily last for a couple of months on store shelves. However, once opened, packaged juice must be stored at the recommended temperature range (below 40℉) and consumed within a few days. 

The reason why store-bought juices have a long shelf life is that they contain preservatives. While these preservatives help retain the consistency of the juice for long, they may impact the taste. That’s why fresh juices always taste much better than packaged ones. 

Also, bottled juices usually have a lot of added sugars that increase your calorie intake and cause a sharp rise in insulin response. However, fresh juices may actually lower your glycemic index, according to several studies.

How Long Does Juice Last in the Freezer?

Juice can last up to 12 months in the freezer. However, it will lose its freshness, texture, and taste when thawed. 

That said, freezing can be a good way to preserve juice, especially if you don’t plan on consuming it within three days. 

You can freeze juice from seasonal or rare fruits and vegetables in batches of bottles and consume it all year. You’d still get the nutrients from it, especially if the juice was cold-pressed. However, it won’t be as tasty as fresh juice.

How to Extend the Shelf Life of Juice

You can keep homemade juice fresh and tasty if you store it right. Here are some storage tips for fresh juices: 

• Store juice in an airtight container: Don’t expose the juice to air, as it will oxidize its nutrients and degrade. Use a glass bottle or vacuum-sealed container to store the juice right after it’s pressed. 

• Top container to the brim: Fill the juice almost to the brim of the container to leave little to no air, and seal the juice for maximum freshness. 

• Use an opaque jar or bottle: Light exposure also breaks down the nutrients in the juice, especially vitamin C, so use a dark, opaque container. 

• Avoid metal containers: Metal containers like those made from aluminum may react with the content of the juice and cause quicker degradation. Instead, store it in a glass or BPA-free plastic bottle.

• Refrigerate immediately: Keep juice at or below 40°F (4°C) to slow bacterial growth and oxidation process.

• Add salt or lemon juice to increase shelf life: Squeeze a little lemon or lime juice to increase the juice's acidity, which prevents oxidation. Similarly, you can add a pinch of salt, which acts as a natural preservative and may even improve the taste. 

• Shake before drinking: Even with proper storage, separation can occur. Just shake the juice and mix it well before drinking it.

Go With Cold-Pressed Juice

Fresh juice, when stored properly and refrigerated, may last up to 72 hours. Raw cold-pressed juice, in particular, is the best choice if you plan on consuming the juice in the next few days. It provides optimal freshness, taste, and nutritional quality—just a few of the many benefits of cold-pressed juice. 

Hurom makes healthy, slow juicing easy and accessible with its innovative cold press juicer. You can now prepare vegetable and fruit juice in bulk faster and enjoy it for longer. 

Explore our range of slow juicers and get juicing!

FAQs

How long does orange juice last?

Fresh orange juices last two to three days if refrigerated in an airtight container. At room temperature, orange juice only lasts for a couple of hours, after which it begins developing bacteria and going bad. 

Packaged orange juice can last for months when sealed and unopened. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within three days. 

Can lemon juice go bad?

Although highly acidic and long-lasting, lemon juice may go bad at room temperature, especially in warm climates. It can last for several days if you put it in a bottle or jar and refrigerate it. 

Pasteurized lemon or lime juice that’s sold in grocery stores can last for six months, even longer. Check the expiration date and the recommended use duration. 

How long does green juice last?

Green juices, especially fresh ones, last only a couple of hours at room temperature and up to 24-48 hours when refrigerated in an airtight container. 

Green juices mostly contain leafy green vegetables and herbs, which typically have a short shelf life. So, their juice also has a short shelf life. 

How long does apple juice last?

Fresh apple juice lasts for up to 24-72 hours when refrigerated immediately in an airtight container, like a mason jar or vacuum-sealed bag. At room temperature, apple juice will start to go bad after just a couple of hours. 

Packaged apple juice is a different story. It can last for months, as it’s pasteurized and contains preservatives. Once opened, the shelf life reduces to three days. That’s why you should refrigerate it. 

How can you tell if the juice is spoiled?

Spoiled juice may have an off-odor, a change in color or texture, or visible mold growth. It might also taste sour or have an unpleasant aftertaste.  When in doubt, it's best to discard the juice. Drinking spoiled juice may cause stomach aches and indigestion. 

What juices have the longest shelf life?

Cold-pressed juices stored in sealed containers tend to have the longest shelf life. Acidic juices with a pH of 6 or lower tend to last longer (up to 72 hours) when refrigerated. For instance, orange or grape juice can easily be consumed within three days. Frozen juice lasts the longest, which can be as long as one year.