How to Store Fresh Juice: 10 BEST Tips

Storing fresh juice can be tricky. If it’s not stored properly, you end up with spoiled juice, wasted produce, and lost nutrients. 

Whether it’s in the fridge or freezer, following the right steps can keep your juice fresher, tastier, and vitamin-packed for longer. 

Learn how to store fresh juice the right way to get the most out of every batch.

1. Choose a Cold-Press Juicer

The first step to storing fresh juice properly is to choose the right juicer. Cold-press juicers, like Hurom’s models, are the best for keeping your tasty juice fresh longer. 

That’s because we power our juicing process with the Slow Squeeze Technology, which generates minimal heat and oxidation. As a result, your juice retains more nutrients and stays fresh for longer. 

Our cold-press juicers extract juice more gently, preserving the vitamins, enzymes, and minerals that degrade faster when exposed to heat or air. 

Basically, choosing a cold-press juicer ensures you start with juice that’s already more stable and nutrient-rich.

2. Store Juice in Airtight Glass Containers

Once your juice is ready, it’s crucial to store it in airtight, clean glass jars. 

Here’s why:

Juicing opens your fruits’ and veggies’ cell walls, so their nutrients get exposed to heat, air, and light. And oxygen speeds up nutrient loss.

However, airtight containers limit the juice's exposure to oxygen. Besides, glass is non-reactive, so it won’t affect the taste or composition of your juice. 

Insider tip: Always make sure the lid is tightly sealed to keep your juice fresh. Avoid using containers with loose-fitting lids, as they allow air to enter, spoiling the juice faster.

3. Keep Juice in the Fridge at 35-40°F (1.6-4.4°C)

Temperature plays a big role in how long your juice stays fresh. Store your cold-pressed juice in the fridge at a temperature between 35 and 40°F (1.6 to 4.4°C). This range slows down nutrient degradation and prevents bacteria growth. 

If you don't have room in your fridge or are traveling, use a cooler bag with ice packs instead.

Insider tip: Place the juice in the back of the fridge, where the temperature is most consistent, to make it last even longer.

4. Fill Containers to the Top

When storing cold-press juice, always fill your containers to the top. 

Leaving extra air space in the container increases oxygen exposure, which speeds up the oxidation process. So, the point of filling the container completely is to reduce the amount of air that can affect your fruit or vegetable juices. 

This simple step helps keep the juice fresh and slows down any changes in flavor or color. The goal isn’t just to keep your juice looking good but to maintain its natural taste and nutrients.

Insider tip: Juicing in bulk is a huge time saver. Read more helpful batch juicing tips to make the most of your efforts.

5. Add Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a natural preservative that can extend the life of your cold-press juice. Adding a small amount of lemon juice delays oxidation, keeping it fresher for longer. 

That works because the citric acid in lemons is an antioxidant. Therefore, it slows the breakdown of vitamins and prevents browning. 

Insider tip: This tactic is especially useful if you’re juicing fruits like apples and peaches, which tend to oxidize quickly. By comparison, citrus juice and grape juice last longer.

6. Freeze Juice in Portions

If you need to store fresh juice for longer than a few days, freezing is a great option. Freezing slows down the oxidation process and preserves the nutrients. To make it easier, freeze your juice in small portions, like small glass containers, so you can defrost just what you need. 

Insider tip: When freezing, make sure to leave a little room at the top of the container, as the juice will expand. 

Frozen juice can last for weeks, but for the best flavor and nutrition, it’s recommended to consume it within 2-3 months.

7. Don’t Use Plastic Containers

Avoid storing your cold-press juice in plastic containers. Plastic can leach chemicals into the juice, especially if it’s left in the fridge for a long time. Even BPA-free plastics can break down over time, affecting the taste and quality of your juice. 

Plastic also allows more oxygen to seep in compared to glass, which speeds up oxidation. Glass containers are safer, more eco-friendly, and preserve the freshness and quality of your juice better than plastic.

8. Drink Within 72 Hours

For the best taste and nutrition, it’s important to drink your juice within 72 hours if you’re not freezing it. Fresh juice starts to lose its nutrients as soon as it’s exposed to air, so the sooner you drink it, the better. 

While proper storage techniques can slow down this process, cold-press juice is always at its best within the first three days. After 72 hours, even with careful storage, the taste and nutritional value will start to degrade. Drinking your juice fresh ensures you’re getting all the benefits of the fruits and vegetables you’ve juiced.

9. Vacuum Seal Your Juice

Vacuum sealing is a great way to extend the life of your fresh juice because you’re removing more air from the container. 

Using a vacuum sealer or vacuum-sealable bags, you can store juice in the fridge or freezer for longer periods without sacrificing freshness or flavor. Vacuum-sealed juice can last up to 5-7 days in the fridge, compared to the typical 72 hours.

Wrapping Up

Fresh, homemade juice is healthier than store-bought juice. If you have a busy schedule, you can make more fresh juice in bulk and store it for later. 

However, the right container, temperature, and preservation techniques ensure your juice stays full of flavor and nutrients. 

Using glass containers, maintaining the right fridge temperature, and knowing how to freeze effectively will help you get the most out of your juice. 

Follow our nine tips above to enjoy fresh, healthy juice for longer without worrying about ruining your juice’s nutritional content.

And don’t forget that a cold-press juicer is an essential part of the storage process.

Take this free online test to find the best juicer for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep fresh juice in the fridge?
The maximum storage time of fresh juice is up to 72 hours in the fridge if kept properly in airtight glass containers. For the best flavor and nutrient content, you should drink it within 24-48 hours.

How long will homemade juice last if frozen?
Fresh juice can last up to 2-3 months when frozen in airtight containers. Freeze the juice in small portions and make sure to leave space at the top of the container for expansion. Thaw in the fridge for best results.

What is the best way to store cold-press juice?
The best way to store cold-press juice is in airtight glass containers. Glass is non-reactive and won’t affect the taste or juice nutrients. Make sure the container is filled to the top to reduce air exposure and keep the juice fresher longer.

How do I store juice in the fridge or freezer?
To store juice in the fridge, place it in airtight glass containers and keep it between 35-40°F (1.6-4.4°C). For longer storage, freeze the juice in small portions, leaving some space for expansion. Glass containers or silicone ice trays are great for freezing juice.

Does freezing juice affect the nutrients?
Freezing juice may slightly reduce the levels of certain vitamins like vitamin C, but it’s still an effective way to preserve most nutrients for a longer period. Freezing is better than letting the juice sit in the fridge for too long, as it maintains the juice's quality and freshness.

How to store fresh juice naturally?
To store juice naturally, add a small amount of lemon juice, which acts as a preservative due to its citric acid content. Store the juice in airtight glass containers and keep it refrigerated.

Can I use plastic containers to store fresh juice?
It’s better to avoid plastic containers. Even BPA-free plastic can allow oxygen to seep in, which accelerates oxidation and nutrient degeneration. Glass containers are safer and more effective for maintaining freshness.

Does fresh juice lose nutrients over time?
Yes, fresh juice begins to lose nutrients once it’s exposed to air. The best way to slow this process is by storing the juice in airtight containers in the fridge. While the vitamin C content may lower over time, proper storage can preserve the majority of the juice’s nutritional value.

How do you know if juice has gone bad?

You can tell if juice has gone bad by checking for several signs. First, smell the juice—if it has a sour, off-putting odor, it’s likely spoiled. Second, examine the appearance. Spoiled juice may have a change in color or texture, such as separation that doesn’t blend back together when shaken or unusual cloudiness. Lastly, taste a small amount. If it tastes sour, bitter, or off, discard it immediately.

How long does it take juice to freeze?

Juice typically takes about 4-6 hours to freeze, depending on the portion size and your freezer’s temperature. Smaller portions, like juice cubes, will freeze faster than full bottles. For best results, use airtight glass containers and leave some space at the top for the juice to expand as it freezes.

How long does green juice last in the fridge?

Green juice can be more sensitive compared to other types of juice due to its high content of chlorophyll, antioxidants, and enzymes, which degrade more quickly. Because of this, green juice often has a shorter shelf life. While most fresh juices can last up to 72 hours in the fridge, green juice is best consumed within 24-48 hours to retain its maximum nutritional value. After 48 hours, green juice can start to lose its freshness, taste, and nutrient levels faster than fruit-based juices. Proper storage in airtight glass containers helps slow this process, but quicker consumption is still best.