An apple a day keeps the doctor away, thanks to all of its health benefits.
But did you know that you may need a doctor if you drink spoiled apple juice because of the food poisoning symptoms you might experience? But wait, let’s rewind: does apple juice go bad?
- Spoiler Alert: Apple juice goes bad.
- Here’s the worst part: Drinking an apple juice that has gone bad comes with a few health risks. But how do you know if the apple juice has gone bad? You need to read this article to find out!
In this article, you’ll also discover the answers to:
There is no need to squeeze the truth from us because we’re ready to share the answers with you.
Let’s get going!
Does Apple Juice Go Bad? Can It Really Expire?
Like all other fruit juices, apple juice can go bad when left for far too long.
The good news is fruit juices have a longer shelf life than vegetable juices. This is because they are acidic, so they can resist microbial growth.
Not only that, fruit juices contain good amounts of natural sugar, which acts as a preservative and prevents it from spoiling faster. This is especially true with commercial apple juices, which also contain added sugar.
How Long Does Apple Juice Last?
So what is the shelf life of apple juice? How long does apple juice last?
Well, the shelf life of apple juice depends on the type of apple juice (store-bought or homemade), food storage conditions (refrigerated or room temperature), and whether they are opened and unopened.
Another biggest consideration about the shelf life of apple juice would be whether or not the apple juice has been pasteurized.
Pasteurized juices last longer since the juices have been heated to high temperatures to kill off any bacteria or microorganisms present on the fresh apples. (*)
The key to determining whether the juice is pasteurized or not is to check out how the apple juice is stored in the stores.
Apple juice old unrefrigerated are most likely pasteurized juices.
While apple juice sold refrigerated might not have undergone the pasteurization process.
With all of these into consideration, here are the guidelines on apple juice shelf life that you need to know about:
1. Store-bought Pasteurized Apple Juice Sold Unrefrigerated
- Unopened Apple Juice: Follow expiration date (if no signs of spoilage, expiration date +3 months)
- Opened Apple Juice: 3 weeks after opening (refrigerated)
2. Store-bought Apple Juice Sold Refrigerated
- Unopened Apple Juice: Follow expiration date (if no signs of spoilage, expiration date +1 to 2 days)
- Opened Apple Juice: 3 days after opening.
3. Homemade Apple Juice:
- 3 days after production
Pro Tip: If you want to have easy access to apple juice at any time, go for the canned apple juice, as it can last for up to 9 months when stored properly.
What are the Signs of Bad Apple Juice?
As you’ve noticed, it’s okay to consume apple juice if it’s only a few days to weeks past the expiration date. However, you have to ensure that the apple juice hasn’t spoiled yet.
To do that, we recommend inspecting the juice first for any signs of spoilage. Here they are:
1. Odor Changes
Simply smelling the apple juice can help you determine whether it’s still safe or not. In addition, when apple juice spoils, it starts to ferment a bit, so you can easily check its condition through its smell.
If the apple juice gives off a sour smell of it smells the same as alcoholic drinks like beer or wine, throw the juice right away.
2. Changes in Appearance
The sign of spoilage that you can easily spot is discoloration. The apple juice has started to spoil once it turns on a darker shade.
Other appearance changes that you should look out for are small bubbles at the surface of the juice. It may also have a cloudy texture.
If this is the case, then you should discard the juice immediately.
3. Mold Growth
Green or white fuzzy growth on the bottle’s opening or in the juice itself indicates spoilage, so don’t drink that juice if you don’t want to get food poisoning.
4. Swollen or Puffy Can or Bottle
If the condition of the apple juice has come to this, don’t think twice about it. Just throw it out.
How to Store Apple Juice?
Learning how to store apple juice properly can help you extend its shelf life, maintain its freshness, and prevent unwanted side effects from drinking spoiled apple juice.
As we’ve mentioned, there are three types of apple juice, and they are stored in different ways. Here are some food storage guidelines you need to know:
1. Apple Juice Sold Unrefrigerated
Unopened apple juice must be stored in a cool, dark, dry place like your kitchen cabinet, cupboard, or pantry.
On the other hand, opened apple juice must be refrigerated after opening.
2. Apple Juice Sold Refrigerated
If the apple juice were stored in the store’s refrigerator, you must refrigerate it at all times.
3. Homemade Apple Juice
Since homemade apple juices are unpasteurized, you should always keep them in the fridge.
Pro Tip: The best food storage temperature for apple juice is 31 to 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
More Apple Juice Questions Answered
Wrapping It Up
Yes, apple juice can go bad, and things will go bad when you drink it when it’s already bad.
Because of this, you must store apple juice properly, and you can do that by following the food storage tips we’ve shared with you.
More than that, always be vigilant when it comes to apple juice that has been stored for too long.
Take the time to inspect it for any signs of spoilage before drinking it to avoid unwanted symptoms of food poisoning.
Up Next: The Best Shelf life of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
