So you made a smoothie but kept it in your fridge and forgot all about it. Well, this happens to the best of us. But how long does a smoothie last in the fridge? Perhaps you don’t want to throw it all away and waste all that nutrient, that’s totally understandable.
In this article, we’ll discuss all you need to know about smoothie shelf life of a smoothie in a fridge and how to tell when it has gone bad.
How Long Does It Last Unrefrigerated
Smoothie shelf life is quite very short. In just 2-3 hours, it goes from being a nutritious delight to a potential recipe for disaster.
The culprit behind this quick spoilage is none other than oxidation. This occurs When the nutrients found in fruits and veggies are exposed to the elements, That’s when things start to go south. All the nutrients, flavors, and even vibrant colors take a nosedive and begin to deteriorate fast.
How can you tell if your once-vibrant smoothie has fallen victim to oxidation? Keep an eye out for its colour. If you notice it getting a grayish hue, then know that your smoothie has fallen victim to oxidation and should not be consumed.
So, to keep your smoothie game on point, remember this golden rule: serve it fresh and chilled, not at room temperature. Drink your smoothie as soon as possible after making it, or store it away in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. But for the best experience and optimal nutrition, it’s best to drink your smoothie within 24 hours.
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How Long Does It Last When Kept in the Fridge
If you’re a devoted smoothie enthusiast who likes to enjoy the fruity goodness each morning, then you can store it away in the fridge
However, do keep in mind that your smoothie, although refrigerated, would only last for a maximum of 3-4 days. That doesn’t mean that it is immune to oxidation. Your smoothie can still undergo a touch of oxidation during its stay in the fridge. But regardless, they still pack a punch when it comes to nutrition!
When storing away your smoothie in the fridge, ensure that it is stored in an airtight container. This method works wonders in extending their fridge life.
And don’t forget to fill that container all the way to the top. Less room for air and oxygen means your smoothie would last longer. Layers might form over time, the longer your smoothie stays in the fridge; hence, before you drink it, make sure you give it a good shake.
Although your homemade smoothie may not last that long, store-bought smoothies can a bit longer because they are fortified with their preservatives; hence they can outlast the 48-hour mark, even after being opened.
What Happens When You Keep Your Smoothies in the Fridge
Storing your smoothies in the fridge would slow down the oxidation process and keep your smoothies fresh for a little longer. However, it can’t completely stop the oxidation process even if kept in an airtight container because the smoothies have already been exposed to the elements.
Now, their flavour and nutritional value would slowly leak away. It becomes worse when you keep stuff in your fridge that naturally breeds bacteria such as raw meat.
How Long Does It Last When Kept in a Freezer
If you’re a master of prepping ahead, freezing your smoothies can be a game-changer. Believe it or not, when properly stored, your icy delights can stay fresh for up to three whole months!
But there are a few drawbacks to consider. The main challenge is the waiting game. When that smoothie craving hits, you’ll need to patiently wait for it to defrost, and that can take a while.
Here’s a nifty tip for smoothie enthusiasts planning to have their smoothies throughout the week: whip up a full batch, freeze them, and each night before bed, take one out and keep it in the fridge to thaw. This ensures that they stay fresh and have a delightful taste for longer.
The beauty of freezing fruit is that it’s unlikely to succumb to oxidation, as long as it’s snugly tucked inside an airtight container. Not only does this ward off potential freezer burn, but it also preserves the flavors and textures you love.
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Other methods to make your smoothie last longer
Here are a few other tricks you can try to make your smoothies last longer
1. Add Some Citrus
You can try adding some citrus fruit juice to your smoothie. Citrus does wonders when it comes to slowing down the oxidation process in fruits; however, they’re smoothie savers too.
Squeeze a dash of lemon or lime juice into your smoothie, mix it, and store it away in your fridge. Citrus fruits aren’t just your average preservers; they’re also great colon cleaners.
2. Fill up your container
Fill your container to the brim! That’s right, even a tiny bit of air can be the culprit behind a short-lived smoothie. If you’re aiming to maximize their lifespan in the fridge or freezer, you must eliminate any contact between your precious blend and the air.
So, grab your airtight container and pour your smoothie right to the top, leaving no room for those pesky air molecules, sealing it tight with a good lid.
If you have a personal-sized blender like the NutriBullet or Magic Bullet, you can conveniently store your smoothies in the same container you blended them in.
3. Add some greens
You can also add some leafy greens and transform your regular fruit smoothie into a wholesome green smoothie. Not only do these green wonders provide an array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but they can also extend the lifespan of your refrigerated blend.
The secret lies in chlorophyll, the magical pigment found in leafy greens. It acts as a natural preservative, keeping your smoothie fresh for an extended period in the fridge.
Thanks to the chlorophyll, green smoothies can outlast their fruit counterparts, lasting twice as long in the fridge. If you’re looking to squeeze a few extra hours of shelf life, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or some additional greens to your blend.
How to Know When Your Smoothie Has Gone Bad
It’s very important to know when your smoothie has gone bad to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Luckily, there are a few obvious signs you can look out for
The first and simplest method is to trust your taste buds. If your smoothie tastes sour or bitter, it’s a clear indicator that it has likely spoiled and should be discarded.
Another visible sign of spoilage is the presence of mold or bacterial growth. Keep an eye out for black specks floating in your smoothie, which could be bits of fruit seeds. Additionally, small white spots may indicate pieces of skin or egg whites. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to steer clear and not consume the smoothie.
Another indicator is a pungent odour. Before consuming a refrigerated smoothie, give it a sniff to detect any foul odors. If it smells unpleasant or different from what you expect, it’s a sign that the smoothie has turned and should be avoided.
It’s worth noting that certain liquids used in smoothies have different shelf lives. To ensure the safety of your smoothie, practice proper hygiene, store it in airtight containers, and adhere to recommended storage times. By staying vigilant and aware of these signs, you can enjoy your smoothies with confidence, knowing they are fresh, safe, and delicious.
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Conclusion
The lifespan of a smoothie in the fridge can vary depending on various factors. The general lifespan of a well-preserved smoothie is about 3-4 days. However, it’s important to note that the taste and nutritional quality may gradually diminish over time.
For the best experience, it is recommended to consume your smoothie within 24 hours. Remember to trust your senses and look out for signs of spoilage such as sour taste, mold, or off-putting odor.