With health benefits and a refreshing taste that leaves you feeling hydrated, it’s no wonder you may want to stock up on apple juice, especially if you’ve stumbled upon a good deal at the supermarket.
If you have more apple juice than you can drink in one go, you’re probably asking yourself how long it lasts and if it goes bad.
Read on for a guide on how to spot signs of spoilage and tips on how to prolong the shelf life of apple juice.
Here are the spoilers: Apple juice definitely goes bad, and you should check for changes in smell and appearance. You can expect your opened carton of juice to last ten days after it’s opened, provided you’ve stored it in the refrigerator.
Does Apple Juice Go Bad?
Apple juice does, unfortunately, go bad, and you’ll know because spoiled juice is when fermentation begins.
The easiest way to tell if your juice is fermenting is with your nose: if it is emitting a sour or alcoholic smell (such as that of beer), you should discard it.
Also, tiny bubbles or slight cloudiness may be an indication it’s going bad.
Next, look for any discoloration. If the apple juice has turned to a darker shade, this may be another sign that the fermentation process is beginning.
As always, throw out your apple juice if mold is growing in the juice or around the bottle.
Sometimes the carton or container may be an indicator of spoilage. If it is swollen, discard the apple juice.
How Long Does Apple Juice Last?
The shelf life depends on how it is stored and whether it is pasteurized or not. A pasteurized carton or bottle of apple juice will come with a best-by date and can even last up to seven days past the expiration date.
Once opened, try to drink pasteurized juice within ten days.
Canned or concentrated juice may last for a while, approximately nine months, if stored in the correct conditions. Don’t forget to check for any possible signs of spoilage before drinking.
How To Store Apple Juice
For the ideal, refreshing flavor, keep apple juice refrigerated, especially after opening. Boxed juice, or juice in a sealed bottle, should be stored in a cool, dark place such as your pantry, but again, refrigerate it after it has been opened.
If you are looking to prolong the shelf life, here’s the deal: you can freeze it! There are many things you can do with frozen apple juice, including freezing it into popsicles or leaving it in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, simply move the cubes into an airtight container, and then it will be ready for later use in smoothies or as a way to keep a drink chilled without watering it down.
Juice expands while freezing, so it is important not to leave it in its original container if unopened, or at least ensure the original container is not full. There is nothing more annoying than an exploded carton of apple juice in the freezer!
Want to know the best part about freezing apple juice? It can be stored away for as long as a year. Once thawed, however, make sure you consume it within a week. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight.
If you don’t want to freeze your apple juice but you’re aware it will go off soon, there is one more thing you can do to guarantee it is not wasted: turn it into syrup! Converting apple juice is very easy; simply follow these steps:
- Pour the apple juice into a saucepan and heat it up.
- Leave it to simmer until about 75% of the liquid has reduced.
- Once it is a thick syrup, you can use it as a topping for tasty desserts like pancakes or ice cream!
To store your syrupy apple juice, place it in an airtight container and leave it in the fridge for a maximum of 3 months.
The Round-Up On Apple Juice
Apple juice definitely does go bad, but there are some easy storage tips to prolong its shelf life. For example, freezing your apple juice will keep it fresh for a whole month.
Or you can make apple juice syrup with your leftover apple juice. That keeps for three months!
