Does Apple Juice Go Bad | You Must Know

When you get apple juice, you might think, “Does apple juice go bad?” Yes, it can. Apple juice, like other juices, can get bad. How long it lasts depends on the kind – fresh, store-bought in the fridge, or unrefrigerated bottled juice. 

Fresh apple juice is yummy but doesn’t last long. Drink it in a few days or keep it cold for a bit more time. Store-bought juice, when chilled, stays good for a while. What about unrefrigerated bottled apple juice?

You find it in stores. If you keep it right, it can stay good even past the date on it. So, if you have a big bottle deal and wonder if it’s still good, don’t worry!

Now, let’s see why apple juice can get bad. The main reason is tiny things growing in it – like bacteria, yeast, and mold. They make it taste and smell weird. Temperature matters too. 

Unrefrigerated juice can last longer but can still get these tiny things.

To keep your apple juice tasty and safe, store it right. Then, it can last longer, and you can enjoy it even after the date is past.

How To Know If Your Juice Is Still Good Or Not?

When you check if your apple juice is still okay to drink, here’s what you need to know:

Look at the date

First, check the date. If it’s way past the date, it’s safer to throw it away.

Read this info

You can find helpful info below this text to know when it’s best to drink your juice.

Smell it

Smell the juice. If it smells weird, like it’s gone bad, don’t drink it. Bad juice can make you sick.

See the color

If it’s a strange color or has mold, don’t drink it. Mold is gross and not good for you.

Listen

When you open the bottle, if you hear a strange noise like air escaping, it’s not good. The juice might be bad and could make you sick.

Keeping your juice fresh is important for a tasty drink!

What Happens If You Drink Apple Juice That Has Gone Bad?

When you think about drinking old apple juice, think about your health. The Food and Drug Administration says, “Don’t drink apple juice that got bad.” Bad apple juice can make you feel sick. You might get a stomach ache, diarrhea, or throw-up.

It might seem okay to keep a bit of old apple juice, but your health is more important. Sometimes, drinking bad apple juice can make you very sick. So, if your apple juice looks strange or you think it’s bad, it’s best to be safe and throw it away.

How To Properly Store Your Apple Juice?

“Keeping apple juice fresh is important. It makes sure the juice is yummy and safe to drink. To do this right, follow these rules.

Let’s talk about apple juice from the store, the kind at room temperature. Put it in a cool, dark spot, like a pantry or cabinet. 

Close the bottle tight to keep it tasty and good for a long time.

Now, if it’s cold apple juice from the store, keep it in the fridge between 32°F and 40°F (0°C and 4.4°C). 

Look at the date on the bottle. When you open it, close it tight or put it in a sealed bottle. This keeps it yummy and healthy.

And if you make your own apple juice, put it in the fridge right away. Keep it in a clean, sealed container. Drink it up in 5-7 days to enjoy it at its best.”

How To Store Pasteurized Apple Juice Sold In Stores

When you buy apple juice from the store, there are some simple rules to keep it fresh and tasty. The juice you see on store shelves is usually not cold until you open it.

To keep unopened apple juice bottles or packs fresh, put them in a cool, dark place, like your kitchen cupboard. Sunlight and heat can harm the juice’s flavor and how long it stays good.

But when you open a bottle or pack of apple juice, put it in the fridge right away. Make sure to close it tight after using it to keep air out. Air can make the juice taste less good and may not be 

safe to drink.

Storing apple juice this way helps it stay yummy and safe for a long time. So, keep unopened ones away from sunlight and heat, and chill opened ones after using them to enjoy the tasty apple juice.

How To Store Refrigerated Apple Juice Sold In Stores

When you keep cold apple juice from the store, remember it’s like fresh homemade juice. But it doesn’t last as long as other kinds.

To keep your juice fresh, put it in the fridge. Cold helps it stay good. Look at the date on the bottle. It’s the day you should drink it before it’s not as tasty.

Once you open the juice, you should drink it fast. Try to finish it before the date on the bottle. But if you can’t, don’t worry. You can freeze it to keep it longer.

To freeze juice, put it in a container that closes tight. This stops it from getting bad in the freezer. You can enjoy yummy cold apple juice even after it’s supposed to be gone.

Final Words

Yes, apple juice can turn bad. Just like some foods, apple juice can spoil. Air, temperature changes, and tiny creatures can make it go bad. 

To keep apple juice safe, store it right, look for spoilage signs, and follow the rules for when to drink it. This way, you get tasty apple juice and avoid the yucky stuff.

FAQs

Does apple juice go bad?

Yes, like most fruit juices, apple juice can go bad over time. It has a limited shelf life, and its freshness can deteriorate.

How long does unopened apple juice last?

Unopened apple juice can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months when stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

Can you drink expired apple juice?

It’s not recommended to drink apple juice that has expired, as it may have gone bad and could make you sick. Always check the expiration date before consuming.

How can you tell if apple juice has gone bad?

Signs that apple juice has gone bad include an off-putting odor, an off-color appearance (cloudiness or mold growth), or a sour taste. If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard it.

Can you extend the shelf life of apple juice?

You can extend the shelf life of apple juice by refrigerating it after opening, sealing it tightly, and consuming it within 7–10 days. Keeping it cold slows down the oxidation process.

Can frozen apple juice go bad?

While freezing can greatly extend the shelf life of apple juice, it can still go bad if it’s stored improperly. Be sure to use airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion when freezing, to maintain its quality.

What should you do if you’re unsure about the freshness of apple juice?

If you’re unsure whether your apple juice is still good to consume, it’s safer to err on the side of caution and dispose of it rather than risk potential foodborne illness.

Can homemade apple juice go bad faster than store-bought varieties?

Homemade apple juice can go bad faster than store-bought varieties because it lacks the preservatives and pasteurization that commercially produced juices typically have. Store homemade apple juice in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days to maintain freshness.