How Long Fresh Smoothies Will Last In The Fridge
Having your Vitamix blender roaring in the morning is probably standard practice in your kitchen. But you could also save precious minutes in the morning by prepping your blended drink ahead of time. That's right, from a refreshing green grape smoothie to a sweet raspberry peach smoothie, fresh fruit shakes are actually able to last in the refrigerator for a couple of days, providing you with a nourishing breakfast on the go or a healthy pick-me-up throughout the day.
This is good news considering one of the easiest ways to dress up delicious fruit is by throwing it into a blender along with a few other basic smoothie elements, such as water or milk, healthy leafy green veggies like spinach, chia seeds, or yogurt for an optional protein boost, and, of course, a handful of ice. In addition to being incredibly nutritious, smoothies can be made from a seemingly infinite amount of ingredient combos, meaning you never have to drink the same thing twice.
Fresh smoothies generally last for 1 to 2 days in the fridge
Let's be clear. A smoothie will usually taste freshest immediately after it's made. However, that's not to say that you must drink it immediately. The homemade beverage can generally be stored in the fridge for about one to two days before it loses its palatable luster.
Granted, this timeframe largely depends on the types of ingredients that are used to make it. For example, smoothies with dairy-based ingredients like milk and yogurt tend to have a shorter lifespan and will typically be good for about one day after they're made.
And, while fruits like apples and bananas tend to brown quicker when exposed to air, a chemical reaction known as oxidation, adding chlorophyll, the substance that gives leafy vegetables their signature green color, or citric acids like zesty lemon or tart pineapple juice — all of which are natural antioxidants — can help preserve the drink for longer. Want your fresh smoothies to last beyond 24 to 48 hours? That's easy — just pop them into the freezer.
Freeze smoothies for a longer shelf life
Are you a fan of planning meals? When prepping a blended beverage, you can save a smoothie for a much later date by storing it in the freezer. On average, it can be frozen for up to three months, thawed out, and ready to be enjoyed in just a few hours. Remember that the longer the drink is frozen, the greater the chance that its texture and flavor may decline.
Whether you want to refrigerate or freeze your favorite fruity mixtures, you can also extend their shelf life by storing them in an airtight container, such as a glass mason jar, BPA-free bottle, or reusable storage bag. Just be sure to fill the container to the very top so that it's void of air to prevent oxidation from occurring. And, when you're ready to take a swig, just be sure to give it a quick stir or shake in case any of the ingredients become separated for pure deliciousness with every gulp.