Is expired juice safe to drink?
Quick Answer
No
Drinking expired juice may lead to food poisoning or other health issues due to the growth of bacteria, yeast, or mold. Always check the expiration date and any changes in smell, taste, or appearance before consuming.
What Is It?
Expired juice refers to juice that has passed its ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date indicated by the manufacturer. This date is a guideline for when the product will be at its best quality, not necessarily when it becomes unsafe.
How to Tell
Signs of expired juice include a sour or off smell, a change in color, a strange taste, or visible mold.
Why It Can Be Risky
Drinking expired juice can pose several health risks, especially if it has been improperly stored or shows signs of spoilage.
- Food poisoning: Consuming expired juice can lead to food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to the molds or bacteria that can grow in expired juice.
Safe Method?
The safest method is to only consume juice before its expiration date and to discard any juice that shows signs of spoilage.
Can You Just Cut It Off?
If juice has been opened and stored properly in the refrigerator, it can typically last for 7-10 days past the ‘best by’ date. However, any signs of spoilage should be taken as a signal to discard the juice immediately.
Safe Alternatives
If you’re unsure about the safety of your juice, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it. You can always purchase fresh juice or make your own at home.
Storage Tips
Always store juice in the refrigerator after opening.’, ‘Keep the juice container tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air and bacteria.’, ‘Avoid drinking directly from the juice container to prevent the spread of germs.