Drinking a 2 day old smoothie may seem unappealing, but is it actually safe? Here’s a quick rundown of what happens when you leave a smoothie sitting out and whether you can still consume it after 48 hours.
What happens when you leave a smoothie sitting out?
Smoothies contain fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and juices that can spoil after a period of time unrefrigerated. Here’s a timeline of what happens:
- 4 hours – Bacteria begin to multiply rapidly at room temperature.
- 8 hours – Dairy products like yogurt and milk start to curdle and spoil.
- 12 hours – Fruits and veggies degrade, changing texture and taste.
- 24 hours – Smoothie separates, mold may start growing.
- 48 hours – High levels of bacteria, smoothie is likely spoiled.
The ingredients in a smoothie provide the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria when left at room temperature. Mold may also start to grow on the surface of the smoothie.
Is it safe to drink a 2 day old smoothie?
Food safety experts advise against consuming smoothies that are more than 24 hours old. Here are the risks of drinking a 2 day old smoothie:
- Food poisoning – Bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria can grow quickly in smoothies, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and fever if ingested.
- Spoiled milk – Dairy products can curdle and spoil after 24 hours, causing stomach upset.
- Mold – Mold spores spread quickly on the surface of smoothies left out too long and can cause allergic reactions.
- Off tastes and textures – Degraded fruits and veggies lead to unpalatable slimy or sour smoothies.
Consuming a contaminated 2 day old smoothie puts you at risk for foodborne illness. The pH, moisture, nutrients, and smooth texture of smoothies makes it easy for bacteria to rapidly multiply to dangerous levels after 48 hours at room temperature.
How long do smoothies last in the fridge?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, smoothies can last up to:
- Fresh fruit smoothies – 24-48 hours
- Green veggie smoothies – 24-48 hours
- Smoothies with fresh herbs – 24 hours
- Smoothies with dairy – 24 hours
- Prepared, store-bought smoothies – Check bottle for use-by date
Thefridge slows the growth of bacteria and mold. But over time, ingredients like cut fruits and dairy will still degrade. For best quality and safety, consume refrigerated smoothies within 36-48 hours.
Tips for handling smoothie leftovers safely
When preparing smoothies at home, keep these food safety practices in mind:
- Store unused smoothie portions in airtight containers in the fridge within 2 hours of blending.
- Never leave smoothies out at room temperature for more than 4 hours.
- Consume leftovers within 48 hours.
- Add fresh ice as needed to leftover smoothies before drinking.
- Don’t mix new batches of smoothie with leftovers.
- Discard smoothies if mold develops.
- Don’t taste or drink questionable leftover smoothies.
Signs a leftover smoothie has spoiled
Watch for these signs that a refrigerated smoothie has gone bad and should be thrown out:
- Mold growing on the surface or rim of the glass
- Separation of ingredients
- Curdled consistency
- Slimy texture
- Sour smell
- Fizzing, bubbling, or fermentation
- Discoloration
If your smoothie exhibits an off odor, flavor, appearance, or texture, err on the safe side and discard it. Don’t rely on tasting to check for spoilage.
Can you freeze smoothies to extend shelf life?
Freezing is an effective way to safely preserve smoothies for later. Here are some freezing tips:
- Allow fresh smoothies to chill for 1-2 hours before freezing.
- Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Lay flat in freezer for faster freezing.
- Most smoothies keep 6-8 months frozen.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.
- Give a quick blend after thawing to reincorporate ingredients.
- Add extra liquid or ice as needed after thawing.
Frozen smoothies may separate slightly or develop ice crystals but are safe to consume. Freezing stops bacteria growth and slows degradation, extending the shelf life significantly.
Can you make smoothies in advance?
While fresh is best, you can batch blend smoothies 1-2 days ahead:
- Prep smoothie ingredients like fruits and greens ahead of time.
- Store prepped ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Assemble and blend smoothies as close to consuming as possible.
- If blending in advance, refrigerate immediately in airtight container for up to 48 hours.
- Give leftovers a stir or quick blend before drinking for improved texture.
- Avoid blending dairy-based smoothies more than 24 hours in advance.
Making smoothies ahead can save you time in the mornings. But limit prep to what you can realistically consume within a 48 hour window for food safety.
Conclusion
Drinking a 2 day old smoothie is risky business and not recommended from a food safety standpoint. Within 48 hours, bacteria levels can climb to dangerous levels in a smoothie left unrefrigerated. Stick to enjoying smoothies freshly made or within 24-48 hours when stored in the refrigerator. And freeze any extras to extend the shelf life for later.
