Putting a smoothie in the fridge for later is a common practice for many smoothie drinkers who want to enjoy their smoothie over a longer period or prevent waste. The short answer is yes, you can store smoothies in the refrigerator for 1-3 days depending on the ingredients.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about storing smoothies in the fridge:
- Most smoothies will last 1-3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
- Ingredients like fresh fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and yogurt tend to shorten fridge life.
- Adding pasteurized juices, frozen fruit, nut butters, chia seeds, and protein powders can help extend fridge life.
- Transfer smoothies to an airtight glass or plastic container before refrigerating.
- Store smoothies towards the back of the fridge, not on the door.
- Look for separation, off smells/flavors, and mold growth to indicate spoilage.
- Reblend to re-incorporate separated ingredients before drinking stored smoothies.
- Don’t leave smoothies at room temperature for more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
Factors that Impact Smoothie Fridge Life
Several factors impact how long smoothies can be stored in the refrigerator:
Ingredient Composition
Ingredients like fresh fruits, veggies, leafy greens, and dairy break down more quickly, shortening fridge life. Ingredients like frozen fruit, nut butters, chia seeds, and protein powders have more staying power. Acidic ingredients like citrus juice help preserve smoothies.
Storage Container
Using an airtight glass or plastic container prevents oxidation and contamination that accelerate spoilage. Make sure lids seal tightly.
Refrigerator Temperature
Storing smoothies towards the back of the fridge, away from the door where warmer air enters, keeps them properly chilled below 40°F.
Blending Style
Smoothies with a finer, smoother texture made in a high-speed blender tend to last longer than coarsely blended smoothies that separate more easily.
Time at Room Temperature
Leaving blended smoothies out for over 2 hours encourages bacteria growth. Refrigerate promptly after blending for maximum freshness.
How Long Do Smoothie Ingredients Last in the Fridge?
Here is a table with fridge life estimates for common smoothie ingredients:
| Ingredient | Fridge Life |
|---|---|
| Fresh fruits like berries | 2-5 days |
| Fresh veggies like spinach | 3-5 days |
| Frozen fruits/veggies | 6-12 months |
| Leafy greens | 5-7 days |
| Nut milks | 7-10 days |
| Yogurt | 7-10 days |
| Nut butters | 3-4 months |
| Chia seeds | 8 months |
| Protein powders | 6-8 months |
Fresh produce has the shortest fridge life while frozen items, nut butters, seeds, and powders stay fresh much longer when refrigerated.
How to Store Smoothies in the Fridge
Follow these steps for properly storing blended smoothies in the refrigerator:
- Blend smoothie ingredients until smooth.
- Transfer immediately to an airtight glass or BPA-free plastic container, leaving 1 inch of room at the top.
- Seal the container tightly.
- Label container with contents and date.
- Refrigerate smoothie immediately, storing towards the back of the fridge away from the door.
- Once chilled, shake or reblend smoothie before consuming to recombine any separation.
Avoid leaving blended smoothies at room temperature. Refrigerate within 2 hours of blending for best quality and safety.
How to Tell if a Refrigerated Smoothie Has Spoiled
Check refrigerated smoothies for these signs of spoilage before drinking:
- Separation – Liquid separating from solids is normal but can quicken spoilage.
- Off odors – Smell smoothies before drinking. Rancid or sour smells indicate spoilage.
- Off flavors – Taste a small sip before drinking a full glass. Spit it out at first signs of sour, bitter, or odd flavors.
- Discoloration – Unnatural colors like black, pink, blue, or green hues signal mold.
- Bubbles – Bubbles along the sides of the smoothie or on top can mean fermentation.
- Sliminess – Increased viscosity or gelatinous texture is a red flag for bacteria growth.
- Mold – Check closely for furry mold near edges and film on the smoothie’s surface.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution and throw away a expired-smelling or questionable smoothie. Sticking to proper storage guidelines will minimize spoilage.
Tips for Storing Smoothies to Maximize Freshness
Here are some tips to help keep refrigerated smoothies fresher for longer:
- Use frozen fruit and veggies instead of fresh to extend fridge life.
- Pasteurize fresh juices by briefly heating to 165°F before chilling and adding to smoothies.
- Add chia seeds, nut butters, and protein powders for nutrition and texture.
- Avoid using too many fresh berries, which spoil more quickly.
- Store smoothies towards the back of the fridge in sealed glass containers.
- Keep smoothies chilled for no more than 3 days for best quality.
- Drink smoothies within 2 days for richest taste and texture.
- Freeze super ripe produce like bananas to add later.
- Add lemon, lime, or orange juice for some natural acidity.
Recommended Smoothie Storage Containers
The optimal smoothie storage containers are:
- Airtight – A tight seal prevents oxygen exposure to preserve smoothies.
- Leakproof – Avoid messes with a secure, spill-proof lid.
- Glass or BPA-free plastic – Glass is ideal though clear BPA-free plastic works too.
- 16 to 32-ounce capacity – Accommodates most blender portions.
- Clear material – Lets you view smoothie separation.
- Fitted with lid – Matching lid keeps parts together.
Some top-rated smoothie containers to consider include:
Glass Storage
- Ello Devon Glass Meal Prep Containers
- Glasslock Assorted Smoothie Storage Containers
- EcoShape Glass Storage Bottles with Silicone Sleeve
Plastic Storage
- OXO Good Grips Smart Seal Containers
- Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers
- Maars Skinny Sirrups Smoothie Shaker Bottles
Choosing containers designed specifically for smoothies helps maintain their fresh-blended quality.
Smoothie Storage Do’s and Don’ts
Follow these do’s and don’ts for properly storing smoothies:
Do…
- Refrigerate smoothies within 2 hours of making them.
- Store in airtight containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic.
- Keep towards the back of the fridge away from the door.
- Label smoothies with the contents and date blended.
- Consume within 3 days for best flavor and texture.
Don’t…
- Leave smoothies out on the counter overnight.
- Save smoothies longer than 3-4 days.
- Store in containers with loose lids that allow air infiltration.
- Keep smoothie ingredients longer than their recommended fridge life.
- Freeze smoothies made with yogurt or other dairy products.
Following proper refrigerated storage guidelines helps maximize the freshness window of blended smoothies.
Common Questions
Can you freeze leftover smoothies?
Most smoothie ingredients freeze well for longer storage. Avoid freezing dairy-based smoothies which can develop an icy, grainy texture. Allow smoothies to chill in the fridge before transferring to the freezer.
How long can you store a smoothie in the fridge?
Store smoothies in the refrigerator for 1-3 days maximum. Drink within 2 days for the freshest flavor and texture.
Do smoothies separate in the fridge?
Yes, smoothie separation is common but not harmful. Gently shake or reblend to mix contents before drinking.
What happens if you leave a smoothie out overnight?
Leaving smoothies out for over 2 hours allows bacteria growth which causes spoilage. Refrigerate promptly or discard if left out overnight.
The Bottom Line
Storing blended smoothies in an airtight container in the refrigerator will keep them fresh and safe to drink for 1-3 days. Key tips include blending with freezer-friendly ingredients, transferring to sealed glass jars or plastic containers immediately, keeping chilled at 40°F or below, and drinking within 2 days for best quality and taste.
Check refrigerated smoothies closely for signs of separation, off smells, changes in color or texture, and discard any that seem spoiled. Following proper storage and food safety guidelines lets you safely enjoy smoothies again and again.
