Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider is a popular non-alcoholic beverage option, especially around the holidays. While alcoholic cider and wine clearly have a shelf life, some people wonder if non-alcoholic sparkling ciders like Martinelli’s expire. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about the shelf life and expiration of Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider.
Does Martinelli’s have an expiration date?
Yes, Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider does have an expiration date printed on the bottle. This date indicates how long the unopened cider should retain optimum flavor and carbonation if stored properly.
How long does unopened Martinelli’s last?
An unopened bottle of Martinelli’s sparkling cider will generally stay at peak quality for 9-12 months from the production date when stored in a cool, dark place. The production date, not the best by date, indicates when the cider was actually made. For optimal flavor and fizz, try to drink Martinelli’s cider within 9-12 months of the production date printed on the bottle.
Does Martinelli’s go bad?
Martinelli’s won’t exactly go “bad” after the printed date, but it will start to lose its carbonation and fresh apple flavor over time. Once opened, the cider oxidizes quickly and goes flat within a day or two. For best taste, try to drink Martinelli’s cider before the printed expiration date.
What happens if you drink expired Martinelli’s?
Drinking Martinelli’s past its expiration date likely won’t make you sick, but it may taste flat or have an off flavor. The vitamins and probiotics in the cider can degrade over time, reducing the nutritional value. An expired bottle of Martinelli’s that was never opened poses no health risks if consumed, but it just won’t taste as crisp or fruity.
How to tell if opened Martinelli’s is bad?
Once opened, Martinelli’s usually only stays fresh for about 48 hours, even if refrigerated. Signs that opened Martinelli’s has gone bad include:
- Flat, non-carbonated cider
- Cloudy appearance
- Off smells or tastes
- Mold growth
If your opened Martinelli’s shows any of these signs, it’s best to discard it. To get the most out of each bottle, try to drink it within a day or two of opening.
Does Martinelli’s need to be refrigerated?
For best quality, Martinelli’s sparkling cider should be refrigerated. Keeping the bottles chilled helps preserve the carbonation and crisp flavor. An unopened bottle can be stored in a cool, dark pantry, but refrigerate it after opening. The colder temperature will slow fermentation and deterioration, keeping the cider fresher for longer.
Can you freeze Martinelli’s apple cider?
Freezing is not recommended for Martinelli’s sparkling cider. The expansion of the liquid during freezing can rupture the bottle, creating a big mess and safety hazard. Additionally, freezing and thawing will cause Martinelli’s to lose its carbonation, leaving you with a flat, watery beverage.
How to store Martinelli’s properly?
To get the most shelf life out of your Martinelli’s apple cider:
- Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place like a pantry
- Refrigerate opened bottles and drink within 2 days
- Don’t let Martinelli’s sit out at room temperature once opened
- Keep the cider away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Store bottles upright to keep the cork wet and prevent leaking
- Don’t freeze Martinelli’s bottles
Does Martinelli’s apple cider need to be pasteurized?
No, Martinelli’s sparkling cider does not need to be pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of heating a beverage to a high temperature to kill potentially harmful pathogens before sealing and cooling it. Many commercial ciders are pasteurized for food safety.
However, Martinelli’s is produced in a controlled, sanitary environment and does not undergo pasteurization. The natural preservatives in the juice, plus refrigeration, keep it safe to drink. The lack of pasteurization is why it retains more of its fresh apple flavor and vitamins.
Why does Martinelli’s expire so quickly?
There are a few reasons why Martinelli’s has a relatively short shelf life compared to products like canned sodas:
- No preservatives – Martinelli’s contains no chemical preservatives to prolong its shelf life.
- Vulnerable to oxygen – When exposed to air, apple cider oxidizes and loses flavor quickly.
- Live cultures – Martinelli’s contains probiotic cultures that can continue fermenting in the bottle, changing the taste over time.
- No pasteurization – The lack of pasteurization leaves more natural enzymes intact that can cause the cider to degrade faster.
For the best product, Martinelli’s chooses not to use many stabilizing chemicals or heat treatments at the expense of shelf life. This leaves you with an incredibly fresh, quality sparkling cider to enjoy within about a year of production.
How long does Martinelli’s last after opening?
An opened bottle of Martinelli’s will stay carbonated and tasty for 1-2 days when refrigerated. The probiotics and active enzymes in the unpasteurized cider continue changing the flavor once exposed to oxygen. So for peak enjoyment of the Martinelli’s apple flavor and fizz, finish within 48 hours of opening.
Can you mix different date codes of Martinelli’s?
It’s not recommended to mix different production dates of Martinelli’s cider in one container. Each batch will have slightly different levels of carbonation, sugar, and flavor components based on when it was made. Combining, say, a fresh bottle with one made 6 months ago can make the carbonation unstable and result in a poor drinking experience. For consistency, stick to one production date code at a time.
Do the expiration dates really matter?
The expiration or “best by” dates on Martinelli’s bottles do matter if you want the highest quality cider. While not a strict safety indicator, these dates give you a guideline for peak flavor and fizz. The taste, carbonation, vitamin content, and probiotics noticeably deteriorate past the printed date. For the authentic Martinelli’s experience, consume it within 9-12 months of production and refrigerate after opening.
Is expired Martinelli’s still safe to consume?
Out of date Martinelli’s is likely still safe to consume, though not of the same quality. Because it is shelf-stable and non-alcoholic, drinking expired Martinelli’s poses minimal health risks if the bottle is unopened. However, its taste and carbonation will be diminished. If the bottle was open, look for any mold, yeast growth, or strange odors before drinking as these can cause illness.
Can you make jello shots with Martinelli’s?
No, Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider cannot be used to make jello shots containing alcohol. Since Martinelli’s is non-alcoholic, any “jello shots” made with it would also be non-alcoholic. The carbonation may also interfere with the jello solidifying properly. For jello shots with alcohol, use a mixer that does not have carbonation, such as plain apple juice or an alcoholic cider beverage.
Does Martinelli’s have sulfites?
No, Martinelli’s sparkling cider does not contain added sulfites. Sulfites are preservatives sometimes used in wines and ciders to prevent oxidation, microbial growth, and browning. However, Martinelli’s prides itself on being a preservative-free, sulfite-free beverage. It uses natural acids in the juice, refrigeration, and controlled production methods instead of added sulfites to maintain quality.
Can dogs drink Martinelli’s apple cider?
Yes, dogs can safely drink small amounts of Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider as an occasional treat. The carbonation may cause temporary stomach upset in some dogs, so monitor your pet’s reaction. Avoid giving dogs cider spiked with alcohol, sugars/flavors, or xylitol, as these can be toxic. Plain, non-alcoholic Martinelli’s cider contains vitamins and probiotics that are safe and healthy for dogs to consume in moderation.
Does Martinelli’s have gluten?
Yes, Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider does contain gluten. The gluten comes from wheat starch that is added to the cider during processing. So Martinelli’s is not considered gluten-free. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid drinking Martinelli’s cider due to the gluten content.
Conclusion
Martinelli’s sparkling apple cider has a relatively short shelf life compared to other juices and sodas on the market. Unopened bottles stay fresh for about 9-12 months past the production date. Once opened, Martinelli’s only stays carbonated and tasty for 1-2 days in the fridge. While not a safety hazard, expired Martinelli’s loses its signature bubbly flavor and apple notes. For the best experience, drink Martinelli’s cider within a year of production and finish opened bottles quickly.