Simply Lemonade is a popular brand of lemonade made by Simply Orange Juice Company. It is sold in bottles and cartons and available in several flavors like original lemonade, pink lemonade, and lemonade with strawberry or raspberry.
Simply Lemonade contains no preservatives and is made from real lemon juice, water, and natural flavors. This makes some consumers wonder: does Simply Lemonade spoil? How long does an opened or unopened bottle last?
Here is a detailed look at how long Simply Lemonade lasts, signs it has spoiled, and how to store it to maximize freshness.
Does Unopened Simply Lemonade Spoil?
An unopened, properly stored bottle or carton of Simply Lemonade can last for several weeks past the “Best By” date printed on the package.
The “Best By” date is simply an indication of peak flavor and quality, not safety. An unopened Simply Lemonade stored continuously at 40°F or below will maintain good flavor quality for 5-6 weeks past the “Best By” or “Sell By” date on the package.
The shelf life clock for Simply Lemonade only begins once the bottle or carton is opened. As long as it remains sealed, an unopened bottle should retain good quality for at least a month or two beyond the date printed on the label when stored properly.
How Long Does Opened Simply Lemonade Last?
Once opened, Simply Lemonade will last for 4-7 days when refrigerated.
The shelf life depends on proper storage and the temperature of your refrigerator. The colder your fridge, the longer the lemonade will stay fresh.
Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of opened Simply Lemonade will last:
– Original lemonade: 5-7 days
– Pink lemonade: 4-6 days
– Lemonade with fruit flavors like raspberry, peach, or strawberry: 4-5 days
The high acidity of lemon juice helps prevent bacterial growth, extending the shelf life of opened lemonade. However, its natural flavor and quality will slowly degrade over time.
How to Tell if Opened Simply Lemonade Has Spoiled
There are a few signs that indicate your opened Simply Lemonade has spoiled and should be discarded:
– Sour, unpleasant smell
– Mold growth
– Fizziness is gone – lemonade is flat
– Change in consistency – becomes thicker and cloudy
– Change in color – lemonade darkens over time
If your opened lemonade exhibits any of these changes, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Consuming spoiled lemonade could potentially lead to foodborne illness.
Proper Storage of Simply Lemonade
To get the most shelf life out of your Simply Lemonade, proper storage is key. Here are some tips:
– Refrigerate after opening – Keep leftover Simply Lemonade refrigerated at all times. The cold temperature keeps harmful bacteria from growing.
– Store away from light – Sunlight and UV rays can degrade lemonade over time. Store in the fridge away from the door where it is dark.
– Avoid extreme temperatures – Do not store Simply Lemonade anywhere that reaches over 40°F. High heat will accelerate spoilage.
– Keep lid tightly sealed – Always screw the lid tightly on the bottle or reseal the carton completely after pouring. This prevents contamination.
– Use clean utensils – Always use a clean cup and spoon when pouring lemonade to prevent bacteria contamination.
– Check for signs of spoilage – Occasionally inspect bottles and give them a sniff test to catch any spoilage early.
Does Simply Lemonade With Preservatives Spoil?
Simply Lemonade contains no preservatives. However, some of Simply’s fruit juice blends do contain preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate.
These preservatives help extend the shelf life of juices like Simply Orange and Simply Grapefruit. Check the ingredient list to see if your Simply juice contains preservatives.
Juices with preservatives will last longer unopened and keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge after opening. The preservatives help prevent mold, yeast, and bacteria growth.
Can You Freeze Simply Lemonade?
Yes, Simply Lemonade can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Freezing stops the chemical reactions that cause food spoilage.
Here are some tips for freezing Simply Lemonade:
– Leave 2 inches of headspace in the bottle or freezer-safe container to allow for expansion as the lemonade freezes.
– Store in air-tight containers like Mason jars or freezer bags after opening. This prevents freezer burn.
– Lay bottles on their sides – Liquid expands when frozen, so bottles need room to swell up.
– Thaw in the fridge – Thawing slowly in the refrigerator helps preserve flavor.
– Use within 2-3 months for best quality. Frozen lemonade keeps longer but may suffer flavor loss over time.
– Avoid refreezing thawed lemonade. Only freeze thawed lemonade if ice crystals are still present.
Properly frozen, Simply Lemonade can last 6-8 months in the freezer before quality degradation.
How Long Does Simply Lemonade Last After the Expiration Date?
The “Best By” date on Simply Lemonade bottles estimates when the product will be at peak quality and flavor. It is not an expiration date.
Unopened, Simply Lemonade tends to stay fresh for 5-6 weeks past the printed date. The lemon juice’s acidity makes it resistant to spoilage.
If stored continuously at 40°F or below, unopened Simply Lemonade should retain good quality for 1-2 months after the “Best By” or “Sell By” date.
However, it’s best to use refrigerated lemonade within 7-10 days of the date on the package. Its flavor and citrus notes will slowly fade over time.
So in summary:
– 1-2 months past “Best By” date: Sealed bottles retain quality
– 5-6 weeks past “Best By” date: Good flavor if refrigerated
– 7-10 days past “Best By” date: Use opened lemonade for best quality
Does Simply Lemonade Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, Simply Lemonade always requires refrigeration after opening. The low temperature keeps harmful microbes from multiplying and spoiling the lemonade.
Unopened bottles of Simply Lemonade can be stored at room temperature. However, refrigerating them extends the shelf life.
Once a bottle or carton is opened, it must be stored in the fridge and consumed within a week. The lemonade can spoil rapidly if left unrefrigerated after opening.
Refrigeration is crucial for food safety. The bacteria, yeasts, and molds that cause food poisoning multiply fastest between 40°F and 140°F.
So keeping opened Simply Lemonade refrigerated at all times below 40°F ensures it stays safe and fresh for the full 5-7 days after opening. Just be sure to discard any bottles or cartons that sit out more than 2 hours.
Can You Make Simply Lemonade Last Longer?
There are a few methods to help extend the shelf life of Simply Lemonade:
Freeze it – Freezing stops food spoilage reactions. Thaw frozen Simply Lemonade in the fridge before serving.
Add more lemon juice – Extra lemon juice acidity deters bacteria growth. Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice per cup.
Store in smaller containers – Splitting lemonade into smaller containers minimizes exposure each time you open it.
Keep extra cold – Store bottles as close to 32°F as possible to slow spoilage reactions.
Rebottle and seal – Pour leftover lemonade into a sterilized bottle with an airtight seal.
Use a straw – Sipping lemonade through a straw introduces less bacteria and prevents contamination.
With proper refrigeration and food safety habits, an opened bottle of Simply Lemonade should last 5-7 days past opening before it starts to go bad. While not indefinite, that gives you over a week to enjoy it!
Conclusion
The shelf life of Simply Lemonade ultimately comes down to proper storage conditions.
Unopened bottles that remain sealed can stay fresh for 1-2 months past the “Best By” date when refrigerated. Once opened, Simply Lemonade will maintain good flavor quality for 4-7 days in the fridge.
Keep lemonade bottles away from heat and light, refrigerate promptly after use, and check for any signs of spoilage like mold or foul odors. And remember to never leave Simply Lemonade sitting out unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours once opened.
Following basic food safety practices, you can certainly enjoy fresh-tasting Simply Lemonade for a good week after purchasing it from the grocery store. Just be diligent about refrigeration and consume opened bottles within a week for optimal flavor.
