Want to know the best way to save a smoothie or juice for later?
“Cook once, eat 2 or 3 times” is one of my favorite kitchen mantras.
Fresh is always best, but I also love the idea of making a double batch of a smoothie to save time. Saving a fresh smoothie or juice for later is possible if you follow these easy steps!
It’s far better to have a smoothie or juice that you’ve saved and stored in the refrigerator overnight than a bagel or afternoon coffee break.
Need some smoothie inspiration? Check out over 30 healthy smoothie recipes here.
To Save a Smoothie for Later, The Most Important Step Is To Prevent Oxidation
The main thing that will make your smoothie for fresh juice go bad in the refrigerator is oxidation. Oxidation occurs when the nutrients in your smoothie are exposed to air.
To prevent oxidation, it’s important to minimize the amount of surface area that is exposed to air. Do not allow a lot of extra air in the container when you store or save a smoothie for later.
Also, use the proper sized container to ensure that half of your smoothie isn’t exposed to air. Follow the steps below and you’ll be set!
How To Store Smoothies (& Juices) For Later:
- Always make a double batch of your smoothie or juice so you have a quick and healthy option in the refrigerator. You’ll have one for now and one for later.
- Store your juice or smoothie in a glass container with an airtight lid. (I don’t mind using plastic lids since the food doesn’t come in contact with them.)
- Fill the container to the very top to prevent air from being trapped in the container.
- Air trapped inside the container will oxidize the nutrients in your smoothie (oxidizing degrades the nutrients in your smoothie, making it less nutritious.)
- Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Pictured at the top of this page: A Ball mason jar with a Ball BPA-free plastic reusable lid that I got at the hardware store for about two dollars.
- Bonus: Add lemon juice to your smoothie or juice. The extra vitamin C will also help prevent oxidation.
How Long Will a Smoothie Keep in the Refrigerator?
In general, smoothies keep longer than juice. My rule of thumb is that juice will keep for about 12 hours using this method, while a smoothie will keep up to 24 hours if stored properly in the refrigerator.
Just use your eyes and nose to tell – if it smells off or looks dark brown don’t drink it.
Top Smoothie Recipes to Save for Later
In no particular order:
