Once a bottle or container of cranberry juice has been opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator as this will limit the growth of bacteria and help keep the juice from going bad.
Cranberry juice is generally more shelf-stable than other juices, like fresh-squeezed orange juice, because of its acidity and built-in preservatives. Nonetheless, it is essential to store it properly to keep it fresh and safe, and it should be consumed within 7 to 10 days.
It's important to take note that certain types of cranberry juice may include extra sugars or other elements that can modify its longevity and need different storage directions, so it's essential to read the label and stick to the producer's advice.
Freshly made juices (including cold-pressed juices) need to be refrigerated because they don’t go through the pasteurization process. Pasteurization requires heating the juice to high temperatures to kill bacteria, which can also weaken the beneficial nutrients and enzymes
While the cold-pressing process helps to preserve the nutrients and flavors of the cranberries, it does not make the juice completely shelf-stable. Therefore, it is best to store it in the refrigerator at a temperature between 33°F and 40°F (0.6°C and 4.4°C) to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its flavor and nutritional value.
How Long Does Cranberry Juice Last?
Store bought cranberry juice that's been consistently refrigerated will last 2 to 3 weeks after opening. You can preserve cranberry juice by freezing it if you need to keep it longer than 2 to 3 weeks.
If refrigerated, cold-pressed cranberry juice will last 4 to 5 days before going bad. You can preserve your cold-pressed juice by freezing it if you need to keep it longer than 4 to 5 days. However, make sure to let it thaw out completely before consuming it to prevent a diluted flavor, as the water melts at a faster rate than the vitamins.
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