A homemade fruit smoothie is best within about 24 hours in the fridge. After that it separates, browns and loses flavour. Smoothies made with milk or yogurt shouldn’t be kept longer than 1 to 2 days, and should be thrown out sooner if they smell sour.
How to store a smoothie
- Refrigerate it right away. Don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Use a jar with a tight lid, filled to the very top. Less air means less browning and separation.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. It slows browning, especially in smoothies with banana, apple or pear.
- Shake or stir it before drinking. Separation is normal.
How long it keeps
| Smoothie | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Fruit and juice or water | Best within 24 hours |
| With milk, yogurt or plant milk | 1 to 2 days at most |
| With greens, seeds or protein powder | Best within 24 hours. It may thicken or turn bitter |
| Frozen | About 2 to 3 months |
Making smoothies ahead
- Freeze it. Pour the smoothie into a jar (leave some room for it to expand) or into ice cube trays. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, or blend the cubes with a splash of liquid.
- Make smoothie packs. Bag up the chopped fruit and greens and freeze them, then blend with liquid in the morning. It tastes the freshest.
Signs to throw it out
A sour or fizzy taste, a fermented smell, mold, or a curdled texture beyond normal separation.
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Leftovers and Food Safety (2-hour rule).