Freshly made juice is one of the most nutritious and refreshing ways to fuel your body, but what if you can’t drink it right away? Whether you're prepping juice ahead of a busy work week, planning for travel, or simply making a large batch to enjoy over a few days, proper storage is key to preserving its taste and nutritional value. Here's how to store juice the smart way, with tips to help you maintain freshness and reduce nutrient loss.
1. Drink It Fresh, If You Can
The ideal way to enjoy juice is immediately after it’s made. That’s when it’s at its peak in flavor, enzyme activity, and nutrient density. However, we understand that life gets in the way. Prepping juice in advance can save time and make it easier to stick to a healthy routine. That’s why knowing how to store juice properly is so important.
2. Use Airtight Glass Containers
When it comes to storing juice, the first and most important step is to transfer it into an airtight, sealed glass container right after juicing. Glass helps protect the juice from absorbing odors and chemicals, unlike plastic, which can leach substances and affect the juice's purity. A tightly sealed lid keeps air out, reducing oxidation and prolonging freshness.
3. Fill the Container to the Top
4. Add a Slice of Citrus
6. Freeze for Longer Storage
If you need to store juice for longer than 72 hours, freezing is your best option. When freezing juice:
Leave some space in the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Use freezer-safe containers.
Thaw in the fridge and consume immediately after thawing to retain as much nutrition as possible.
Keep in mind that while freezing halts oxidation, some texture and flavor changes may occur after thawing.
7. Avoid Heat, Light, and Air
Heat, light, and air are the three main enemies of fresh juice. Store your containers in the back of the fridge, where it’s coldest and less exposed to light. Always seal the lid tightly and avoid opening the container repeatedly until you're ready to drink.
Why Juices are Recommended to be Extracted with a Cold Press Juicer?
Cold press juicers are recommended because they extract juice slowly and gently, using a pressing method rather than fast spinning blades. This process:
- Preserves more nutrients and enzymes by avoiding heat.
- Reduces oxidation, helping the juice stay fresh longer.
- Extracts more juice from fruits and vegetables, including hard or leafy ones.
- Delivers better taste and vibrant color due to minimal air and heat exposure.
You may be interested: Benefits of Cold Press Juicing
Final Thoughts
FAQs
What is the Best Way to Store Fresh Juice?
The best way to store fresh juice is to:
- Use an airtight glass container (preferably dark-colored to reduce light exposure).
- Refrigerate it immediately after juicing.
- Fill the container to the top to minimize air (oxygen) inside.
- Consume within 24–48 hours, ideally within 72 hours max for best freshness and nutrition.
- Freeze the juice if you need to store it longer—just leave room in the container for expansion.
These practices help preserve the flavor, color, enzymes, and nutritional value of the juice.
Is It Better to Store Fresh Juice in Glass or Plastic?
Glass is better than plastic for storing fresh juice. Here’s why:
- Non-reactive: Glass doesn’t leach chemicals or absorb odors/flavors like plastic can.
- Better insulation: It helps maintain a more stable temperature.
- Eco-friendly: Reusable and better for the environment.
- Cleaner taste: Juice stored in glass retains its natural flavor longer.
- Plastic may be more convenient or lightweight, but for nutrient retention and purity, glass is the superior choice.
How to Prevent Juice from Oxidizing?
To slow down oxidation (the process that degrades juice quality), follow these tips:
- Store in an airtight container filled to the brim to minimize air contact.
- Add citrus juice like lemon, lime, or grapefruit—rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that act as natural preservatives.
- Keep juice cold: Store it in the refrigerator or freezer to slow down oxidation.
- Avoid light exposure: Use opaque or dark glass bottles if possible.
Juice with a cold press juicer (like Ciarra’s slow juicer), which minimizes heat and air exposure during extraction.
The faster you store juice after juicing, the better you'll preserve its nutrients and fresh taste.