Yes, cranberry juice can go bad if it is not stored properly. If cranberry juice is left out at room temperature for too long, it will start to spoil and develop bacteria that can make you sick. You should keep your cranberry juice out of direct sunlight as it can also cause bacteria to grow.
What Causes Cranberry Juice to Go Bad?
Cranberry juice is made from cranberries, of course! Cranberries are a type of fruit that grows on vines in cool climates such as North America and Europe. The cranberries are harvested and then juiced to make our beloved cranberry juice.
Cranberry juice goes bad because of two reasons: oxidation and bacteria. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that happens when cranberry juice is exposed to oxygen. This causes the cranberry juice to turn brown and taste sour.
Bacteria is another reason why cranberry juice spoils. When cranberry juice is left out at room temperature, bacteria will start to grow in it. This can cause the cranberry juice to spoil and taste bad.
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Signs of Bad Cranberry Juice
If you see any of these signs, it means that your cranberry juice has gone bad and you should throw it away:
Bulging Bottles or Cans
When the juice carton bulges, it means the juice has started to ferment. Various gases are generated during fermentation, resulting in bulging. If the juice carton appears to be bulging, discard it.
Formation of Air Bubbles
If you see small air bubbles in the cranberry juice, it means that the juice has gone bad. These air bubbles are formed due to fermentation. Throw the cranberry juice away if you see small air bubbles in it.
Change of Color
If your cranberry juice has changed color from red to brown, it means that it has started to oxidize. This is a sure sign that your cranberry juice has gone bad and you should not drink it.
Development of Mold
If you see mold growing on your cranberry juice, this is a clear sign that it has gone bad. Mold can cause serious health problems, so it is best to err on the side of caution and throw away any cranberry juice that has developed mold.
Smells Sour or Funky
If your cranberry juice smells sour or funky, it means that the bacteria have started to grow in it. This is a clear sign that you should not drink cranberry juice and you should throw it away.
Change of Taste
If the cranberry juice has changed the taste, it is probably because it has gone bad. Cranberry juice that has gone bad will usually taste sour or funky. If you notice a change in the taste of your cranberry juice, it is best to throw it away.
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Tips to Store Cranberry Juice So That It Stays Fresh for Long
If you want to store your cranberry juice fresh as long as possible for further use, follow the tips given below:
Refrigerate It
You can store cranberry juice in the fridge or in a cool, dark place. If you are storing it in the fridge, make sure to put it in a container with a tight-fitting lid so that oxygen cannot get in and spoil the cranberry juice.
Freeze It
You can also freeze cranberry juice to make it last longer. To freeze cranberry juice, pour it into an ice cube tray and then transfer the frozen cranberry juice cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Cranberry juice can last for up to two weeks in the fridge and up to six months in the freezer.
Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight
The next crucial point to remember is to keep the juice container out of direct sunlight and out of hot regions, both opened and unopened.
It’s possible that doing so will hasten the growth of bacteria in the juice. Furthermore, sunshine has been shown to damage juice over time.
Therefore, even if the juice container is brand new, store it in a dark, cool place in your cupboard.
Avoid Drinking Directly From the Bottle
Whenever you drink cranberry juice, pour it into a glass first. If you drink directly from the bottle, bacteria from your mouth will get into the cranberry juice and start to grow. This will cause the cranberry juice to spoil faster.
Pour cranberry juice into a clean glass every time you want to drink it. This will help to keep the cranberry juice fresh for a longer period of time.
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Dangers of Drinking Expired Cranberry Juice
It is not safe to drink expired cranberry juice, as it can cause nausea and vomiting. If you start to feel sick after drinking outdated cranberry juice, stop drinking it and consult a doctor if necessary.
Expired cranberry juice can also cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is a common symptom of food poisoning, so it is best to be cautious and avoid drinking expired cranberry juice.
Expired cranberry juice can also cause stomach cramps. If you experience stomach cramps after drinking expired cranberry juice, it is best to stop drinking it and see a doctor if necessary.
In general, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid drinking expired cranberry juice. If you are unsure whether or not the cranberry juice is still good, it is best to throw it away. Better safe than sorry!
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Alternatives to Cranberry Juice if Your One Has Gone Bad
If your cranberry juice has gone bad, there are a few alternative drinks that you can try. Here are just a few of the many alternative drinks if your cranberry juice has gone bad.
- Apple cider vinegar is a good alternative to cranberry juice. Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits and it can help to cleanse the body of toxins.
- Lemon water is another good alternative to cranberry juice. Lemon water is high in vitamin C and it can help to boost the immune system.
- Ginger tea is another good alternative to cranberry juice. Ginger tea can help to settle the stomach and it can also help to relieve nausea and vomiting.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, cranberry juice can go bad if it is not stored properly. If you notice a change in the taste of your cranberry juice, it is best to throw it away. To keep cranberry juice fresh for as long as possible follow our tips for storing it.
