Does Mott’s Apple Juice Need To Be Refrigerated? 

Motts Apple Juice

Mott’s is an American company that is primarily involved in producing apple-based products like juices and sauces.

How is Mott’s Apple Juice Made

Mott’s Apple Juice is made in Argentina, Chile, and The United States of America with the major production based in America only. Their largest apple juice plant is located in Williamson, Wayne Country. And the ingredients that go into the formula include Organic Apple Juice Concentrate, Water, and Ascorbic Acid. 

It is reported that the major chunk of the apple concentrate is imported from China, and the apples that are processed into juice come from Gary Orbaker’s family farm in the USA. The company itself hasn’t officially revealed its production process yet, but we have compiled a list of comprehensive steps that goes into making commercial apple juice:

  • Step 1: Cleaning and elimination of undesirable materials like wet leaves
  • Step 2: Grinding and enzyme addition to extracting maximum juice concentrate
  • Step 3: The ground product is passed through a hydraulic press where the juice is extracted and skins, seeds, and stems are filtered.
  • Step 4: Quality check
  • Step 5: Pasteurization
  • Step 6: Ultra Filtration
  • Step 7: Storage and Package

So what does all of this have to do with the question about whether Mott’s juice needs to be refrigerated? Well, notice how apple juice is pasteurized before storage. Pasteurization kills almost all germs in the juice and thus helps you keep the product safe for a lot longer than when you make apple juice at home.

Does Mott’s Apple Juice Expire

Yes. Mott’s Apple Juice does expire. Just like any other packaged product in a market, it also has an expiry date that specifies the duration until which it is safe to consume. Post the expiry date, the product will lose its quality, go stale, and develop an off flavor.

Our research has also found that pasteurized, packed, and sealed bottles might be safe for consumption even after one-two months past the expiry date. The only prerequisite is that it needs to be stored in a cool, dark place. But it is always safer to adhere to the safety guidelines rather than taking any chance on your health and wellbeing.

How long is Mott’s Apple Juice good for

Mott’s Apple Juice is fully pasteurized and distributed in tightly sealed containers. But once opened, it needs to be consumed within ten days, even when it is kept refrigerated. You can confirm whether the juice has gone stale or not by simply checking the odor of the juice. It will start producing a sour smell if it has turned stale.

In case it is kept unopened but refrigerated, one needs to check whether the juice has reached its expiry date or not. It is safe to consume the drink before the expiry date, and consuming it past its expiry date might prove detrimental to your health. 

A few studies have also revealed that the sugar present in juices can sometimes act as a preservative that prevents the juice from going stale even after its expiration. The same applies to apple juices as well.

Apple juices that are unopened and stored in a cool, dark area can last past their expiry date for a few days. But consuming after months past its expiration should be a big NO.

How long does Mott’s Apple Juice last in the fridge

A pasteurized product like Mott’s Apple Juice doesn’t require refrigeration. You will see it displayed in the colorful aisle of your grocery stores next door. You can buy Mott’s Apple Juice and simply store it in a cool and shady rack in your kitchen if you haven’t opened the sealed cap of the bottle yet. And you can store it in a fridge too if you feel like it.

However, if you have already opened the cap, it is important that you store Mott’s Apple Juice in the refrigerator. An opened can of juice lasts in the fridge for a maximum of ten days, post which it will start showing signs of going bad.

Does Mott’s Apple Juice go in the freezer? 

Yes, it does. You can directly freeze your juice if you wish to further extend the shelf life of your opened bottle. But you need to make sure that you leave ½ inch headspace at the top of the airtight bottle to allow for the liquid to fully expand into solid ice without ripping the can open. The juice then stored in the freezer will retain its best quality for about 8 to 12 months.