All About Apple cider
Your complete guide to apple cider - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Apple cider Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for apple cider in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened, shelf-stable (pasteurized)6-12 months (refer to 'Best By' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Swelling or bulging of the container, visible mold growth, significant darkening or unusual cloudiness (beyond normal for unfiltered cider), strong sour, yeasty, or alcoholic smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect the container for any signs of pressure or damage. Observe the cider's color and clarity. Perform a smell test; any off-odors indicate spoilage. Do not taste if any spoilage signs are present.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat. While safe beyond the 'Best By' date, quality (flavor, color) may degrade over time.
unopened, refrigerated (unpasteurized or 'fresh')1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Container swelling, excessive bubbling or fizziness, visible mold (often a white or greenish film), strong alcoholic or sour vinegar-like smell, significant change in taste (fizzy, alcoholic, or overly sour).
How to Check
Visually check for container bulging or excessive carbonation. Observe for any mold on the surface or sides. Perform a smell test; a strong yeasty or alcoholic odor indicates fermentation. A small taste test can confirm fizziness or sourness.
Storage Tips
Unpasteurized cider will naturally ferment over time, turning into hard cider and eventually vinegar. Keep consistently refrigerated to slow this process. Do not consume if mold is present.
opened (refrigerator)5-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Visible mold growth (often on the surface or bottle neck), sour or alcoholic smell, noticeable carbonation/fizziness, off-flavor (sour, stale, or alcoholic).
How to Check
Visually inspect the surface for mold. Perform a smell test for any off-odors. If no visual or smell signs, a small taste test can confirm freshness. Discard immediately if mold is present or if it tastes significantly off.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container or tightly reseal the original bottle to minimize air exposure, which speeds up spoilage. Place on an inner shelf of the refrigerator where temperatures are more consistent, rather than the door.
freezer6-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (loss of color and flavor, excessive ice crystals), off-flavors or stale taste after thawing.
How to Check
Visually check for excessive freezer burn. After thawing, perform a smell and taste test. While safe indefinitely if properly frozen, quality degrades over time.
Storage Tips
Freeze in freezer-safe containers, leaving at least an inch of headspace as liquids expand when frozen. Can be frozen in ice cube trays for convenient single servings. Thaw in the refrigerator for best results.