Does Novasource Need to Be Refrigerated After Opening?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturer guidelines, an unopened container of Novasource is a shelf-stable product, designed to be stored in a cool, dry place. However, once you break the seal and open the container, the storage requirements change dramatically, and it must be refrigerated to maintain safety and efficacy.

Quick Summary

An unopened container of Novasource can be stored at room temperature, but after opening, it must be refrigerated and used within 24 hours to prevent bacterial contamination and spoilage. Storage times may vary slightly depending on the specific product and usage method.

Key Points

Unopened is Shelf-Stable: Unopened Novasource can be stored at a cool, dry room temperature until its expiration date.
Refrigerate After Opening: Once the container is opened, Novasource must be covered, refrigerated, and treated as a perishable item.
Use Within 24 Hours: Opened and refrigerated Novasource must be used within 24 hours; any unused portion should be discarded.
Room Temp Time Limit: Do not leave opened Novasource at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent rapid bacterial growth.
Check Specific Labels: Always read the storage instructions on your specific Novasource product, as some formulas may have slightly different guidelines.
Follow Medical Guidance: Always defer to your healthcare provider's instructions, especially for tube feeding, which might have additional safety protocols.
Prioritize Discarding Spoilage: If the product's integrity is compromised (e.g., curdled, bad smell) or storage rules are violated, it is safest to discard it.

Novasource Storage Rules: Before and After Opening

Understanding the proper storage protocol for Novasource is crucial for preventing illness and ensuring the product's nutritional integrity. The rules are straightforward but depend entirely on whether the container has been opened.

Proper Storage for Unopened Novasource

Unopened Novasource containers are shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature. This is due to the ultra-high temperature (UHT) sterilization process used during manufacturing, which makes the product safe from spoilage as long as the seal is intact.

Location: Choose a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources, such as a pantry or cabinet.
Temperature: While a range isn't typically specified, avoiding extreme temperatures is a standard recommendation for most food products.
Expiration Date: Always check the expiration date on the packaging. An unopened container should be used by this date for maximum potency and safety.

The Critical Step: Refrigeration After Opening

The moment the seal on a Novasource container is broken, it becomes a perishable food product. Refrigeration is a necessary step to slow down the growth of bacteria that can cause spoilage and potential foodborne illness. For most Novasource products, the rule is to cover, refrigerate, and use within 24 hours.

Oral Use: If consuming orally, an opened bottle should be recapped and placed in the refrigerator. Any portion not used within 24 hours must be discarded. If the formula has been poured into a separate cup, it should be used within 6 hours.
Tube Feeding: For tube feeding, unused formula should be transferred to a covered container and refrigerated. It also must be used within 24 hours. For ready-to-hang containers, the hang time is typically limited to 24 hours as well, though a healthcare provider's specific instructions should always be followed.

Why Refrigeration is Essential

Failing to refrigerate opened Novasource significantly increases the risk of bacterial contamination. Nutritional formulas are rich in nutrients that are perfect breeding grounds for microbes once exposed to air. A warm, room-temperature environment accelerates this growth, potentially leading to gastrointestinal issues, illness, or a spoiled product with an unpleasant odor or curdled texture.

Comparing Novasource Storage Protocols


Aspect	Unopened Novasource	Opened Novasource (Refrigerated)	Opened Novasource (Left at Room Temp)
Shelf Life	Long (until expiration date)	24 hours (or less, depending on use)	Very short (unsafe after 2 hours)
Location	Cool, dry place	Refrigerator	Not recommended (high spoilage risk)
Safety	Sterile and safe to use	Safe if handled properly and used within 24 hours	Unsafe due to rapid bacterial growth
Preparation	Shake well before opening	Serve chilled or at room temperature; check consistency	Do not consume if left out, curdled, or off-smelling
Handling	Minimal handling required	Requires clean techniques to prevent contamination	Avoid all consumption once spoiled

Other Novasource Product Storage Considerations

While most Novasource formulas follow the 24-hour refrigerated rule, it's vital to check the specific product label. For example, some products like Novasource GI Control Bolus may have slightly different timeframes, requiring use within 12 hours once opened. This reinforces the importance of always consulting the manufacturer's directions for the specific formula being used.

Conclusion: Prioritize Food Safety

The golden rule for storing Novasource is simple and clear: only refrigerate it after opening. Unopened containers are safely shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration. Adhering to the 24-hour limit for refrigerated use after opening is not a suggestion but a critical food safety protocol to prevent bacterial contamination and ensure the nutritional supplement remains safe and effective for consumption. For specific or complex situations, especially for those with compromised immune systems, always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional. For additional, expert-approved information, you can consult the official Nestlé Health Science website.

What to Do If You Forget

If you have forgotten to refrigerate an opened container of Novasource, it is best to err on the side of caution. If it has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded immediately. Do not smell, taste, or consume the product. The risk of contamination is not worth the potential health consequences.

Key Takeaways

Unopened = Room Temp: Unopened Novasource is shelf-stable and should be stored in a cool, dry place until its expiration date.
Opened = Refrigerate: Once opened, Novasource is perishable and must be tightly covered and refrigerated.
Time Limit: Opened Novasource must be used within 24 hours of opening, even when refrigerated.
Tube Feeding Hang Time: For tube feeding, hang time is typically 24 hours, but always follow your healthcare provider's directions.
Never Risk It: If left unrefrigerated for over two hours after opening, discard the product to prevent illness.
Check the Label: Always verify the specific instructions on your particular Novasource product, as some variations may exist.
Consult a Professional: For any health-related storage questions, especially for tube feeding, contact a healthcare professional for guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, an unopened container of Novasource is shelf-stable and can be stored at a cool, dry room temperature. It does not require refrigeration until after it has been opened.

Once opened, Novasource must be covered and refrigerated, and any unused portion must be consumed within 24 hours. After this time, it should be discarded to prevent contamination.

If opened Novasource is not refrigerated, it can become contaminated with bacteria, which multiply quickly at room temperature. This can lead to spoilage, an off taste, or potential foodborne illness, and the product should be discarded.

Yes, for oral use, you can serve Novasource either chilled or at room temperature. The storage rule applies to the unused portion of an opened container, which must be refrigerated.

For tube feeding, formula decanted into a feeding bag has a limited 'hang time.' While specific times may vary, it is often recommended not to hang formula for more than 8 hours at room temperature, and unused portions should be refrigerated.

No, you should never use Novasource after its expiration date has passed, even if the container is unopened. The date ensures the product's nutritional quality and safety.

For partially used Novasource, you should tightly reseal or cover the container, place it in the refrigerator, and discard any remaining product after 24 hours.