How long do MOJU shots last?

MOJU uses High Pressure Processing (HPP) to extend its shots' shelf life without adding preservatives. This modern method raises questions about storage and longevity, leaving consumers to wonder: how long do MOJU shots last once the seal is broken or before they even get to the fridge?.

Quick Summary

MOJU shots must be refrigerated and should be consumed within 7 to 10 days of opening, depending on the bottle size. Unopened shots last longer due to HPP treatment, and can also be frozen for up to six months to preserve potency.

Key Points

• Consumption Window: Opened MOJU dosing bottles should be consumed within 7 to 10 days, depending on the bottle size.

• Refrigeration is Key: Always store MOJU shots in the fridge, chilled between 0-5°C, to preserve their perishable, fresh ingredients.

• Extended Unopened Life: MOJU's use of High Pressure Processing (HPP) extends the shelf life of unopened bottles far beyond homemade alternatives.

• Freezing for Longevity: You can safely freeze unopened MOJU shots before the best before date and consume them within 7 days of defrosting within 6 months.

• Spotting Spoilage: Signs of a bad shot include a sour smell, dark colour, fermented taste, or chunky texture that doesn't resolve with a shake.

Understanding MOJU's Shelf Life: Opened vs. Unopened

The shelf life of a MOJU shot depends on whether the bottle has been opened or remains sealed. The brand specifies distinct storage guidelines to ensure the product remains fresh and potent. It is crucial to always store MOJU shots in the fridge, typically between 0-5°C, because they are a perishable, fresh product.

Opened MOJU Shots

For opened bottles, the consumption window is relatively short to maintain optimal quality. The most common dosing bottles follow these rules:

• 420ml Dosing Bottles: These should be consumed within 10 days of opening.
• 500ml Dosing Bottles: The consumption window for this larger size is slightly shorter, requiring it to be finished within 7 days of opening.

Unopened MOJU Shots

Before opening, the shelf life is significantly longer. This is due to MOJU's use of High Pressure Processing (HPP) on its cold-pressed juices. HPP uses immense pressure to reduce microbial activity, extending the product's lifespan without using preservatives. The exact duration can vary slightly by product batch, so you should always check the 'best before' date printed on the bottle. Distributor listings have indicated unopened shelf lives ranging from 30 to 90 days, but relying on the bottle's label is the most accurate approach.

The Science Behind MOJU's Shelf Life

MOJU's approach to production directly influences how long their shots last. Their shots are 100% cold-pressed and made with all-natural, whole ingredients. The two main factors extending their shelf life are cold-pressing and High Pressure Processing (HPP).

Cold-Pressing

This process uses a hydraulic press to slowly apply immense pressure to extract juice from fresh produce. Unlike traditional pasteurisation, which uses heat that can destroy nutrients, cold-pressing retains more natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. This preservation of raw ingredients makes proper storage all the more critical to prevent spoilage.

High Pressure Processing (HPP)

After bottling and sealing, MOJU shots undergo HPP. The bottles are subjected to high pressure from cold water, which inactivates harmful bacteria and microorganisms. This process prolongs the shelf life while keeping the product's fresh, raw state intact, differentiating MOJU shots from heat-pasteurized alternatives.

How to Spot a Spoiled MOJU Shot

Even with proper storage, natural products can spoil. Here are some clear signs to look for that indicate your shot is past its prime:

• Smell: A fresh MOJU shot has a vibrant, natural aroma. If you notice a sour, fermented, or off-putting smell, discard it immediately.
• Color: The shots are typically bright and colourful. If the colour appears dull, dark, or significantly different from when you bought it, it's a sign of oxidation and potential spoilage.
• Texture: Natural separation of ingredients, especially the ginger sediment, is normal in MOJU shots, and a quick shake will fix it. However, if the liquid is thick, chunky, or separates into large clumps that don't mix back in, it's likely spoiled.
• Taste: If the taste is no longer fresh and zesty but sour, fermented, or unpleasant, it is no longer safe to consume.

Freezing MOJU Shots for Longer Storage

For those who want to buy in bulk or extend the life of their shots beyond the fridge, freezing is a safe and effective option. All MOJU dosing bottles are suitable for home freezing.

Here’s how to freeze your shots correctly:

1. Freeze the shots before they reach their best before date.
2. Store the frozen shots for a maximum of 6 months.
3. To use, defrost the shot in the fridge.
4. After defrosting, consume the shot within 7 days.

Some slight changes in appearance may occur after freezing and defrosting, but the product remains safe to drink.

Comparison: MOJU vs. Homemade Ginger Shots

Feature	MOJU Cold-Pressed Shots	Homemade Ginger Shots
Shelf Life (Opened)	7-10 days (refrigerated)	3-5 days (refrigerated)
Shelf Life (Unopened)	Several weeks to months (refrigerated)	Not applicable
Freezing	Up to 6 months	1-3 months (potency may fade)
Processing	Cold-pressed and HPP for extended shelf life	Typically high-speed blended and unstrained
Nutrient Retention	HPP preserves vitamins and enzymes	Heat from blending can degrade nutrients
Ingredients	Whole, natural ingredients	Customizable, but can spoil faster if fruit heavy

Conclusion

In conclusion, how long MOJU shots last depends on their sealed and open status. Unopened, they have a relatively long refrigerated shelf life thanks to HPP, which can be further extended by freezing for up to six months. However, once a dosing bottle is opened, the clock starts, giving you a 7 to 10-day window to enjoy it. To ensure freshness and safety, always keep MOJU shots chilled, check the 'best before' date, and use your senses to detect any signs of spoilage. Adhering to these simple storage rules will help you get the most out of your purchase.

For additional product information, you can always visit the official MOJU website's FAQ page(https://mojudrinks.com/pages/faq).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do MOJU shots last once opened?

Once opened, MOJU shots should be consumed within 10 days for the 420ml dosing bottles and within 7 days for the 500ml ginger dosing bottles.

Do I need to refrigerate MOJU shots?

Yes, MOJU shots are perishable and must be kept refrigerated at all times, ideally between 0-5°C.

Can you freeze MOJU shots?

Yes, all MOJU dosing bottles are suitable for home freezing. For best results, freeze them before the expiry date and consume within 7 days of defrosting.

How long can MOJU shots be frozen for?

MOJU shots can be safely frozen for up to six months. After thawing in the fridge, they should be drunk within 7 days.

How do you know if a MOJU shot has gone bad?

You can tell if a MOJU shot has spoiled by a sour or rancid smell, a dull or brown colour, or a thick, chunky texture that doesn't resolve when shaken.

Why does MOJU have a longer shelf life than homemade shots?

MOJU shots have a longer shelf life due to High Pressure Processing (HPP), which uses intense pressure to kill bacteria without heat, preserving freshness and nutrients longer than homemade alternatives.

What is the shelf life of an unopened MOJU shot?

The unopened shelf life varies by product, so you should always check the 'best before' date printed on the bottle. This date is much longer than the 'once opened' window due to the HPP process.