Can You Store Lemon Juice in Plastic?

Yes, you can store lemon juice in plastic, but it's not ideal for long-term storage. The acidity of lemon juice can react with some plastics, potentially leaching chemicals into the juice. While this leaching may be at low levels, it's generally recommended to use glass or food-grade stainless steel containers for optimal safety and to preserve the flavor of the lemon juice.

For short-term storage (a couple of days), using plastic wrap to cover a bowl of lemon juice in the refrigerator is acceptable. However, this method isn't as effective as airtight containers. [Source: Make sure to cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure. This method is less ideal than using an airtight container, as the seal from plastic wrap is not as effective, but it can still keep your lemon juice fresh for a couple of days in the refrigerator.28-Mar-2024]

Long-Term Storage: Avoid Plastic

For longer storage, avoid plastic containers. The acidity of the lemon juice can potentially degrade the plastic over time, leading to the release of microplastics and chemicals like BPA into the juice. [Source: Is drinking lemon juice in a plastic water bottle bad for your health ... May 1, 2018 ... This can lead to the release of microplastics and chemical compounds, such as bisphenol A (BPA), into the liquid. These substances have been …] Several sources confirm that while the amount of leaching might be low, using glass or stainless steel containers is preferable. [Source: Claim: Lemon juice dissolves plastic in plastic bottles - The Student ... Jun 22, 2009 ... However this will happen at very low levels - HPLC and the like will pick it up but lemon juice in a plastic bottle will probably have …]

Choosing the Right Container:

• Glass: Glass is an excellent, non-reactive choice for storing lemon juice.
• Food-grade Stainless Steel: This is another safe and durable option.
• Plastic: Suitable for very short-term storage only. Choose BPA-free plastics if you must use plastic.

While commercially sold lemon juice in plastic bottles is deemed safe [Source: Is lemon/lime juice that sold in plastic bottles safe, or the acidity in plastic container play a role Jan 6, 2017 ... It is safe to use even bottled in plastic.], this doesn't mean it's the optimal storage method for homemade lemon juice.