Are you a fan of GoGo SqueeZ? These convenient, squeezable pouches of fruit puree are a popular snack option for both kids and adults. But like all food products, GoGo SqueeZ does have an expiration date.
In this blog post, we’ll answer the question: Does GoGo SqueeZ expire? We’ll also discuss why it’s important to check the expiration date on food products, the signs to look out for if GoGo SqueeZ has expired, and what you should do if you have an expired pouch.
GoGo SqueeZ does expire. The expiration date is printed on the packaging and is typically located on the bottom of the package or near the top seal.
The shelf life of unopened GoGo SqueeZ pouches can vary depending on the specific product, but in general, they have a shelf life of around 12-18 months from the date of manufacture. The expiration date is usually printed on the packaging, so it’s a good idea to check the date before purchasing or consuming the product.
It’s important to note that the shelf life of GoGo SqueeZ can be affected by factors such as temperature and storage conditions. It’s recommended to store the pouches in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or sources of heat.
Is it okay to drink expired GoGo SqueeZ?
It’s generally not recommended to consume expired GoGo SqueeZ or any other expired food product. Consuming expired food can lead to foodborne illness, as the product may have developed harmful bacteria or toxins.
If you have an expired GoGo SqueeZ pouch, it’s best to discard it and not consume it. Even if the pouch appears to be intact and doesn’t have any visible signs of spoilage, such as mold or an off smell, it’s still not worth the risk of consuming an expired product.
How long can GoGo SqueeZ stay open?
Once you open a GoGo SqueeZ pouch, the fruit puree inside should be consumed promptly. The manufacturer recommends that the pouches be consumed within 24 hours of opening, and that any remaining product be refrigerated and consumed within that time frame.
The reason for this recommendation is that once the pouch is opened, it’s exposed to air and bacteria, which can cause the fruit puree to spoil more quickly. Even if you refrigerate the pouch after opening it, the product may only last for a few days at most, depending on factors such as temperature and storage conditions.
Do GoGo SqueeZ Go Bad in the Freezer?
It’s not recommended to freeze GoGo SqueeZ pouches as the product may lose its quality and texture. While the pouches are designed to be stored at room temperature until the expiration date, freezing them can cause the fruit puree to separate and the texture to become grainy or mushy.
In addition, freezing may also cause the pouch to expand and potentially burst, which can make a mess in your freezer.
If you have already frozen a GoGo SqueeZ pouch, it’s best to discard it and not consume it. While freezing may prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, it’s not a reliable way to preserve the quality of the product.
To ensure the best quality and safety of GoGo SqueeZ, it’s recommended to store the pouches at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or sources of heat, until the expiration date.
The impact of the ingredients on the shelf-life?
The ingredients in GoGo SqueeZ can have an impact on the shelf life of the product. The fruit puree in the pouches is made from real fruit and is free from artificial preservatives, which can affect the shelf life of the product.
The main ingredient in GoGo SqueeZ pouches is fruit puree, which has a high sugar content. While sugar can act as a natural preservative, it can also promote the growth of yeast and mold, which can lead to spoilage.
To counteract this, the manufacturer uses a process called high-pressure processing (HPP) to help extend the shelf life of the product. HPP uses high pressure to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms, which helps to preserve the quality and freshness of the fruit puree.
Other ingredients in GoGo SqueeZ pouches, such as citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), may also help to extend the shelf life of the product by acting as natural preservatives and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
However, it’s important to note that even with these preservation methods, GoGo SqueeZ pouches have a limited shelf life and should be consumed before the expiration date. The impact of the ingredients can help to extend the shelf life, but proper storage and handling are also important factors in ensuring the safety and quality of the product.
When should you discard them?
You should discard GoGo SqueeZ pouches if you notice any of the following signs of spoilage:
- Mold: If you see any mold on the surface of the fruit puree or around the cap of the pouch, discard it immediately. Mold can be harmful to your health, and consuming contaminated food can lead to food poisoning.
- Bad smell: If the pouch has an off smell or smells sour or fermented, it’s a sign that the fruit puree may have spoiled, and the pouch should not be consumed.
- Change in color or texture: If you notice any discoloration or change in texture, such as clumping or separation of the fruit puree, it’s best to discard the pouch.
- Damaged packaging: If the pouch is punctured, leaking, or bulging, it’s a sign that bacteria may have contaminated the product, and it should not be consumed.
If you have opened a GoGo SqueeZ pouch, it’s important to consume the contents within 24 hours of opening or refrigerate the remaining product and consume it within that time frame. If you notice any signs of spoilage after opening, discard the remaining product immediately.
Can you heat GoGo SqueeZ?
Yes, you can heat GoGo SqueeZ outside of the pouch, but it’s important to note that heating the fruit puree may change the taste, texture, and nutritional content of the product. Additionally, it’s important to follow safe food handling practices when heating and storing the product to avoid contamination and potential foodborne illness.
If you want to heat GoGo SqueeZ fruit puree outside of the pouch, it’s recommended to pour the contents of the pouch into a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan and heat it on the stove or in the microwave for a short period of time, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature.
How to keep your GoGo SqueeZ fresh for weeks?
To keep your GoGo SqueeZ fresh for weeks, follow these tips:
- Store in a cool, dry place: Keep your GoGo SqueeZ pouches in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or sources of heat. Heat and sunlight can cause the fruit puree to spoil or go bad faster.
- Check the expiration date: Make sure to check the expiration date on the packaging before purchasing and consuming the product. Consume the pouches before the expiration date to ensure maximum freshness and quality.
- Don’t open more than you need: If you’re not planning to consume all the pouches at once, it’s best to open only what you need and store the rest in a cool, dry place. Once you’ve opened a pouch, consume it within 24 hours or refrigerate it and consume it within a week.
- Refrigerate after opening: If you have opened a GoGo SqueeZ pouch, refrigerate the remaining product to keep it fresh. Make sure to seal the pouch tightly before refrigerating.
- Use clean utensils: When consuming the product, make sure to use clean utensils to avoid contamination.
By following these tips, you can keep your GoGo SqueeZ fresh for weeks and enjoy it at its best quality. It’s important to note that improper storage and handling can affect the quality and safety of the product, so always use your best judgment and discard any pouches that show signs of spoilage or damage.
Symptoms if you ate spoiled GoGo SqueeZ?
If you consume spoiled GoGo SqueeZ, you may experience symptoms of foodborne illness. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of bacteria or virus that caused the contamination, but they can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming GoGo SqueeZ, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Foodborne illness can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
