What is the average shelf life for refrigerated beer that has been pasteurized?

The average shelf life for refrigerated beer that has been pasteurized is typically around 90 to 120 days. Pasteurization is a heat treatment process that kills or inactivates spoilage organisms and pathogens, extending the beer's overall shelf life compared to unpasteurized beer, which can have a shorter lifespan due to the potential for continued fermentation and spoilage.

This process helps maintain the quality of the beer, allowing for a longer period of freshness when properly stored in refrigeration. The timeframe of 90 to 120 days reflects the stability of pasteurized beer, ensuring that it retains its flavor and overall quality for that duration in a refrigerated environment.

Choices that suggest shorter shelf lives—such as 30-45 days or 45-60 days—would apply to beers that are either unpasteurized or not stored optimally, while options suggesting longer shelf lives, like 120-150 days, could indicate storage conditions beyond typical guidelines or specific beer styles that might have preservatives or other factors extending their shelf life.