How long does orange juice last?
Orange juice keeps for 7 to 10 days in the fridge once opened, up to 8 to 12 months in the freezer. USDA lists 3 kinds of orange juice; the first is shown here and all are in the table below.
commercially packaged carton
No guideline
7 to 10 days
after opening
Good for 1 week after date on package.
8 to 12 months
best quality within
All kinds of orange juice, side by side
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| commercially packaged carton | no guideline | no guideline | 7 to 10 days | 8 to 12 months |
| commercially frozen concentrate | no guideline | no guideline | no guideline | 12 months |
| freshly squeezed | no guideline | 2 to 3 days | no guideline | 2 to 3 weeks |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
- commercially packaged carton: Good for 1 week after date on package.
- commercially frozen concentrate: After prepared for drinking, good for up to 1 week.
How to tell orange juice has gone bad
General signs for beverages, the group USDA lists orange juice under.
- Fizzy drinks that have gone flat or taste metallic
- Sour or curdled smell from opened juice or milk alternatives
- Cloudiness or separation that will not shake back together
- Cork pushed slightly out or wine that smells like vinegar
- Mould ring forming at the neck of a bottle or carton
More on beverages. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
Storage habits that make the difference
Refrigerate opened juice, milk alternatives and any dairy-based drinks, and use them within about a week. Store unopened cans and bottles upright in a cool, dark spot away from direct sunlight. Keep coffee and tea in airtight containers away from heat and moisture to preserve flavour longer.
More in beverages
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). Times assume a fridge at 40 F (4 C) and a freezer at 0 F (-18 C). How we decode the data.