DecodedGuides

How long do fruit Juice in cartons, fruit drinks, punch last?

In the fridge, fruit Juice in cartons, fruit drinks, punch keep for 8 to 12 days after opening. In the pantry, they keep for 3 weeks from the package date. Once opened, use it within 8 to 12 days.

Pantry

3 weeks

from the package date

Fridge

8 to 12 days

after opening

After opening

8 to 12 days

in the fridge unless noted

Do fruit Juice in cartons, fruit drinks, punch go bad?

Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, fruit Juice in cartons, fruit drinks, punch may still be safe for a short while but quality drops and spoilage signs start. The date on the package is the maker's quality promise; the times here count from purchase unless marked "from the package date".

Two numbers to keep in mind: a fridge at 40 F (4 C) or below, and no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90 F / 32 C) for anything perishable.

How to tell fruit juice in cartons, fruit drinks, punch have gone bad

General signs for beverages, the group USDA lists fruit juice in cartons, fruit drinks, punch 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.

How long do other beverages last?

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.