All About Orange juice
Your complete guide to orange juice - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Orange juice Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for orange juice in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened, shelf-stable (pantry/room temperature)Until printed 'best by' date, typically 6-12 months from production
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging container, leaks, strong off-odor (fermented, sour, or moldy) when opened, visible mold (rare in unopened, shelf-stable), significant darkening of color.
How to Check
Visually inspect the container for any swelling, leaks, or damage. While unopened, it's hard to detect smell. Discard if the 'best by' date is significantly passed or if the container shows any signs of compromise.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Once opened, it must be refrigerated and treated like 'opened, refrigerated' juice.
unopened, refrigeratedUntil printed 'best by' date, typically 1-2 weeks from purchase
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or fermented smell, fizzy appearance due to fermentation, visible mold (white, green, or black spots), cloudy or darker color, unusual sediment at the bottom.
How to Check
Always check the 'best by' date first. Visually inspect the container for any mold, cloudiness, or excessive bubbles. If possible, gently open and smell for any off-odors before consuming.
Storage Tips
Always keep refrigerated. Do not let it sit at room temperature for extended periods, as this significantly accelerates spoilage. Once opened, consume within 7-10 days.
opened, refrigerated7-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Strong sour, fermented, or yeasty smell; visible mold (white, green, or black fuzzy spots or growth); cloudy appearance or unusual stringy/clumpy sediment; change in color (darker, brownish); fizzy texture or excessive bubbles forming without agitation (indicates fermentation); bitter or off-taste (if tasted).
How to Check
-
Smell Test: Open the container and take a good whiff. A sour, vinegary, or yeasty smell is a clear sign of spoilage.
-
Visual Inspection: Pour a small amount into a clear glass. Look for mold, unusual cloudiness, darkening of color, or excessive sediment. Bubbles forming without agitation indicate fermentation.
-
Taste Test (Caution): If smell and sight seem okay, take a very small sip. If it tastes sour, bitter, or alcoholic, discard it immediately. Do not swallow.
Storage Tips
Always reseal the container tightly after each use. Store on an inner shelf of the refrigerator, not in the door, where temperatures fluctuate more. Avoid drinking directly from the container to prevent introducing bacteria from your mouth, which can accelerate spoilage.
frozen8-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
While freezing prevents microbial spoilage, quality degradation can occur. Signs include: freezer burn (ice crystals on the surface, duller color), significant separation (though some separation is normal), and a noticeable loss of fresh flavor or development of an 'off' (sometimes metallic) taste after thawing.
How to Check
After thawing, visually inspect for excessive separation. Smell and taste for quality degradation (duller flavor, off-notes). True spoilage (mold, fermentation) is highly unlikely if properly frozen, but quality will diminish over time.
Storage Tips
Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers (plastic bottles, freezer bags, ice cube trays for smaller portions), leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Do not thaw at room temperature. Once thawed, treat as 'opened, refrigerated' and consume within 7 days. Do not refreeze thawed orange juice.