Orange juice is one of the most popular juices consumed around the world. Many people enjoy starting their day with a refreshing glass of orange juice. When it comes to storing orange juice properly, there are some important factors to consider. Knowing how long orange juice can stay out of the refrigerator once opened or unopened will help you avoid wasting this tasty beverage.
How Long Does Unopened Orange Juice Last at Room Temperature?
Unopened, commercially packaged orange juice that has been pasteurized can be stored safely at room temperature for an extended period before opening. Pasteurization involves heating the juice briefly to a high temperature to kill microorganisms and enzymes that can cause spoilage. This enables the juice to remain shelf-stable in its sealed container at room temperature.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other sources, the shelf life of unopened pasteurized orange juice is as follows:
- Orange juice concentrate, frozen: Up to 1 year past the printed date on the package
- Orange juice, refrigerated: Up to 1 week past the printed date on the package
- Orange juice, shelf-stable: Up to 1 year past the printed date on the package
The printed date refers to the “best by” or expiration date printed on the orange juice package. As long as the container remains properly sealed and stored at temperatures below 76°F or 24°C, unopened orange juice can maintain quality well beyond its printed expiration date.
Why Unopened Orange Juice Lasts So Long
There are a few key reasons why unopened, store-bought orange juice has such an extended shelf life compared to freshly squeezed juice:
- Pasteurization – The heat treatment destroys microbes and enzymes that can lead to spoilage.
- Sealed container – This prevents contamination and oxidation that degrades the quality.
- Preservatives – Many brands contain preservatives like potassium sorbate to help prevent mold and yeast growth.
- Acidic environment – Orange juice has a low pH which makes it difficult for many microbes to grow.
As long as the juice stays sealed in its properly sterilized container on the shelf, it remains safe from microbial contamination and chemical deterioration over time.
How to Store Unopened Orange Juice
To get the longest shelf life out of your unopened orange juice, be sure to store it correctly:
- Keep containers sealed and undamaged.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid storage temperatures above 76°F or 24°C.
- Do not let juice freeze, as this can damage container and affect quality.
- Store orange juice concentrate at 0°F or below for longest shelf life.
- Check “best by” dates and use older containers first.
Keeping your supply of orange juice in a consistently cool, dark cupboard or pantry is ideal. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of unopened orange juice slightly, but is not essential. The key things are to maintain a sealed container and avoid temperature extremes.
Signs Unopened Orange Juice Has Gone Bad
Despite the long shelf life, there are some signs that indicate your unopened orange juice has spoiled and should be discarded. Look for:
- Container swelling, leaking or damage.
- Mold growing inside container when opened.
- Off odors, changes in color or consistency.
- Fizzing or bubbling when container is opened.
- Sour or bitter taste when juice is checked.
If your unopened orange juice displays any of those characteristics, it should no longer be consumed. Discard the container and purchase a fresh supply.
How Long Does Opened Orange Juice Last in the Fridge?
Once exposed to air, the shelf life of orange juice reduces substantially. An opened carton or bottle of orange juice will last:
- 7-10 days past printed date in the refrigerator.
- 3-5 days past printed date if kept in a full refrigerator at 40°F or below.
Keeping orange juice refrigerated and in a tightly sealed container after opening can help extend its shelf life somewhat by slowing down enzymatic and microbial activity. But it must be consumed within about one week for best safety and quality.
Tips for Storing Opened Orange Juice
To optimize the shelf life of orange juice once opened, follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below shortly after opening.
- Transfer to a tightly sealed plastic or glass container if not consuming full container.
- Make sure container is clean before filling.
- Fill container fully to minimize oxygen exposure.
- Consume within 3-5 days and don’t keep past 7-10 days.
- Never return unused juice from glass back into original container.
A full, airtight container kept cold will keep your orange juice fresher for longer after opening. But don’t push storage times too long, as the quality will deteriorate.
Signs Opened Orange Juice Has Spoiled
Check opened refrigerated orange juice carefully for any of the following signs of spoilage:
- Change in color or cloudy appearance.
- Off odors.
- Mold growth.
- Fizzing or fermentation.
- Sour taste.
When air and microbes interact with the orange juice, chemical changes will occur. If you notice any changes from its normal appearance, smell or taste, err on the side of caution and discard the orange juice.
Can You Freeze Orange Juice to Extend Life?
Freezing is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of both opened and unopened orange juice. Here are some freezing guidelines:
- Unopened – Can be frozen until printed expiration date. Allow headspace in container for expansion.
- Opened – Transfer to freezer safe container. Leave 1/2 inch headspace. Consume within 3-6 months for best quality.
- Thaw frozen orange juice in fridge before using. Do not refreeze.
- Avoid freezing glass containers, as they may break.
Freezing stops enzymatic and microbial activity that degrades the orange juice over time. Thawed juice will retain its nutritional value, but some separation and loss of flavor can occur. Try freezing smaller portions if you won’t use a full container within 3-6 months.
Can You Refrigerate Unopened Orange Juice After Opening?
Once an unopened carton or bottle of orange juice is opened, it must be refrigerated. The shelf life becomes equivalent to opened juice.
Some sources of confusion are:
- Small juice boxes or pouches designed for packing in lunches – These are shelf-stable until opened. Refrigerate after opening.
- Orange juice sold unrefrigerated in bulk containers – This is pasteurized for extended shelf life. Refrigerate after opening.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice – Has very short shelf life and must always be refrigerated.
So orange juice that seemed shelf-stable when sealed will need prompt refrigeration after exposure to air. Follow the same guidelines for storing and determining spoilage as regular opened orange juice.
Can You Make Your Own Shelf-Stable Orange Juice?
It is possible to make your own homemade orange juice last longer by using canning methods to make it shelf-stable. Here are some options:
Boiling Water Canning
The USDA provides detailed guidelines for safely canning orange juice to store at room temperature. Key steps are:
- Prepare juice, leaving 2 inches of headspace in jar.
- Process pint or quart jars in boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
- Store in cool, dry place up to 1 year.
This method allows you to safely store smaller batches of fresh orange juice without refrigeration. Always follow exact directions for sanitization, processing times and sealing jars.
Freezing
For larger amounts, freezing is an option. Key steps include:
- Place fresh juice in clean freezer containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Seal, label and freeze.
- Thaw in refrigerator before using within 3-6 months.
Frozen orange juice won’t last as long as canned, but is easier for larger batches. Use clean, airtight freezer containers and don’t refreeze after thawing.
Citric Acid Addition
Adding citric acid as a preservative can help homemade orange juice last up to 4 weeks refrigerated. Use 1/4 tsp citric acid per quart of juice. However, precise acidity control is needed to ensure safety.
Is Moldy Orange Juice Safe to Drink if Heated?
No, do not consume orange juice if mold is visibly present, even if boiled or microwaved. Heat may kill mold spores and bacteria, but not mycotoxins they produce. Mycotoxins are heat stable and can cause illness if ingested.
Additionally, microwaving does not heat juice evenly enough throughout to ensure safety. Any orange juice showing signs of spoilage should be discarded, regardless of heating method used.
Conclusion
When properly stored, unopened orange juice can remain fresh and safe to drink for up to a year past its printed expiration date. Once opened, orange juice has a more limited fridge life of about one week. Keeping it chilled in a tightly sealed container is key. Freezing can extend the shelf life further for both unopened and opened containers. With opened orange juice, it’s important to watch for any signs of spoilage indicating it’s time to discard it. Following these simple guidelines will help you avoid wasting orange juice and keep your family safe from possible foodborne illness.
