Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Refrigerate
once opened
In the fridgeFridge
8–12 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
On the counterCounter
Use-by date
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
Not needed
shelf-stable
In the freezerFreezer
Not needed
keeps without freezing
Quick answer
Yes. Juice boxes last 8–12 days in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, they spoil: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if juice boxes are bad
Smell
Vinegary, sour or musty instead of fresh.
Taste
Flat, sour or bitter — quality is gone.
Look
Cloudiness, sediment or film that was not there before.
Package
Bulging carton, cap or can — discard.
Juice boxes past the expiration date
Unopened
Follow the package date. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Opened
Once opened, the printed date no longer applies. Count 8–12 days in the fridge from the day you open it.
How to keep juice boxes fresh longer
- Store unopened in a cool, dark place.
- Refrigerate after opening and close tightly.
- Keep away from light and heat, which flatten flavour.
More about juice boxes
FAQ
How long does it take for juice boxes to go bad?
8–12 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can juice boxes expire?
Follow the package date. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad juice boxes?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep juice boxes from going bad?
Store unopened in a cool, dark place.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number