Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Refrigerate
once opened
In the fridgeFridge
2 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
On the counterCounter
12–18 months
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
Not needed
shelf-stable
In the freezerFreezer
Not needed
keeps without freezing
Quick answer
Yes. Lemon juice lasts 2 months in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if lemon juice is 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.
Lemon juice past the expiration date
Unopened
FoodKeeper gives unopened lemon juice 12–18 months in the pantry, counted from the day you buy it. "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 2 months in the fridge from the day you open it.
How to keep lemon juice 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 lemon juice
FAQ
How long does it take for lemon juice to go bad?
2 months in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can lemon juice expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened lemon juice 12–18 months in the pantry, counted from the day you buy it. "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 lemon juice?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep lemon juice 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