Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Refrigerate
once opened
In the fridgeFridge
7–10 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
8–12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
On the counterCounter
Not recommended
keep it cold
In the fridgeFridge
Not listed
no FoodKeeper figure
In the freezerFreezer
8–12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Orange juice lasts 7–10 days in the fridge and 8–12 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if orange 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.
Orange juice 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 7–10 days in the fridge from the day you open it.
How to keep orange juice fresh longer
- Good for 1 week after date on package.
- Store unopened in a cool, dark place.
- Refrigerate after opening and close tightly.
More about orange juice
FAQ
How long does it take for orange juice to go bad?
7–10 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can orange juice 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 orange juice?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep orange juice from going bad?
Good for 1 week after date on package.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number