How long can orange juice be left unrefrigerated?
Orange juice is a refrigerator staple for many people. A glass of chilled OJ is a refreshing way to start the day. But sometimes life gets busy, and you might leave a container of orange juice out on the counter overnight or while running errands. How long can orange juice safely stay unrefrigerated before it goes bad? Here’s a comprehensive look at how long orange juice lasts at room temperature, how to tell if orange juice has gone bad, and how to store orange juice properly.
How Long Can Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Stay Unrefrigerated?
Freshly squeezed orange juice has a very limited shelf life, even when refrigerated. Without preservatives or pasteurization to stop microbial growth, fresh orange juice only lasts about 1-2 days in the fridge before it starts going bad. At room temperature, leftover fresh orange juice should be discarded after no more than 2 hours.
How Long Can Store-Bought Orange Juice Stay Unrefrigerated?
Store-bought orange juice, whether refrigerated or shelf-stable, lasts longer than fresh since it has been commercially processed and packaged. Here’s how long different types of store-bought orange juice last unrefrigerated:
Refrigerated Orange Juice
Refrigerated orange juice, found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, has usually been pasteurized to kill bacteria but lacks preservatives. An unopened container can be left out at room temperature for 5-7 days before the quality begins to suffer. After opening, refrigerated orange juice should be consumed within 5-7 days and discarded after two hours unrefrigerated.
Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate
Frozen orange juice concentrate stays safe at room temperature unopened for 1-2 years. Thawed concentrated OJ can stay in the refrigerator for up to one week. If left unrefrigerated after thawing, it should be used within 12-24 hours.
Shelf-Stable Orange Juice
Shelf-stable, or “not from concentrate” orange juice in cartons or plastic bottles is pasteurized and has preservatives added. An unopened shelf-stable container lasts 2-3 weeks at room temperature. Once opened, it lasts 5-7 days refrigerated and 1-2 days unrefrigerated.
| Type of Orange Juice | Unopened, Unrefrigerated | Opened, Refrigerated | Opened, Unrefrigerated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh squeezed | N/A | 1-2 days | 2 hours |
| Refrigerated | 5-7 days | 5-7 days | 2 hours |
| Frozen concentrate | 1-2 years | 1 week | 12-24 hours |
| Shelf-stable | 2-3 weeks | 5-7 days | 1-2 days |
How to Tell if Orange Juice Has Gone Bad
The shelf life estimates above provide a good rule of thumb, but it’s also important to rely on your senses and inspect the juice closely. Here are some signs that indicate your orange juice has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Sour smell or taste – Fresh orange juice smells sweet and tastes slightly acidic. If it develops an unpleasant or rancid odor or sour taste, it has likely started to ferment.
- Mold – Check the juice closely for fuzzy mold spots. Even a small spot of mold indicates the juice should be tossed.
- Separation – Orange juice naturally separates into cloudy pulp and transparent liquid. However, if the pulp floats to the top or becomes very thin or watery, it’s a sign the juice has gone off.
- Fizzing – Small bubbles throughout the juice or foam at the top mean fermentation has begun.
- Discoloration – Over time, orange juice can darken and lose its bright color. An orangey-brown tint shows the juice is oxidizing and no longer tasty.
Orange juice can also spoil without any noticeable signs. If it has been left out too long, best practice is to discard it even if it still looks, smells and tastes okay.
How Temperature Impacts Orange Juice Shelf Life
The amount of time orange juice lasts unrefrigerated depends heavily on the storage temperature. Warmer temperatures allow bacteria and mold to multiply faster. Here’s an estimate of how long orange juice lasts at different room temperatures:
| Temperature | Unrefrigerated Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| 70°F (21°C) | 6-8 hours |
| 75°F (24°C) | 4-6 hours |
| 80°F (27°C) | 2-4 hours |
| 90°F (32°C) | 1-2 hours |
As you can see, warmer room temperatures dramatically reduce the shelf life of orange juice left out on the counter. Air temperature and sunlight exposure should be minimized to keep juice from spoiling too quickly.
Does Orange Juice Go Bad in the Fridge?
Orange juice stored continuously in the refrigerator lasts longer than juice left out. But it will still eventually spoil due to natural degradation. Here are some signs refrigerated orange juice has gone bad:
- Unpleasant sour, bitter, or moldy smell
- Fizzing, foam, or bubbling
- Thick, slimy texture
- Discoloration or separation
- Mold spots
Always examine refrigerated orange juice carefully before drinking and look for changes from its normal appearance, smell and texture. Orange juice can develop mold and bacteria in the fridge over time. Discard any orange juice that is past its expiry date or shows signs of spoilage.
Does Orange Juice Expire?
All orange juice has an expiry or “best by” date printed on the container. This date tells you how long the unopened juice will retain peak quality when stored as recommended. The actual shelf life may be longer if the container remains properly sealed.
Here are some general guidelines for orange juice expiration:
- Refrigerated orange juice lasts 5-7 days past its printed date if continuously refrigerated.
- Frozen orange juice concentrate is good for 9-12 months past its expiry date if kept frozen.
- Shelf-stable juice lasts at least 1-2 weeks past its date if the container is unopened.
Once opened, orange juice generally lasts 3-5 days past its printed expiry date. Make sure to smell and inspect juice before drinking to check for freshness and signs of spoilage after the expiry date has passed.
How to Store Orange Juice Properly
To get the most shelf life out of orange juice and prevent waste, follow these storage guidelines:
Refrigeration
Keep refrigerated orange juice and orange juice concentrate tightly sealed in the fridge set to 34-40°F (1-4°C). Store opened containers towards the front and use within 5-7 days.
Frozen Storage
Frozen orange juice concentrate stays fresh longer when frozen solid at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Leave space at the top of containers for expansion as the juice freezes.
Avoid Sunlight
Sunlight can damage nutrients in orange juice over time. Store containers in an opaque or dark bottle, or place in a cupboard or pantry while not in use.
Keep Lid Sealed
Always close orange juice containers tightly after pouring. An airtight seal keeps out excess air and prevents spoilage.
No Refreezing
Never refreeze thawed orange juice concentrate. Refreezing thawed juice allows chemical and textural changes that can make it taste unpleasant.
| Storage Method | Temperature | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 34-40°F (1-4°C) | 5-7 days after opening |
| Frozen | 0°F (-18°C) or below | 1-2 years unopened |
| Pantry | 50-70°F (10-21°C) | 5-7 days unopened |
Can You Freeze Orange Juice to Extend Its Shelf Life?
Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of orange juice beyond the standard refrigerator times. Here are some freezing tips:
- Freeze juice in airtight containers or freezer bags. Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace for expansion.
- Avoid temperature fluctuations. Keep juice consistently at 0°F or below.
- Label containers with the date and type of juice.
- Unopened frozen juice lasts 6-12 months past its printed expiration date.
- Opened frozen juice keeps 4-6 months.
Freeze juice while still fresh – don’t wait until it’s expired or spoiled. Thaw in the refrigerator before using and consume within a few days. Freshly thawed juice will retain the best quality and taste.
Can You Cook or Bake With Expired Orange Juice?
Generally, it’s not recommended to use spoiled orange juice in cooking or baking. The off flavors and bacteria can carry through even when heated or mixed into baked goods or other dishes.
However, if juice is close to expiration but not fully spoiled, using it in cooking can be acceptable. The heat from cooking can destroy some bacteria, and flavors blend when combined with other ingredients.
To use expired but not spoiled juice, make sure:
- It has been refrigerated properly before use.
- It smells and looks okay – no off odors, colors, textures.
- The expired date is within 1-2 weeks.
- It is heated to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Discard juice that is more than 2 weeks past date, smells odd, or shows other signs of spoilage. When in doubt, stick to juice that is not past expiration.
Conclusion
Orange juice can last surprisingly long unrefrigerated if it is unopened and properly processed and packaged. However, for best quality, it’s ideal to refrigerate juice after opening. Check juice closely for any signs of spoilage before drinking, especially if left out more than 2 hours.
With proper refrigerated storage, orange juice typically lasts 5-7 days past its printed expiration date. Frozen juice keeps significantly longer when sealed airtight in the freezer. Follow safe storage methods, use refrigerated juice promptly, and freeze extras to enjoy quality orange juice without waste.
