Here's Exactly How Long Orange Juice Lasts At Room Temperature

Properly storing orange juice

In general, orange juice should be kept at temperatures between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent premature spoilage. Maintaining this cold environment is crucial for maximizing the shelf life of orange juice, which typically ranges from two to three days for fresh-squeezed varieties and up to 10 days for pasteurized options.

The shelf life of orange juice is also influenced by whether it has been opened; the aforementioned time frames apply to juice that has already been opened. Unopened orange juice can last longer. Once opened, it’s essential to store orange juice in a tightly sealed container to minimize exposure to air. If your store-bought orange juice remains unopened and was purchased from the refrigerated section, it may still be good for up to two weeks past its expiration date when stored in the fridge. Conversely, if it was bought from the shelf, it can remain good for one to two years if left unopened.

Freshly squeezed juice is particularly susceptible to spoilage if left at room temperature, as bacteria can contaminate it during the squeezing process. If you accidentally leave fresh orange juice out for more than two hours, it’s advisable to discard it. Unopened pasteurized orange juice can be returned to the refrigerator, but this is the only exception. Opened pasteurized orange juice should be handled with care if left out, as fermentation can alter its flavor even in the absence of harmful bacteria.