Whether you were rushing to work, running late for an appointment, or otherwise engaged, you may have experienced leaving your orange juice unattended after taking a quick, refreshing sip.
The next sip minutes or even hours later tastes different and makes you wonder if orange juice can go bad? Here’s what I discovered!
Does Orange Juice Go Bad?
Orange juice is perishable and will go bad after seven days of being opened. Additionally, orange juice will have an unusual color, smell rancid, and there may be mold and foreign particles in the mix making it unsafe to drink. To keep orange juice fresh for longer, store it in the refrigerator or the freezer.
If you’re a little lost about orange juice going bad, its shelf life, and how to properly store it, then keep on reading to learn more!
Does Fresh Orange Juice Go Bad?
Freshly squeezed orange juice goes bad after two to three days when stored in the fridge.
Additionally, freshly squeezed orange juice spoils after a few hours when exposed to room temperature because it has no added preservatives.
To keep your freshly squeezed orange juice longer, seal it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated or in the freezer.
Does Unopened Orange Juice Go Bad?
Yes, unopened orange juice can still go bad because it is a perishable good.
If your sealed orange juice is stored on dry shelves without being refrigerated, it can last up to a year at most. If you bought it refrigerated, you should consume it immediately as it will go bad within a week.
Does Unopened Orange Juice Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?
Unopened unpasteurized orange juice that is not refrigerated will quickly go bad after a few hours.
On the other hand, unopened and unrefrigerated orange juice with preservatives can last for a year and a half. It has a longer shelf life because of pasteurization.
Does Frozen Orange Juice Go Bad?
Frozen orange juice won’t go bad for about eight to twelve months. If stored at a constant 0°F, it can last indefinitely.
However, it is recommended that frozen orange juice should be served before six months to pick up any nutritional value. Any longer and the taste and flavor will also deteriorate.
Additionally, defrosted orange juice can last for three to five days in the fridge. But if the frozen juice was thawed in the microwave, it should be consumed immediately.
Does Refrigerated Orange Juice Go Bad?
Freshly squeezed orange juice stored in the refrigerator goes bad after two to three days. This is because it is homemade and does not contain any chemicals or preservatives.
On the other hand, store-bought orange juice sold in the fridge section goes bad two weeks after their use-by date. This is because store-bought refrigerated orange juice has few preservatives in the mix to extend shelf life.
Does Bottled Orange Juice Go Bad?
Bottled orange juice goes bad after one to two years tops if left unopened. This also applies to the carton and canned products.
Orange juice of this kind undergoes pasteurization, a heat treatment that eliminates bad microorganisms in the mix. This prevents oxidation and extends the shelf life of the juice.
Once opened, bottled orange juice will spoil within seven to ten days.
Does Orange Juice Go Bad If It Gets Warm?
Orange juice can quickly spoil if left at room temperature for two hours. It is unsafe for consumption once it gets warm.
Additionally, the quality of orange juice can be affected by the weather and it may quickly degrade if not stored in a cool place.
Does Orange Juice Go Bad After Opening?
Orange juice does not immediately go bad after opening. If it is stored in the refrigerator, it can last for seven to ten days.
However, if the drink is left out in the open after being unsealed, it will spoil in a few hours.
Does Orange Juice Go Bad If Not Opened?
Yes, orange juice that is unopened and tightly sealed will still spoil.
Packaged orange juice has a long shelf life and will only go bad after a year or two. It is processed to prevent bacteria and to keep it well for a longer duration.
However, it will still go bad if it is way past the use-by date.
Does Tropicana Orange Juice Go Bad?
Yes, Tropicana orange juice can go bad.
Since the product is pasteurized, it can last for two years if unopened and sealed correctly. It will go bad after opening in a span of seven days.
Tropicana orange juice or any other commercial orange juice has an indicated best-by date. This pertains to the freshness, and the beverage should still be good for consumption a few days past.
Does Orange Juice Concentrate Go Bad?
Orange juice concentrate has a very long shelf life and will only go bad a week after it is thawed.
Although it has a use-by date, orange juice concentrate has no definite expiration because it is compressed and frozen. But once it is defrosted, it is impossible to freeze again.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last?
This depends on what state the orange juice is in and the preservation method used.
Freshly squeezed orange juice is best consumed immediately but it can last up to two to three days when kept in the fridge. It will spoil in two hours if kept at room temperature.
On the other hand, store-bought orange juice with a seal lasts for about two weeks after its expiration date.
Also, if the container is unsealed and you drink from it now and then, it can last one week at the maximum. Any more and it will become unsafe for consumption.
And finally, pasteurized orange juice can last up to two years but once opened, it should be consumed within a week.
How Long Can You Keep Unopened Orange Juice In The Refrigerator?
Unopened orange juice can last in the refrigerator for about one to two weeks past the expiry date. As long as it’s continuously refrigerated, it won’t go bad quickly.
This is because orange juice is acidic and can keep its freshness beyond the use-by date.
How Can You Tell If Orange Juice Is Bad?
There are five signs that will tell you whether it’s time to discard that orange juice:
- It has developed into a different, unusual color.
- It smells foul and rancid.
- Aside from the orange pulp, there are mold or dark particles in the drink.
- The container has expanded, the juice has fermented and has gone bad.
- It tastes extremely sour and fizzy and has a strange texture.
Is It Bad To Drink Expired Orange Juice?
Yes, it can be bad to drink expired orange juice as it is proven to cause nausea, stomach ache, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, this may lead to food poisoning.
Additionally, expired orange juice is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that make it toxic over time.
If you want to learn more about orange juice, you can see our related posts on whether you can freeze orange juice, if orange juice needs to be refrigerated, and if orange juice ferments.
Conclusion
Orange juice can go bad if it’s not stored properly or if it is past its expiration date.
Homemade orange juice can spoil in a span of three days when refrigerated while processed orange juice has a longer shelf life and can last for eighteen months at the most.
Drinking spoiled orange juice can cause diarrhea and food poisoning so it’s best to be mindful of the quality and freshness.