Does Orange Juice Go Bad?
Yes, orange juice goes bad. Fresh-squeezed orange juice lasts 2-3 days refrigerated. Pasteurized OJ in cartons lasts 1-2 weeks opened, while frozen concentrate reconstituted lasts about 1 week. Signs of spoilage include sour smell, off taste, fermentation bubbles, and mold.
Key Takeaways
- Orange juice is perishable due to its natural sugars and nutrients that bacteria and yeasts love.
- Pulp-free OJ may last slightly longer than pulpy varieties.
- Fermented orange juice will have bubbles and a fizzy or alcoholic taste - discard it.
Explanation
Orange juice is perishable due to its natural sugars and nutrients that bacteria and yeasts love. Fresh-squeezed juice has the shortest shelf life because it has not been heat-treated to kill microorganisms.
Pasteurized orange juice (most commercial brands) lasts longer because heat treatment destroys most microorganisms. Refrigerated cartons last about 7-10 days after opening. The 'not from concentrate' and 'from concentrate' varieties have similar shelf lives once opened.
Shelf-stable orange juice in aseptic boxes can last months unopened at room temperature but should be refrigerated and consumed within 7-10 days once opened. Always check for signs of fermentation or off odors before drinking.
Things to Know
- Pulp-free OJ may last slightly longer than pulpy varieties.
- Fermented orange juice will have bubbles and a fizzy or alcoholic taste - discard it.
- Frozen orange juice concentrate lasts up to 1 year in the freezer.