Freshly squeezed orange juice is a delicious and nutritious beverage that many people enjoy as part of a healthy breakfast or snack. However, since it is made from fresh oranges without any preservatives, its shelf life is limited. So how long does fresh orange juice last after squeezing?
Quick Answer
Freshly squeezed orange juice that has been properly stored in the refrigerator will keep for 3-4 days. To maximize its shelf life, orange juice should be stored in an airtight container to prevent oxygen exposure. It also helps to squeeze oranges that are at peak ripeness and chill the orange juice immediately after squeezing.
How Long Does Fresh Orange Juice Last at Room Temperature?
Freshly squeezed orange juice should not be left out at room temperature for more than a couple hours. The warmer temperature allows more microbial growth and accelerated enzymatic activity that causes the juice to degrade faster. Room temperature storage can cause color changes, off-flavors, and a nutritional breakdown in as little as 8 hours.
Does Orange Juice Go Bad?
Yes, orange juice can go bad due to spoilage from natural microorganisms and chemical changes. Signs that orange juice has gone bad include:
- Cloudy appearance
- Bitter, unpleasant taste
- Foul, fermented smell
- Fizziness
- Mold growth
Orange juice that displays these qualities should be discarded. Consuming spoiled orange juice can potentially cause foodborne illness.
How to Tell if Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice Has Gone Bad
Here are some tips for how to tell if your fresh squeezed orange juice is still good or has gone bad:
- Check the appearance – Fresh orange juice should be mostly opaque with a bright orange color. If it looks separated, cloudy, or has debris floating in it, it has likely gone bad.
- Smell the orange juice – Freshly squeezed OJ has a tart, citrusy smell. If it smells unpleasant, musty, or rotten, it has spoiled.
- Taste the juice – Good orange juice should taste fresh and tangy. Discard juice with an off flavor.
- Check for fizziness – Bubbles or carbonation usually indicate fermentation and spoilage.
- Look for mold – The presence of mold, even just a few spots, means the juice should be thrown out.
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out.” Don’t take chances with suspect orange juice.
How to Store Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life of fresh orange juice. Here are some tips:
- Squeeze juice from oranges at peak ripeness for best flavor and shelf life.
- Chill freshly squeezed juice within one hour of squeezing.
- Store orange juice in airtight containers or bottles. This prevents oxidation.
- Keep refrigerated at all times at 40°F or below.
- Don’t store for more than 3-4 days. Discard if spoiled.
Does Orange Juice Last Longer in the Fridge or Freezer?
Freshly squeezed orange juice will last longer when properly refrigerated compared to frozen. In the fridge, orange juice maintains quality for up to 4 days when kept cold at 40°F or below. It can be frozen for longer storage but will suffer damage to texture and flavor. Frozen orange juice is best used within 2-3 months.
Can You Freeze Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice?
Yes, fresh orange juice can be frozen to extend its shelf life. To freeze orange juice:
- Squeeze juice from oranges and strain out pulp if desired.
- Pour freshly squeezed juice into freezer safe containers or bags.
- Leave 1⁄2 inch headspace to allow for expansion.
- Seal containers and lay flat in freezer.
- Frozen orange juice lasts 2-3 months.
Freezing prevents microbial growth in orange juice. However, the freezing process and water crystallization will degrade flavors. Thaw frozen juice in the fridge before using.
How Long Does Store Bought Orange Juice Last After Opening?
Store bought orange juice, such as bottled OJ or cartons with an opened spout, also have limited shelf life compared to unopened products. Once opened, store bought orange juice typically lasts:
- Carton – 5-7 days
- Plastic bottle – 3-5 days
- Glass bottle – 3-5 days
The fridge temperature should stay at 40°F or below. Make sure to recap tight after pouring. Discard any spoiled juice.
Does Orange Juice Expire?
Yes, both freshly squeezed and commercially packaged orange juice have expiration dates. Unopened orange juice stored in the pantry can last from 2-3 months past its printed expiration date as long as the container is not damaged.
However, for utmost quality and freshness, it’s best to drink orange juice before the printed expiration date. Over time, the color, vitamin content, and taste can degrade.
How to Tell if Store Bought Orange Juice Has Gone Bad?
Here are signs that the store bought orange juice in your fridge has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Off odors
- Sour taste
- Mold growth
- Fizziness
- Cloudiness or separation
Orange juice can also develop a pinkish hue when expired due to microbial buildup. If your OJ displays any of these qualities or just seems off, it’s better to be safe and toss it.
Does Orange Juice Last Longer in Glass or Plastic Bottles?
Orange juice typically lasts a little longer when stored in glass rather than plastic bottles. Glass provides an impermeable barrier that prevents oxygen exposure and flavor loss. Plastic is slightly more porous over time.
However, as long as you refrigerate orange juice in either type of bottle and consume within 3-5 days of opening, you can expect comparable shelf life. Just be sure to seal the container fully between pours.
Does Refrigerating Orange Juice Help It Last Longer?
Yes, refrigerating orange juice is imperative for maximizing its shelf life once squeezed or opened. Proper refrigeration at 40°F or below slows the growth of spoilage microorganisms and enzymatic reactions that can cause orange juice to deteriorate faster.
Leaving orange juice out at room temperature for even a couple hours can significantly decrease how long it stays fresh and palatable.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Orange Juice?
It is not recommended to refreeze thawed orange juice. Any thawed juice should be consumed or discarded. The freeze-thaw process degrades the flavor and texture.
Refreezing thawed orange juice can also make it more prone to bacterial growth. For food safety, only freeze juice once.
Does Adding Ice Dilute Orange Juice Faster?
Yes, adding ice to orange juice will dilute the juice faster than just refrigerating it on its own. As the ice melts into the orange juice, it waters down the concentration of flavors and juice content.
For best quality and taste, avoid adding ice to orange juice. Drink chilled orange juice straight from the refrigerator instead of over ice if you want to maintain its fresh flavor for as long as possible.
Does Orange Juice Last Longer in the Fridge With or Without the Pulp?
Orange juice with or without pulp generally has the same shelf life in the refrigerator. Straining out the pulp should not affect how long the orange juice stays good.
As long as both types are stored properly in sealed containers at 40°F or below, expect them to last 3-4 days from the squeeze date. The pulp provides texture but does not contain properties that lengthen freshness.
Does Orange Juice With Pulp Go Bad Faster Than No Pulp?
There is no significant difference in how long orange juice with pulp lasts compared to orange juice with no pulp. Since the pulp is made of insoluble fiber from the orange flesh, it does not usually impact the rate of spoilage.
As long as the orange juice is kept refrigerated, the presence of floating pulp should not accelerate microbial growth or deterioration. Straining out pulp mainly changes the mouthfeel.
How Long Does Orange Juice Last Once Poured?
Freshly poured orange juice that is left sitting out should not be left for longer than 2 hours before returning to the fridge. Leaving juice at room temperature longer than this can allow mold growth and bad bacteria to start developing.
For best quality, drink orange juice right after you pour it. But as long as it’s refrigerated within 2 hours, its shelf life is not significantly impacted compared to juice stored continually cold.
Does Orange Juice Go Bad If Left in the Car?
Yes, orange juice can go bad if left in a hot car. The interior of a parked car can quickly reach temperatures over 100°F. Exposure to these high heat levels, even just for a couple hours, will significantly accelerate spoilage of orange juice.
The heat causes the orange juice to not only deteriorate in quality faster, but also makes it more susceptible to dangerous microbial growth. Orange juice left in the car should not be consumed.
How Long Can You Keep Orange Juice After Opening?
Once opened, orange juice should be used within 3-5 days for best quality. Keep refrigerated and make sure the container is tightly sealed between pours.
Follow these timelines for orange juice opened from various packaging:
- Carton – 5-7 days
- Plastic bottle – 3-5 days
- Glass bottle – 3-5 days
- Freshly squeezed – 3-4 days
Discard any orange juice that smells, tastes, or looks off after opening, even if within the timeline. Don’t take risks with spoiled orange juice.
Will Orange Juice Last Longer If Sipped Over Several Days?
No, slowly sipping on orange juice over several days does not extend its shelf life compared to if the full container was consumed quicker. Once exposed to oxygen, enzymatic and microbial degradation begins regardless of the drinking pace.
For maximum freshness, it’s ideal to finish orange juice within 3-4 days of opening. But sipping over 5-7 days should be safe if refrigerated and no signs of spoilage appear.
Conclusion
Freshly squeezed orange juice has a limited shelf life of just 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Commercially packaged orange juice lasts a little longer at 5-7 days after opening. For the best quality and taste, drink orange juice as soon as possible after squeezing or opening.
Always keep orange juice chilled at 40°F or below. Check for any signs of spoilage like odor, appearance, mold, or fizziness. Discard juice that seems off or has expired. With proper refrigerated storage, orange juice can maintain its delicious fresh-squeezed flavor for up to a week in the fridge.