How Long Does Fruit Juice Last?

How long does juice last? Juice can last from weeks to months beyond the date printed on the label since the shelf life of fruit juice depends on a variety of factors such as the type of juice, the best by date, how the juice was stored, the packaging and the actual content of the juice package. The term fruit "juice" is a broad term that can mean anything from 100% fruit content to less than 1% fruit content with a lot of added sugar that greatly increases the shelf life.

Most juices are high in vitamins, mainly vitamin C, and can substitute as a serving of fruit. Juices which are all fruit will spoil sooner than juices with added sugar and preservatives as the natural sugars in the fruit will begin to ferment over time. Just beware of added sugar in your juice.

So, how long does juice last? When properly stored, the shelf life of fruit juice past its best by date is approximately ...

Our Favorite Food Storage Set!

With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

SHOP NOW

Fruit Juice Expiration Date

(Unopened) Pantry Refrigerator
Past Printed Date Past Printed Date
Fresh Apple Cider lasts for -- 7-10 Days
Bottled Apple Juice lasts for 2-3 Months 2-3 Months
Canned Apple Juice lasts for 6-9 Months 6-9 Months
Bottled Grape Juice lasts for 2-3 Months 2-3 Months
Orange Juice lasts for -- 1-2 Weeks
Canned Hawaiian Punch lasts for 6-9 Months 6-9 Months
Cranberry Juice Cocktail lasts for 6-9 Months 6-9 Months
Apple juice boxes last for 2-3 Months 2-3 Months
Capri Sun Juice Boxes last for 6-9 Months 6-9 Months
Minute Maid Juice Boxes last for 2-3 Months 2-3 Months
(Opened) Refrigerator Freezer
Fresh Squeezed Citrus Juice lasts for 2-3 Days --
Treetop Apple Juice lasts for 7-10 Days --
Welch's Grape Juice lasts for 7-10 Days --
Orange Juice lasts for 5-7 Days --
Grapefruit Juice lasts for 5-7 Days --
Mango Juice lasts for 5-7 Days --
Guava Juice lasts for 5-7 Days --
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice lasts for 2-3 Weeks --
Fruit Juice Concentrate lasts for 5-10 Days 6-9 Months
Minute Maid Juice Boxes last for 2-3 Days --
Capri Sun juice Boxes last for 5-7 Days --

Of course, all food and drink lasts for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But remember that juice, like a lot of other beverages, usually has a best by date and not a use by date. Because of this distinction, you may safely use juice to compliment your favorite meals even after the printed date has lapsed, but should be enjoyed by the eat by date.

How to tell if Fruit Juice is bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

Although not a perfect test, your senses are usually the most reliable instruments to tell if your juice has gone bad. Some common traits of bad juice are a discoloration, a sour smell (don't drink it!) and finally the growth of mold (way too late - toss it!). The sour smell is usually the first indication, if the juice smells sour it will taste sour. When micro-organisms in air enter the juice container they begin to ferment the fruit which changes the flavor and the aroma of the juice. This process may even cause the container to swell and possibly even burst. So, if your juice begins to smell like vinegar, wine, beer, or alcohol be sure to discard it right away.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled drinks so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your drinks before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Fruit Juice to extend its shelf life?

Juice should be stored in a cool dark place (the pantry works fine). Once opened, juice should be stored in a tightly closed container to keep out moisture and other contaminants. It should always be stored in the refrigerator immediately after use.

If your juice is in a can, be sure to transfer the leftovers to a plastic or glass container before refrigeration.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

Interesting facts about Fruit Juice:

  • Tip: juice box containers freeze well and when put into a lunch box are usually thawed by lunchtime (but don't use a paper bag or the moisture from defrosting will destroy the bag).
  • You can substitute a 4oz glass of orange juice for an orange and still get 1 serving of fruit and the same number of calories, but you miss all of the fiber.
  • How to read the best-by date on Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice: The best-by date is located on the the neck of the bottle and reads: 13MAY12 - the first 2 digits are the Day, the month spelled out, then the last 2 digits are the year 2012.
  • How long is Fruit Juice good for when prepared in a dish?

    How long does fruit juice last? That depends. How long does alcohol last? In general, juice lasts only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient in the recipe.

    What are our shelf life resources?

    In determining how long Fruit Juice lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Fruit Juice.

    *An important note about expiration dates...

    Although the Fruit Juice shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please drink responsibly!

    Our Favorite Food Storage Set!

    With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

    SHOP NOW

    Top 10 Most Popular (NEW)