Beverages

How long does carton fruit punch last once opened?

3 weeks
Pantry, from purchase — USDA FoodKeeper guidance for fruit juice in cartons, fruit drinks, punch

An unopened carton of fruit juice or punch keeps 3 weeks, and once it’s open USDA gives it 8–12 days in the fridge — pour, reseal, and get it back in the cold.

How long does it keep?

Pantry, from purchase 3 weeks
Pantry, opened 7–12 days
Fridge, opened 8–12 days

Can it sit out?

Carton fruit juice is shelf-stable, so sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question — storage time is.

The 2-hour rule, in full →

How to tell if carton fruit juice has gone bad

  • A fizzy sting on the tongue in juice that should be flat
  • A wine-like or vinegary smell at the spout
  • Cloudiness, or a floating cap of mold inside the carton

When in doubt, throw it out.

Store the carton on a shelf, not in the door — juice reheats and re-chills every time the door swings.

Quick answers

How long does carton fruit punch last once opened?

An unopened carton of fruit juice or punch keeps 3 weeks, and once it’s open USDA gives it 8–12 days in the fridge — pour, reseal, and get it back in the cold.

How long can carton fruit juice sit out?

Sitting out at room temperature isn’t the safety question for carton fruit juice — storage time is.