Beverages
How long does bottled lime juice last after opening?
Unopened bottled lime juice runs 12–18 months in the pantry; after opening, keep it cold and use it within 2 months, before it goes dull and faintly bitter.
How long does it keep?
| Pantry, from purchase | 12–18 months |
|---|---|
| Fridge, opened | 2 months |
Can it sit out?
Unopened, bottled lime juice is shelf-stable. Once opened, treat it as perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if bottled lime juice has gone bad
- A muddy, brownish cast in the bottle
- A bitter or metallic aftertaste
- Crust or mold built up on the neck and cap
When in doubt, throw it out.
Bottled lime carries the acid but almost none of the perfume — for anything where lime is the point, zest a fresh one over the top.
Quick answers
How long does bottled lime juice last after opening?
Unopened bottled lime juice runs 12–18 months in the pantry; after opening, keep it cold and use it within 2 months, before it goes dull and faintly bitter.
How long can bottled lime juice sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened bottled lime juice — once opened, the FSIS 2-hour rule applies. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).