Beverages

How long does orange juice last after opening?

7–10 days
Fridge, opened — USDA FoodKeeper guidance for orange juice (commercially packaged carton)

An opened carton of orange juice keeps 7–10 days in the fridge, and an unopened one freezes 8–12 months — USDA lists no unopened fridge window, so trust the carton’s own date until you break the seal.

How long does it keep?

Fridge, opened 7–10 days
Freezer, from purchase 8–12 months

Can it sit out?

Carton orange juice is 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).

The 2-hour rule, in full →

How to tell if carton orange juice has gone bad

  • A fizzy prickle on the first sip
  • Wine-like or sour notes at the spout
  • Separation that turns slippery instead of shaking back in

When in doubt, throw it out.

Keep it on a cold middle shelf, not the door — juice that swings in and out of the cold turns days early.

Quick answers

How long does orange juice last after opening?

An opened carton of orange juice keeps 7–10 days in the fridge, and an unopened one freezes 8–12 months — USDA lists no unopened fridge window, so trust the carton’s own date until you break the seal.

Can you freeze carton orange juice?

USDA’s freezer window for carton orange juice is 8–12 months.

How long can carton orange juice sit out?

The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to carton orange juice. 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).