Shelf Life Tips
- How long does unopened orange juice that was sold unrefrigerated last? The precise answer to the question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - store unopened cans or bottles of orange juice in a cool, dark area.
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To extend the shelf life of unopened orange juice, keep unopened orange juice away from direct sources of heat or light.
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How long does unopened orange juice that was sold unrefrigerated last at room temperature? Properly stored, unopened orange juice that has been sold unrefrigerated will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months when stored at room temperature, although it will usually remain safe to drink after that.
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Is unopened orange juice that was sold unrefrigerated safe to drink after the "expiration" date on the can or bottle? Yes, provided it is properly stored and the can or bottle is undamaged - commercially packaged orange juice will typically carry a " Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the orange juice will remain at peak quality.
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Storage times shown are for best quality only - after that, the unopened orange juice's color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the can or bottle is not damaged and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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To further extend the shelf life of orange juice, freeze it: to freeze orange juice, store in airtight container and leave at least 1/2 inch headspace at the top, as juice will expand when frozen.
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How long does orange juice last in the freezer? Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 8 to 12 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only — orange juice that has been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does orange juice last after being frozen and thawed? Orange juice that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator before using; orange juice that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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How can you tell if orange juice is bad? If orange juice develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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Discard all orange juice from cans or bottles that are leaking, rusting, bulging or severely dented.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
