Shelf Life Tips
- How long do unopened juice boxes last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - to maximize the shelf life of juice boxes, store in a cool, dry area.
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How long do unopened juice boxes last at room temperature? Properly stored, unopened juice boxes will generally stay at best quality for about 12 to 18 months, although they will usually remain safe to use after that.
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Are unopened juice boxes safe to use after the "expiration” date on the package? Yes, provided they are properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged juice boxes 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 juice boxes will remain at peak quality.
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Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the juice's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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To further extend the shelf life of juice boxes, freeze: pour juice into an 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 do juice boxes last in the freezer? Properly stored, the juice 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 — juice boxes that have been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How long does juice last after being frozen and thawed? Juice that has been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for an additional 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator before using; juice that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be used immediately.
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How can you tell if juice boxes are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the juice: if the juice develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if mold appears, it should be discarded.
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Discard all juice from juice boxes that are leaking, bulging or severely dented.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
