Orange juice is usually good for about 7–10 days after opening if it’s a typical store‑bought carton kept in the fridge, while freshly squeezed juice is best within 2–3 days.

Quick Scoop

  • Freshly squeezed OJ:
    • Best within 2–3 days in the refrigerator.
    • Spoils faster because it has no preservatives and plenty of natural sugar.
  • Store‑bought refrigerated OJ (“Keep Refrigerated” on the label):
    • Use within about 7–10 days after opening if kept at or below 4°C (40°F).
    • Pasteurization and light preservatives help, but flavor and vitamin C drop over time.
  • Shelf‑stable / long‑life cartons (sold unrefrigerated):
    • Can sit unopened for months, but once opened they must go in the fridge.
    • After opening, they’re only good about 7–10 days, similar to regular refrigerated juice.
  • Signs your orange juice is bad:
    • Sour or “fermented” smell, sharp off taste.
    • Darker or cloudy color, weird clumps, or mold around the cap.
    • Separation that doesn’t mix back together when you shake it.
  • Room‑temperature risk:
    • Opened OJ shouldn’t sit out at room temperature for more than ~2 hours because bacteria can grow quickly.

Simple rule of thumb

If your opened orange juice has been in the fridge for more than 10 days, or smells/tastes off, it’s safer to pour it out than to risk getting sick.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.