Bottled Fruit Juice Shelf Life

• Because the printed date on bottle fruit juice is meant to ensure you drink the juice at is peak quality, it does not have a definitive expiration date. Unopened bottled fruit juice can be used for up to eight months beyond its production date with little discernible difference in quality. Once opened, the shelf life of fruit juice is significantly shortened. Drink opened fruit juices within five to 10 days for the best quality.

Storage is Key

• How you store bottled fruit juice plays a role in its shelf life. Heat, moisture and light all add to the deterioration of bottled juices. Store bottled juices in a cool, dark and dry pantry until you are ready to use them. While cool storage is important, do not store bottled fruit juice where it freezes, as freezing can cause a bottle to break when the juice inside expands.

Opening It Up

• Once opened, replace the juice's top tightly to prevent air exposure. Keep bottled juice refrigerated for the best quality and shelf life once opened. Juice can easily be contaminated by microorganisms in the environment once opened. Always pour juice into a cup before serving and avoid drinking directly from the bottle to prevent contamination. Juice, once opened, is a perishable item and should not be left at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Spoilage Indicators

• Once opened, bottled fruit juices can easily go bad if stored beyond five to 10 days or if they become contaminated with microorganisms. A sour smell is the first indication juice is going bad and mold means it has spoiled. If your fruit juice has any discoloration, has begun to smell like wine or beer, or simply does not look quite right, throw it out without tasting it. Spoiled juice can cause foodborne illness and you should not drink it.