Fresh lemon juice Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
2 hours
1 hour if above 90°F
In the fridgeFridge
6 days
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
Quick answer
Yes. Fresh lemon juice lasts 6 days in the fridge and 12 months in the freezer. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if fresh lemon juice is bad
Smell
Vinegary, sour or musty instead of fresh.
Taste
Flat, sour or bitter — quality is gone.
Look
Cloudiness, sediment or film that was not there before.
Package
Bulging carton, cap or can — discard.
Fresh lemon juice past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
FoodKeeper gives unopened fresh lemon juice 6 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
For perishable fresh lemon juice, the storage clock matters more than the label: if it has been in the fridge longer than 6 days, discard it even before the printed date.
How to keep fresh lemon juice fresh longer
- Store unopened in a cool, dark place.
- Refrigerate after opening and close tightly.
- Keep away from light and heat, which flatten flavour.
More about fresh lemon juice
FAQ
How long does it take for fresh lemon juice to go bad?
6 days in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper. At room temperature, 2 hours.
Can fresh lemon juice expire?
FoodKeeper gives unopened fresh lemon juice 6 days in the fridge, counted from the day you buy it. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad fresh lemon juice?
Spoiled perishable food can cause food poisoning: nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhoea. See a doctor if symptoms are severe or last more than a few days.
How do you keep fresh lemon juice from going bad?
Store unopened in a cool, dark place.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number