• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Health My Lifestyle
  • Meal Planner
  • Recipes
  • Learn
    • Nutrition
    • Lifestyle
  • Shop
    • Vegan Fat Loss Meal Plan
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes
  • Learn
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • Meal Plans
    • Recipes
    • Learn
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Learn » Foodology 101

    Does lemon juice go bad?

    Nov 30, 2022 by Rachel · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Whether you have freshly squeezed lemon juice or bottled lemon juice, here's everything you need to know about whether it goes bad, how long does lemon juice last, and proper storage tips to extend the shelf life of lemon juice!

    Lemons stacked in a pile with one sliced in half next to a glass of lemon juice.
    Jump to:
    • Does lemon juice go bad?
    • Fresh vs Store-Bought Lemon Juice
    • How long does lemon juice last?
    • How to freeze lemon juice
    • How to tell when lemon juice has spoiled
    • Summary

    Does lemon juice go bad?

    The short answer: Yes, lemon juice goes bad. But how long does that take and how do you know when it's gone bad? We're going to cover all of this today so you can avoid accidentally consuming bad lemon juice and the risk of food poisoning.

    Lemon juice is a very acidic substance that is often used as a natural preservative so you may be wondering how can it go bad? Lemon juice contains the powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid), which helps to prevent spoilage. It acts in a way similar to salt, drawing out moisture that would otherwise be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, balances the pH, and prevents oxidation of the food it's added to.

    As the lemon juice ages, these antioxidants degrade, reducing the citric acid's efficacy at preventing unwanted bacterial growth. That, along with its high water content, make it an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow.

    Bottled lemon juice next to a glass of fresh lemon juice with sliced lemons.

    Fresh vs Store-Bought Lemon Juice

    Bottled lemon juice is usually made from lemon juice concentrate and diluted with water to mimic fresh lemon juice. It often includes lemon oil as well as preservatives.

    Found in the produce aisle of the grocery store, it is initially shelf-stable if unopened. This is because store-bought lemon juice typically contains additional preservatives and has been pasteurized. This process helps the lemon juice to stay shelf stable while unopened.

    It also allows the lemon juice to stay fresh for longer once opened. Most store-bought lemon juice can last 6+ months after opening if stored properly.

    Fresh lemon juice, or homemade lemon juice, is pure lemon juice. At home you are most likely not adding preservatives or pasteurizing it, so the risk of spoilage occurs much sooner.

    How long does lemon juice last?

    Even though lemon juice is a natural preservative, it is not completely free from spoilage. Like all citrus juice and other fruit juices, lemon juice spoils and won't last forever. Overtime as oxidation occurs, its color, taste and smell will be affected. Nutrients will degrade and most of its nutritional health benefits will be lost.

    This happens at varying rates depending on the type of lemon juice and the storage method.

    Lemons on a wooden cutting board with a citrus juicer and a glass of lemon juice.

    How long does lemon juice last at room temperature?

    Unrefrigerated lemon juice won't last long unless it's an unopened bottle of lemon juice. If unopened, it can last several months past its best-by date and still be safe to consume. That's because it is usually a "best by" date rather than an expiration date printed on the bottle, which according to the USDA indicates when a product will be of best quality and does not refer to a purchase or safety date.

    Make sure to store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place like a kitchen cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources. If opened, it won't last more than 24 hours at room temperature and should be stored in the refrigerator instead.

    Homemade lemon juice on the other hand won't last more than a couple hours at room temperature. This is a basic rule of thumb as perishable, preservative-free food should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

    How long does lemon juice last in the fridge?

    Bottled lemon juice, once opened, can last 6-12 months stored in the refrigerator thanks to the preservatives and pasteurization. Make sure to reseal it tightly after each use.

    Freshly made lemon juice at home poses a higher risk for contamination and therefore can't last near as long as store-bought. From the lemon peel, to the surfaces used to make it, these are all chances to introduce bacteria into your fresh juice. For these reasons, fresh lemon juice, or preservative-free lemon juice, will only lasts 2-3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Keep it stored in a sealed container towards the back of the fridge where it's coldest for maximum freshness.

    How to freeze lemon juice

    If you have extra lemon juice that you can't use up before it goes bad, the best way to store it is by freezing.

    Since we're usually just using small amounts of lemon juice at a time, an ice cube tray makes it easy to freeze small portions. Divide the lemon juice into the ice tray and freeze for a couple hours until it hardens. Once solid, pop juice cubes out of the tray and store in a freezer bag until you're ready to use.

    This is the easiest way to freeze lemon juice so that you don't have to thaw a huge chunk at a time. When ready to use, remove a lemon juice cube from the freezer and thaw before use. Use as you normally would in dressings, sauces, baking, or even drinks.

    Frozen lemon juice can last up to 6 months in the freezer. Make sure to write the date on the bag to keep track.

    Lemon juice in a glass jar with sliced lemons behind it.

    How to tell when lemon juice has spoiled

    Here are the key things to look out for to tell if your lemon juice has spoiled:

    • Change in color - It will become darker as it goes bad.
    • Smells off - If it no longer smells like fresh lemons, it's time to toss it.
    • Unpleasant taste - If the first two aren't noticeable, you can try a tiny sip to be sure. If the flavor has changed and no longer tastes fresh, it's time to discard.

    When you notice any of these changes it's time to throw it out.

    Summary

    Lemon juice does go bad as it degrades. Signs of spoilage include a change in color, taste and smell. Overtime the risk of bacterial growth as well as yeast and mold can occur.

    Fresh lemon juice should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within a couple of days. Commercially produced lemon juice that has been bottled should be stored in the refrigerator once opened and lasts for 6-12 months. Unopened bottled lemon juice can last for a couple months past the best-by date. If opened after the expiration date, use within 1-2 months.

    Share this:

    More Foodology 101

    • Various whole grains in bowls that are used as barley substitutes.
      17 Best Barley Substitutes (And How To Use Them)
    • Pomegranate molasses in a glass jar with a spoon, and pomegranate perils scattered around.
      11 Pomegranate Molasses Substitutes and How to Use Them
    • Glass bowl full of homemade soyaki sauce with a spoon.
      10+ Best Coconut Aminos Substitutes + Easy Recipe
    • Vegan tapioca pearls in a wooden bowl with a wooden spoon scooping some up.
      Is Tapioca Vegan? Everything You Need to Know

    Did you grab your free meal plan yet?

    Sign up here to download it instantly!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Rachel and I'm here to help you transition to a healthy plant-based diet in the easiest way possible. I share simple recipes and tips you can implement today to make it practical and approachable. Read more about my plant-based journey

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    HML Favorites

    A jackfruit burger with a wooden food pick inserted in it. The burger is placed on a marble board.

    Vegan Jackfruit Burger Patties

    Baked vegan quiche with a slice being removed.

    Just Egg Quiche

    Chickpea and lentil curry served in a white bowl and topped with coconut yogurt and chopped cilantro. Two pieces of naan dipped on the side of the bowl.

    Perfect Chickpea and Lentil Curry

    Avocado maki served on a marble board and topped with different toppings like sesame seeds and pickles ginger.

    Homemade Avocado Maki Roll (Sushi Roll)

    Don't Miss Out!

    Sign up to receive recipes, tips, and more!

    Privacy Policy & Disclosure

    Top Recipes

    Homemade Pea Protein Powder (Easy + Vegan)

    Just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to whip these up. These bars are so easy to make, you'll never buy store-bought granola bars again. They are very filling, boasting 9g of protein using only whole food ingredients, and are vegan and gluten free! #granolabar #vegansnack #easysnack #vegan #glutenfree #healthysnack

    5-Ingredient No-Bake Granola Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)

    Healthy Vegan Snickers Overnight Oats are going to have you wondering if you're eating breakfast or dessert. They're filling, delicious, high protein, and taste like candy! They're also gluten-free and sugar-free. #snickers #overnightoats #veganbreakfast #postworkoutsnack

    Vegan Snickers Overnight Oats

    This carrot bacon recipe is so easy and great for when you want the delicious sweet and smoky-ness of bacon! Just 8 simple ingredients, a peeler, and an oven or air-fryer is all you need. Vegan bacon can be made in many ways but this carrot bacon is one of the simplest and most similar looking to actual bacon. And did I mention delicious? #carrotbacon #veganbacon #plantbased #vegan #veganrecipe #veganbreakfast #plantbasedbreakfast #meatfree #meatlessmeals

    Carrot Bacon

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Enjoying these recipes?
    Now you can Buy Me a Coffee to help support the creation of new ones. Thank you!

    About

    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
    • Accessibility Policy
    • About

    Shop

    • My Favorites
    • Vegan Fat Loss Meal Plan & Nutrition Guide

    Stay Connected

    • Sign Up! for a free meal plan and updates
    • Contact
    • Meal Planner Support

      Featured In

      Logos of publications that Rachel from Health My Lifestyle has been featured in including Eat This Not That, Everyday Health, Greatist, MSN, My Fitness Pal, Vegan Life Magazine, and One Green Planet.

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

      Copyright © 2022 Health My Lifestyle LLC