Does Lime Juice Go Bad?

Last Updated on July 3, 2025 by Jennifer Osborn

Fresh lime juice goes bad faster than you think.

If you’re squeezing limes for cocktails, pies, or chicken marinades, you’ll want to use that juice within hours or learn how to store it right.

Keep reading for the lowdown on how long fresh lime juice lasts, how to tell if it's gone funky and whether the bottled stuff is worth using.

Jump to:

• Why Fresh Lime Juice Goes Bad So Quickly
• How Do I Know if Bottled Lime Juice is Bad?
• Can Lime Juice Go Bad in the Fridge?
• How do I know if lime juice has gone bad?
• The Best Way to Freeze Lime Juice (Without Losing Flavor)
• Comments

Why Fresh Lime Juice Goes Bad So Quickly

Fresh lime juice is one of those ingredients that’s magic right after squeezing—but not so much a day later.

That's because citrus juice starts breaking down almost immediately after squeezing.

Oxygen, enzymes and light all work together to zap its flavor and freshness within 24 hours.

The juice from freshly squeezed limes lasts up to 24 hours stored in the refrigerator.

You can freeze fresh juice for up to three months.

How Long Can I Refrigerate Limes?

Refrigerate limes in your vegetable crisper for up to 4 weeks. However, I have successfully kept them fresh for longer than four weeks but generally the citrus has a two to four week life span.

Did you know that when limes are ripe, they turn yellow?

How Do I Know if Bottled Lime Juice is Bad?

Not all bottled lime juice is created equal—some are pantry-stable champs, others need more TLC.

If your juice came from the inner aisles of the grocery store, it’s pasteurized. That means:

• Unopened, it can last several months at room temperature.
• Once opened, it’ll stay good in the fridge for 2 to 3 months—as long as it still smells and looks normal.

But if you picked it up from the produce section or refrigerated case, it's probably unpasteurized. This version often has added sugar and a much shorter shelf life—usually just a week or two, even when refrigerated. Always check the use-by date.

In either case, if it smells funky, looks cloudy, or starts growing mystery fuzz? Toss it. Lime juice shouldn't be suspicious.

Can Lime Juice Go Bad in the Fridge?

Yes. Fresh lime juice starts losing flavor after 24 hours and can spoil within 2 to 4 days, even when refrigerated.

Look for changes in smell, color or taste.

How do I know if lime juice has gone bad?

Sniff it. Does it smell yeasty or like bread baking? Toss it.

Look at it, is it fizzy? Then toss it, fizziness is a sign that your lime juice has begun fermenting. That's no bueno.

Does the juice look cloudy? That's another sign of spoilage.

The Best Way to Freeze Lime Juice (Without Losing Flavor)

If you’ve gone overboard on limes (been there), freezing the juice is the smartest way to preserve that tart, bright flavor.

Just a few small tricks—like using ice cube trays and labeling your stash—can make all the difference when you need a quick citrus hit for recipes or cocktails.

Freeze fresh lime juice in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Once frozen, store the cubes in a sealed freezer bag or container.

Mark the bag or container with the date it’s going in the freezer.

You could even add a “best by” label like the stores do—because let’s be honest, you won’t remember when you froze it.

Don’t let good lime juice go to waste.

Try one of my favorite citrus-packed recipes next:

• Easy Key Lime Pie with Just 3 Ingredients
• Key Lime Bars
• No-Bake Key Lime Pie (No eggs)
• Family favorite Garlic Lime Chicken (best leftovers ever!)

Whether you're baking a pie or mixing a mojito, fresh lime juice is always worth saving (and freezing for later).

Don't miss what to do with leftover key lime juice

Did you know you can freeze lemon zest?

What happened to America's lime industry?