Propel water is a popular brand of flavored bottled water that contains electrolytes, vitamins, and other nutrients. But like any bottled beverage, there are concerns about how long Propel water stays fresh and safe to drink. This article will examine how long Propel water lasts unopened and opened, signs that it has gone bad, and how to store it to extend its shelf life.
Does Unopened Propel Water Go Bad?
Unopened, commercially packaged Propel water that has been properly stored does not spoil or go bad. That’s because the hermetic sealing and lack of oxygen inside the bottle prevent bacterial growth and contamination. As long as the seal remains intact, Propel water should stay safe to drink indefinitely.
However, while the water doesn’t go “bad” per se, the taste, aroma, color, and nutrient content can degrade over a long period of time. The vitamins and electrolytes may start to break down after the “best by” date printed on the bottle, typically about 18-24 months from the production date. So while old, unopened Propel is still safe to consume, it may not taste as fresh or provide the same benefits.
Does Opened Propel Water Go Bad?
Once opened and exposed to oxygen, Propel water can go bad after a period of time. The exact shelf life depends on how it is stored after opening.
As a general guideline, opened Propel water stored properly in the refrigerator should last about 5-7 days. If left unrefrigerated, Propel water may only stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that higher temperatures speed up spoilage.
Of course, if contamination is introduced into the bottle such as backwash or dirty hands, the Propel water can spoil much faster. Practice good hygiene and avoid sharing drinks to keep your water fresher for longer.
Signs That Propel Water Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that opened Propel water has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Cloudiness – Clear, transparent water turning opaque, hazy, or milky
- Carbonation loss – Flat, non-bubbly texture if carbonated variety
- Mold – Cottony, dry fuzz or slimy film floating in bottle
- Unpleasant aromas – Sour, musty, rotten, or stale smell
- Off tastes – Bitter, metallic, soapy, or acidic flavor
- Discoloration – Unnatural colors like yellow, brown, or black
If you notice any of these changes in your Propel water, err on the side of caution and throw it away. Consuming spoiled drinking water can potentially cause unpleasant symptoms or illness.
How to Extend the Shelf Life of Propel Water
You can extend the freshness of Propel water by following these storage tips:
- Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard away from heat and sunlight.
- Refrigerate opened bottles and consume within 5-7 days.
- Check bottle caps for damage before opening and avoid contaminating nozzle.
- Keep refrigerated Propel away from permeating foods like onion and garlic.
- Transfer to a sealed container if not finishing the bottle to minimize air exposure.
- Write the opening date on labels to track age.
- Don’t freeze Propel water, as freezing can degrade quality.
Can You Drink Expired Propel Water?
The “expiration date” printed on Propel water bottles is actually a best-by date, meaning quality is best until that date but it does not necessarily spoil immediately after. Unopened, commercially bottled water like Propel stays fresh and drinkable for at least a year after the best-by date.
However, as mentioned earlier, taste and nutrient retention may slowly degrade over time. So while not dangerous per se, expired Propel water may not taste as pleasant or provide the full benefits.
For opened bottles, it’s not recommended to drink Propel water more than 1 week past the best-by date even if refrigerated. The risk of bacterial growth is higher.
When in doubt, remember this rule: If expired Propel water exhibits any odd smells, flavors, or textures, err on the side of caution and do not drink it.
Does Propel Water Need to Be Refrigerated Before Opening?
Propel water does not need to be refrigerated before opening the bottle. Unopened, commercially packaged Propel can be safely stored in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard for months or even years without refrigeration.
Refrigeration is only necessary after opening Propel water in order to slow bacterial growth. As long as the bottle remains properly sealed, the water maintains an acceptable quality at room temperature for extended periods.
Can You Freeze Propel Water?
It is not recommended to freeze Propel water. While freezing will not make it unsafe to drink, it can negatively impact the taste and quality of the water.
Freezing may cause carbonated varieties of Propel to lose their fizz. It can also degrade the flavor from the added minerals and vitamins. Additionally, freezing can cause plastic water bottles to expand and crack.
For best quality, Propel water should be stored refrigerated or in a cool pantry. While not ideal, thawed previously frozen Propel water is still safe to drink as long as it has no signs of spoilage.
Does Propel Water Contain Preservatives?
Propel water does not contain any chemical preservatives. However, it achieves a long shelf life due to the sanitary bottling process and hermetic sealing that prevents oxygen from entering the bottle.
The lack of oxygen inhibits microbial growth and slows degradation of the water’s flavor and nutrients. As long as the bottle remains properly sealed, the water will stay fresh without added preservatives.
Once opened, Propel relies on refrigeration and limited air exposure rather than preservatives to maintain quality for about a week.
Propel Water Ingredients
Propel water contains the following ingredients:
- Purified water – The base ingredient that is purified via filtration and/or ozonation.
- Vitamins – Added B vitamins and sometimes Vitamin C.
- Minerals – Electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Natural flavors – Variable by variety, flavors from fruit juices or extracts.
- Sweeteners – May contain non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose or stevia.
- Acids – Citric and/or malic acid for tartness.
- Colloidal silver – Sometimes used as an antimicrobial agent.
Propel water has no sugar, calories, or artificial colors. The vitamins, electrolytes, and flavorings are added to enrich the water’s taste and offer functional benefits.
Comparing Propel to Other Bottled Waters
| Water Type | Shelf Life Unopened | Shelf Life After Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Propel | 18-24 months from best-by date | 5-7 days |
| Spring Water | 18-24 months from best-by date | 5-7 days |
| Distilled Water | Indefinite | 3-6 days |
| Mineral Water | 18-24 months from best-by date | 5-7 days |
| Sparkling Water | 12 months from best-by date | 2-3 days |
As the table shows, most bottled waters have comparable shelf lives. Unopened, they stay fresh for over a year past the best-by date. Once opened, refrigeration is key to extending the shelf life by several more days.
Sparkling water has a shorter lifespan after opening since the carbonation quickly escapes. And distilled water lacks minerals so may have a slightly shorter post-opening shelf life.
But in general, all commercially bottled waters like Propel stay drinkable for about a week after opening when properly stored and refrigerated.
How to Tell if Opened Propel Went Bad
Here are the telltale signs that opened Propel water has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Appearance: Cloudiness, particles, slimy residue, unusual color changes
- Smell: Sour, moldy, rotten, or stale odor
- Taste: Bitter, unpleasant, or “off” flavors
- Texture: Flat or syrupy mouthfeel
- Bottling: Bulging or leaking bottle, corroded cap
Propel, like any drinking water, provides an ideal environment for bacteria when exposed to air and warmer temperatures. So trust your senses – if opened Propel exhibits any gross characteristics or just seems “off,” it’s better to be safe and throw it out.
When to Toss Opened Propel Water
As a general rule of thumb, discard opened Propel water if:
- It’s more than 7 days past the best-by date
- It’s been refrigerated for over 7 days after opening
- It was left unrefrigerated for more than 2 days after opening
- There are any signs of spoilage in smell, taste, or appearance
- You cannot remember when you first opened it
When unsure how long Propel has been opened, it’s safest to err on the side of caution and throw it away rather than risk drinking spoiled water.
Storing Opened Propel to Maximize Freshness
To get the most shelf life out of opened Propel water:
- Refrigerate immediately after opening.
- Screw the cap on tightly to limit air exposure.
- Keep the bottle upright to minimize contact with cap.
- Avoid introducing bacteria by not sharing bottles or touching mouth to nozzle.
- Store opened Propel away from strong-smelling foods in fridge.
- Finish drinking within 5-7 days of opening.
- Don’t freeze or return to room temperature after refrigerating.
Following these tips will help retain the taste, aroma, and nutrition of your Propel water for close to a week after opening. Be sure to discard any bottles that are past their prime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink Propel after the expiration date?
It’s not recommended to drink Propel water after the printed expiration or “best by” date. While not a safety hazard, the taste and quality of the ingredients may degrade over time after the date. Propel is optimally fresh until that expiration date when stored properly.
Does Propel need to be refrigerated before opening?
No, unopened Propel can be safely stored in a cool, dry pantry without refrigeration. It only requires refrigeration to extend shelf life after opening the bottle.
How long does Propel last in the fridge?
Refrigerated Propel water will stay fresh for about 5-7 days after opening. Keep the bottle sealed and store upright in the fridge to maximize this shelf life.
Can you drink Propel after it expires?
Drinking Propel after its expiration date but before opening is generally safe, though the taste may start fading. However, it’s not recommended to drink Propel more than 1 week past its expiration date once opened.
Does Propel go bad if left in a hot car?
Heat can accelerate the degradation of Propel’s taste and nutrients. However, as long as the bottle remains sealed, bacteria cannot grow inside so it does not necessarily “go bad.” But for best quality, avoid leaving Propel in hot conditions.
The Bottom Line
Propel bottled water stays fresh and drinkable for up to a week after opening when properly refrigerated. Sealed, unopened Propel lasts for over a year past its best-by date if stored in a cool, dark place. So you can enjoy Propel water with confidence as long as you follow proper storage guidelines, and discard any bottles that smell or taste off.
