Ginger ale is a popular carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger. It’s often used to help settle upset stomachs thanks to the soothing properties of ginger. But if you’ve ever wondered “does ginger ale go bad?” then you’ve likely noticed that some bottles have sat in the back of your fridge for months (or longer). So how long does ginger ale last before it goes flat or becomes unsafe to drink?
Does unopened ginger ale expire?
The shelf life of unopened ginger ale depends on a few factors:
- Type of ginger ale – Traditional, non-alcoholic ginger ales last longer than ginger beers or ginger wines with alcohol content. The alcohol can cause the flavor to deteriorate faster.
- Ingredients – Ginger ales with natural ginger may have a shorter shelf life than those made with artificial flavors. The real ginger can lose potency and flavor over time.
- Packaging – Cans or glass bottles help block light and air from the ginger ale, keeping it fresher than plastic bottles or cartons.
- Storage conditions – Storing ginger ale in a cool, dry pantry helps preserve the carbonation and flavor better than warm or humid storage areas.
With optimal storage conditions, unopened ginger ale typically lasts:
| Ginger Ale Type | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Traditional ginger ale (non-alcoholic) | 9-12 months past printed expiration date |
| Ginger beer/ale with alcohol | 6-9 months past printed expiration date |
So an unopened ginger ale stored in a cool, dark pantry should stay fizzy and retain good flavor for about a year past any “best by” or expiry date printed on the bottle or can. After this time, it may start to lose carbonation and some flavor notes can deteriorate or become unpleasantly strong.
How long does opened ginger ale last?
Once opened, ginger ale has a much shorter shelf life. Exposure to oxygen causes the carbonation to dissipate and the flavors to fade. An opened bottle or can of ginger ale generally lasts:
- Refrigerated – 5-7 days
- Pantry/cupboard – 2-3 days
The refrigeration slows chemical reactions that degrade the quality and flavor. For best results, reseal the ginger ale container tightly and store away from light.
If you reseal the bottle properly, you may get up to a week before noticeable flavor and carbonation loss. But older opened ginger ale often tastes flat and metallic compared to a fresh bottle.
Does ginger ale expire?
Yes, ginger ale does expire eventually. An unopened, properly stored bottle or can lasts about 9-12 months past the printed expiration date. Once opened, ginger ale is generally good for 5-7 more days refrigerated.
Expired ginger ale may still be safe to drink, but the quality degrades over time. Signs your ginger ale is expired include:
- Flat – Little to no carbonation left
- Off flavors – Metallic, sour, or bitter taste
- Discoloration – Darkening from clear yellow to brownish
- Cloudiness – Particles or haziness instead of clear liquid
These changes indicate chemical and microbial spoilage. The ginger ale will no longer taste pleasant or refreshing. But is it safe to drink expired ginger ale?
Is expired ginger ale safe to drink?
Ginger ale that smells or tastes “off” should not be consumed. Spoiled ginger ale can possibly cause stomach upset or foodborne illness. But in most cases, drinking slightly expired ginger ale is not harmful.
Carbonated beverages like ginger ale are highly acidic, with a typical pH around 2.5-3.5. This acidity prevents most microbial growth that causes food poisoning. And the added preservatives and pasteurization further inhibit spoilage.
However, there are some risks of drinking expired ginger ale to be aware of:
- Mold – Uncommon but possible if bottles are frequently opened/resealed.
- Bacterial growth – Acidic pH protects from most bacteria but not all. Can cause gastroenteritis.
- Chemical changes – Breakdown of compounds can cause adverse reactions, especially in those with sensitivities.
In most healthy people, drinking ginger ale 1-2 weeks past the expiration date is not likely to cause illness. But those with compromised immune systems or allergies/intolerances may want to avoid it.
When in doubt, it’s best to discard ginger ale more than 5-7 days after opening. The expiry date on unopened bottles provides a good benchmark too.
How to tell if opened ginger ale has gone bad
The signs that opened ginger ale has spoiled and should be discarded include:
- Appearance – Cloudiness, particles floating, layer of film on surface
- Smell – Unpleasant medicinal or rotten aroma
- Flavor – Strange tastes like metallic, moldy, sour
- Carbonation – Completely flat with no bubbles
- Color – Drastic darkening from yellow to brown
Ginger ale that exhibits any of these attributes is past its prime and potentially unsafe to consume. Trust your senses – if it looks, smells or tastes off then throw it out.
Does diet ginger ale expire faster?
Diet ginger ale generally lasts just as long as regular ginger ale. The main factors affecting shelf life are ingredients, packaging and storage conditions. Since these are similar between diet and regular ginger ales, both types expire in about the same timeframe when properly stored.
However, there are a few reasons diet ginger ale may deteriorate faster after opening:
- Uses more artificial sweeteners and preservatives that can degrade over time.
- Higher acidity from citric acid prolongs freshness but can cause faster flavor changes.
- Lacks sugars and compounds found in regular ginger ale that help stability.
So while an unopened diet ginger ale stays good for about a year like regular ginger ale, it may start tasting “off” a few days sooner after opening. For best quality, drink diet ginger ales within 4-5 days of opening.
Does flat ginger ale go bad?
Flat or expired ginger ale will go bad faster than carbonated ginger ale. The carbonation acts as a preservative, slowing chemical reactions that degrade the flavor. Once ginger ale loses its fizz, the clock starts ticking faster on its shelf life.
Flat ginger ale in a sealed container will usually stay drinkable for:
- Refrigerated – 3-5 days
- Pantry – 1-2 days
The fridge at least helps slow the spoilage process. But flat ginger ale has less buffer against microbial growth, oxidation, and other detrimental effects. It’s best to drink it within a couple days of losing its carbonation.
How to prolong ginger ale shelf life
To get the longest lasting freshness out of ginger ale, be sure to:
- Purchase ginger ale with distant sell by/best before dates
- Avoid dented or damaged packages
- Store sealed bottles/cans in a cool, dry pantry
- Refrigerate after opening and reseal container tightly
- Never let ginger ale containers sit at room temperature if not finishing quickly
- Keep the area around opened ginger ale clean to avoid contamination
- Trust your nose – discard if any unpleasant odors develop
With optimal storage and handling, you can expect about:
- 1 year shelf life for unopened ginger ale
- 1 week shelf life refrigerated after opening
FAQs
Can ginger ale be frozen to extend its shelf life?
Freezing is not recommended for ginger ale. The freezing and thawing process can damage the carbonation, causing it to go flat quickly after being thawed. The texture may become watery or slushy. Flavors also tend to degrade faster in frozen ginger ale.
Can expired ginger ale make you sick?
Consuming ginger ale 1-2 weeks past its expiration date is generally not hazardous. However, ginger ale that is heavily expired or shows signs of spoilage can potentially cause illness. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Is flat ginger ale still good?
Flat ginger ale is still safe to drink for 2-3 days if refrigerated and 1-2 days if unrefrigerated. However, it will start to degrade in quality and taste stale more quickly once the carbonation is lost.
Does the alcohol content in ginger beer or ginger ale affect shelf life?
Yes, ginger beers or ales with alcohol content tend to have a shorter shelf life than traditional non-alcoholic ginger ale. The alcohol can react with other ingredients and spice flavors, causing the product to deteriorate faster.
The bottom line
When properly stored, ginger ale can maintain good flavor quality and carbonation for about:
- Unopened – 9-12 months past printed expiration date
- Refrigerated after opening – 5-7 days
- Pantry after opening – 2-3 days
So does ginger ale expire? Yes, eventually it goes flat and develops off flavors. But by following proper storage, handling, and expiration date guidelines, you can enjoy ginger ale at peak quality for up to a year in the pantry or about a week in the fridge.
