Quick Answers
An unopened soda can last 1-2 years past its printed expiration date if stored properly. Once opened, soda will stay carbonated for 4-6 days when refrigerated. After 2 weeks, opened soda is flat but still safe to drink for 6-9 months if stored properly. Soda can spoil due to microbial growth, oxidation, and gas escaping the liquid. Refrigeration and air-tight containers help extend the shelf life. Diet soda lasts only 3-4 months after opening due to its artificial sweeteners.
What Makes Soda Spoil?
There are a few key factors that cause soda to spoil over time:
Loss of Carbonation
The carbon dioxide bubbles are what give soda its characteristic fizziness. Once a soda is opened, the CO2 gas starts escaping the liquid which causes the soda to go flat. Though flat soda is still safe to drink, many find the taste unpalatable.
Microbial Growth
Like any food or beverage, sodas can grow mold or bacteria over time which causes spoilage. This is more likely in sodas with natural sugars rather than artificial sweeteners. Indicators of microbial growth include mold, an odd smell, or cloudiness.
Oxidation
Exposure to oxygen can cause the flavors and colors of soda to degrade over time due to chemical reactions. Sodas with natural flavors and colors are especially susceptible.
Sunlight Exposure
The rays of sunlight can accelerate the loss of carbonation and also speed up oxidation reactions. Storing soda cans out of direct sunlight helps preserve freshness.
How Long Does Unopened Soda Last?
If stored properly, unopened cans and bottles of soda will generally stay good for:
– 1-2 years past the printed expiration date: The expiration date is an estimate of when the optimum quality starts declining. An unopened can lasts 12-24 months longer if stored in a cool, dark place.
– Indefinitely if refrigerated: An unopened soda stays carbonated and retains quality for many years if continuously refrigerated. The cold environment slows chemical reactions.
– 6-9 months past expiration at room temperature: Storing cans at room temperature rather than refrigerated cuts the shelf life to about 6-9 months after the printed expiration date.
– 2-3 years if frozen: Putting unopened cans in the freezer extends shelf life even longer to 2-3 years past expiration. Freezing stops chemical reactions and CO2 loss.
So an unopened can of soda stays fresh and carbonated for at least a year past the printed date, and lasts even longer if refrigerated or frozen. Always check cans for any signs of damage, rust, or swelling before consuming long-expired soda.
How Long Does Opened Soda Last?
Once opened and exposed to oxygen, the shelf life of soda declines more rapidly:
– 4-6 days refrigerated: An opened can or bottle will stay carbonated for about a week in the fridge. Use an airtight container to help retain fizz.
– 24-48 hours at room temperature: Opened soda goes flat much quicker at room temperature – within 2 days. Refrigerate after opening for best results.
– 6-9 months past expiration refrigerated: Though flat, soda is still safe to consume refrigerated for 6-9 months past the printed expiration date, provided it has been handled properly.
– 2-3 months at room temperature: Similar to refrigerated soda, flat soda is ok at room temperature for 2-3 months past expiration.
So enjoy refrigerated soda within a week and toss any packages after 9 months. Never consume soda that smells odd or is moldy.
Does Soda Go Bad Once Opened?
While opened soda eventually goes flat as the CO2 escapes, it does not necessarily “go bad” or spoil once opened. If handled properly and stored in a clean container, soda can be safely consumed even when flat for up to 9 months past the printed expiration date.
However, improper storage like letting soda sit at room temperature for too long can increase the risk of microbial growth which can make soda go bad faster. Signs of spoiled, opened soda include:
– Mold growth
– Cloudiness
– Sour or yeasty smell
– Fizzing or bubbling when opened
If you notice these signs, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard the soda.
Does Soda Age or Mature Like Wine?
Unlike wine or distilled spirits, soda does not improve in quality or flavor with age. There are no benefits to aging unopened soda for long periods. In fact, soda will gradually lose carbonation, degrade in quality, and run the risk of spoilage over time.
While very old sodas like decades-old bottles may have intriguing collectors value, they are certainly not intended for drinking and have likely lost all effervescence.
So although it is generally safe to drink sodas a year or so past expiration, letting them continue maturing for years will not make them taste better.
Does Freezing Soda Extend Shelf Life?
Freezing unopened soda cans and bottles can significantly extend the shelf life by slowing chemical reactions and gas escapement. Frozen soda can last:
– 2-3 years past printed expiration date if kept frozen
– Up to 6 months frozen after best by date
To freeze soda:
– Leave cans unopened. Do not freeze opened cans/bottles as expanding soda may rupture the container.
– Place upright in freezer. Laying cans on side may cause soda to accidentally spray out when opening.
– Allow space around cans for air circulation. Overcrowding prevents proper freezing.
Thaw frozen sodas gradually in fridge before opening to avoid foaming. Freezing opened cans is not recommended.
Does Soda Go Bad Faster Once Opened?
Yes, opened soda deteriorates much quicker than unopened cans and bottles. Exposure to oxygen starts oxidizing the flavors, escaping CO2 causes loss of carbonation, and microbial growth becomes a concern.
Follow these tips for best quality opened soda:
– Refrigerate immediately after opening
– Pour into a clean airtight container vs. drinking straight from the can/bottle
– Consume within 4-6 days
– Never leave at room temperature more than 48 hours
– Check for off-smells or mold before drinking
Does Bottled Soda Last Longer Than Canned?
Thanks to their air-tight construction, both canned and bottled sodas have comparable shelf lives:
– Unopened cans/bottles can last 12-24 months past sell by date
– Opened cans/bottles stay carbonated for 4-6 days refrigerated
– Flat but still drinkable for 6-9 months after expiration
Plastic soda bottles are slightly more vulnerable to UV light damage from sunlight vs. aluminum cans. But as long as they are stored in a cool, dark place, bottled and canned soda have very similar lifespans from production to consumption.
Does Diet Soda Go Bad Faster?
Diet sodas with artificial sweeteners like aspartame tend to have shorter shelf lives than regular sodas. Diet sodas stay carbonated:
– 3-4 months past expiration date once opened
– 6 months past expiration date unopened
The breakdown of artificial sweeteners happens more rapidly than natural sugar breakdown. So drink diet sodas more quickly and discard sooner than the typical 6-9 month timeframe. Off-tasting diet soda should not be consumed.
How to Tell if Soda Has Gone Bad?
Watch for these warning signs that indicate soda has spoiled and should be discarded:
– Expiration date passed more than 6-9 months ago
– Mold growing in liquid or on underside of cap
– Cloudiness, particulates, or film floating in soda
– Soda smells sour, rotten, or fermented
– Fizzing, bubbling, or hissing sound upon opening container
– Bottle/can swollen or damaged
If you notice any of these red flags, err on the side of caution and properly dispose of the soda. Before drinking long-expired soda, do a small taste test first to check for any stale or off tastes.
Does Soda Expire?
Yes, soda does expire and has a limited shelf life. While the actual expiration varies based on storage conditions, sodas typically expire:
– Unopened: 1-2 years past the printed “best by” or “enjoy by” date
– Refrigerated after opening: 6-9 months past printed date
– Room temperature after opening: 2-3 months past printed date
Expired unopened soda may still be safe to drink, but will likely be flat and degraded in taste. Any cola, lemon-lime soda, etc. that is more than a year past date should be discarded, especially if stored warm.
Pay close attention to expiration and best by dates printed on soda cans and bottles before consuming and do not drink any that is clearly past its prime.
How Long Does Homemade Soda Last?
Homemade soda and soft drinks have a shorter shelf life than commercially sealed and pasteurized sodas. Freshly made soda stored in air-tight containers will last:
– 7-10 days refrigerated
– 2-3 days unrefrigerated
Homemade soda has a higher risk of spoilage due to potential microbial contamination during the preparation and bottling process. Store any homemade soda mixtures immediately in the fridge and discard after 1-2 weeks.
Do not bottle homemade soda in used containers that cannot be fully sanitized. Always use clean, airtight bottles and jars.
Can Bad Soda Make You Sick?
Consuming soda way past its expiration or that has visible microbial growth can potentially make you sick. Contamination with mold, bacteria, and other pathogens is possible in beverages.
Soda that has been stored improperly at warm temperatures for too long provides an environment for dangerous bacteria like salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, and listeria to multiply to unsafe levels that may lead to illness when ingested.
Symptoms generally include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea that resolve within 24-48 hours. See a doctor if severe symptoms arise.
To avoid getting sick, inspect soda carefully and never drink any with foul odors, mold, fizzing upon opening, or other signs of spoilage.
Can Soda Be Dangerous When Expired?
While bacterial contamination poses the greatest threat from spoiled soda, consuming very old soda where the ingredients have degraded also carries some risk.
Potential dangers of expired soda include:
– Benzene formation: In acidic sodas like colas, vitamin C can slowly react with metal in cans to form benzene over time. Benzene is a carcinogen.
– Rust particles: As tin cans degrade, rust particles and aluminum compounds may contaminate very old sodas. These metals also have toxicity concerns when consumed.
– Off-flavors: Bad flavors, textures, and smells indicate inactive ingredients have degraded into compounds that may cause adverse effects in large amounts.
Overall, soda that has been stored properly within its expiration window is very safe. But deteriorated sodas that are decades past date should not be consumed, especially by vulnerable groups like young children and pregnant women.
How To Store Soda Properly?
Follow these tips for maximizing the shelf life of both unopened and opened sodas:
– Store unopened cans/bottles in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight and heat sources like ovens or dishwashers. Avoid sheds and garages that get hot.
– Once opened, immediately refrigerate soda. Use clean bottles/jugs with airtight lids for the best seal.
– Never leave open cans sitting out more than 48 hours. Reseal opened 2-liter bottles between pours.
– Wash hands before handling to avoid transferring bacteria and oils.
– Keep soda storage areas clean. Avoid dusty pantries or fridges with spills or rotting food.
– Rotate stock to use oldest soda first. Check expiration dates periodically and use oldest sodas within 6-9 months.
– Keep inventory organized so you can locate and use sodas efficiently.
Proper refrigerated storage and avoiding prolonged exposure to heat, light, and air is key to maximizing both opened and unopened soda shelf life and safety. Transfer open cans to reusable beverage containers for easy grab-and-go.
How To Revive Flat Soda?
To add fizz back to opened flat soda:
– Add a pinch of baking soda and lemon juice/citric acid to trigger CO2 release
– Use a soda carbonating machine like SodaStream
– Mix in a bit of carbonated flavored seltzer water
– Blend with ice cream into a float – the chilled temperature helps retain fizz
– Freeze flat soda into ice cubes with some CO2 still inside – chilling helps gas stay dissolved
However, revived soda will not achieve the same level of carbonation as a freshly opened can or bottle. Drink re-fizzed soda within a day and don’t try to revive soda more than 5-7 days old.
Conclusion
Following proper refrigerated storage guidelines allows both unopened and opened sodas to stay fresh for 1-2 years past printed expiration dates. Exposure to heat, air, sunlight can significantly reduce shelf life. While not indefinitely shelf-stable like water, sodas can last many months beyond “best by” dates if stored cool and consumed promptly after opening. Always inspect containers for damage before drinking and discard any soda giving off odd smells or showing mold growth. Monitor children and pregnant women’s intake of expired soda since ingredients may degrade over time into potentially harmful compounds in very old sodas. Practicing first-in-first-out inventory management and transferring opened sodas to reusable sealed containers optimizes taste and safety while reducing waste.