Crystal Light liquid is a popular powdered drink mix that is dissolved in water to create flavored beverages. With its wide variety of flavors and zero calories, Crystal Light provides a tasty way to stay hydrated without all the sugar found in traditional juice drinks and sodas.
But how long does an unopened container of Crystal Light liquid stay fresh and safe to consume? Here is a look at the shelf life and expiration date of Crystal Light drink mix to help you keep your beverage stash tasty and healthy.
Unopened Crystal Light Shelf Life
An unopened container of dry Crystal Light powder is typically good for up to 2 years past the printed “Best By” date on the label when stored properly.
The key factors that affect the shelf life of unopened Crystal Light are:
- Ingredients – Crystal Light contains maltodextrin, citric acid, artificial flavors, aspartame, acesulfame potassium, etc. These dry ingredients are quite stable and have a long shelf life of several years.
- Packaging – The plastic containers and foil seals help protect the powder from moisture, air, light, etc. that can cause it to degrade over time.
- Storage conditions – Storing Crystal Light in a cool, dry place around room temperature helps maximize freshness and prevent premature spoilage.
As long as an unopened container is stored properly and the powder looks and smells normal, Crystal Light will generally stay fresh for about 2 years past its printed date. However, it’s best to use it within a year or two just to enjoy maximum flavor.
Does Unopened Crystal Light Expire?
Yes, unopened Crystal Light does eventually expire and should not be consumed after a certain period of time. The “Best By” date on the label indicates when the product should be used by for best quality and flavor.
Although unopened Crystal Light may still be safe to consume shortly after the “Best By” date, its quality slowly declines over time. The powder can start to lose its aroma, brightness, and flavor. The vitamins and supplements in some varieties can also degrade in potency.
After being stored for over 2 years past its date, unopened Crystal Light is at higher risk of being stale, having diminished nutritional value, and potentially even developing mold before the package is opened. So it’s generally recommended to throw away Crystal Light more than 2 years past its date just to be safe.
How to Tell if Unopened Crystal Light is Bad
Here are some signs that an unopened container of Crystal Light powder has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Expired date – It’s past the “Best By” date by more than 2 years
- Color changes – Powder is faded, darker, or speckled
- Clumping – Powder is stuck together in hard clumps
- Off smells – Smells stale, musty, or unpleasant when the package is opened
- Off tastes – Powder tastes bland, bitter, or unpleasant when made into drink
- Mold – Any fuzzy spots or dust on the powder itself
As long as the powder appears fresh and smells pleasantly of its expected flavors, unopened Crystal Light that is not too far past its date is likely still fine to use. But a container that exhibits any changes in color, texture, or odor should not be consumed.
Opened Crystal Light Shelf Life
Once opened and exposed to air, the shelf life of Crystal Light powder is significantly reduced. An opened container or packet of Crystal Light generally stays fresh for:
- Crystal Light canisters – 6-12 months
- Crystal Light individual packets – 6-9 months
The shelf life depends on storage conditions and how well the packaging is resealed after opening. Storing opened Crystal Light in an airtight container in a cool, dry place maximizes freshness.
Over time, the powder can lose its potency and absorb moisture that makes it clump together. Using opened Crystal Light within 6-12 months provides the best flavor and nutrition.
How to Tell if Opened Crystal Light is Bad
Here are signs that opened Crystal Light drink mix has expired and should be discarded:
- Expired date – It’s past the 6-12 month window
- Color changes – Appears faded, dull, dark, or mottled
- Clumping – Powder is stuck together and hard
- Stale scent – Smells flat, musty, or loses fruity aroma
- Off flavors – Tastes unpleasant, chemical, or weak
- Mold – Any fuzzy growths on powder itself
As long as opened Crystal Light still tastes and smells appealing and the powder flows freely with no clumping or moisture, it should be fine to use. But any major changes in appearance, texture, or flavor means it’s time to replace it.
Does Crystal Light Go Bad Once Mixed?
Prepared Crystal Light drinks that have been mixed with water do not have as long of a shelf life compared to the dry powder. In general, mixed Crystal Light beverages stay good for:
- At room temperature – 1-2 days
- Refrigerated – 3-5 days
The Vitamins and flavors can start to degrade after a day at room temperature. Refrigeration can help slow microbes and extend the drink’s shelf life by a few more days.
Signs that mixed Crystal Light has expired include:
- Flat or altered taste
- Changes in appearance – fading, discoloration, separation
- Off odors
- Fizziness or bubbling
- Mold growth
For best taste and safety, mixed Crystal Light drinks should be consumed within 1-2 days if left at room temperature, or 3-5 days if chilled in the refrigerator.
Does Freezing Extend the Shelf Life?
Freezing unopened Crystal Light can help extend its shelf life past the “Best By” date, providing up to 6-12 additional months of freshness.
The low freezing temperatures prevent the powder from deteriorating as quickly. It helps maintain the potency of the flavors, vitamins, and aromas so they don’t degrade as fast.
To freeze Crystal Light powder:
- Check “Best By” date and only freeze unexpired products
- Store tightly sealed containers in freezer
- Use within 6-12 months for best quality
Freezing opened containers is not recommended, as the powder can absorb extra moisture in the freezer leading to clumping when thawed.
Prepared Crystal Light drinks can also be frozen into popsicles, which keeps them safe and flavorful for about 1-2 months frozen.
How to Store Crystal Light
To help maximize the shelf life of Crystal Light products, follow these storage tips:
- Unopened – Store in a cool, dry place around room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
- Opened – Seal tightly in original container or transfer to airtight glass/plastic container. Keep in a cool, dry place.
- Prepared drinks – Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Discard after 1-2 days at room temperature.
- Frozen – Keep frozen solid at 0°F. Thaw in refrigerator before using.
Proper storage helps prolong the shelf life and freshness of Crystal Light products.
Is Expired Crystal Light Dangerous to Drink?
Consuming Crystal Light powder or drinks slightly past their expiration date is generally not dangerous, but it is not recommended.
Drinking expired Crystal Light that is only a few months old likely won’t cause food poisoning or severe illness. However, the taste, aroma, color, and nutritional content may be compromised.
Crystal Light that is more than 2 years old should not be consumed as it has higher risks of being contaminated by bacteria, mold, or chemicals as it ages. Very old, expired Crystal Light can potentially cause side effects if ingested.
To be safe, stick to drinking Crystal Light products before their expiration and within the recommended shelf life for opened containers. When in doubt, it’s better to throw it out and purchase a fresh supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a packet of Crystal Light last?
Unopened Crystal Light packets typically stay fresh for up to 2 years past the printed “Best By” date when stored properly. Once opened, packets last 6-9 months.
Can old Crystal Light make you sick?
Consuming Crystal Light that is just slightly expired likely won’t make you sick. But very old Crystal Light more than 2 years past its date can potentially cause illness due to chemical degradation and bacterial overgrowth over time.
Do the vitamins in Crystal Light expire?
Yes, the additional vitamins and supplements added to some Crystal Light products can degrade and lose potency over time. Consuming very old, expired Crystal Light means you may not get the full vitamin content as originally formulated.
Can you use Crystal Light after expiration date?
It’s best to use Crystal Light powder within 2 years of the printed “Best By” date for optimal freshness and flavor. Unopened Crystal Light up to 2 years past its date is generally still safe if properly stored, but quality slowly declines over time.
Does freezing Crystal Light extend shelf life?
Yes, freezing can extend the shelf life of unopened Crystal Light containers by about 6-12 months when kept frozen at 0°F. This helps slow deterioration of the ingredients.
Conclusion
Checking expiration dates and proper storage allows you to enjoy the full shelf life of Crystal Light products. Unopened containers stay fresh for about 2 years past the “Best By” date. Once opened, use Crystal Light powder within 6-12 months and prepared drinks within 1-5 days.
Discard any Crystal Light that smells, tastes, or looks abnormal, even if not expired. While generally safe to consume a little past its date, very old Crystal Light more than 2 years old may potentially cause illness and should be thrown out.
Following the recommended shelf lives and freezing some unopened containers lets you keep Crystal Light drink mixes fresh, flavorful, and safe to use in your beverages for up to about 2 years.
