Although soda can be preserved in the refrigerator, it will lose its flavor and begin to spoil over time. The best way to keep your soda fresh is by buying a new one every few days.
It’s not uncommon to come upon an errant can of Coca-Cola or Pepsi in the cupboard during spring cleaning. Especially if you and your family aren’t big fans of soft beverages. That tin, it turns out, is a few months beyond the expiration date on the label. So you’re asking yourself, “What should I do with it?” Should you toss the fizzy drink anyhow, or is it possible that it will be fine? Is it possible for soda to go bad?
Soft drinks are recognized for having a lengthy shelf life, so seeing one that has beyond its expiration date is unusual. Alternatively, the producers debate it in depth. So, since it’s clearly something you’re interested in, let’s speak about it.
Cans of Dr Pepper soda
Cans of Dr Pepper sodaIs it Possible for Soda to Go Bad? How Do You Know If Soft Drinks Are Bad For You?
Whether you’re wondering if your favorite soda can go bad, whether it’s Mountain Dew, Mirinda, Dr Pepper, or anything else, the answer is yes. However, if the bottle or tin is kept unopened and in good condition, it will keep for a long time, even beyond the “expiration” date.
So, how can you know if your drink is tainted? The absence of bubbles is often mentioned as the initial sign. They claim that if the soft drink has lost its fizz, it has gone bad. Is that correct? The best response I can come up with is that although lack of carbonation does not necessarily imply the soda has gone bad, it’s always preferable to get rid of it if it does. If you open a can of 7 Up and keep the leftovers in the fridge for a few days, the bubbles will have virtually vanished.
However, in the vast majority of circumstances, the beverage will be totally safe to drink. It won’t taste as delicious as it once did, but it’s not like you’ll suffer stomach discomfort or anything else as a result of drinking it. Nonetheless, it’s a good rule of thumb to toss a soft drink that has lost its carbonation. Also, if your unopened Coke has gone flat, toss it away.
In a tall glass, Dr Pepper
The second technique to recognize past-its-prime soda is to utilize your senses and believe what they’re telling you. So, rather than opening the bottle and drinking directly from it, pour the Coke into a glass and wait a few seconds for it to settle. Then take a deep breath and give it a thorough sniff. Is it smelling fresh and similar to how it typically does? Get rid of anything that stinks or smells stale. If the fragrance is acceptable, taste it and determine if it is good enough to drink based on its flavor. If the date on the label has past, err on the side of caution and toss the bottle if you’re not convinced it’s safe.
Let’s speak about the shelf life of soft drinks while we’re on the subject of dates.
Close-up of a soda ring pull
What Is the Shelf Life of Soda?
On the label of that bottle of Gatorade (or any other beverage), there is undoubtedly a best-by date. The “best-by” date indicates that the product will be at its best until that date. That isn’t to say it won’t spoil a few days or weeks beyond the expiration date. And, in the case of soft drinks, the carbonated and flavored liquid will likely last for at least a few months beyond the expiration date. Of course, it must stay unopened and the bottle or tin must remain intact.
If the soda is in a tin, it’s better to finish it as soon as possible after opening it. Because opened bottles are readily sealable, you may keep them for a few days. In summary, as long as the leftovers are sealed, they may survive for a few of days without losing much of their flavor or fizz.
Last but not least, it’s time to discuss storage options.
Date on the bottom of the soda bottle
What Is The Best Way To Store Soda?
This section isn’t really surprising, however it does provide a few pointers that you may find useful.
You may store tins and bottles that haven’t been opened at room temperature. Both the pantry and a dark kitchen cabinet are wonderful options. Just make sure they’re not near any heat sources and that the bottles aren’t exposed to the sun. If you want to serve or consume the soda later, chill it if you like it cooled.
Keep the leftovers refrigerated and firmly wrapped after you’ve opened the drink. Nothing awful should happen if you leave an opened (but sealed) bottle of Coke overnight, but pay attention to the quality and scent.
If it’s a tin, dump the remains into a bottle if you won’t complete it that day. This will prevent the beverage from losing all of its fizz and will also protect it from microbial infection. Use plastic wrap and a rubber band as a temporary remedy if that isn’t a possibility. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly preferable than storing an open tin in the refrigerator.
carbonation Dr Pepper
Putting it all together in a nutshell
- When soft drinks go flat, smell, or taste wrong, toss them out.
- Oda may easily survive a few months over the expiration date on the label and still be of high quality.
- Leftover soda should be kept refrigerated and carefully wrapped for a few days to maintain quality.
