It’s a hot summer day and you’re looking for a refreshing way to stay hydrated. You remember that you have a bottle of sparkling water in the fridge that’s been sitting there for awhile. Can you still drink it?
The answer is maybe. While most beverages are safe to consume after their expiration date, carbonated drinks like sparkling water can go bad sooner. Here’s what you need to know about drinking expired sparkling water.
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- It is generally safe to drink expired sparkling water, but there may be some loss of flavor or carbonation
- If the sparkling water has been stored properly and the expiration date has not passed by more than a few months, it should still be safe to drink
- To be on the safe side, you can check for signs of spoilage before drinking expired sparkling water
- These signs include off-flavors, unusual smells, or visible mold growth
- If the sparkling water shows any of these signs, it should be discarded
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last Unopened
If you’re like most people, you probably have a few bottles of sparkling water in your fridge at any given time. But how long does this refreshing beverage last unopened? The answer may surprise you.
Sparkling water can last for months, or even years, without going bad. In fact, the FDA has no specific expiration date for bottled sparkling water. However, it’s important to note that sparkling water is made by carbonating water and adding minerals or other flavoring agents.
Over time, these elements can break down and change the taste of the water. So while your sparkling water may not technically “go bad,” it may not taste as good as it did when you first opened it.
And if you notice any changes in color or flavor, be sure to discard the bottle immediately.
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Why Does Sparkling Water Have an Expiration Date?
Sparkling water has an expiration date because it is a carbonated beverage. Carbonation causes the water to go flat over time, and expiring the product ensures that customers are getting the freshest possible product.
How Long Can Sparkling Water Last?
While the answer may seem obvious at first, it’s actually a little more complicated than you might think. How long can sparkling water last? It depends on a few factors, including how it’s been stored and what type of container it’s in.
Sparkling water is made by adding carbon dioxide to still water under pressure. This creates the bubbles that give the water its fizzy taste. The carbon dioxide also acts as a preservative, which means that sparkling water will last longer than still water.
However, because of the way it’s made, sparkling water is also more susceptible to going flat if not properly sealed.
The best way to store sparkling water is in a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid or cork. This will help keep the carbonation from escaping and prevent the water from going flat.
You can also store sparkling water in a plastic bottle, but be sure to check for leaks before doing so. Glass is always the best option if you can swing it.
Generally speaking, though, you can expect your bubbly beverage to stay fresh for about 2-3 days after opening. After that, it may start to go flat (though it will still be safe to drink). So if you want to make sure your sparkling water stays nice and refreshing, be sure to drink it up within a few days of opening!
Conclusion
Yes, you can drink expired sparkling water, but it may not taste as good as it did when it was first opened. The carbon dioxide that gives sparkling water its fizziness starts to escape as soon as the bottle is opened, so expired sparkling water may be less carbonated than fresh. However, if you don’t mind a little less fizz, expired sparkling water is still safe to drink.
