ShelfLife
Does bottled water expire?
Sealed, commercially bottled water keeps indefinitely, though heat, sunlight and nearby smells can change its taste. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and drink it within a few days.
| Food | Pantry |
|---|---|
| Bottled waterKeeps indefinitely; heat, sunlight and nearby smells can affect the taste. | Indefinitely |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if bottled water has gone bad
- A plastic, musty or chemical taste or smell, often from heat or from being stored next to cleaning products or fuel.
- Cloudiness, particles or anything growing in the bottle.
- A damaged or leaking seal.
How to store bottled water
- Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sun and heat, such as a hot car.
- Don't store it next to cleaning products, paint or petrol: plastic bottles can take on smells.
- Once opened, especially if you've drunk from the bottle, keep it cold and finish it soon.
Can you freeze bottled water?
Yes, but leave room for expansion or squeeze out a little water first, or the bottle may split. Frozen bottles are handy as ice packs in coolers.
Questions
Why does bottled water have an expiration date?
The date is about quality and packaging: over time the bottle can affect the taste. Sealed water stored well stays safe.
Is water left in a hot car safe?
Occasional heat isn't known to make it unsafe, but it can change the taste. Store bottles somewhere cool when you can.
How much water should you keep for emergencies?
Emergency agencies commonly advise about 4 liters (1 gallon) per person per day, for several days, stored somewhere cool and dark.
Add emergency supplies to ShelfLife and keep track of their dates.
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Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.