ShelfLife
Does soda go bad?
Unopened soda keeps its quality until the best-by date on the can or bottle; diet sodas lose their taste sooner because sweeteners break down. Once opened, recap it and keep it in the fridge, where it stays fizzy for 2 to 3 days.
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Soda, cola, mixers (bottles or cans) | —Opened: 2–3 days |
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 soda has gone bad
- Flat, with no fizz: safe, but not much fun.
- A swollen, leaking or rusty can: throw it out.
- An odd smell or taste, or mold around the rim of an opened bottle.
How to store soda
- Keep unopened cans and bottles in a cool, dark place, away from heat and sun, which flatten soda and can make cans burst.
- Don't freeze cans: they can burst.
- Recap opened bottles tightly and keep them in the fridge.
Can you freeze soda?
Not in a sealed can or bottle: it expands and can burst. To use leftover soda, pour it into ice cube trays for drinks or desserts.
Questions
Can you drink expired soda?
Usually yes, if the can is undamaged: the date is about taste and fizz. Diet soda may taste off sooner.
How long does an opened bottle of soda last?
2 to 3 days in the fridge with the cap on tight, before it goes flat.
Why do soda cans swell?
Heat increases the pressure inside. A swollen or leaking can should be thrown out.
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Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.