Do Drinks Expire? A Look at How Long Popular Drinks Last

I opened my fridge and found a lonely bottle of soda hiding in the back. The label said it had expired over a year ago. I stared at it for way too long, thinking—do drinks expire for real, or is that just a suggestion? And yep, I took a sip.

The truth is, drinks do expire. Some just lose their flavor or fizz, while others can go completely bad. Some drinks are harmless when they’re old, and others? Not so much.

So if you’ve ever looked at an old bottle in your kitchen and thought, can I still drink this?, you’re in the right place. I’ll share everything I’ve learned, so you never have to guess again.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, drinks expire, even if they still look fine.
• Sodas and sparkling drinks lose fizz but aren’t always unsafe.
• Juices, teas, and anything with dairy spoil faster once opened.
• Expired drinks can taste off, go sour, or grow mold.
• Storage matters—a cool pantry helps drinks last longer.
• Always sniff, check the color, and taste a tiny sip first.

Do Drinks Expire? (Everything to Know)

Yes, drinks do expire. But “expire” doesn’t always mean they become dangerous. Some just lose taste, fizz, or texture. Others can actually grow harmful stuff like mold. According to P. Ashurst, the author of The Stability and Shelf Life of Food, the expiration of drinks depends on:

• The type of drink: For example, milk-based protein shakes go bad faster than sodas. Similarly, fresh juices expire quicker than bottled ones with preservatives.
• How it was stored: A bottle of iced tea kept in a hot car might spoil in days, while the same drink in the fridge could last weeks.

I still remember when I found a can of soda from two years ago in my garage. I opened it, took a sip, and instantly knew it wasn’t right. It had lost all its fizz and tasted weird. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to check labels more carefully.

Drink Shelf Life Table (Unopened & Opened)

If you’re curious how long typical drinks last, then check out this table.

Drink	Unopened Shelf Life	Opened Shelf Life	Notes
Soda (e.g. Sprite)	6–9 months past best-by	1–2 days (fridge)	Loses fizz fast after opening
Juice (e.g. cranberry)	6–12 months	7–10 days (fridge)	Spoils quickly after opening
Energy Drinks (Red Bull, Monster)	18–24 months	Don’t store opened	Taste & kick drop after expiry
Flavored Water (La Croix, Sparkling)	9–12 months	1 day	Goes flat fast
Milk-based (Muscle Milk, Kefir)	Up to 1 year (sealed)	1–3 days (fridge)	Spoils like dairy—watch smell
Alcohol (Cognac, Fireball)	Years if sealed	1–2 years (sealed tight)	Flavor fades, doesn’t spoil
Chambord	2+ years	6–12 months	Store in cool, dark place
BodyArmor/Powerade/Gatorade	9–12 months	1–3 days (fridge)	Taste changes fast
Pedialyte	18–24 months	48 hours (fridge)	Always refrigerate after opening
Sweet Tea (bottled or homemade)	6–9 months (bottled)	2–3 days (homemade), 1–2 days (bottled)	Ferments quickly
Snapple	6–9 months	1 day (fridge)	Taste turns sour fast
GFuel	1–2 years (powder)	3–6 months (after opening tub)	Keep dry and sealed
Tonic Water	9–12 months	2–3 days (fridge)	Flat and bitter if old
Prime	~12 months	1 day (fridge)	Flavor fades quickly
Cirkul Cartridge	~12 months	10 days (once in bottle)	Store in cool, dry place
Sparkling Apple Cider	12–18 months	1–3 days (fridge)	Loses fizz fast
Kirkland Margarita Mix	12–18 months	4–6 weeks (fridge)	Label date + smell check

Do Cirkul Cartridges Expire? (Let’s Find Out)

Yes, Cirkul cartridges do expire. Each cartridge comes with a best-by date printed on the box. After that, flavor quality can drop, and the ingredients may not stay stable.

I checked my last Cirkul box, and the best-by date was about 12 months from when I bought it. However, once you open a cartridge and start using it, it’s best to finish it within 10 days. I noticed that after that window, the taste starts to fade.

So yeah, they expire, especially once opened. I always rotate mine and use the older ones first.

How Long Does Coffee Mate Last? (Key Details)

Here’s the thing: Unopened Coffee Mate can last up to 2 years. Once opened, the liquid version lasts about 2 weeks in the fridge. The powdered version can last much longer—up to 2 years if kept dry.

In my experience, I’ve had a bottle of liquid Coffee Mate go bad in just 10 days once. It smelled like sour milk even though it looked okay. Now I mark the open date with a Sharpie, so I don’t forget.

Powdered Coffee Mate is more forgiving than the liquid version. I keep it in my cabinet, sealed tight. It’s my backup for when I run out of the liquid kind. But even then, I never keep it past the printed date.

Does Distilled Water Expire? (Explained)

Technically, distilled water doesn’t expire. However, the plastic bottles in which they are stored can degrade, which affects the quality of the water over time. If the bottle sits in heat, chemicals from the plastic can start to leach into the water.

That’s why I always store mine in a cool spot. And if I open it, I try to use it within a week or two, especially if I’m using it for my CPAP machine or humidifier.

I once found a gallon of distilled water that had been in my closet for over a year. It was unopened, but the bottle looked kind of cloudy. I checked the label, and it had a “use by” date for two years after packaging. That’s when I realized—it’s not really the water that expires. It’s the packaging.

Does Sprite Expire? (Answered)

Yes, Sprite does expire. An unopened Sprite can last up to 9 months past the best-by or best-before date if stored appropriately. But it will slowly lose carbonation, and I’ve observed this myself. So, always keep the Sprite’s expiration timeline in mind.

I opened a Sprite that was 8 months past its date. It wasn’t dangerous, but the fizz was completely gone. It tasted sweet and flat, like sugar water.

I’ve learned that clear sodas like Sprite lose their punch quicker than dark sodas. I always check the cap—if the seal’s broken or the bottle feels oddly soft, I skip it. Once opened, I try to finish it in 2 days.

Does Body Armor Drink Expire? (Key Things to Know)

Yes, Body Armor drinks expire. You’ll find a best-by date on the bottle, which you should never ignore. It shows Body Armor drink’s freshness. After this date, the vitamins and flavor start to break down, and it may not taste right.

One time, I drank a Body Armor that was 4 months past its date. It didn’t taste terrible, but it was definitely off. The fruit flavor felt watered down, and the texture was a bit weird. I didn’t get sick, but I didn’t enjoy it either.

Now, I make sure to check the date before buying. These drinks have natural ingredients and electrolytes, so they do lose freshness over time.

Does Yoohoo Expire? Here’s the Truth

Yes, Yoohoo does expire. Unopened ones have a shelf life, and you can clearly see their best-by dates at the bottom of their cans/bottles. Once opened, a Yoohoo drink lasts only 2-3 days.

One time, I found an old Yoohoo bottle in the back of my fridge. It looked okay from the outside, but when I opened it, the smell was off. I took one sip and immediately spat it out. It had gone sour and chalky. That’s when I realized Yoohoo isn’t just chocolate water—it contains dairy-based ingredients that can spoil fast.

Does Diet Coke Expire? Shelf Life Guide

Unfortunately, Diet Coke doesn’t last forever. It expires. It won’t become harmful right away, but it will lose its flavor and fizz over time. Most bottles are best within six months of the date.

Anyone can easily find a “best by” date stamped near the cap or on the bottom of the Diet Coke can. This date doesn’t mean the drink becomes unsafe afterward. It only signals when the taste might not be as sharp or refreshing.

The reason Diet Coke’s taste changes after the best-by date is its artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which can break down over time. When that happens, the soda can taste flat or even a little off. The carbonation can also fade, especially if the can or bottle hasn’t been sealed tightly.

Does Red Bull Expire? What You Should Know

Yes, Red Bull does expire. It’s safe for a while past the best-by date, but the taste and effect start to fade. I once tried a Red Bull that was 5 months past its printed date. It still gave me a slight energy boost, but the flavor felt off—almost stale.

If you open a can of Red Bull and it smells strange, it’s better not to drink it. Even though expired Red Bull probably won’t make you sick, it won’t taste good. Moreover, the older it gets, the more it loses its fizz and flavor.

To learn more, check out the Red Bull Expiration Guide.

Does Powerade Expire? Facts You Need to Know

Yes, Powerade expires and has a best-by date printed on the bottle. If the bottle is unopened and stored in a cool place, it can still be okay for a few months after that date. But the flavor might not be as strong, and the electrolytes or vitamins may not work as well.

I store my Powerade in the fridge and always check the date before drinking. If I open a bottle, I try to finish it that same day. Leaving it open overnight in the fridge makes it taste flat and off. If the color or smell changes, that’s a big no for me. I treat it like a perishable, not just flavored water.

Does Sparkling Water Expire? Here’s What I Learned

Yes, sparkling water expires. While it won’t spoil like milk, it loses carbonation and can taste flat over time. If it’s in a can, exposure to heat can give it a metallic taste. If it’s in plastic, the CO₂ can slowly escape, and the plastic can start to leach subtle flavors into the water.

Even glass bottles aren’t immune. Sunlight can affect both carbonation and any added flavoring.

There’s also the mineral content to consider. Sparkling mineral waters, like San Pellegrino or Perrier, can slightly change in taste as the minerals settle over time.

I’ve had both good and bad experiences with old sparkling water. One time, I opened a bottle that was over a year old. It tasted like plain water—no fizz, no flavor. Not dangerous, just super boring.

Does GFuel Expire? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, GFuel does expire. Unopened tubs have a shelf life of about 2 years. Once opened, it’s best to use them within 6 months for full flavor and effect.

But here’s where it gets interesting: how you store GFuel matters a lot. If it’s kept in a cool, dry place and sealed tightly, it can last a long time. But if it’s exposed to humidity or heat, the powder can clump, harden, or even change color.

I used to think GFuel lasted forever. But when I opened an old tub once, the powder had clumped up and smelled kind of funky. That’s why it’s crucial to know all about G Fuel expiration and storage.

Do Prime Drinks Expire? A Simple Breakdown

Yes, Prime drinks expire—and unlike many energy or hydration drinks, these actually can go bad in a more noticeable way. If you notice changes in color or smell, it means the drink is spoiled. In this situation, it’s safer to throw the bottle away.

Whether you’re drinking Prime Hydration or Prime Energy, both come with a printed expiration or “best by” date. Prime Hydration is made with coconut water, electrolytes, and added vitamins. Over time, these ingredients can separate, especially if the drink isn’t stored properly.

Prime Energy holds up a little longer because it’s carbonated and contains caffeine, but it’s not immune to aging either. After a while, it can lose its fizz or develop a strange aftertaste.

Does Gatorade Expire? Real Answer

Gatorade does expire, but not in a dramatic way. It doesn’t suddenly spoil like milk, but it definitely changes over time (both in taste and effectiveness). What most people don’t realize is that Gatorade isn’t just flavored water. It’s packed with electrolytes, sugars, and sometimes vitamins. All of them can break down slowly, especially if the bottle isn’t stored right.

One thing that makes Gatorade unique is its sugar content. Over time, sugar can crystalize near the bottom, causing the drink to spoil. Moreover, how long Gatorade lasts also depends on whether it is opened or unopened.

Once opened, Gatorade turns into a short-term drink. Keep it in the fridge and try to finish it within 3–5 days. Any longer and it can start to develop a sour smell or even mold around the cap.

There’s also the heat factor. Gatorade left in a hot car can lose its punch quickly.

Now, I store my Gatorade in the fridge and always check the best-by date. If I open one and don’t finish it within a day or two, I toss it.

Do Monster Energy Drinks Expire? (Find Out)

Yes, Monster energy drinks expire. The best-by date is usually 18 to 24 months from the canning date. How long Monster energy drinks last depends on storage. This drink is packed with caffeine, vitamins like B12, and taurine, which are meant to give you a boost. Over time, especially if stored in heat, these ingredients can break down.

The result? A drink that might still have caffeine, but tastes metallic, flat, or just off.

I once drank a Monster that was about a year past its date. The caffeine still gave me a little buzz, but the flavor was totally flat and had a weird metallic aftertaste. It wasn’t enjoyable at all. I didn’t get sick, but I felt kind of off.

Some flavors, like Hydro, also contain fruit extracts, which are more sensitive to time. If left too long or stored poorly, the drink can develop a strange aftertaste.

Does Kefir Expire? A Quick Guide

Yes, kefir definitely expires. It’s a fermented dairy drink, so it has a shorter shelf life than most drinks. Keep it refrigerated and use it before the printed date.

You’ll find Kefir’s expiration or “use by” date on the bottle or tub. It’s best to stick to that date, especially since kefir is sensitive to temperature changes. If it’s been left out too long or stored improperly, the healthy bacteria can go wild, or worse, bad bacteria can take over.

I once tried kefir that was only a few days past the expiration date. The texture was way thicker than usual, and the sourness hit hard.

I also always sniff and stir it before drinking Kefir. If it smells overly sour or clumpy beyond normal, I toss it.

Does Muscle Milk Expire? A Closer Look

Yes, Muscle Milk expires. Unopened bottles usually last up to a year, but once opened, you should drink it within 48 hours and keep it refrigerated.

I once took a sip from a Muscle Milk that had been sitting in my gym bag for a day. I gagged. The flavor was way off, and it had a sour smell. I checked the label, and it was actually close to the expiration date too. That combo was nasty.

Since then, I treat Muscle Milk like real milk. I always check the date and store it in the fridge.

Does La Croix Expire? Know the Shelf Life

Yes, La Croix expires, but not in a way that makes it dangerous. It just gets less enjoyable. You’ll see a “best by” date on the bottom of the can, usually 12 months from when it was made.

La Croix is just carbonated water with natural flavors—no sugar, no preservatives. Over time, two things happen: the carbonation fades, and the flavors weaken. 

I once opened a La Croix that had been sitting in my kitchen drawer for more than a year. It had zero fizz. The flavor was barely there—it tasted like plain water with a hint of aluminum.

La Croix expiration also depends on storage. If the can has been stored in heat, the spoilage process speeds up. While La Croix won’t harm you past the expiration date, it won’t deliver that clean, fizzy refreshment it’s known for.

Now, I always check the date on the bottom of the can. I drink older ones first and never stockpile too many. Once opened, I drink the whole thing. There’s no saving La Croix for later—it goes flat fast.

Does Sparkling Apple Cider Expire? Let’s Break It Down

Sparkling apple cider expires and is good for about 12 to 18 months unopened. Once opened, it should be finished within 3 days. That’s because sparkling cider is made from real fruit juice, and in many cases, it’s either non-alcoholic or lightly fermented, which makes it much more sensitive to time, temperature, and storage conditions.

In rare cases, expired Sparkling Apple Cider can cause the bottle to bulge or the cap to pop off due to built-up pressure.

Last Thanksgiving, I opened an old bottle of sparkling cider I had saved from the year before. The fizz was gone, and it tasted weirdly bitter and flat. Everyone at the table noticed, and we ended up throwing it away.

Now, I buy fresh bottles only when I plan to use them soon. I keep them in the fridge and always check the date. Once opened, I finish the bottle right away. If I see bubbles missing or smell something odd, I don’t drink it.

When Does Margarita Mix Kirkland Expire? A Simple, Clear Answer

Kirkland Margarita Mix does expire, and you’ll definitely notice the difference once it starts to go. If the bottle is unopened, you’re usually good for about 13 to 18 months from the purchase date. The “best by” date stamped on the neck is your guide.

The real key about Margarita Mix Kirkland’s shelf life is how it is stored. If it’s been sitting in a hot garage or near a window, that shelf life shrinks fast.

Once the Margarita Mix Kirkland’s bottle is opened, it’s a totally different story. You’ve got about 7 to 10 days in the fridge before the flavor starts fading.

I had a bottle of Kirkland margarita mix that I opened for a party and forgot about. Two months later, I found it in the back of the fridge. It looked fine, but when I tasted it, it had a strange bitter aftertaste. Not good at all.

What makes Kirkland’s mix more sensitive than some others is the real lime juice it uses. That means over time, the acidity can change, and the mix might even start fermenting.

Bottom line: Don’t risk ruining your taco night. Use it fresh, store it cold, and when in doubt, give it a sniff before you pour.

Does Tonic Water Expire? A Quick Look

Yes, tonic water expires. While it might look like a simple carbonated drink, tonic water contains quinine, sweeteners, and sometimes natural flavors that can all degrade over time. To ensure Tonic water enjoys a longer shelf life, keep it refrigerated.

Unopened bottles or cans of tonic water usually last about 12 to 18 months, and you’ll find a “best by” date printed somewhere on the packaging. If it’s stored somewhere cool and dark, it should hold up fine until then. But once that date passes, the carbonation starts to fade.

Once opened, tonic water has a short shelf life—just 2 to 4 days in the fridge. The fizz is a big part of what makes tonic water refreshing, especially in recipes.

Does Cranberry Juice Expire? Here’s the Scoop

Cranberry juice definitely expires. I once drank cranberry juice that had been open for almost two weeks. It looked okay, but the taste was sour, way off from normal. Within an hour, I had a bad stomach ache.

How long cranberry juice lasts depends on a few key factors:

• Whether it’s opened or unopened
• Pasteurized or not
• How it’s stored.

Unopened, store-bought cranberry juice can last for several months past the printed date if it’s shelf-stable and stored in a cool place.

However, if the juice is sold refrigerated or labeled as “fresh-pressed,” it usually has a shorter shelf life.

Once opened, cranberry juice becomes much more sensitive. It should always be kept in the refrigerator, sealed tightly, and used within 7 to 10 days.

The juice’s sugar content and acidity naturally help preserve it, but they’re not enough to keep it safe forever. Over time, even in the fridge, the juice may start fermenting.

To make cranberry juice last longer, freeze portions in ice cube trays. Just leave a little space for expansion.

Does Pedialyte Expire? Here’s the Lowdown

Yes, Pedialyte expires. Unopened bottles last about two years while the opened ones can stay good for two days. I gave my kid some Pedialyte once, not realizing it was expired by a few months. She didn’t like the taste and barely sipped it. I tasted it myself and knew—it was dull and slightly bitter.

Now, I always check the Pedialyte’s expiration date when buying, especially the flavored ones. After opening, I mark the time with a sticky note on the fridge.

Does Snapple Expire? Here’s the Straight Answer

Yes, Snapple does expire because it’s made with real tea and natural flavors. Unopened Snapple bottles typically come with a “best by” date stamped on the cap, usually around 9 to 12 months from the production or MFG date.

Once opened, you should drink Snapple within a week.

Drinking expired Snapple isn’t always dangerous, but it can taste bad or lose quality. If it smells or tastes off, don’t drink it.

One time, I found a bottle of Snapple peach tea that was six months past its best-by date. It looked okay, so I took a sip. Big mistake. The flavor was sour and strange. I spit it out and felt queasy the rest of the day.

Does Fireball Expire? The Honest Truth

Fireball doesn’t technically expire, but its flavor can degrade over time, especially if you open the bottle. Best to use within a year after opening.

I once brought an old Fireball bottle to a bonfire party. It had been open for maybe two years. When we tried it, everyone said the cinnamon flavor was super weak and tasted more like rubbing alcohol than anything else.

Does Sweet Tea Go Bad? Let’s Talk About It

Yes, sweet tea goes bad fast. If you don’t refrigerate it, it can start to spoil in just half a day. That’s because sweet tea is basically sugar and water, which makes it a perfect place for bacteria to grow if it’s not kept cold. That’s why reading and remembering any sweet tea freshness guide is important.

Homemade sweet tea lasts about 2–3 days in the fridge. Bottled one lasts longer, but still needs to be consumed before the best-by date.

I once left a jug of homemade sweet tea in my fridge for 5 days. It looked fine, but when I sipped it, it was sour and slightly fizzy. Now, I make small batches and finish them within 48 hours.

Does Mango Lassi Expire? You Might Be Surprised

Yes, mango lassi does expire because it’s made with dairy and fruit. Both of these ingredients can get spoiled quickly if you are not careful. Mango lassi is typically made with yogurt, mango pulp, milk, and sugar. Because of the yogurt, it’s sensitive to temperature and time.

If you’re wondering how long mango lassi stays safe, the answer depends on whether it’s fresh or store-bought.

If it’s homemade, you should drink mango lassi within 1 to 2 days. Store-bought bottles that are pasteurized and sealed can last a little longer, usually up to a week in the fridge once opened.

Does Bubble Tea Expire? Let’s Unpack

Bubble tea does expire. The tapioca pearls are the biggest issue. They absorb moisture and break down fast. After just a few hours, they lose their chewy texture and become slimy or hard. Trust me, reheated or leftover pearls are not worth the gamble.

Fresh bubble tea should be consumed within 2 to 4 hours if it has milk. Even if it’s refrigerated, the milk and sugar can start to sour, and the pearls turn into a weird, mushy mess. Non-dairy versions can stretch a little longer, but even then, the flavor starts to go downhill quickly.

If you’re looking for bubble tea expiration tips, here’s the golden rule: fresh is best, and the pearls are the first to go. Don’t wait too long, or you’ll end up with a drink that tastes nothing like what you ordered.

Does Sting Expire?

Sting, like all energy drinks, does expire. However, the high sugar and caffeine content give it a longer shelf life. An unopened Sting bottle or can usually stays good for up to 12 to 18 months from the manufacturing or MFG date.

Once opened, it’s best to drink it within 24 hours and store it in the fridge. Sting contains artificial flavors and caffeine, and if left out, it can lose its edge quickly.

There’s also the health side. Drinking expired energy drinks may not always make you sick, but they can cause headaches.

If you’re concerned about Sting drink expiration and side effects, it’s smart to check the label and avoid consuming cans that are bloated. And always store Sting in a cool place away from sunlight to keep it tasting sharp.

Does Pepsi Expire?

Pepsi does expire, but it doesn’t spoil in the traditional sense. Instead, it slowly loses its fizz and nobody enjoys this. Most Pepsi cans and bottles come with a printed “best by” date that’s usually nine months from the production date.

Unopened, it can last a bit past that date if stored in a cool place. Once opened, Pepsi should be consumed within 1 to 2 days. After that, its taste can feel syrupy or dull.

Does Chocolate Milk Expire?

Yes, chocolate milk expires, and if you’ve ever opened a bottle just a few days late, you know it can go bad in a very obvious way. Since it’s made with real dairy and added sugars, it’s highly perishable.

Unopened, store-bought chocolate milk usually lasts up to a week past its sell-by date if refrigerated properly. But once opened, you should drink it within four days.

The biggest red flags? Sour smell, curdled texture, or a swollen bottle. These are all common chocolate milk spoilage signs. Even if it looks okay, a quick sniff will usually tell you all you need to know.

Does Lucozade Expire?

Yes, Lucozade does expire, and most bottles come with a printed “best before” date. It’s often in the format of day, month, and year, like “15 08 25,” meaning August 15, 2025. If that date passed, the drink might still be safe, but it won’t be as fizzy or flavorful.

Unopened Lucozade bottles last about a year from production. But once opened, they should be kept in the fridge and finished within two days.

For anyone curious about Lucozade expiration and how to read the date, just remember this:

• Check the cap
• Keep it cold
• Don’t stretch the shelf life too far.

Flat Lucozade isn’t harmful, but it’s definitely not the same drink you started with.

Conclusion

So the next time you find an old drink sitting on your shelf, here’s what to remember:

• Always check the expiration date, but don’t rely on it alone.
• Use your nose, eyes, and a small taste to judge freshness.
• Drinks with milk or fruit go bad quickly—treat them like food.
• Once you open any beverage, the clock starts ticking.

At the end of the day, it’s better to lose a bottle than ruin your stomach.

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