Does La Croix Expire, and If So, When? Here’s What Happens

You’re staring at a dusty can in the back of your pantry, and the question hits: Does La Croix expire?

Here’s the answer: Yes, La Croix does expire. The can won’t rot like milk, but after that printed date, the flavor fades, and the fizz slowly dies.

Here, I’ll tell you exactly how long it lasts, what signs to look for, and what I do when I find an expired one.

Stick around till the end because I’m also sharing cool ways I reuse old cans (yep, even the flat ones).

Key Takeaways

• La Croix expires, and flavor and fizz fade over time.
• Fizz loss, weird smell, or dull taste means it’s gone bad.
• Unopened cans stay good for about 10–12 months.
• Opened La Croix loses fizz fast—drink within a day.
• Fridge storage keeps it fresher longer than the counter.
• You can reuse old La Croix in mocktails, cleaning, or baking.

Does La Croix Expire? (Key Details)

Yes, La Croix does expire. Every can or bottle has a “best by” date printed on it. While it won’t necessarily spoil like milk, the flavor and fizz definitely start to fade after that date. So, technically, La Croix doesn’t go bad in a dangerous way, but it loses quality.

If the can is damaged, swollen, or smells off when you open it, don’t risk it—just toss it. It’s carbonated water with natural flavors, and those don’t stay perfect forever.

I once found a few cans in the back of my pantry that were nearly two years old. I cracked one open out of curiosity, and it was flat and honestly tasted kind of weird. Not awful, but not enjoyable either.

La Croix Expiry Date Location

You can usually find the La Croix expiration or EXP date on the bottom of the can. It’s a small line of numbers and letters, and most of the time, it includes a “best by” date in an MM/DD/YY or similar format. On multi-can boxes, you might also see a date printed on the outside of the packaging, but the can itself is the most reliable spot to check.

Does La Croix Expire if Unopened?

Yes, even unopened La Croix can expire. While the carbonation and natural flavors are sealed in, they slowly break down over time. Most unopened La Croix cans stay good for 10 to 12 months past the production date if stored correctly.

After that, the fizz may weaken, and the taste can turn dull or off.

I’ve had an unopened La Croix that was almost two years old. It didn’t look damaged or anything, so I gave it a shot. It was flat and didn’t taste right at all.

Can You Still Drink La Croix After the Expiry Date?

You can still drink La Croix after the expiry date, but it depends on how far past the date it is and how it’s been stored. If it’s just a few months out and the can isn’t damaged, it’s usually safe—but the taste and fizz might be disappointing. Anything over a year old? I wouldn’t risk it.

Factors Affecting La Croix Shelf Life

How long La Croix lasts depends on where and how you store it. Here are the top things I always watch out for:

• Storage temperature: Warm places speed up flavor loss.
• Exposure to light: Sunlight breaks down ingredients.
• Time since purchase: The older it is, the weaker it gets.
• Packaging damage: Dented or leaking cans go bad faster.
• Humidity: Moisture can damage the can and label.
• Movement or shaking: Too much shaking breaks down carbonation faster.

How Long Does La Croix Last? (Explained)

Unopened La Croix usually lasts between 10 to 12 months from the production date. After that, it may still be safe to drink, but the taste and fizz won’t be as strong.

La Croix Shelf Life Table

	Counter	Fridge	Freezer
Unopened	10–12 months	Up to 18 months	Not recommended
Opened	1–2 days	2–3 days	Not recommended

How Long Does La Croix Last Once Opened?

Once opened, La Croix loses its fizz fast. You should drink it within a few hours for the best taste, but it can last up to 1–2 days if stored in the fridge and sealed tightly. After that, it becomes flat and dull. I never leave mine open for more than a day—it just isn’t enjoyable anymore.

How Long Does La Croix Last in the Fridge?

If you refrigerate an unopened can of La Croix, it can last longer—up to 18 months in some cases. Nicholas J Russell writes that the cool temperature slows down the breakdown of flavors and carbonation. Once it’s chilled, keep it cold and out of direct light for best results. I always keep my stash in the fridge, so it’s cold and ready to drink.

How Long Does La Croix Last in the Freezer?

You should not store La Croix in the freezer. Freezing can damage the can, ruin the carbonation, and even cause it to explode. It’s not designed to be frozen, and the pressure from the bubbles makes it risky. Always store it in the fridge, not the freezer.

How to Know La Croix Has Gone Bad

If your La Croix doesn’t taste right or looks weird, there’s a good chance it’s gone bad. I always check for these common signs before taking a sip:

• Flat or no fizz: Fresh La Croix has that crisp pop. If it’s flat when opened, it’s probably past its best.
• Strange smell: It should smell fruity or clean. Any musty, metallic, or sour scent is a red flag.
• Weird taste: If it tastes dull, bitter, or not like the flavor it says, something’s off.
• Discoloration: The liquid should be clear. If it looks cloudy or off-color, toss it.
• Damaged or bloated can: A dented or swollen can might mean the contents are compromised.
• Particles floating: It’s supposed to be clear. Any floaties mean it’s not safe to drink.

Does Expired La Croix Have Any Side Effects?

Drinking expired La Croix isn’t usually dangerous, but it can come with some unpleasant effects—especially if it’s been stored poorly or has gone really old.

• Upset stomach: Spoiled ingredients or a metallic taste can make your gut feel off.
  Nausea or burping: Flat, stale fizz can upset your system and feel weird going down.
• Headache: The taste or breakdown of old flavoring might trigger a mild headache for some.

How to Keep La Croix Fresh For a Longer Period

If you’re like me and buy La Croix in bulk, keeping it fresh matters. Here’s what to do:

• Don’t freeze it: Freezing ruins carbonation and can cause the can to burst.
• Rotate your stash: Use older cans first so they don’t expire at the back of the shelf.
• Keep it upright: Helps maintain pressure and keeps the can in good shape.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Don’t leave it in your car or hot garage.
• Refrigerate if possible: Cold storage keeps the flavor locked in longer.

Can You Still Use Expired La Croix?

You can still use expired La Croix in some cases, but only if it’s been stored well. Here are some tips:

• Check the date and condition: If it’s only a month or two past and the can looks fine, give it a shot.
• Smell and taste test: If it smells fresh and tastes normal, you’re probably good to go.
• Use in cooking or mocktails: I sometimes mix old La Croix with juice or use it in pancake batter!
• Don’t drink it if it’s more than a year expired: At that point, it’s not worth the risk or bad taste.

Final Words

So, next time you wonder if La Croix expires, just remember—it’s not just about the date. It’s about how it tastes, fizzes, and smells.

Here’s a recap:

• Always check the “best by” date printed on the can bottom.
• If it’s flat, weird-smelling, or off-tasting, don’t drink it.
• Store cans in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh.
• Use opened cans quickly—they go flat within hours.
• Repurpose slightly expired ones in fun, creative ways.

A fresh La Croix is still one of the most satisfying drinks out there.