Sports drinks, like Gatorade, must be something you crave a lot after a vigorous workout or outdoor activities. Gatorade is popular for being a source of electrolytes, mainly sodium and potassium, which are important to replace the ones you lost from sweating.
After intense physical activities, it is important to stay hydrated. It always comes handy to stock up on bottles of Gatorade at home for whenever you need it, especially if you are physically active.
One day you find an old bottle of Gatorade in the pantry. It has passed the date on the bottle and you start to wonder: Is it safe to drink expired Gatorade? Does Gatorade go bad? How do you know if Gatorade has gone bad?
Do you have the same questions above? Fret not! In this article, we take a look at Gatorade shelf life, storage, and how to tell if Gatorade goes bad. Interesting? Read on!
How to Store Gatorade
If you drink Gatorade on a regular basis, chances are you purchase packs of Gatorade whenever on sale. When you get home, you need to store your supply properly to preserve the quality.
When it comes to storing Gatorade, it is relatively simple and no preparation is needed. It’s similar to how you store any other bottled water.
A bottle of Gatorade is a shelf-stable product and can be kept at room temperature. Store it at a dry, cool area, away from sources of light and heat, such as your kitchen cupboard or pantry. It is unnecessary to refrigerate Gatorade before opening.
After opening, always keep the product tightly sealed and refrigerated for later use. But, if you are going to finish the drink within a day, leaving it at room temperature won’t be a problem.
Can You Freeze Gatorade?
To start with, freezing Gatorade will not extend its shelf life. It is completely fine to store it in the pantry before opening.
Gatorade producer does not recommend freezing this sports drink as it may affect the flavor. Freezing a bottle of Gatorade is also not a good idea since the liquid can expand and risk the bottle to explode.
How Long Does Gatorade Last?
The simple, yet smart way to check the durability of a food product is by checking the “best before” date printed on the label. This date is an estimate from the producer that guarantees the product will stay in the prime quality prior to this date, subject to proper storage.
After opening, the remaining liquid will maintain its freshness within 3 – 5 days. Once the bottle is opened, the quality will slowly deplete over time. Although many people keep it longer in the fridge and the drink stays fine, it is still better to empty the bottle before the drink goes stale and lose its flavor.
Can You Drink Expired Gatorade?
Yes, Gatorade has a stable shelf life. If the package is not damaged and you don’t see any spoilage signs such as off-flavor, discoloration, etc., it should be fine to drink.
Please note that you may expect a difference in the taste or flavor as the quality may have degraded over time.
How to Tell if Gatorade is Bad
It’s not difficult to tell if Gatorade is spoiled. Remember to always use your senses (they’re quite reliable!) to check the look, smell, and taste.
The first rule, don’t drink if the bottle is damaged. The content may have spoiled and is unsafe to drink.
If you are not sure whether Gatorade is still safe to drink, take a closer look and smell it.
When you see that the color has changed, off smells, lumpy texture, or sediment on the bottom, these are common signs that the drink has gone bad. It’s best to take a safety measure by discarding the product.
At some point, you may not notice anything weird. The flavor is good, color and texture are normal. You may think that the drink seems okay. If that’s the case, sip a small amount. If you’re happy with the taste, there’s no reason not to drink it.
But, if you are still doubting, there’s no better option than to toss it away.
FAQs
That’s super easy! Just like any other food products, check the “best before” date stamped on the bottle’s neck. Each bottle comes with this date as guidance for retailers and consumers.
Please note that the shelf life of a product is influenced by storage methods. Improper storage, for example, exposure to sunlight, high temperature, etc. may shorten a product’s shelf life.
Food poisoning can happen with any other food or drink when it’s spoiled. In the case of old Gatorade, yes that’s possible although not likely.
To avoid getting food poisoning, inspect the bottle before drinking. If the seal is compromised, quickly discard it. Likewise, if you spot other signs of spoilage, also throw it away.
Once you open and drink Gatorade straight from the bottle, you give the chance for bacteria to enter the bottle. Their growth is slowed down at a cool temperature.
It is recommended to keep it refrigerated at least 24 hours after opening. If you forgot to do it days later, it may get spoiled. So, finish it immediately after opening or quickly keep it refrigerated before you forget.
Yes. Gatorade contains a significant amount of sugar in each bottle. For example, a 20 oz Gatorade contains 34 grams of sugar.
If you want healthier versions, try out G2 Thirst Quencher with 7 grams sugar per 20 oz or G Zero with no sugar added.
Summary
If you are an athlete or if you exercise regularly, sports drinks like Gatorade might be your essential product to keep you rehydrated. Gatorade is a shelf-stable product. but it still needs proper storage to maintain its quality and shelf life.
If you observe any signs of spoilage over a bottle of Gatorade, always stay on the safe side and discard the product.
*Photo by packshot/depositphotos
