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Soda

Can soda go bad?

Quick answer

USDA's FoodKeeper lists Soda (carbonated cola drinks, mixers, diet sodas; bottles or cans): after opening, 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Refrigerator, after opening2 to 3 days
SourceUSDA FoodKeeper v128
Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart

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Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)

How long juice, soda, coconut water and bottled water last, opened and unopened. Every line shows its source and the date we read it. Print it and keep it where you store your drinks.

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In this article
  1. Contents
  2. What USDA FoodKeeper says
  3. Storage tips
  4. When to throw it out
  5. Conclusion

The short answer: USDA’s FoodKeeper lists Soda (carbonated cola drinks, mixers, diet sodas; bottles or cans): after opening, 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Contents

  1. What USDA FoodKeeper says
  2. Storage tips
  3. When to throw it out
  4. Conclusion

What USDA FoodKeeper says

FoodKeeper is the storage guide from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The figures below are read from the data file (version 128, last modified 6 September 2018 in the file’s version table). “From date of purchase” means counted from the day you bought it.

Soda (carbonated cola drinks, mixers, diet sodas; bottles or cans)

Where How long
Refrigerator, after opening 2 to 3 days

Storage tips

Keep soda in the place and container the package says. FoodKeeper gives no extra tip for this entry.

When to throw it out

These signs are our general advice, not an agency rule. An off or sour smell, mould, an unusual texture, or a swollen or leaking container means it should go in the bin. Do not taste it to check.

Conclusion

USDA’s FoodKeeper lists Soda (carbonated cola drinks, mixers, diet sodas; bottles or cans): after opening, 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator. Check the date on your package and throw it out if in doubt.

General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out. If you are pregnant, elderly, or have a weak immune system, follow the date on the package and ask your doctor.

People also ask

How long does soda last?

USDA's FoodKeeper lists Soda (carbonated cola drinks, mixers, diet sodas; bottles or cans): after opening, 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.

How should I store soda?

Follow the package. FoodKeeper gives no extra storage tip for this entry; our general advice is a clean, closed container and the right temperature for the product.

How can I tell if soda has gone bad?

Our general advice, not an agency rule: an off or sour smell, mould, unusual texture or a swollen or leaking container means throw it out. Do not taste it to check.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. USDA FSIS FoodKeeper data, version 128 (English), as downloaded 1 November 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Nov 2, 2024 · Updated Nov 1, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

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