Drinks

Found a rogue bottle of coconut water sitting in the cabinet for who knows how long? It’s likely nearing its best-by date, or maybe it’s passed it already. And you’re wondering: can coconut water go bad?

If it were soda, you’d probably drink it without giving it a second thought. But for coconut water, you’re not quite sure if that’s a good idea. Plus you don’t know how to tell if that drink is spoiled or not. And you definitely don’t want to quench your thirst by chugging a bottle of spoiled coconut water.

All of that means it’s time to take a couple of minutes to learn about storage, shelf life, and signs of spoilage of coconut water. Let’s get going.

Can Coconut Water Go Bad? How To Tell If Coconut Water Went Bad?

I’m sure saying coconut water can go off doesn’t come as a surprise. Like almost all food out there, sooner or later it will spoil.

There are a couple of signs that your coconut water is spoiled ([HH]):

• carbonation (coconut water is not soda, it shouldn’t bubble)
• strong smell (its aroma should be subtle)
• sour taste, instead of coconut-y and sweet
• thickened consistency

If either one is present, discard the coconut drink.

An important thing to note here is that coconut water sometimes turns pink. That happens when antioxidants in the water interact with light, and such pink liquid is perfectly safe to drink ([HH]).

How Long Does Coconut Water Last?

When it comes to the shelf life of coconut water, observe the best-by date on the label. There are many brands out there, with various packaging methods (bottles, tetra packs, in a coconut), and each one comes with their own shelf life.

The date on the label is a best-by date, so the drink should be okay for some time past that date. How long exactly? That depends on how long is its shelf life. One that’s supposed to last 12 months should retain quality for an extra month or so. If, on the other hand, its supposed life span was only a month, I’d give it no more than an extra week. And if the coconut drink is nearing or past its date, always check for signs of spoilage before drinking.

When it comes to open coconut water, it keeps quality for between 48 hours ([VC]) and five days ([HH]) of opening, depending on what the producer says. Like with soda or Gatorade, coconut water is best fresh. If you notice that it doesn’t quite taste as good as it used to, throw it out.

How To Store Coconut Water?

Long story short, you should store coconut water the same way it was kept in the supermarket where you bought it.

If it was on a shelf, the pantry or a kitchen cabinet is perfect for storing it. Make sure the place is dark and away from sources of heat, just like you do with soda or beer.

If, on the other hand, the coconut water was in the refrigerated section, you should keep it in the fridge at all times.

There’s no standard way of storing coconut water because the production process varies among manufacturers. Some brands add preservatives to the water to make it shelf-stable, while others go additive-free and often require storing the product in the fridge.

Once you open the bottle or package, always keep the leftovers in the fridge.

In a Nutshell

• Carbonation, strong smell, and sour taste are sure signs that coconut water has gone bad.
• For unopened coconut water, observe the date on the label. The liquid should stay at peak quality for some time past that date.
• Finish open coconut water within 2 to 5 days. The quicker you go through it, the better the taste.
• Store coconut water the way it was stored when you have bought it. If it was refrigerated, it goes to the fridge. If not, a cabinet in the pantry is okay.
• Leftover coconut water goes into the refrigerator.

References

• [HH] Harmless Harvest: Frequently Asked Questions
• [VC] Vita Coco: FAQ

Even though distilled water isn’t usually meant for drinking purposes, I think it still makes perfect sense to cover it on the website. Many people, especially first time buyers, don’t quite know how to go about storing such water and how long they can keep it around before discarding. Because of that, I prepared this article, in which we go through storage, shelf life, and going bad of distilled water.

Please note that the advice in this article is meant for anyone using distilled water for household appliances and motor industry related work (e.g., refilling electrolytes in a battery). It’s by no means exhaustive for medical purposes. And in case you wondered if drinking distilled water is safe, the long story short is drinking some won’t do you any harm, but switching to drinking only distilled water is not recommended and probably a bad idea ([DWC-SA]). Having cleared that up, let’s get started.

Can Distilled Water Go Bad? How To Tell If Distilled Water Is Bad?

Technically speaking, it’s difficult to tell what a “spoiled” or “bad” distilled water exactly is. If it’s water that has some impurities, then sure, just open the container and leave it unsealed for a few hours. Chances some dust, bacteria, or anything else will get into the container are very high. And no, you won’t be able to tell that it has any possible contaminants just by looking at it. Fortunately enough, if you’re using the distilled water, or any other type of purified water, for your home appliances, that liquid doesn’t have to be 100% to do its job. That water is still much “cleaner” than tap or bottled water, and good enough for your purposes.

Once you open the container and store it for a very long time (think months), chances are green algae will start to grow in there. Chances of that happening are much higher if your storage practices aren’t that great (more on that later). If the algae got to the point that there’s visible sediment in the bottle, it’s time to discard it and get a new one. Same thing if the water develops an off smell. But to check that, please pour some of the distilled water in a glass and only then take a sniff. This way you don’t smell the container, but only the water.

How Long Does Distilled Water Last?

In short, it depends. As long as the container or jug is unopened, it should easily last years. If it comes with an expiration date on the label, that’s a decent place to start. Usually, it’s between 3 to 5 years from the production date. Of course, a couple of months past that date the water should be still perfectly fine.

How long does opened distilled water last, you ask? Depends on how you plan to use it. If for any reason you need it for drinking purposes, I’d go about it as if it was bottled water. That means you probably should finish the bottle within a couple of days, a week tops. But if you’re using the distilled water for any home or garage appliances, it should easily last 9-12 months after opening in good shape. And it shouldn’t come as a surprise that proper storage methods help with keeping the distilled water pure.

How To Store Distilled Water?

Distilled water is best stored in glass ([DWC-ST]), so if you’re using your own container, use a glass one. Plastic containers often leach a trace amount of chemicals to the water over time, and as you might imagine, that’s less than optimal. An excellent alternative to “normal” plastic ones are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tanks and containers ([DWC-SL]), and many companies selling distilled water use those. The longer you plan on storing the distilled water, the more important the container is. So if you’re thinking about a long-term solution, go with glass of HDPE containers. A “normal” plastic bottle should be alright for short term storage.

When it comes to storing distilled water, there are a few practices you should follow. First, it’s essential to always keep the container sealed after opening, for obvious reasons. Second, keep the water in a dark place to prevent algae growth ([DWC-ST]). Third, avoid warm areas, as it’s easier for bacteria to grow in warmer conditions. That’s about it, really.

In a Nutshell

• Unopened distilled waters last usually between 3 to 5 years. Check the label for details.
• If you plan on drinking the water, finish it within 5 to 7 days. If it’s going to be used in various appliances, it should last at least a year if stored properly.
• Store distilled water in glass or HDPE containers for best results. Plastic tends to leach a tiny amount of chemicals into the water.
• Always keep the container sealed, away from light, and in a relatively cool temperature.

References

• [DWC-ST] Distilled Water Company: How To Store Your Distilled Water Correctly?
• [DWC-SL] Distilled Water Company: How Long Does Distilled Water Last?
• [DWC-SA] Distilled Water Company: Is Distilled Water Safe To Drink?

“You’re not getting enough probiotics” is what almost every site health-related site tells you at some point. And kombucha often comes up as a convenient solution. So you buy a bottle or two to give it a shot, and maybe you even make it a regular thing. But sooner or later you find yourself with old kombucha or notice there’s a gelly floating thing in the bottle, and you’re not quite sure what to do.

Telling whether kombucha is bad isn’t super straightforward, and not all manufacturers specify that sort of information on the labels or even their websites. The shelf life also often shows up at a date on the label without any further context. And that’s too bad because many people throw out perfectly good kombucha because of that lack of info.

This article is here to cover that gap. In it, we talk about possible signs of spoilage of kombucha, its storage and shelf life. If you’re a kombucha drinker who lives and dies by the “best-by” date, this article is definitely for you. Continue reading.

Can Kombucha Go Bad? How To Tell If Kombucha Is Bad?

Telling if kombucha is off is a bit tricky. It’s a fermented product and therefore very acidic. That, in short, means any microorganism that isn’t already there has a hard time living and growing in such an environment. Because of that, the beverage lasts a long time and doesn’t spoil easily. However, in some rare cases, things may go south.

The first and most obvious sign of spoilage is the presence of mold. It’s super rare and happens mostly with homemade kombucha or an old one that developed its own baby SCOBY (more on that below) on top, and mold started growing on it. If there’s mold, throw it out.

The second option is that the kombucha turns vinegary in taste ([NE]) and you don’t find it good enough to drink anymore. If that’s the case, instead of throwing it out, you can use it as a vinegar substitute. This is a natural result of fermentation and happens to kombucha that’s stored for months in the fridge or opened at room temperature for a couple of weeks or so.

If your kombucha starts to smell off after a few days of opening, and you tend to drink directly from the bottle, switch to using glasses. There’s most likely nothing wrong with the liquid, but the bacteria from your mouth have contaminated the neck of the bottle, and that’s what’s causing the smell. If you’re always using a glass and your kombucha stinks, discard it.

That’s about it when it comes to signs of bad kombucha. But there are also at least a few things people find concerning and which are perfectly normal for the probiotic drink. Here they are:

• Fizz or lack of it. Kombucha is a living thing, and the presence or absence of fizz depends on the batch, storage conditions and how long it’s stored. Even if you always buy the same brand and store it the same way, the effervescence will vary ([GTS][NE]).
• Floaties in the bottle. The gel-like thing or a bunch of strands forming in the liquid is a baby SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast). A scoby is used in the process of making kombucha, and it can form on its own over time even if it was filtered out before bottling. Think of it like the mother forming in vinegar. It’s safe to consume it, but if you find it gross, just filter it out ([CK][GTS][NE]).
• Sediment. Some sediment on the bottom is nothing unusual. If you want to mix it up, tilt the bottle gently left and right. Do not shake it, or it might explode like champagne ([GTS][RK][NE]).

Now that you know all about what is and what isn’t spoiled kombucha, let’s talk about its shelf life.

How Long Does Kombucha Last?

The answer to this question depends on whom do you ask, and usually varies between a couple of months, to possibly a year ([CK]). The industry standard seems to be about 6 months of bottling ([CK][RK]). And if you want to keep things super simple, you can just discard the kombucha that’s passed the date on the label. But as I already mentioned in the intro, that would be wasteful in my opinion.

As you already know, kombucha doesn’t readily go bad, so it’s not like it will magically go off after a week or two after the date on the label. That date is merely an estimate of how long the quality should be good enough for drinking. And since the fermentation process is going on all the time, like in unpasteurized sauerkraut, the change is slow and gradual. So it’s not like one day it will be perfectly fine and turn awful the next morning.

But at a certain point, you will notice that the kombucha no longer hits the spot, and that’s when it’s time to either discard it or use it for other purposes ([NE]). And that obviously depends on your personal preferences, so there are no hard and fast rules if that happens near the best-by date, or a couple of months later. And it varies between batches, so even if you’re loyal to a single brand, this period will vary. As long as the kombucha doesn’t show any signs of spoilage covered earlier, drink a tiny amount and decide if you find it good enough or not. Chances are you will enjoy it for at least weeks beyond the “expiration” date.

And speaking of shelf life, the way you store this beverage also affects how long you can keep it around.

How To Store Kombucha?

When it comes to an unopened bottle, the recommended storage method varies between producers. Some say you can keep it at room temperature ([CK]), while other manufacturers show a strong preference for refrigeration ([GTS][RK][NE]). When in doubt, keep in in the fridge. Of course, if you leave it out for a day or two, it won’t turn vinegary right away, but it definitely won’t keep good quality for as long as if it’d sit in the fridge all the time.

Once you open the bottle, its place is in the refrigerator. The cold temperature keeps the fermentation in check, so it doesn’t turn too acidic too fast. So if you like your kombucha on the less acidic side, make sure it’s refrigerated at all times, the same way you’d care for dairy products like kefir or yogurt.

When it comes to how to store the bottles, make sure you always keep them upright and not on their side ([GTS]). Otherwise, you might end up needing to wash your fridge after some of the liquid has escaped the bottle.

In a Nutshell

• Kombucha doesn’t go off quickly, but if there’s mold, it tastes like vinegar or smells off, it’s time for it to go.
• The gel-like substance forming in the bottle is safe for consumption and doesn’t make the liquid bad or spoiled. If you find it gross, filter it out.
• This probiotic drink is a living thing, so its flavor, amount of bubbles, and how long it tastes good differs between batches. Even if you buy it only from one producer, the kombucha you get will be slightly different every time.
• Store kombucha refrigerated at all times unless the label says otherwise.
• If it doesn’t show any signs of spoilage, it’s most likely okay to drink, even if it’s a couple of months after the date on the label.

References

• [CK] Cathy’s Kombucha: FAQ’s
• [GTS] GTS Living Food: What Is Kombucha?
• [RK] RISE Kombucha: FAQ
• [NE] Nesalla: Kombucha FAQs

Coffee is probably one of the most universal pantry staples. So many people start each day with a nice hot cup brewed at home, or even a trip to the local coffee shop. Though despite how much coffee people drink on a daily basis, it seems that not much is known about storing this magic bean. Can ground coffee go bad? How should you store ground coffee, and for how long will it last?

Can Ground Coffee Go Bad?

Coffee is actually roasted beans, and like all beans, ground coffee can go bad. The roasting process actually eliminates the potential for many contaminants, as the moisture level of coffee becomes incredibly low. This means that you won’t really have to worry about mold or bacteria growing on your coffee grounds, unless too much moisture is introduced to the grounds while they’re being stored.

What typically happens to coffee as it ages, is the flavor compounds disappear over time. So, while the coffee might still be safe to drink, it won’t taste very good. The shelf life of ground coffee is three to five months at room temperature, whether or not the package has been opened. Unopened coffee can be stored in the freezer long term, and will have a shelf life of up to two years. Once the package has been opened, the shelf life reduces to five months, even in the freezer.

Image used under Creative Commons from epSos .de

How to Store Ground Coffee

If you’ve purchased whole beans, it’s best to keep them intact and only grind them until you plan on using them. Grinding the coffee increases the surface area, and therefore the exposure to oxygen, light and heat.

Of course, buying ground coffee is a lot more convenient for most people. The best way to store ground coffee is in an airtight container, away from moisture, light and heat. Preventing exposure to the air is important to keep the flavor compounds intact. A tightly sealing glass jar, or one of those airtight kitchen storage containers is ideal. If you don’t have a sealable container available, make sure to wrap up the bag tightly and secure it with a rubber band, or tape.

Contrary to popular belief, freezing is not actually the best way to store coffee for daily use. Repeatedly removing the ground coffee from the freezer and then replacing it will introduce excess moisture to the grounds. This moisture will impart a cardboard taste to the coffee, making for an unpleasant experience.

Freezing ground coffee or coffee beans is fine for long term storage, assuming the container won’t be regularly opened. If you’ve bought ground coffee in bulk and want to keep it fresher for a longer time, just grab a bunch of freezer bags and a permanent marker. Portion out a week’s worth of coffee into each freezer bag, tightly seal it, press out any air, then write the date on the outside of the bag. Now you can remove the bags as you need them, limiting the coffee’s exposure to air and moisture.

How to Tell If Coffee Has Gone Bad

Most of the time, there will be few visual signs that ground coffee has gone bad. Instead, it’s better to rely on your sense of smell to determine whether or not ground coffee has gone bad. Coffee beans contain oils, which can go rancid just like any other type of oil. If the coffee smells at all sour or unpleasant, the oil has likely gone rancid and the grounds should be discarded.

As the coffee ages, the flavor compounds will degrade, and the coffee’s pleasant aroma will begin to disappear. Once the smell of the ground coffee has significantly diminished, you likely probably won’t want to drink it. While the coffee is not unsafe to drink at this point, it certainly won’t have that delicious taste you’re expecting.

With electrolytes and quick burning carbohydrates, Gatorade and other sports drinks have become pretty standard hydration for workouts.

Of course, if you buy too much on sale, the question always arises: can Gatorade go bad? How long should you store those bottles of sports drink, or even the powdered mix?

Can Gatorade Go Bad?

Like many flavored beverages, Gatorade (and other sports drinks) can go bad. Unopened sports drinks can stay shelf stable for up to nine months past the written expiration date. Once the bottle has been opened, the shelf life reduces to about five days in the refrigerator.

The dry powder that can be mixed with water to make Gatorade can also go bad, after enough time passes. If the container is unopened, its shelf life is about two years past the written expiration date. Once opened, the product will begin to degrade in quality, and should be consumed within six months.

Like an open bottle of Gatorade, once the powder has been combined with water to make a drink, the beverage should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, and should be consumed within five days.

Signs That Gatorade Has Gone Bad

Bottles of gatorade that have been opened will begin to spoil after a few days, though visual signs might not be that obvious. Changes in color and texture are the main indicators. You may notice the drink begins to darken, form clumps, or form a crust near the opening of the bottle.

The taste and smell will also change, becoming less flavorful and a bit sour. Additionally, any sour or off-putting smell is an indication that the drink has gone bad and should not be consumed. Should you notice any mold growing in the bottle, the drink should not be consumed.

Once a container of powdered Gatorade has been opened, the quality will begin to decline fairly rapidly, depending on conditions. Though this degradation won’t necessarily lead to an unsafe product, the taste and texture can be significantly different. Gatorade can clump because of exposure to moisture. Some clumping is likely fine, but once the powder has formed a solid mass, the Gatorade should not be consumed.

Should you open the container of Gatorade powder to find any sign of insects, or mold (though it is highly unlikely that powdered Gatorade will grow mold), the drink mix should be discarded.

How to Store Gatorade

Bottled Gatorade, and other sports drinks, should be stored in a cool, dark place away from moisture or heat. The best place to store unopened bottles of gatorade is actually your pantry, or cellar.

Storing unopened bottles of Gatorade in the refrigerator will not dramatically increase their shelf life. Similarly, freezing bottled Gatorade will not really increase the shelf life, and the process of freezing could burst the bottle. Once the bottle has been opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator.

Powdered Gatorade that has not been opened can also be stored in a cool, dark place away from light, heat or moisture. Once the container has been opened, the moisture in the air will start to degrade the product. While the plastic container has a lid to keep out insects, the moisture in the air can still seep inside.

To extend the shelf life of powdered Gatorade, you could transfer the powder to an airtight container, like a glass jar. Oxygen absorbers or food grade desiccant packets will help to keep the drink powder from clumping up. Heavy duty zip top freezer bags with an oxygen absorber will also help to keep the powder fresh, and can come in handy on long camping trips!

The tart, bright flavor of cranberry juice makes it a refreshing beverage to drink in the summer, as well as a great cocktail mixer year round. Of course, after you’ve made a few drinks, you might realize that a good portion of the bottle is left over. Can you keep the opened bottle in the pantry, or can cranberry juice go bad?

What is Cranberry Juice?

Cranberry juice is made from cranberries, a very tart berry that typically grow in marshlike areas of Europe and North America. The berry is said to have medicinal properties, and so unsweetened cranberry juice actually plays a large role in folk remedies! For commercial purposes, unsweetened cranberry juice is too tart for many people to enjoy, and so sugar is added to make the drink more appealing.

Cranberry juice is the basis for many mixed drinks, but is also enjoyed as a beverage on its own. Many commercial brands mellow out the tart taste of the cranberries by blending the juice with other fruit varieties like grapes and apples. These juice cocktails are widely available in supermarkets, and tend to be on the sweeter side.

Image used under Creative Commons from Sam-Cat

Can Cranberry Juice Go Bad?

Like all fruit juices, cranberry juice can certainly go bad. An unopened bottle of cranberry juice will last up to nine months past the printed expiration date, at room temperature. However, as soon as the bottle is opened, the shelf life decreases dramatically. Once opened, a bottle of cranberry juice will remain fresh in the refrigerator for around three weeks.

Though some sources indicate that an open bottle of cranberry juice can stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week, this is not recommended.

Canned cranberry juice concentrate will stay fresh in the freezer for up to a year.

How to Tell If Cranberry Juice Has Gone Bad?

Visual cues are a great way to see if cranberry juice has begun to spoil. Always look at the juice for signs of mold, or other contaminants. Like many other beverages, cranberry juice is likely to grow mold if left too long. Once mold has begun to grow, the juice has spoiled and should no longer be consumed

Little bubbles that float up are another sign that the juice may have spoiled. These bubbles can indicate that the juice has begun to ferment. If you suspect fermentation is occurring, smell the juice – if it smells sour, or like wine or vinegar, it has spoiled and should not be consumed. Similarly, if the bottle is bulging or appears to have puffed out, there is likely some fermentation present, and the juice should be discarded.

While sediment may seem to indicate spoilage, this is actually a normal part of many brands of cranberry juice, especially those found in health food stores. Check for other signs of spoilage before assuming the sediment indicates something has gone wrong!

Can You Freeze Cranberry Juice?

Freezing cranberry juice is an excellent way to extend its shelf life. Cranberry juice can be frozen in its original container, or any tightly sealing, freezer-safe container. Be sure to pour some out to leave room for expansion. Frozen cranberry juice will last in the freezer for up to a year, and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator, with no noticeable taste or texture changes. As soon as the cranberry juice is thawed, you can drink it as normal.

Try freezing cranberry juice in ice cube trays, and then transferring the cubes to a sealed container. The cubes can be used to chill drinks without watering them down, as well as blended into smoothies for a little bit of extra flavor!