Drinks SAFE

How Long Does Sparkling Water Last?

Sparkling Water lasts 1-3 days when stored in the refrigerator. Discard if you notice loss of carbonation — flat taste with no fizz when opened or off, sour, or chemical smell (rare but possible from packaging degradation). Store properly to maximize freshness and safety.

Sparkling Water is highly perishable. Use within 1-3 days when stored in the refrigerator. Discard if left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.

SAFE: Within first 2 days

CAUTION: 2 days – 3 days

DANGER: After 3 days

🧊

Refrigerator

1-3 days

DANGER

🏠

Pantry (Unopened)

12-24 months

SAFE

Not sure if your Sparkling Water is still good?

Use our free checker tool for a personalized safety assessment.

Check Now

Can I Still Use This Sparkling Water?

Quick decision guide based on how you stored it:

In the fridge

Safe for 1-3 days. Check for spoilage signs before use.

In the fridge (opened)

Use within 1-3 days. Cover to prevent contamination.

Left out at room temp

Pantry-stable for 12-24 months if sealed.

Left out at room temp (opened)

Opened and unrefrigerated — use immediately or discard after 2 hours.

Never use an expired product again — get a free email reminder before your Sparkling Water expires.

Sparkling Water Shelf Life by Storage Method

Storage Method	Duration	Safety Level
🏠 Pantry / Room Temp (Unopened)	12-24 months	SAFE
🧊 Refrigerator	1-3 days	DANGER

About Sparkling Water

Sparkling water (seltzer water, carbonated water) does not expire in the way food does — water itself is chemically stable and does not spoil. However, sparkling water does lose its carbonation over time, and the 'Best By' date on the bottle reflects when the fizz and taste are at their peak. Unopened sparkling water is best consumed within 12-18 months of production for optimal carbonation, though it remains safe to drink well beyond that date. Once opened, sparkling water goes flat within 1-3 days even when refrigerated.

Signs Sparkling Water Has Gone Bad

Loss of carbonation — flat taste with no fizz when opened
Off, sour, or chemical smell (rare but possible from packaging degradation)
Cloudiness or discoloration of the water
Presence of sediment, particles, or film on the surface
Plastic taste from BPA-free bottle leaching (more common in heat-exposed bottles)

How to Store Sparkling Water Properly

Store unopened bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat
Once opened, reseal tightly and refrigerate — consume within 1-3 days for best carbonation
Avoid freezing, as it can cause the container to burst and alters the taste
Keep cans and bottles upright to maintain the seal and preserve carbonation

Safety Notes & Expiration Risks

Expired sparkling water is safe to drink in virtually all cases — the water itself does not become harmful. The main quality issue is loss of carbonation (flat taste). In rare cases, damaged or improperly stored packaging can allow contaminants in, or plastic bottles stored in heat may leach chemicals that affect taste. If the water looks, smells, or tastes off, discard it, but this is extremely uncommon with sealed bottles.

Common Questions About Sparkling Water Safety

CAUTION

Is sparkling water still safe after being left out overnight?

Sparkling Water that is shelf-stable and was sealed can generally be left out overnight without safety concerns. However, if it was opened or is a perishable variety, the USDA 2-hour rule applies — discard any perishable food left in the "danger zone" (40–140°F) for more than 2 hours.

CAUTION

Can you eat sparkling water that smells fine but is past its expiration date?

"Best by" and "sell by" dates on sparkling water typically indicate peak quality, not a hard safety cutoff. If sparkling water smells normal, shows no visible mold or discoloration, and has been stored properly, it is often safe shortly past the printed date. However, use your judgment and when in doubt, discard it.

CAUTION

What does it mean if sparkling water has changed color or texture?

Minor color changes in sparkling water may be natural and do not always indicate spoilage. However, significant discoloration, mold growth, unusual sliminess, or a major texture change typically means the product has degraded. If the change is accompanied by an off smell, discard the product. When only the color has shifted slightly and everything else seems normal, the product may still be usable but is past peak quality.

Pro Tips

Cans hold carbonation longer than plastic bottles — choose cans for longer storage
Store in a cool, dark place to maximize shelf life and carbonation retention
Once opened, reseal tightly and keep refrigerated — cold temperatures help retain CO2

Was this guide helpful?

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does sparkling water expire?

Not really. Sparkling water does not expire in the way food does — it remains safe to drink past the 'Best By' date. However, it gradually loses carbonation over time. For the best fizz and taste, consume within 12-18 months of production.

How long does sparkling water last unopened?

Unopened sparkling water stays at best quality for 12-18 months at room temperature. It is still safe to drink after this period, but it may taste flat or have reduced carbonation. Cans generally hold carbonation longer than plastic bottles.

How long does sparkling water last after opening?

Once opened, sparkling water should be refrigerated and consumed within 1-3 days. It begins losing carbonation immediately after opening, and will be noticeably flat within 24-48 hours even when sealed and refrigerated.

Can you drink sparkling water after the expiration date?

Yes. The 'Best By' date on sparkling water is a quality indicator, not a safety date. The water itself does not become harmful. It may just be flat or have a slightly off taste from packaging. If it looks and smells normal, it is safe to drink.

How can you tell if sparkling water has gone bad?

The main sign is loss of carbonation (flat taste). Also check for cloudiness, off smell, sediment, or a plastic taste. These issues are rare with sealed bottles but can occur if the packaging was damaged or stored in extreme heat.