Sparkling water is one of the most popular beverages today thanks to its refreshing taste, zero calories, and versatility. However, many people still don't know how long sparkling water lasts.
Understanding the shelf life of sparkling water helps you maintain its crisp carbonation, avoid waste, and ensure the best drinking experience. In this complete guide, you’ll learn how long sparkling water lasts unopened and after opening, how to store it properly, and how to tell if it has gone bad.
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How Long Does Sparkling Water Last? (Quick Answer)
If you’re looking for a fast answer:
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Unopened sparkling water: lasts 12–24 months
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Opened sparkling water: lasts 1–3 days in the fridge
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At room temperature after opening: only a few hours to 1 day
Sparkling water doesn’t “spoil” like milk or juice, but it loses carbonation and freshness over time, which affects taste and quality.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last Unopened?
Unopened sparkling water has a relatively long shelf life because it is sealed and protected from air exposure.
Shelf Life of Unopened Sparkling Water
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Typically lasts 12–18 months for best quality
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Can remain drinkable beyond the best-by date
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Still safe if the bottle or can remains sealed properly
Most sparkling water brands include a “best by” date, not an expiration date. This means the product may still be safe after that date, but the carbonation and flavor may decline.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last at Room Temperature (Unopened)?
Unopened sparkling water can be safely stored at room temperature as long as:
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It is kept in a cool, dry place
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Away from direct sunlight
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Not exposed to high heat
Heat can gradually affect the internal pressure and cause carbon dioxide (CO₂) to escape faster, reducing fizz over time.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last in the Fridge (Unopened)?
Refrigeration is not required before opening, but it helps:
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Preserve carbonation quality
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Maintain fresh taste longer
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Reduce pressure fluctuations inside the container
In general, unopened sparkling water lasts just as long in the fridge as in the pantry, but quality stays better for longer.
Does Unopened Sparkling Water Expire?
Technically, sparkling water does not expire in the traditional sense.
However:
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It can lose carbonation
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The taste may become flat or dull
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Packaging (especially plastic bottles) may degrade over time
So while it may still be safe, it won’t deliver the same refreshing experience.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last After Opening?
Once opened, sparkling water begins to lose carbonation almost immediately.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last in the Fridge After Opening?
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Best consumed within 1–3 days
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Keeps carbonation longer when:
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Tightly sealed
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Stored in the fridge
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After 2–3 days, most sparkling water becomes noticeably flat.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last at Room Temperature After Opening?
At room temperature, the shelf life drops significantly:
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A few hours: noticeable loss of fizz
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Up to 24 hours: mostly flat
Leaving sparkling water open accelerates CO₂ release, which is what creates the bubbles.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Stay Fizzy After Opening?
This depends on storage:
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Sealed + refrigerated: 1–2 days of good fizz
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Opened loosely: loses fizz within hours
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Left uncovered: goes flat quickly
The moment you open the bottle, pressure is released, and carbonation begins escaping.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last Once Opened and Resealed?
If you reseal properly:
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Can last up to 2–3 days
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Still gradually loses carbonation
To maximize shelf life:
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Close the cap tightly immediately
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Store in the coldest part of the fridge
Factors That Affect How Long Sparkling Water Lasts
Not all sparkling water lasts the same. Several factors influence its shelf life.
Storage Conditions (Temperature & Light)
Temperature plays a major role:
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Cold temperatures: preserve carbonation
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High heat: accelerates gas loss
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Sunlight: may affect packaging and taste
Always store sparkling water in a cool, dark place.
Packaging Type: Glass vs Plastic vs Can
Different packaging materials affect carbonation retention:
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Glass bottles: best at preserving carbonation
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Aluminum cans: also highly effective
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Plastic bottles: allow gradual CO₂ escape
If you want sparkling water to last longer, glass and cans are better choices.
Exposure to Air (Oxidation)
Once opened:
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Air enters the bottle
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Carbon dioxide escapes
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Flavor changes over time
The more air exposure, the faster sparkling water goes flat.
Flavored vs Plain Sparkling Water
Flavored sparkling water typically has:
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Added ingredients (natural flavors, sweeteners)
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Slightly shorter shelf life
It may lose flavor faster than plain sparkling water, even if carbonation remains.
Does Sparkling Water Go Bad?
This is one of the most searched questions: does sparkling water go bad?
Is It Safe to Drink Expired Sparkling Water?
In most cases:
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Yes, it is safe if unopened and properly stored
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It may taste flat or stale
However, avoid drinking if:
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The container is damaged
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It smells unusual
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It shows contamination
What Happens When Sparkling Water Expires?
Over time:
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Carbonation decreases
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Taste becomes dull
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Bubbles disappear
It won’t necessarily harm you, but the experience is less enjoyable.
Can Sparkling Water Make You Sick?
It’s very rare, but possible if:
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The container was compromised
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It was stored improperly
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Bacteria entered after opening
Always use basic judgment before consuming.
Keep your sparkling water fresher longer → Explore eco-packaging.
How to Tell If Sparkling Water Has Gone Bad
Even though sparkling water is stable, you should still check for signs of quality loss.
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No fizz (completely flat)
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Strange or sour smell
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Cloudy appearance
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Unusual taste
If anything seems off, it’s best not to drink it.
How to Store Sparkling Water Properly
Proper storage can significantly extend how long sparkling water lasts.
Best Storage Practices for Unopened Sparkling Water
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Store in a cool, dry place
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Avoid direct sunlight
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Keep away from heat sources
Best Storage Practices for Opened Sparkling Water
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Refrigerate immediately
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Seal the bottle tightly
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Minimize air exposure
Should You Store Sparkling Water in the Fridge?
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Not required before opening
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Highly recommended after opening
Cold storage slows down carbonation loss.
Can You Freeze Sparkling Water?
Freezing is not recommended:
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Liquid expands → container may burst
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Carbonation is lost after thawing
Sparkling Water Shelf Life Chart
| Type | Unopened | Opened |
|---|---|---|
| Sparkling water | 12–24 months | 1–3 days |
| Seltzer water | 12–18 months | 2–3 days |
| Flavored sparkling water | 9–12 months | 1–2 days |
FAQs – How Long Does Sparkling Water Last?
Does Sparkling Water Go Flat Overnight?
Yes. If not sealed properly, sparkling water can lose most of its carbonation overnight.
Can You Drink Sparkling Water After the Expiration Date?
Yes, if unopened and properly stored. However, it may taste flat or less fresh.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last in a Can After Opening?
Typically 1–2 days, but best consumed within hours for optimal fizz.
Is Flat Sparkling Water Bad for You?
No. It’s completely safe, just less enjoyable since it loses carbonation.
How Long Does Sparkling Water Last in a Plastic Bottle?
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Unopened: about 12 months
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Opened: 1–3 days
Plastic allows gas to escape more easily than glass.
Does Sparkling Water Need to Be Refrigerated?
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Not before opening
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Recommended after opening to preserve carbonation
Final Thoughts: How Long Does Sparkling Water Last?
So, how long does sparkling water last?
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Unopened: up to 2 years
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Opened: 1–3 days (best quality)
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Flat doesn’t mean unsafe, just less enjoyable
The key takeaway is simple: sparkling water lasts a long time when sealed, but once opened, drink it quickly to enjoy its signature fizz.
By storing it properly and understanding the factors that affect carbonation, you can always enjoy sparkling water at its best.
