Inquiring Minds Wonder: How Long Does Bottled Water Last?

Bottled water is an essential part of many people's lives, but how long does it last? Knowing the shelf-life of bottled water can help you make sure that your supply always stays fresh and safe to drink.

In this blog post, we'll break down all you need to know about the storage, shelf-life and safety of bottled water.

Storage & Shelf Life

When properly stored in its original sealed container, bottled water typically has a shelf life of 2 years.

That said, there are some factors that can affect the shelf life of a bottle of water. One factor is exposure to heat or direct sunlight.

If a bottle is left in a hot car or near a window where it is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, it should be used within 1 month.

Another factor that affects the shelf life of bottled water is exposure to air. When bottled water is exposed to air, it can absorb odors and taste differently than when first purchased.

To prevent this from happening, it's important to keep the cap tightly closed and store bottles in their original packaging until ready for use.

Additionally, it's important to inspect bottles before using them as any cracks, tears or other damage may have allowed contaminants into the bottle and made the contents unsafe for consumption.

Safety & Quality

It's important to note that manufacturers typically only guarantee the quality and safety of their product up until its expiration date—so be sure to check those dates before consuming any bottled water past its expiration date!

Additionally, while most bottled waters are safe for human consumption after two years if stored properly (as mentioned above), some products may contain additives such as vitamins or flavors which could degrade over time and cause health issues if consumed after their expiration date has passed.

Therefore, always check with your local health department or manufacturer if unsure about whether a product past its expiration date is safe for consumption.

Benefits

Drinking bottled water has many benefits. It is a convenient, safe and healthy way to stay hydrated on the go. Bottled water is free from bacteria and other contaminants, making it a safe and reliable source of drinking water.

In addition, bottled water can be used to increase your daily intake of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Additionally, it tastes better than tap water in many cases and can be more refreshing.

Finally, drinking bottled water helps reduce plastic waste by recycling or reusing bottles instead of sending them to landfill.

Keeping Water Fresh

To keep bottled water fresh, it is important to store the bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Additionally, you should make sure that the bottle's cap or seal is always tightly secured. When properly stored, bottled water can stay fresher for longer.

Another way to keep your bottled water fresh is to clean and refill the container regularly. You should also avoid adding ice cubes or other drinks to a bottle of water as this could introduce bacteria.

Finally, switch out any old bottled water with new ones frequently for optimal taste and safety.

Flavor Mixtures & Nutrients

Adding flavor mixtures to water does not typically remove nutrients, though it may affect the taste of the water. Some flavored waters contain added vitamins and minerals, but others are simply flavored with natural or artificial additives.

While these additives will not necessarily remove nutrients from your water, they can have an impact on the overall flavor of the water. Be sure to check labels for any additional ingredients before purchasing if you're looking for a nutrient-rich drink.

In conclusion, when properly stored in its original sealed container away from heat and direct sunlight, bottled water typically has a shelf life of 2 years before its quality begins to decline significantly—so always make sure you're storing your bottles correctly!

Additionally, manufacturers typically only guarantee the quality and safety up until its expiration date so be sure to check those dates before consuming any bottled waters past their expiration date!

Taking these steps will ensure that you're getting only the freshest tasting—and safest—bottles of water available!