Gatorade is one of the most popular sports drinks that was created in 1965 by University of Florida coaches. The drink is intended to help athletes replace electrolytes and fluids lost during physical activity.
The beloved sports drink has a long shelf life and can be stored in a variety of ways, but there are some things you need to know about how long it lasts and how to tell if it’s gone bad.
In this post, we will answer the question “does Gatorade go bad?” and provide tips on how to store and use this sports drink.
Why Drink Gatorade?
Gatorade is a popular sports drink because it has a great taste, contains electrolytes, and has a long shelf life. It’s also easy to grab a Gatorade bottle on your way out the door to the gym.
Electrolytes are minerals that help regulate the body’s fluid balance, and they are essential for hydration and muscle function. The main electrolytes in Gatorade are sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium.
Gatorade also contains carbohydrates and B-vitamins, which provide energy for athletes. Note: a bottle of Gatorade is not an energy drink.
Bottled Gatorade comes in a variety of flavors, so there is sure to be one that everyone will enjoy.
How Long Does Gatorade Last?
Gatorade’s shelf life is long, and bottled Gatorade can be stored in a variety of ways. The drink typically lasts for about two years unopened and six months after opening.
It’s important to note that the expiration date is located on the bottom of the bottle, so you will need to flip it over to see it.
The expiration date isn’t always an indicator of “how long does Gatorade last,” but it tells you when it’s at its peak,
Expired Gatorade could potentially be dangerous, especially if it wasn’t stored properly. There are some telltale signs that Gatorade drinks have gone bad.
How to Tell if Gatorade Has Gone Bad?
If Gatorade has been stored in a cool, dry place and is within the expiration date, the king of sports drinks will likely be safe to consume.
If the drink has been stored in a hot, humid place, even unopened bottled Gatorade may have developed bacteria and could be unsafe to drink.
However, there are some things you can look for to determine whether the drink has gone bad before you drink Gatorade.
Signs That Gatorade Has Gone Bad
- The drink may have changed color.
- The drink may have an unusual odor.
- You may see sediment or lumps in the drink.
- The growth of mold in or around the bottle.
Gatorade Could Make You Sick
It’s important to note that Gatorade is not sterile and may contain microorganisms that can cause illness. So, if you are unsure whether the drink is safe to consume, it is best to discard it. Bad Gatorade could make you sick.
How to Store Gatorade
You have a variety of options for storing Gatorade, but it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place. Keep the bottle closed, so that it functions as an airtight container. Unopened Gatorade can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
If you are going to store Gatorade in a hot, humid place, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator. This is even the case for unopened Gatorade if you live in a hot enough climate.
Don’t leave a Gatorade bottle outside in the heat or the car for long and expect it to still taste good.
Storing an Opened Bottle of Gatorade
If the lid has been opened, Gatorade must be kept in the fridge — unless you plan to drink it within a few hours. And remember, increased temperatures increase the rate of spoilage.
Keep this in mind if you leave Gatorade in your car, gym bag, etc.
What About Powdered Gatorade?
Powdered Gatorade is a convenient way to have the drink on hand when you need it as opposed to the liquid form. Gatorade powder can be mixed with water and has a shelf life of about two years.
Keep powdered Gatorade in a cool, dry place and stored in an airtight container. This will increase the shelf life by minimizing the possibility of mold growth and keeping the powder from bugs.
And if you’re not sure if it powdered Gatorade mix has gone bad or not, you can use the same signs as for regular bottled Gatorade. (Weird smell, weird color, etc.)
Can You Freeze Gatorade?
Gatorade can be frozen, but it is not recommended. When the drink is frozen, the electrolytes and other ingredients are separated and the drink will not taste as good.
In addition, freezing Gatorade can cause it to expand and may burst the container. So, if you do choose to freeze Gatorade, be sure to use a freezer-safe container.
In Conclusion
So, does Gatorade go bad? Now you know the answer about the shelf life on Gatorade bottles, as well as Gatorade powder.
Gatorade does go bad, but not for a very long time, and there are steps you can take to keep your favorite sports drink safe to consume for multiple years.
