New Gatorade Shelf Life: When to Toss and When to Sip

Shelf Life of Gatorade

What started as a test drink on the football field of the University of Florida, hence the “Gator” in the name, is now a global drink used by athletes and non-athletes for energy and electrolytes.

It’s even used to dunk players of championship teams. While the brand of Gatorade has a long lifespan, did you ever wonder what is the shelf life of Gatorade? Here are all the answers you need. 

Does Gatorade Go Bad?

Gatorade Original Thirst Quencher 3-Flavor Frost Variety Pack, 20 Ounce, 12 Count

We all want to get the most out of our money and hate to dispose of unused products (especially as part of emergency supplies), but sometimes the shelf-life of a product makes it dangerous.

The average person wastes one pound of food per day. Gatorade is best used by the date on the package. 

It will depend on how each person defines “go bad.” Gatorade states, “Gatorade is a shelf-stable product, not a perishable product like milk. Shelf-stable beverages are safe to consume past the recommended use-by date, but may experience slight changes in flavor or color as the product ages.”

The product might taste or look a little funny, but it won’t make you sick – even in an extended power outage

Is it OK to drink expired Gatorade?

Let’s look a little deeper into Gatorade’s claim that the drink is shelf-stable. That’s a designation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

“In order to be shelf stable, perishable food must be treated by heat and/or dried to destroy foodborne microorganisms that can cause illness or spoil food. Food can be packaged in sterile, airtight containers. All foods eventually spoil if not preserved.”

Food and Drug Administration

The answer to this question of “does Gatorade expire?” also depends on how you choose to store it. Gatorade recommends storing unopened bottles in a cool, dry, clean location.

If you set it in direct sunlight for hours, leave it in the trunk of a car in extreme temperatures, or leave it in a very humid area, it could impact the quality of the drink, either before or after the expiration date. 

Even Gatorade states, “Improper storage, such as exposure to high temperatures, direct sunlight, humidity, etc., may reduce the recommended shelf life of any product.”

You should not take any risks with expired drinks, but if you choose to consume Gatorade past the date on the bottles, the taste and color could be impacted. It’s not an ideal long term emergency food unless consumed & replaced regularly.

How long is unopened Gatorade good for? What is the shelf life of Gatorade?

Another question which depends on how you treat the bottle of Gatorade. The company says it should be consumed 3-5 days after opening it if you’ve followed the proper directions on the bottle. This includes tightening the cap when you are done drinking it and putting it in a refrigerator.

Why does Gatorade need to be refrigerated after opening?

As soon as you are done drinking a portion of the Gatorade, it needs to be refrigerated between 40°(F) and 60°(F).

The bottle should be in the fridge within 24 hours of opening it. If you leave it in room temperature for extended periods of time without refrigerating, the taste and color could be impacted. 

Can I freeze Gatorade? 

You can, but Gatorade says it’s not best practice. 

“We do not recommend freezing Gatorade. If frozen or stored below 40 degrees F., the flavor emulsion may be damaged. Freezing doesn’t affect the efficacy of the product, only its sensory attributes. More importantly, the content of the bottle may expand under frozen conditions, resulting in distortion of the seal integrity of the plastic bottle.”

Gatorade/PepsiCo

If you’re looking to get a “slushy” appearance, you can still add ice cubes and Gatorade to a blender and make it that way without affecting taste.

Can you get sick from expired Gatorade?

Any food left long past the expiration date or with a compromised seal can get you sick. There are no reports of people getting sick from drinking expired Gatorade, but do you really want to test that boundary? 

Gatorade does work with retailers to offer deals throughout the year. We know you are money-savvy and sometimes get a bulk order of the brand.

“We work with our grocery partners to offer reduced pricing at scheduled intervals throughout the year. For high-quantity consumers, we offer Gatorade Thirst Quencher at club stores such as Sam’s, Price/Costco and BJ’s, where the price per bottle is typically lower.”

– Gatorade

If you got a great deal on a bulk of Gatorade, here are the best practices to avoid the risk of getting sick:

  • Store it in a cool, dry place
  • Put it on a shelf to prevent bugs or critters from getting to the bottles.
  • Check the bottle for any signs of melting or distortion that could come from being too hot or too cold before consuming.

If you have additional questions or feel sick after drinking expired Gatorade, call the Consumer Complaint Coordinator in your state. 

Should I be Worried about Getting Sick from BPAs?

BPA (aka bisphenol A) is a chemical used by some drink manufacturers to coat the inside lining of bottles. This chemical can seep into foods or drinks and has been linked to several different health issues in children and adults. Gatorade confirms on its website “Our bottles are not manufactured using BPA.”

What About Powdered Gatorade?

Gatorade Thirst Quencher Powder, Lemon Lime, 76.5 Ounce,Pack of 1

You should keep the Gatorade powder sealed until you are ready to use it. The shelf-life of powder mixed with water, assuming you’ve used the proper amount, has the same shelf-life as the beverage.

Make sure it’s in a bottle you can close with an airtight seal and store in a refrigerator if you haven’t consumed it all. 

When you are using the one-serving size powder, mix it with water as soon as you open the package and drink it before, during, or after your activity. 

“Through following the powder instructions and correctly mixing with water, Gatorade powder mix offers the same efficacy and performance benefits of Gatorade Thirst Quencher in a bottle at the best value.”

Gatorade

Can I Reuse the Gatorade Bottles? 

Gatorade considers the bottles it provides as “disposable.” This is because of all the bacteria and germs that can get inside a bottle being opened and closed, mixed with body sweat and saliva.

There’s no good way to sterilize the bottles because washing them in hot water or tossing them in a dishwasher can distort or melt the bottle. 

Does that mean you should just throw the bottle away in the trash? No! The bottles are recyclable. 

“Gatorade plastic containers are recyclable (PET #1 polyethylene terephthalate); plastic caps are recyclable and are made of polypropylene (# 5 type plastic).”

– Gatorade

I Cannot Find the Expiration Date on my Gatorade Bottle

If you’ve scoured the bottle from top to bottom, inside and out, and still can’t find the expiration date, it’s understandable. 

The expiration date is stamped on the neck of the bottle, about an inch below the twist area. It’s stamped in clear/white-ish ink, making it very hard to see, especially with the clear drinks. Rotate the neck of the bottle in the sunlight or bright light and you should see it glow. 

Will my child be safe drinking Gatorade at school?

Gatorade made a pledge to restrict certain beverages at schools that are branded as energy drinks. It reads, in part, “PepsiCo will not offer caffeinated beverages that are marketed as energy drinks for sale to students in elementary, middle, or high schools.”

If your child’s school does offer a version of Gatorade, teach them how to look for the expiration date before drinking it. 

I still have more questions about Gatorade!

Gatorade is very transparent with its products and answers a lot of questions on the FAQ section of its website. If you don’t get the answer there, you can reach out to them through an online question form

Does Gatorade expire if unopened?

Gatorade does not expire if unopened. As it is shelf-stable, you can safely store it for several months or even years beyond its date. However, please note that the taste of Gatorade that is 3 years past its date may be inferior to that of a fresh bottle. Nevertheless, it remains safe to consume.

Does Gatorade have to be refrigerated?

Gatorade does not have to be refrigerated before opening, but it should be tightly sealed and refrigerated after opening for future consumption. However, if you plan to finish the drink within a day, it is acceptable to leave it at room temperature.

Is Gatorade good for you?

Gatorade is a sports drink that contains electrolytes to aid in hydration, but it is important to note that it also contains added sugar and calories, which may not align with healthy eating or weight loss goals.

Does Gatorade have caffeine?

Gatorade does not contain caffeine. Caffeine, which is a stimulant found in tea, coffee, and soda, is not present in Gatorade.

Does Gatorade give you energy?

Gatorade provides energy by containing electrolytes that help rehydrate individuals. However, it is important to note that Gatorade also contains high levels of sugar, which can potentially elevate health risks.

Does Gatorade give instant energy?

Gatorade is not meant to provide instant energy, but rather to replenish electrolytes and offer energy during intense physical activity. It should not be used as a substitute for water or as a daily beverage. It is recommended to consume Gatorade in moderation, primarily during or after exercise, to minimize exposure to its acidity.

How long do Gatorade electrolytes last?

Gatorade electrolytes last for a certain duration of time. Unopened Gatorade can be stored for approximately nine months beyond the indicated date. However, once the bottle is opened, its shelf life decreases to around five days if refrigerated. If the container of powdered Gatorade mix remains unopened, it can be consumed for approximately two years past the labeled date.

Is it OK to drink out of date Gatorade?

Drinking Gatorade past its expiration date is generally safe as long as it has been stored properly and does not show any signs of spoilage. However, it is important to note that the quality, taste, and effectiveness of the electrolytes may decrease over time. Before consuming, always check for any indications of spoilage in the drink.

What makes Gatorade go bad?

Gatorade goes bad due to improper storage, which includes exposure to high temperatures, direct sunlight, humidity, and other factors. To maintain its freshness for the longest period of time, it is important to store Gatorade in a clean, dry, and cool location.

Does Gatorade actually replenish electrolytes?

Gatorade does indeed replenish electrolytes as it is a drink rich in electrolytes that aids in the replacement of electrolytes lost during exercise. Electrolytes can be depleted through sweat and urine and are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and other bodily processes.

How long are electrolyte drinks good for?

Electrolyte drinks are generally good for about 12-18 months when stored properly and unopened at room temperature. However, even after this period, they usually remain safe to consume.

Does Gatorade help with dehydration?

Gatorade helps with dehydration, as it is designed to prevent or treat this condition, just like Pedialyte.

Do electrolytes keep you hydrated for longer?

Electrolytes do not keep you hydrated for longer, but certain electrolytes can indirectly aid in faster hydration. The presence of sodium and glucose in your gastrointestinal tract activates the sodium-glucose cotransporter, which supports quicker hydration.

Do unopened drinks expire?

Unopened drinks do not expire. Carbonated soft drinks or sodas are not perishable and remain safe to consume even after the date stamped on the container. However, over time, the flavor and carbonation may decrease. To ensure the best quality, it is recommended to consume unopened diet sodas within 3 months after the expiration date and regular sodas within 9 months.

Is it good to keep drinking Gatorade?

It is recommended to only drink Gatorade when necessary, as water is the optimal choice for staying hydrated unless you are engaging in at least one hour of exercise, five days a week. It is advisable to consume electrolytes from natural sources without added sugars and dyes.

Is Gatorade a sports drink or an energy drink?

Gatorade is considered a sports drink, not an energy drink. However, it is still crucial to carefully review the ingredient list to ensure safety.

What is inside Gatorade?

The contents of Gatorade include water, sugar, dextrose, citric acid, salt, sodium citrate, monopotassium phosphate, gum arabic, glycerol ester of rosin, natural flavor, and yellow 5.

By Anita Brown

Anita Brown is our go-to contributor to our emergency preparedness website. Anita brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to the table, having weathered several awful natural disasters. Anita is currently working towards obtaining her Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification.