Can Gatorade go bad in heat? How to Store Gatorade?

Can Gatorade go bad in heat?

Gatorade, along with other sports drinks, has become a standard for hydration during workouts. Let us suppose you left your opened bottle of Gatorade in extremely hot condition. Now, can Gatorade go bad in heat? Let us find out. Not just Gatorade!

Gatorade can easily spoil if it is not stored properly. It is shelf stable, which means it does not spoil very quickly. However, sunlight, humidity, and high temperatures can all affect the shelf life. The beverage can become sour if it is left open. Especially, if the temperatures are high, there is a chance of microbes being multiplied and significantly decreasing the shelf life of Gatorade.

Therefore, it is safe to say that Gatorade will surely go bad in the heat especially when the bottle is opened. Although some sources suggest that you can consume Gatorade after its expiry date has passed, it is true for 1 to 2 months, only if the bottle is unopened. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage before consuming it.

Here we are to help you determine if Gatorade goes bad along with the information about how long does Gatorade last, and signs of spoilage for Gatorade.

Shelf Life Of Gatorade – Does Gatorade go bad?

Sealed and unopened Gatorade

• It can last for approximately nine months after the date is printed. The shelf life of Gatorade is reduced to five days after opening the bottle.

Unopened powdered Gatorade

• Gatorade packages have a shelf life of approximately two years. The product will start to lose its quality as soon as you open it. It should be used within six months to maintain the best quality.
• Once you have made the drink using powdered Gatorade and water, store the mixture in an airtight bottle and put it in the fridge. You will have to finish it within five days.

Signs Of Spoilage For Gatorade – How to tell if Gatorade is bad?

Here is how to tell if Gatorade is bad. None of these signs of spoilage is common. Open Gatorade is good for consumption, as long as it is refrigerated. It is more likely that the powder will remain safe for several months and that only the quality and taste of the powder will decrease.

Spoiled Gatorade Bottle 

You can toss out the bottled Gatorade if you:

• Notice a strange or off-putting smell or taste. This is an indication that it is not safe to consume.
• Notice anything wrong. For example, darkening, clumping, or growing mold near the mouth of the bottle.
• Notice that it has been sitting in the fridge for more than one week, it is best to drain it out for safety and quality reasons.

Spoiled Gatorade Powder 

Here are some signs of spoilage for powdered Gatorade mix. Check for these signs before you decide to toss it out.

• Check if the powder has too many solid lumps. A few lumps in the Gatorade powder are fine. However, it is not acceptable if there are too many lumps or large lumps.
• Throw it away if the package has mold or insects. This is a sign that the product is unsafe for use.

You can throw out the powder if you don’t like the taste or if you are doubtful about the quality of the Gatorade powder after mixing it with water.

Storage Techniques And Tips To Store Gatorade – How to Store Gatorade?

Bottled Gatorade and other sports drinks should always be kept in cool, dark places away from heat or moisture.

For your information, refrigeration is not going to prolong Gatorade’s shelf life! Also, freezing Gatorade is also a bad idea. Frozen Gatorade in a sealed container will not increase its shelf life. In fact, the freezing process could cause the bottle to burst. Here are some storage tips for Gatorade.

Store Bought Bottled Gatorade

• After you open the bottle of Gatorade, make sure to seal it tightly and store it in the fridge as refrigeration of an opened Gatorade bottle will keep it safe to consume.

Powdered Gatorade

• Keep powdered Gatorade in a dark, cool place, away from heat and moisture.
• The quality of the product will slowly begin to degrade once you open the package.
• Powdered Gatorade can be extended in shelf life by storing it in an airtight container such as a glass jar. The powder can be protected from clumping by using air absorbers or food-grade desiccant packs.
• Zip-top freezer bags that have an oxygen absorber and are heavy-duty will keep your powder fresh.

Key Takeaways

• Powdered Gatorade, as well as bottled Gatorade, will last at least two months if they aren’t opened and stored at room temperature.
• Opened Gatorade should be consumed within 3 to 5 days.
• Gatorade that has been open for longer than one week or has a strange smell or taste should be thrown out. If the powdered mixture is lumpy, moldy, or contains pantry bugs, it is better to toss it away.
• Gatorade powdered mixture should be kept dry and away from moisture in an airtight container.