Bottled water Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Indefinitely
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
Not needed
shelf-stable
In the freezerFreezer
Not needed
keeps without freezing
Quick answer
Yes. Bottled water lasts until the use-by date in the fridge. After that, or sooner if stored badly, it spoils: watch for the signs below.
How to tell if bottled water is bad
Smell
Vinegary, sour or musty instead of fresh.
Taste
Flat, sour or bitter — quality is gone.
Look
Cloudiness, sediment or film that was not there before.
Package
Bulging carton, cap or can — discard.
Bottled water past the expiration date
Best-by and sell-by
Follow the package date. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
Past the date
Bottled water past its best-by date is usually safe if stored well; check smell, look and taste before using.
How to keep bottled water fresh longer
- Water will store indefinitely, though the taste may be impacted by storage conditions, including sunlight, items stored around it and the containers being used to store it.
- Store unopened in a cool, dark place.
- Refrigerate after opening and close tightly.
More about bottled water
FAQ
How long does it take for bottled water to go bad?
until the use-by date in the fridge, per USDA FoodKeeper.
Can bottled water expire?
Follow the package date. "Best-by" and "sell-by" describe quality and stock rotation, not safety; only infant formula carries a federally required use-by date.
What happens if you eat bad bottled water?
Usually an unpleasant taste rather than illness, but discard anything mouldy, rancid or smelling off.
How do you keep bottled water from going bad?
Water will store indefinitely, though the taste may be impacted by storage conditions, including sunlight, items stored around it and the containers being used to store it.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number