How Long Does Red Bull Last? Energy Duration Unveiled (2023)
Last Updated on September 21, 2023 by Lydia Martin
You may wonder why we’re talking about the popular energy drink Red Bull today despite this site being about our love for all things liquor.
In case you didn’t know, Red Bull is a good cocktail mixer and one we absolutely love using in our cocktail recipes if we want an extra boost in energy levels.
If you’re one to occasionally drink Red Bull to get you through a busy day or to use as a mixer in your drink, you’ll want to stick around.
Let’s discuss how long does Red Bull last so you’re informed the next time you crack open a can and leave it unfinished.
How Long Red Bull Energy Drink Lasts
An unopened can of Red Bull has a long shelf life of 18 to 24 months on average. If you’re storing it in the fridge, it can even stretch beyond that.
However, once you pop open that tab, you only have 2 to 4 days to consume it before it goes bad.
Read: How Long Does Red Bull Last?
Red Bull’s Shelf Life
Opened
Once you pop a can of Red Bull open, you have about a 2 to 4-day window to finish it before it goes bad.
You can transfer the unfinished Red Bull to a resealable container and refrigerate it to extend its life span for up to 7 days.
Unopened
Like other energy drinks, an unopened can of Red Bull has a shelf life of 18 to 24 months.
However, how you store Red Bull can make all the difference. Don’t leave it under direct sunlight, high humidity, or in a warm spot – these conditions can quicken the rate at which it goes rancid. [1]
Instead, store it in a cool, dark place. The fridge or a cabinet should be fine.
Refrigerated
If you keep Red Bull in the fridge, it will have a longer staying power: 24 months. The cool temperature helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
You can also freeze Red Bull, but you should never leave it there for too long. Red Bull is still made with citric acid and carbonated water, which have an increased risk of blowing up if left inside the freezer. What you can do instead is to transfer it to ice cube trays and pop them out when needed. [2]
Does It Go Bad?
Well, the answer is more complex than a yes or no, but we’re here to break it down for you.
Red Bull can go bad if you leave it somewhere hot. Storing Red Bull inside the cool kitchen pantry is best.
Furthermore, the expiration date isn’t a strict “drink it or toss it” deadline. If stored properly, red Bull can still be good to go even six months past its expiration date.
However, the oxidation process starts once you pop open the tab, which causes it to go bad. We recommend consuming Red Bull within 2 to 4 days at room temperature or 7 days if refrigerated. [3]
How To Tell If Red Bull Has Gone Bad
The easiest way to know if your Red Bull has gone bad is to check the expiry date. If your Red Bull has passed its expiry date by over nine months, it’s best to throw it out.
A bloated can is another telltale sign that Red Bull has gone bad. This means the chemicals in the drink have mixed with the metallic container to produce hydrogen gas, which means it’s gone bad.
You can also observe its color. A fresh Red Bull should be crystal clear. If you spot a cloudy appearance, that’s a clear indicator that the drink is already contaminated.
Lastly, take a sip. If something tastes downright weird, it’s a strong sign that your drink has gone bad. Changes in taste can occur due to bacterial contamination or even a reaction between the drink and the metallic can. [4]
The Best Ways To Store Red Bull
Ever noticed that some stores have Red Bull in the fridge while others keep it at room temperature? Well, it turns out you have options! You can store unopened Red Bull in the fridge if you prefer it ice-cold.
If you don’t mind a room-temperature sip, storing it in your pantry is just as fine. However, if you’re going this route, keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Once you’ve opened it, it’s best to consume Red Bull within the next 2 to 4 days. Otherwise, transfer the remaining into a resealable container and keep it inside the fridge, giving you a week before it goes bad. But does Red Bull have alcohol?
How Long Does Red Bull Last In Your System?
Your body’s reaction to Red Bull depends on factors like caffeine tolerance. On average, its half-life is about 5 hours.
“Red Bull: It’s like a burst of energy in a can!” – Liquor Laboratory
Here’s what happens to your body after drinking Red Bull. Like most energy drinks, it’s packed with sugar, and we all know that a good amount of sugar intake at once gives you an instant energy jolt. Sugar-free versions of Red Bull are an okay alternative, as they give you energy without the sugar.
Red Bull also contains B vitamins. These B-group vitamins rev up your metabolism to help extract more energy.
Lastly, there’s a solid 111 mg of caffeine in a 12 fl oz can of Red Bull. However, remember that too much caffeine consumption can pose health risks for your body, so limiting your caffeine intake is best.
You’ll likely notice the energy wearing off after 10 hours of downing the can. When you load your body with more sugar than it’s used to, you might experience sugar crashes, resulting in headaches, anxiety, and a general lack of energy.
Read: Top Alcoholic Drinks With Red Bull
How Long Does It Start To Kick In?
Red Bull starts kicking in in just 10 minutes. Your blood pressure and heart rate rise, making you more active and awake.
Around the 30-minute mark, its caffeine reaches its peak levels. From there, your body processes the sugar, releasing that oh-so-needed energy.
“My secret to staying energized during those long nights in the studio? Red Bull, of course!” – Calvin Harris
So, in about half an hour, Red Bull has you ready to take on anything!
Is It Safe To Drink An Expired Red Bull?
It depends. If your Red Bull has been hanging out in the pantry for 6 to 9 months beyond its printed expiration date, it’s safe to consume as long as you’ve stored it properly.
We wouldn’t recommend stretching that any further, though. Beyond this point, the expired Red Bull will start tasting funky.
FAQs
How long can Red Bull keep you awake?
Red Bull can keep you awake and alert for a few hours, thanks to its caffeine content. The effects of Red Bull can vary from person to person, but it generally provides energy that lasts 5 hours.
How do you drink Red Bull effectively?
Sip it slowly to enjoy the energy kick without overwhelming your system. Also, consider pairing it with a snack to help balance out the sugar rush.
How long does Red Bull last in the fridge?
When stored in the fridge, an unopened Red Bull can stay good for up to 24 months, possibly even longer.
How long does Red Bull last before you crash?
Typically, you might experience a sugar crash about an hour after finishing a Red Bull. This is when the initial energy boost wears off. However, the caffeine in your system can keep you going for a while longer.
How long does a small Red Bull last?
A small Red Bull can give you an energy boost lasting for a few hours. It’s a convenient pick-me-up when you need a quick burst of energy.
In Conclusion
To sum everything up, unopened Red Bull energy drinks, if stored properly, can stay fresh for up to 24 months and sometimes even longer if kept inside the fridge. You can freeze Red Bull, but you shouldn’t leave it there too long.
Once cracked open, you’ve got about 2 to 4 days to finish the energy drink before it goes bad.
You can also stay faithful to its expiry date, but we find that it’s okay to consume Red Bull 6 to 9 months after its “best by” date, provided that it has been stored properly.
Red Bull is one of the most popular energy drinks for those who need an extra boost throughout the day. However, we don’t recommend completely relying on it, as it can cause adverse effects like convulsions, high blood pressure, caffeine overdose, and other health-related issues.
Good diet, exercise, and sleep quality are always best for your body.
References:
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/how-temperatures-affect-food
- https://www.tastingtable.com/848607/what-really-happens-if-you-freeze-carbonated-drinks/
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-oxidation-definition-process-examples.html
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-quickly-can-bacterial-contamination-occur#what-it-is
