If you’re reading this because you’re panicking after accidentally drinking an expired Red Bull, relax. Yes, Red Bull does have an expiry date, but you can still drink it long after!
The expiration date is something that we commonly see on many products we buy. But most people ignore it because they may not understand what it means exactly.
Because of that, it raises an interesting question: should we really take these dates seriously?
In this article, I will discuss how long Red Bull lasts and how to store it properly so that you don’t have to be concerned about it going bad.
If you’re in a rush and just want the summary:
Red Bull expires 18-24 months after the date of manufacture, which is printed on the bottom of a can. Beyond the expiration date, Red Bull is still safe to drink for a further 6-12 months, although the B group vitamins will start to degrade and the fizz may not be as strong.
Let’s get into it in a bit more detail…
Red Bull Energy Drink Nutrition Facts
First, let’s take a look at what a regular can of Red Bull contains:
| Nutritional Information | Content |
| Energy | 205 kJ / 49 kcal |
| Caffeine | 15 mg |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates (sugar) | 11.3 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0.1 g |
Red Bull is developed to increase physical strength and alertness. Vitamins such as Thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), B6, and B12 are also abundant in this drink.
But the good benefits of drinking Red Bull, particularly its ability to provide an energy boost, are often offset by its possible side effects, especially when it is consumed in excessive amounts.
Some of these side effects are:
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Insomnia
Red Bull Energy Drink Ingredients
The main ingredients vary depending on where you live but normally include:
- Carbonated water
- Sugar
- Baking soda
- Citric acid
- Magnesium carbonate
- Taurine
- Artificial colors
- Natural flavors
Red Bull is a carbonated drink containing caffeine and other energy-producing compounds, including several B-group vitamins that are vital for us to live healthy lives.
They contribute to having a healthy metabolism, normal hormone production, and red blood cell development, among many others.
Also, for people who are on a no-sugar diet, Red Bull offers non-sugar options called Red Bull Zero and Red Bull Sugarfree, which replace sugar with Aspartame and K Acesulfame, respectively.
To know more about what Red Bull energy ingredients do, watch the video below:
If you want to mix things up a bit and replace your traditional cup of coffee (or cups of coffee) in the morning, Red Bull can give you the jumpstart you need for the day.
How Long Before Red Bull Expires?
Red Bull’s expiration date is estimated to be between 18 to 24 months after its manufacturing date. Once the expiration date has been reached, the drink is still fit for consumption for another 6 to 9 months.
| Red Bull Can | Lifespan |
| Opened ( Refrigerated) | 2 days |
| Unopened (Refrigerated) | 24 months |
Always remember, the manufacturers of Red Bull have placed the expiration date on the bottom of the can for a reason.
When in doubt, don’t buy or consume the drink if it’s past its expiration date.
In case you’re wondering about how long Red Bull’s effects on your body would last, it ranges from up to four energy-filled hours. After that, your energy levels would once again normalize.
Does Red Bull Go Bad After Opening?
Yes, it goes bad faster when the can is already opened.
You should consume all of it within two days after opening, otherwise, there will be a significant change in its taste and color.
This change is caused by the release of carbon dioxide in the drink and possibly because of the drink being contaminated by foreign substances, especially if it’s not sealed properly.
In summary, once the drink has been opened, it can remain good for two days if refrigerated. But it’s still best to consume Red Bull right after you open it.
Why does Red Bull Have Such Long Shelf Life?
Red Bull energy drinks have a long shelf life because they contain preservatives, which prevent the drink from spoiling.
To ensure that the drink still contains all its intended nutrients and is still good for consumption, the company strived to make Red Bull last long.
Another reason for this is the use of sterile water to sanitize the drink to make sure each can is free from any bacteria or microorganisms.
Energy drinks are first exposed to elevated temperatures for a specific length of time, then they will be cooled to a temperature just above the freezing point. This process ensures that a can of Red Bull put into the market is not contaminated.
How Should Red Bull Be Stored?
Red Bull doesn’t have to be refrigerated because the manufacturers designed the drink to last long even if it is not kept in cold storage.
However, refrigerating Red Bull is still the best choice because it preserves the taste of the drink.
Thus, allow the drink to sit in the refrigerator for several hours before drinking so it reaches the desired temperature.
It is important to remember that, regardless of the circumstances, Red Bull energy drinks should not experience drastic temperature shifts and should always be kept at 70-75 degrees F.
How To Check Red Bull Expiry Date
Red Bull is packed with an expiration date printed on the base of the can, making it easy to determine whether or not it’s still fit for consumption.
A properly sealed Red Bull can last 18-24 months before expiring. After the expiration date has passed, you can still drink it for an additional 6 to 9 months.
Just to give you a little context, putting an expiration date is not required by US federal law, except for baby food and baby formula.
This means that Red Bull’s decision to put an expiry date on their cans is an additional precaution on their part to ensure that you get the best experience from their products.
Does Red Bull Go Bad in Heat?
It certainly does! Keeping Red Bull at a high temperature, such as near a stove or oven, can negatively affect the gas inside. Hence, it’s not recommended to store Red Bull in these conditions.
Additionally, storing your drink in humid places, like when a can is left inside a car trunk in hot weather promotes the growth of harmful mold and mildew. This can drastically change the drink’s consistency to thick and syrupy.
It would be best if you store your Red Bull in the refrigerator, in a cupboard, or closet to prevent it from spoiling.
What Happens if I accidentally drink an expired Red Bull?
An expired energy drink causes no serious health issues.
However, I still strongly recommend that you consume your Red Bull before the expiry date.
Nonetheless, if you’re really a curious daredevil and want to try, let me warn you that the flavor might be slightly off compared to the taste of a normal Red Bull.
When you open a Red Bull and leave it in the fridge for several days, the pressure inside the can decreases, causing the CO2 to vaporize and escape.
If you drink it you’ll notice that there’s no fizz and no carbonated flavor. I like to think that the spirit of Red Bull has escaped the can.
Again, you need to be very cautious. There is a slight chance that drinking an exceedingly expired Red Bull can hospitalize you because the possibility of contamination by that time is very high. This is just a probability at the extreme end of the spectrum of possibilities.
So, best to stay on the safe side.
Can you drink energy drinks past the expiration date?
Just like with any other drink or food, it is recommended that you drink energy drinks before their expiration date. There could be various side effects when drinking it past its expiration date.
However, it is important to note that the kind of side effects depend on the individual’s overall health condition. With that said, be careful and always check the expiration date of energy drinks before consuming them.
Red Bull Alternative (10 out of 10)
If you’re looking for an energy drink that will last longer than Red Bull, then look no further!
REIZE, compared to Red Bull, can be stored for as long as 24 months from the date of purchase, and even after that period has passed it will still be in excellent condition.
Due to its delectable taste, I highly doubt that it will even take you a month to consume a whole pack of REIZE.
REIZE Energy Drink can be mixed with a wide range of beverages to create a unique taste tailored to your liking.
Just like Red Bull, it’s an energy drink that’s packed with energy and essential vitamins that your body requires to function properly.
With a sensible 50mg of caffeine, Taurine, Ginseng, and B vitamins, REIZE gives you the perfect energy boost.
Best of all, you can get REIZE shipped straight to your door for only around $1 per drink.
That’s amazing value for money.
Final Thoughts
Red Bull is a popular choice for energy drink aficionados. It has lower caffeine and sugar content while still giving you your daily energy fix.
However, if you find yourself wondering whether you should still drink that expired Red Bull you found in the corner of your fridge, you may drink it. But only if it’s still sealed and it hasn’t been too long past the expiry date.
Drinking an already-opened can or a can kept in undesirable temperatures carries a higher risk for health issues.
But the best thing to do is err on the side of caution. Consume your energy drinks as soon as you can and store them properly.
I also recommend making it a habit to look for expiration date labels not just with energy drinks but with all food and beverage you consume.
In this case, you can help yourself and the people around you be safe from consuming expired food, thus keeping your health in tip-top condition.
Have other questions about Red Bull?
I’ve put together this epic Red Bull resource directory where you’ll find everything you could ever want to know about Red Bull energy drinks.