Beverages
How long does open soda last in the fridge?
USDA’s only published window for soda is the opened bottle in the fridge — 2–3 days before the fizz has gone, so cap it tight and stand it upright.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, opened | 2–3 days |
|---|
Can it sit out?
Unopened, soda is shelf-stable. Once opened, treat it as perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if soda has gone bad
- Flat pour with no hiss when the cap turns
- A syrupy, stale taste — diet sodas show this first
- A leaking, rust-spotted, or bulging can
When in doubt, throw it out.
A two-litre bottle keeps its fizz better than an opened can — there’s less surface area for the carbonation to escape across.
Quick answers
How long does open soda last in the fridge?
USDA’s only published window for soda is the opened bottle in the fridge — 2–3 days before the fizz has gone, so cap it tight and stand it upright.
How long can soda sit out?
Sitting out isn’t the safety question for unopened soda — once opened, the FSIS 2-hour rule applies. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).