Top News

The date on the label doesn’t always tell you when it really goes bad.

Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT

Key Points

• Expiration dates are only one part of determining whether a beverage is safe.
• How a drink is processed, stored and handled can affect its safety.
• Some beverages need extra caution, even when they are within their date.

Every beverage you buy at the grocery store has a best-by date printed on the package. But that date isn’t the final word on whether a drink is safe to consume. How a beverage is processed, stored and handled—especially after opening—can matter just as much.

Once a beverage is opened, microorganisms can be introduced from the air, your mouth (if you drink directly from the container) or a contaminated utensil. Over time, this can affect the safety and quality of the drink, especially if it’s stored improperly or kept for too long.

The type of drink matters, too. Factors like acidity, carbonation, preservatives, protein and sugar content can all influence how quickly a beverage spoils.

We talked to food-safety experts about which expired beverages carry the highest risk, how to know when a drink has gone bad and the warning signs that matter more than the best-by date. They said these five drinks are worth paying special attention to.

1. Milk

Milk’s expiration date is complicated, since it may remain safe past the date on the package when properly refrigerated but can spoil much sooner under the wrong conditions.

Vanessa Coffman, Ph.D.points to raw milk as the single biggest beverage risk. “Raw milk can carry dangerous germs such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and leads to foodborne illness outbreaks each year,” she says.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 202 outbreaks linked to raw milk between 1998 and 2018, causing 2,645 illnesses and 228 hospitalizations. Pasteurization heats milk to a specific temperature before cooling it, a process that substantially reduces the risk of foodborne illness. Coffman’s advice is simple: Regardless of expiration dates, don’t drink raw milk.

However, that doesn’t mean pasteurized milk is 100% risk-free. Any type of milk left at room temperature for too long can become unsafe. “Leaving milk out at room temperature allows it to enter the ‘danger-zone,’ which is defined by temperatures between 40°F and 140°F that create an optimal environment for bacteria growth,” shares Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN. “Avoid leaving it out for two hours, or one hour if the room temperature is 90°F or higher.”

If your milk has been sitting on the counter for hours or sat in your warm car while you ran errands, throw it out. The date on the carton won’t tell you that.

2. Coconut Water

Coconut water’s high water content and mild acidity create conditions that can allow bacteria to multiply, shares Divina Grace “Dedet” Barrosoa food safety and quality director.

Refrigerate coconut water as soon as you open it, and follow the storage instructions on the label. A new or unusual change in appearance, an off smell or unexpected fizz can be a sign of spoilage, regardless of the date on the label.

3. Unpasteurized Juices

Pasteurized juice undergoes a heat treatment that helps eliminate potentially harmful microorganisms, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Unpasteurized juices, including some ciders, have not undergone this treatment, so they may contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. The Food and Drug Administration has documented numerous outbreaks linked to unpasteurized juice and cider, which is why commercially sold unpasteurized products carry a warning label.

If you choose to drink unpasteurized juice, keep it refrigerated and follow the storage instructions on the label. And remember: Refrigeration can slow bacterial growth, but it does not make contaminated juice safe.

4. Bottled Iced Coffee

For some beverages, the condition of the container matters more than the date. Shelf-stable iced coffee is designed to remain safe at room temperature while sealed. But if the container or seal is compromised, that protection can be lost, creating conditions that may allow Clostridium botulinum to grow and produce its toxin.

For example, in July 2026, there was a recall for cold brew coffee due to improper storage and the risk of botulism.

A damaged seal can make a product unsafe long before its printed expiration date. Botulinum toxin doesn’t produce an obvious smell, taste or visual cue, so check the container for bulges, dents or other damage before drinking. Once opened, refrigerate it promptly and follow the storage instructions on the label.

5. Protein Shakes

Dry protein powder is shelf-stable, but once it’s mixed with water or milk, it becomes a perishable beverage. The same applies to many ready-to-drink protein shakes, which are packaged in aseptic containers and can be stored at room temperature while unopened. Once opened, however, they become more susceptible to spoilage. Their combination of water, nutrients and relatively low acidity can create conditions that support bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella.

Once mixed, refrigerate protein powder promptly and aim to drink it within about a day. For ready-to-drink protein shakes, refrigerate them after opening and follow the storage instructions on the label. Changes in appearance, texture or smell can signal spoilage. If the container is bulging, leaking or otherwise damaged, discard it regardless of the date on the label.

Our Expert Take

An expiration date or best-by date is useful, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. How a beverage was processed, whether it has been opened and how it was stored can all affect its safety. When in doubt, check the label for storage instructions, pay attention to changes in appearance or smell and never ignore a damaged or compromised container. When it comes to higher-risk beverages like raw milk or unpasteurized juice, the date on the label doesn’t eliminate the underlying food-safety risks.