Is it safe to store unopened Gatorade in 78 degrees Fahrenheit?
I keep a home temperature during the weekdays of 78 degrees Fahrenheit and 73 during the evenings and nights. I have 6 gallons of unopened Gatorade bottles stored above the kitchen shelves. Is it safe to assume they will last until the expiration dates?
Best Answer
Firstly, Gatorade is shelf stable. The product is pasteurized, so no pathogens are present in an unopened container. That means it does not need to be refrigerated. So, unopened, in your home is fine. I imagine there are often times in the production, transportation, storage and sales phases of the product, that the ambient temperature exceeds the 78F that you suggest exists in your home. Let's say it wouldn't surprise me. Secondly, sugar presence does not necessarily mean that there are pathogens present. As a comment above suggests, pathogens would need to get inside before there is any risk of contamination. Finally, the date is not an "expiration date", meaning the product is no longer safe or usable. It is a "best by" date, meaning that PepsiCo thinks that the flavor begins to deteriorate after that date. Generally speaking, most products are good well beyond their "best by" dates.
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Quick Answer about "Is it safe to store unopened Gatorade in 78 degrees Fahrenheit?"
The product is pasteurized, so no pathogens are present in an unopened container. That means it does not need to be refrigerated. So, unopened, in your home is fine.Can you leave Gatorade in the car?
For instance, if it has been opened and you take a sip you leave saliva behind. Then the opened bottle is left it in the car, Gatorade will quickly degrade and any heat that is present will cause microbes to multiply. Even though the lid keeps dust and other junk out, moisture from the air can seep inside the bottle.Do you have to refrigerate Gatorade?
Under normal conditions, Gatorade maintains fresh flavor approximately 3-5 days in a refrigerator if tightly capped and refrigerated within 24 hours of opening. Gatorade should be kept refrigerated or chilled (40 to 60 degrees F.)Does Gatorade spoil?
Since Gatorade is shelf-stable, as long as it is unopened, you can store it for a couple of months or even years past its date. Of course, the taste of Gatorade that's 3 years past its date will likely be worse than that of a brand new bottle. But it should still be perfectly safe to drink.Can you get sick from drinking old Gatorade?
Can you get sick from drinking expired Gatorade? Food poisoning can happen with any other food or drink when it's spoiled. In the case of old Gatorade, yes that's possible although not likely. To avoid getting food poisoning, inspect the bottle before drinking.You Have Been Drinking Gatorade Wrong Your Whole Life!
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