Buzz
Water itself doesn't spoil, especially if it’s in an unopened, sealed bottle. Without nutrients, bacteria can’t grow, so it's not a health risk. So why does bottled water come with a 'best by' date?
One possibility is that the date is related to the bottle’s condition. Although plastic doesn't technically 'expire,' it can impact the taste of water after a few years—often giving it a slightly plastic flavor.
The date marked on bottled water is not an expiration date, just a 'best by' date for taste. While there used to be a law in New Jersey about expiration dates, it was eventually repealed. Companies like Poland Spring state that these dates are purely for flavor, not safety.
Don't worry! There's no need to stress about our bottled water going bad. (In other words, you can take your time drinking it—but don’t hold it against us if we do finish ours quickly.) However, we do include a 'Best By' date, which indicates when the water might start losing its fresh spring flavor.
The International Bottled Water Association offers more insights. While they argue that plastic doesn't significantly leach into the water (a claim that seems debated), if your water tastes off after a year or two, the bottle may be the culprit.
Bottled water and other drinks are sealed in sanitary, protective plastic containers that preserve the quality and freshness. However, plastic is slightly permeable, which could allow gases like vapors from household cleaners, fuels, and other chemicals to alter the taste and smell of your drink.
To maintain the fresh taste of water, they suggest storing it in a cool area, away from direct sunlight, and keeping it out of contact with strong chemicals or solvents with strong odors.
