Can Energy Drinks Be Stored at Room Temperature?

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturers, an unopened energy drink can typically last for 6 to 9 months when stored properly. This brings up the common question: can energy drinks be stored at room temperature, or is refrigeration required for safety and quality?

Quick Summary

This article explains if energy drinks can be stored at room temperature, covering how proper storage affects an unopened can's shelf life, safety, and flavor. It also details the risks for opened cans and compares the effects of different temperatures on beverage quality.

Key Points

Safety: Unopened energy drinks can be safely stored at a consistent room temperature for 6-9 months.
Unopened vs. Opened: The storage rules differ drastically; unopened cans are shelf-stable, while opened cans must be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Quality Degradation: High temperatures and direct sunlight can damage flavor, cause carbonation loss, and even create a risk of cans exploding.
Refrigeration's Role: While not essential for unopened cans, refrigeration helps preserve optimal flavor and maintain carbonation for a more refreshing taste.
Opened Can Protocol: Once opened, consume the energy drink within 24 hours at room temperature, or refrigerate it and finish within 5-7 days.
Optimal Storage: For best results, store unopened energy drinks in a cool, dark pantry to avoid extreme temperatures.

Is It Safe to Store Unopened Energy Drinks at Room Temperature?

For most standard energy drinks in unopened, sealed containers, storing them at a consistent room temperature is completely safe. The pasteurization process and hermetic sealing of the can or bottle prevent microbial growth, making refrigeration unnecessary for food safety. However, 'room temperature' is a key variable. The ideal is a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

The Impact of High Temperatures

Exposing energy drinks to high temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods can have several negative effects. Heat can cause the can's pressure to increase, potentially leading to an explosion. Additionally, excessive heat can cause the artificial flavors and sweeteners to degrade, resulting in a change in taste.

The Role of Temperature in Quality

While not required for safety, refrigeration does play a significant role in preserving the flavor and carbonation of energy drinks. A chilled drink is often perceived as more crisp and refreshing. The cold temperature helps the carbon dioxide stay dissolved in the liquid longer. As the temperature increases, the solubility of carbon dioxide decreases, meaning the beverage will go flat more quickly once opened.

What Happens After an Energy Drink is Opened?

Once an energy drink is opened, the storage rules change drastically. Exposure to air immediately begins to degrade the beverage's quality.

Loss of Carbonation

Without a proper seal, the carbonation will dissipate quickly, often within 24 hours at room temperature. This is why a once-fizzy drink becomes noticeably flat and less enjoyable.

Potential for Contamination

An opened can or bottle is no longer hermetically sealed, making it susceptible to bacterial contamination. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to refrigerate any opened energy drink and consume it within 5 to 7 days, or discard it if left at room temperature for an extended period.

Comparison: Room Temperature vs. Refrigerated Storage


Feature	Unopened, Room Temperature	Unopened, Refrigerated	Opened, Room Temperature	Opened, Refrigerated
Safety	Generally safe up to 6-9 months	Safe and helps preserve quality	Not recommended; high risk of contamination after a day	Safe for up to a week
Shelf Life	Best quality up to 6-9 months	Best quality maintained longer	Less than 24 hours for best quality	Up to 5-7 days
Carbonation	Stable	Stable	Rapidly lost	Retained longer
Flavor	Can degrade if exposed to heat/sunlight	Optimal preservation	Noticeably declines	Better preserved
Best Practice	Store in a cool, dark pantry	Store in the main section of the fridge	Consume immediately or discard	Cover tightly and refrigerate

Best Practices for Storing Energy Drinks

To get the most out of your energy drinks, regardless of how you prefer to drink them, follow these storage guidelines:

Keep it Cool: The best place for long-term storage is a cool, dark cabinet or pantry, away from heat sources like stoves or direct sunlight.
Avoid Fluctuations: Extreme temperature changes can compromise the can's integrity and alter the flavor. Avoid storing them in a hot garage or car.
Handle Opened Cans Carefully: Once opened, always refrigerate the can and consume it within a few days to avoid loss of quality and potential spoilage.

Conclusion

For unopened cans, storing energy drinks at room temperature is perfectly safe and a common practice. The key is to keep them away from excessive heat and direct sunlight to protect the flavor and packaging. However, for the best taste and longest-lasting carbonation, refrigeration is the superior option, especially for opened containers. Ignoring proper storage for opened drinks can lead to a flat, unappealing beverage and potential health risks. So, feel free to stock your pantry with unopened cans, but remember to put opened ones back in the fridge.

Can energy drinks be stored at room temperature? Yes, but with caveats.

Unopened: Safe and acceptable for several months.
Opened: Not recommended for more than a day due to carbonation loss and contamination risk.
For best quality: Refrigerate to maintain crispness and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

An unopened energy drink will typically stay at its best quality for about 6 to 9 months when stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

No, storing an energy drink at room temperature does not cause a significant loss of caffeine content. The primary effects are on the taste and carbonation, not the stimulant properties.

It is generally safe to drink a warm energy drink, but the taste and carbonation will likely be diminished compared to a chilled one. As long as it was unopened and stored properly, there is no inherent danger.

Once opened, an energy drink should be refrigerated to slow down the loss of carbonation and prevent bacterial growth. It should be consumed within 5 to 7 days for the best quality.

Yes, leaving an energy drink in a hot car can cause the can's internal pressure to build up. This can lead to the can rupturing or exploding, which is why extreme temperature fluctuations should be avoided.

While refrigeration keeps the drink consistently cool, it does not significantly extend the shelf life of an unopened, sealed energy drink beyond its typical 6 to 9 months. Its main benefit is preserving optimal flavor and carbonation.

Common signs include a 'flat' or strange taste, loss of carbonation, or a change in color. For unopened cans, a bulging can is a major red flag and should be discarded immediately.