Does Bai Need to be Refrigerated? A Comprehensive Guide

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Bai's official storage instructions, while unopened bottles are shelf-stable, they must be refrigerated immediately after opening. This standard practice for many beverages is crucial for maintaining freshness, flavor, and preventing spoilage, which can happen quickly once the sterile seal is broken and the contents are exposed to air.

Quick Summary

Bai beverages are shelf-stable until opened, but require refrigeration afterward to preserve taste and safety. Exposing the drink to air and bacteria after opening initiates spoilage that cold temperatures slow down. The best practice is to refrigerate and consume within a few days for optimal quality.

Key Points

Unopened Bai is Shelf-Stable: Before opening, Bai beverages can be stored at room temperature because the product is pasteurized and sealed to prevent contamination.
Refrigerate Immediately After Opening: Once the seal is broken, the drink is exposed to air and bacteria, necessitating refrigeration to slow spoilage.
Spoilage Affects Flavor and Safety: Failing to refrigerate an opened bottle can lead to a loss of flavor due to oxidation and potential bacterial growth, which can make the drink unsafe to consume.
Consume Opened Bai Within Days: For the best taste and safety, it is recommended to drink an opened bottle of Bai within a few days, typically 5-7 days.
No Artificial Preservatives: Bai drinks do not rely on artificial preservatives, making refrigeration an essential part of the storage process once opened.
Pour to Prevent Contamination: To extend freshness, avoid drinking directly from the bottle and pour servings into a glass instead.

Bai and Its Shelf Stability: The Unopened Bottle

Before a bottle of Bai is opened, it is a shelf-stable product, meaning it can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. This is made possible by the pasteurization process and the airtight seal of the bottle, which keep the contents sterile and free from bacteria. The manufacturer's "best before" or expiration date on the packaging indicates how long the product is expected to maintain its optimal quality while sealed.

Unlike alcoholic beverages like strong baijiu, which can last indefinitely unopened, Bai is a fruit-infused drink with a limited shelf life. Its shelf stability is dependent on the integrity of the packaging. As long as the cap remains sealed, the beverage is protected from external contaminants and is perfectly safe to store in your pantry until you're ready to enjoy it.

Why the Change After Opening?

Once the seal is broken and the cap is twisted off, the situation changes entirely. The liquid inside is immediately exposed to oxygen and airborne microorganisms. While the product's natural ingredients, including fruit extracts, provide great flavor, they also become a food source for these bacteria. The purpose of refrigeration at this point is not just to provide a refreshing, cold drink, but to slow the growth of any bacteria that have entered the bottle.

Exposure to Air: The moment you open the bottle, ambient bacteria and yeast can enter, starting the spoilage process.
Temperature's Role: Cold temperatures inhibit the rapid multiplication of these microorganisms, keeping the product fresh for longer than it would be at room temperature.
Degradation of Flavor: Oxidation, which occurs when a beverage is exposed to oxygen, also begins after opening. This can cause the delicate flavors of the fruit infusions to dissipate, leaving the drink tasting flat or metallic over time.
Product Integrity: Without refrigeration, the flavor and overall quality of the Bai beverage will rapidly deteriorate, and spoilage will eventually occur.

Comparison of Storage for Opened Bai vs. Unopened Bai


Feature	Unopened Bai	Opened Bai
Storage Location	Cool, dry place (pantry or cupboard)	Refrigerator
Shelf Life	Months, up to expiration date on bottle	A few days (generally 5-7 days)
Risk of Spoilage	Very low, due to sterile pasteurization and seal	High, due to exposure to air and bacteria
Flavor Profile	Fully intact and optimal	Deteriorates over time due to oxidation and bacterial growth
Preparation	No special preparation required before drinking	Needs refrigeration to preserve freshness

How to Maximize Freshness Once Opened

For the best possible experience, there are several steps you can take to keep your opened Bai fresh for as long as possible.

Prompt Refrigeration: Always place the opened bottle back in the refrigerator promptly after use. The colder the temperature, the slower the bacterial growth.
Airtight Container: If you have poured out a portion and want to store the rest, transferring the remaining liquid into a smaller, airtight container can minimize the amount of air contact, further slowing oxidation and flavor loss.
Avoid Contamination: Do not drink directly from the bottle and then reseal it for later. Saliva can introduce additional bacteria, accelerating the spoilage process. Pouring the beverage into a glass is a better practice.
Location Matters: Store the opened Bai away from the refrigerator door, where temperature fluctuations are more common with frequent opening and closing. The back of a shelf, where the temperature is more stable, is ideal.

The Risks of Not Refrigerating After Opening

Ignoring the storage instructions on your Bai bottle isn't just a matter of taste; it can affect the safety of the product. While Bai does not contain artificial preservatives, it relies on pasteurization and proper storage to stay safe for consumption. If you do not refrigerate an opened bottle, the fruit-infused water can develop off-flavors, change in appearance (like becoming cloudy), or even ferment. Although a spoiled Bai drink might not cause severe illness, it can cause an upset stomach and will definitely be an unpleasant drinking experience. Signs of spoilage, such as a different smell, color, or a strange taste, are indicators that the product is no longer safe to drink.

Conclusion: Follow the Label for Best Results

The verdict is clear: an unopened bottle of Bai is a stable pantry item, but once you break the seal, it must be refrigerated. This simple action is key to preserving its refreshing taste, potent antioxidants, and overall quality. By following the straightforward instructions on the label—shaking well and refrigerating after opening—you ensure a safe and enjoyable beverage every time you reach for a bottle. Keeping it chilled is the single most effective way to protect your Bai from spoilage and maintain its great flavor for a few days after opening.

The Final Word

Always check the best-by date on your Bai bottle before opening it. For the best flavor, enjoy an opened bottle within a few days. The brand relies on careful processing and consumer care to deliver a quality product, and proper refrigeration is a critical part of that process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once opened, a bottle of Bai is best consumed within 5 to 7 days, as long as it is stored in the refrigerator.

If you don't refrigerate an opened bottle, it will be more susceptible to bacterial growth and oxidation, leading to a loss of flavor and potential spoilage.

Yes, unopened bottles of Bai are shelf-stable and can be safely stored in a cool, dry place like a pantry until the expiration date printed on the bottle.

No, Bai drinks do not contain artificial preservatives. Their shelf stability relies on the pasteurization process and the airtight seal.

It is not recommended to drink an opened Bai that has been left at room temperature overnight, as bacterial growth can occur more rapidly without refrigeration.

Before opening, the bottle is sterile. Opening it exposes the liquid to airborne bacteria and oxygen, which requires refrigeration to slow down the natural spoilage process.

Signs of a spoiled Bai include an off smell, a sour or metallic taste, and a change in the beverage's appearance, such as cloudiness or discoloration.