While many of us would love to believe that expiration dates are just a suggestion, they are actually there for a reason. Expired foods and drinks can be harmful to our health, and it’s important to follow these dates.
Here are three drinks to avoid past their expiration date:.
1. Milk
Milk is a perishable item that needs to be refrigerated and consumed before its expiration date. When milk goes bad, it can cause some serious health issues such as stomach problems, food poisoning, and other illnesses.
The expiration date on milk is based on the potential for bacteria to grow, which can make you sick. While some people believe that they can still smell or taste if milk is spoiled, this is not a reliable way to determine if it is safe to drink. Always check the expiration date on your milk carton and consume it before that date.
2. Juice
Juice is another drink that can pose health risks if consumed past its expiration date. Once the bottle or container is opened, the juice can quickly become contaminated with bacteria, which can cause serious illnesses such as food poisoning.
Many types of juice, especially those that contain sugar, can ferment quickly if left unrefrigerated. The expiration date on most bottled juices is based on these factors, so be sure to check before consuming. Drinking expired juice can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated beverages like soda and sparkling water can also go bad over time and become unsafe to drink. The carbonation that gives these drinks their fizz can also speed up the growth of bacteria, which can lead to serious health problems.
Additionally, the plastic or aluminum bottles that these drinks come in can leach chemicals into the liquid over time, compromising the flavor and safety. Be sure to check the expiration date on all carbonated beverages before consuming. Drinking expired soda or sparkling water can lead to digestive issues and other illnesses.
Expired drinks can pose serious health risks, so it’s important to always check the expiration date before consuming anything.
While some may think that a sip of expired milk or juice is harmless, the potential health consequences are not worth the risk. Always play it safe and consume drinks before their expiration date.