You've probably asked yourself too if that old bottle of water in your pantry is still good to drink? Water is life, yet there are remaining questions about the shelf life. Whether you are stockpiling for emergencies or wondering if that bottled water left in a heated car is safe to drink, understanding if and how water "expires" is essential. This article goes into the science behind water storage and its potential risks and practical tips to ensure your water will remain safe and consumable.

Water itself does not spoil or degrade. Chemically, pure water (H₂O) remains unchanged indefinitely. However, there are issues that arise due to the containers in which it is stored and the environmental conditions surrounding the storage.

In the United States, most bottled water has an expiration date. This labeling is often misunderstood as being an indication of the water's safety, but it mainly has to do with quality. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that commercially sealed bottled water is safe to drink indefinitely if stored properly. Over time, though, the taste, smell, and even the appearance of water may change due to interactions with its packaging.

Role of Packaging in Water Safety

Plastic Bottles and Chemical Leaching

Bottled water is mostly packed in polyethylene terephthalate, PET plastic. Even though it is light in weight, resistant, and recyclable, this material is limited in other aspects. It leaches chemicals in trace amounts in the water if heated or placed under direct sunlight. For instance, do not leave your bottled water in the hot car for an extended period.

The next is bisphenol A or BPA. This chemical has been used to soften some plastics and is known for its hormone disruption. Many producers have shifted toward BPA-free materials, but older bottles and improper storage still pose risks. Bottles carrying recycling code #7 may be BPA-contaminated. There are also concerns over microplastics and long-term storage.

Microplastics and Long-Term Storage

Over time, the plastic in the bottle may leach into the water, causing some to question health risks. In 2019, one article published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health noted that these particles exist but are usually not at high enough concentrations to pose a problem if the water is properly stored.

Also Read: What Happens When You Drink Too Much Water?

How Long Can Water Be Stored Safely?

Bottled Water

Unopened bottled water, kept in a cool, dark place, remains safe to drink for years. But manufacturers often advise that it should be consumed within two years of its manufacture date for best quality. After this period, it may start showing off-flavors or odors due to contact with the plastic.

Tap Water

Tap water, under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), undergoes strict standards for safety. It can be kept in pure, BPA-free bottles up to six months. Afterward, it loses its fresh flavor or becomes dirty if not properly sealed.

Rainwater

Don't drink rainwater unless treated first. It usually contains contaminants that should not reach the human stomach. It should be used to water plants if not filtered and sterilized first.

Signs That Water Has Gone Bad

Water itself doesn't go bad, but extrinsic factors make it unsafe. Always discard water that has:

An off smell: An earthy, metallic smell indicates contamination.

Coloration: Greenish or bluish coloration signifies microbial growth or rust.

Unpleasant taste: A metallic or stale taste is a hallmark of degradation.

Froth or particles: Indicate dirt, germs, or other impurities.

How to Store Water Safely?

Avoid Heat and Sunlight

Store water in a cool, dark place and out of direct sunlight. Heat breaks down the plastic, allowing chemicals to leach out more easily.

Choose the Right Containers

For long-term storage, select BPA-free or food-grade plastic containers. The best alternatives are stainless steel and glass containers, which avoid all the risks that plastic poses.

Hygiene Maintained

Wash and sanitize the container before refilling. Always seal the lids so that no bacteria get inside.

Rotate Your Stock

Use a first-in, first-out rotation system with stockpiled water. This will mean that you will use the oldest water first to keep your water supply fresh.

Is It Safe to Drink Water Past Its Expiration Date?

The expiration date on bottled water is a mark of its quality, not safety. Although the water is safe to drink past this date, it is sensible to check it for any signs of spoilage as mentioned above. Tap water that has been stored for longer periods should be checked for clarity and odor before consumption.

Plastic bottles, although convenient, degrade the environment. Only a few percent of PET bottles are recycled, while the rest remain in landfills or oceans. Choose reusable containers and tap water whenever possible to minimize plastic waste and environmental damage.

Water is one of the most precious resources in this world, yet it can be safe only if it is kept appropriately. People may tell you that water does not expire, but the fact is that packaging materials, exposure to the environment, and storage conditions may affect the quality of the water. Proper storage techniques, opting for BPA-free containers, ensure that water remains fresh, safe, and ready for consumption at any time.

Tagatose, a natural sugar with a third of the calories of table sugar, may be the up-and-coming safe alternative to unhealthy added sugars, scientists say.

Researchers from Tufts University, Massachusetts in partnership with biotechnology companies Manus Bio (US) and Kcat Enzymatic (India), claim that tagatose, found in only small amounts in some dairy products and fruits, is a healthier option than regular sugar and sweeteners.

The experts also claim it this rare natural sugar also does not cause insulin spikes, making it safe for consumption for both Type 1 and 2 diabetes patients. Tagatose has also been previously recognized as safe for consumption by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Certain studies have also found tagatose to be 'tooth friendly', as it can limit the growth of harmful microbes in the dental cavity and prevent tooth decay as well as cavities.

How Is Better Than Other Artificial Sweeteners?

Due to being a natural sugar with similar taste and bulk to sugar but fewer calories, minimal blood sugar impact, prebiotic benefits and heat-stable for baking, tagatose is known to better than artificial sweeteners.

Moreover, it also lacks the bitter aftertaste common with some artificial sweeteners such as saccharin and stevia and tastes 92 percent as sweet and 60 percent less calories than common sugar.

With low calories and low absorption, tagatose is an attractive bulk sweetener, meaning it can not only can replace sugar for sweetness but can also provide a similar bulk texture in cooking that comes with adding the sugar in some quantity, something that high intensity sweetener substitutes are unable to do due to their composition.

Can Diabetes Patients Consume It?

Yes, tagatose can be eaten by insulin-resistant people as it's only partially absorbed in the small intestine; much of it being fermented by gut bacteria in the colon. Because of this, its impact on blood glucose and insulin is much less than that of conventional sugar.

Clinical studies show very low increases in plasma glucose or insulin after ingestion of tagatose. However, in the gut, the rare sugar is metabolized in a similar way to the fruit sugar, fructose, meaning those with fructose intolerances may want to steer clear

Where Can I Buy It?

While tagatose is far more beneficials than other commercially-available sugars, it remains unavailable due to limited production. "There are established processes to produce tagatose, but they are inefficient and expensive," explains biological engineer Nik Nair from Tufts.

But it can still be found in milk and other dairy products when lactose is broken down by heat or enzymes, such as yogurt, cheese and kefir. Along with this, fruits such as apples, pineapples and oranges also contain trace levels of tagatose as part of their natural carbohydrate spectrum.

President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan bill on January 14 that allows schools across the United States to serve whole milk and 2% milk again, rolling back Obama-era rules that restricted school cafeterias to low-fat or fat-free options. The decision was welcomed by dairy farmers, milk industry advocates, and lawmakers from both parties, many of whom attended the signing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act at the Oval Office. The bill had passed unanimously in both chambers of Congress toward the end of 2025.

Trump’s move followed a major shift in federal nutrition messaging earlier this month. On January 7, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled updated dietary guidance that moves away from the traditional food pyramid and places greater emphasis on full-fat dairy, protein, and what he described as “healthy fats.” While announcing the changes, Kennedy said the government was “ending the war on saturated fats,” signalling a clear departure from decades of advice that encouraged lower-fat choices.

Trump Signs Bill Allowing Schools To Offer Whole And 2% Milk

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act drew rare unanimous backing from lawmakers across party lines. President Donald Trump signed the legislation after sustained lobbying by dairy groups, farmers, and members of Congress who argued that schools needed more flexibility in what they serve children.

The law overturns restrictions introduced during the Obama administration, once again permitting whole and 2% milk in school meal programmes. The signing ceremony at the White House was attended by members of Congress, representatives from the dairy industry, and senior officials including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Supporters described the measure as a practical step that supports children’s nutrition while also helping American farmers and giving parents more choice.

What Is The Debate Around Milk?

There is broad agreement that milk plays an important role in a child’s diet. Health bodies have long advised that children aged five to eight drink up to two and a half cups of milk daily, while those aged nine and older should aim for up to three cups. The disagreement has centred on whether full-fat or lower-fat versions are the better option.

Since 1990, federal dietary guidelines have recommended that children aged two and above consume skim or low-fat milk to reduce their intake of saturated fat. That position has been endorsed by organisations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association.

Megan Lott, a registered dietitian at Duke University and deputy director of Healthy Eating Research, an organisation involved in shaping guidance on beverages for school-aged children, has pointed out that low-fat and whole milk contain similar levels of key nutrients. These include protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. The difference, she explained, is that lower-fat milk delivers those nutrients with fewer calories and less saturated fat.

Research has shown that high intake of saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and, over time, increase the risk of heart disease. Extra calories can also contribute to weight gain in children, Lott said, according to The New York Times.

Is Whole Milk Healthy For Kids?

Experts say the healthiest milk choice depends largely on a child’s individual needs. For children over the age of two who are significantly overweight, calorie intake becomes more important. In such cases, nonfat or 1% milk may be a better option, said Dr. Abrams. For most children, however, he noted that any unsweetened, pasteurised milk is acceptable. He stressed that raw or unpasteurised milk should never be given to children because of the risk of serious food-borne infections.

Higher-fat milk may be beneficial for children who are underweight, Lott added. She recommended that parents speak to a paediatrician or dietitian to get advice tailored to their child’s health and growth needs, according to The New York Times.

Milk consumption among American children has fallen sharply over the past few decades. In its place, many children are drinking more fizzy drinks, sports drinks, and other sweetened beverages. That trend worries health experts because milk remains a key source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein. Dr. Abrams said that if bringing whole milk back into schools encourages children to drink more milk overall, it could have a positive effect on their health.

Lott, however, argued that the legislation missed an opportunity to make a bigger impact. She said removing flavoured milks from schools would have done more to improve children’s diets, as they add unnecessary sugar. That change, she noted, is backed by stronger evidence.

“There’s no reason they need chocolate milk or vanilla milk or any other flavours,” she said.

Scroll through social media and you will find coffee being sold as the ultimate weight-loss hack. No supplements, no fancy diets, just a cup of coffee that promises to burn fat fast. But is coffee really the cheapest fat burner, or is this another half-truth dressed up as wellness advice?

According to Dr Prabhat Ranjan Sinha, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, who spoke to Health and Me, coffee does have a role in weight management, but the claims around it are often exaggerated and misunderstood.

How Caffeine Actually Works In The Body

Caffeine, the main active compound in coffee, stimulates the central nervous system. This stimulation causes a short-term increase in metabolism. “Caffeine can increase thermogenesis, which is the process by which the body burns calories to produce heat,” Dr Sinha explains.

This metabolic boost, however, is modest. Studies show it may slightly increase energy expenditure for a short period, particularly in people who do not consume coffee regularly.

Coffee is also linked to fat burning because caffeine promotes lipolysis, the process where fatty acids are released into the bloodstream and used as energy. “That is why coffee is often associated with fat burning, especially when consumed before workouts,” says Dr Sinha. This is also why black coffee is commonly used as a pre-workout drink.

Appetite Suppression And Calorie Control

Another reason coffee is popular in weight-loss circles is its appetite-suppressing effect. Caffeine can reduce hunger temporarily and slow gastric emptying, which may help people eat less.

“Black coffee has almost no calories and can replace high-calorie beverages if consumed without sugar, cream, or syrups,” Dr Sinha notes. Swapping sugary drinks for plain coffee can help create a calorie deficit, which is essential for weight loss.

But this benefit disappears when coffee is turned into a dessert-like drink loaded with sugar, flavored creamers, and whipped toppings.

Why Coffee Is Not The Magic Solution

Despite these effects, Dr Sinha is clear that coffee alone cannot lead to sustainable weight loss. “The metabolic boost from caffeine is small and temporary, and the body gradually develops tolerance,” he says. Regular coffee drinkers may not experience the same fat-burning effects as occasional consumers.

Relying on coffee without addressing overall diet, physical activity, and sleep is unlikely to produce lasting results.

When Coffee Starts Working Against Weight Loss

Excessive caffeine intake can backfire. High amounts may raise cortisol levels, a stress hormone that, when elevated chronically, is linked to fat storage, especially around the abdomen. Coffee can also disrupt sleep, and poor sleep is strongly associated with weight gain, increased appetite, and insulin resistance.

Balanced Approach Matters The Most

“Weight loss should always be viewed as a long-term, balanced process,” Dr Sinha emphasizes. Adequate protein, fiber-rich foods, healthy fats, regular exercise, and good sleep matter far more than any single drink.

Coffee can support a healthy routine when used strategically, such as drinking black coffee before exercise, but it should never replace lifestyle habits.

Coffee is not a miracle fat burner. It can be a low-cost, helpful addition to a weight-loss plan if consumed in moderation and without added sugars or fats. “Think of coffee as an addition, not a cure,” Dr Sinha says. Setting realistic expectations is key to healthier and more sustainable weight control.