Soda is usually safe for a while after the date , because that date is typically a best-by date, not a hard safety cutoff. For best quality, regular soda is often considered okay for about 9 months past the date , while diet soda is usually best within about 3 months past the date.

What changes

  • The fizz fades first.
  • Flavor gets flat or stale.
  • Plastic bottles lose quality faster than cans.

When to toss it

Throw it out if the can or bottle is:

  • Bulging, badly dented, rusted, or leaking.
  • Opened and has an off smell, weird color, or unusual taste.

Practical rule

If it’s unopened, stored cool, and looks normal, it’s usually fine to drink past the date, especially if it’s a regular soda. If you want the best taste and carbonation, drink it sooner rather than later.

TL;DR: unopened soda is generally okay past the date, but quality drops over time; regular soda lasts longer than diet soda.