Shelf Life Tips
- How long does unopened iced tea last? The precise answer to the question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - store unopened bottles of iced tea in a cool, dark area.
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To extend the shelf life of unopened iced tea, keep unopened iced tea away from direct sources of heat or light.
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How long does unopened iced tea last at room temperature? Properly stored, unopened iced tea will generally stay at best quality for about 18-24 months when stored at room temperature, although it will usually remain safe to drink after that.
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Is unopened iced tea safe to drink after the "expiration" date on the bottle? Yes, provided it is properly stored and the bottle is undamaged - commercially packaged iced tea will typically carry a " Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the unopened iced tea will remain at peak quality.
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Storage times shown are for best quality only - after that, the unopened iced tea's color or taste may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly and the bottle is not damaged.
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How to tell if iced tea is bad? If iced tea develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, it should be discarded.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
