Best before date expired: beer still drinkable?

Best before date expired: beer still drinkable?

The best-before date on beer bottles or cans offers a guarantee of enjoyment in terms of taste and carbonation, but exceeding it does not necessarily mean health risks. Even non-alcoholic beer usually remains drinkable after the best-before date has passed. The pH value of the beer, like the alcohol content, helps ensure that it remains germ-free, even beyond the expiration date.

Recommendations from the Bavarian Consumer Center for opened party kegs emphasize that they should be consumed within one or two days if possible, as germs could enter through the tap and the taste can suffer due to escaping carbon dioxide. If the beer goes stale, it can still be used for various purposes, such as in gravies or beer batters. In addition, stale beer can easily be drunk with lemonade as a shandy or with sparkling water as a sour spritzer.

To ensure a longer shelf life, it is recommended that beer be placed in a cool, dark cellar as quickly as possible after purchase. Dark and high-alcohol beers are particularly suitable for longer storage. The German Brewers Association considers a storage temperature between four and seven degrees to be ideal. This means the quality and taste of the beer is retained for longer.