Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:09 +0000

The Surprising Truth About Beer’s Expiration – Could It Burn You From the Inside? When it comes to beer, most drinkers assume that a cold bottle or a fresh can lasts indefinitely—until you crack that seal and realize that expiration dates, though often debated, carry meaningful weight. But what’s the real story behind beer’s shelf life? Contrary to popular belief, expiration doesn’t just mean flatened flavor—it might actually have surprising health implications. Could beer really “burn you from the inside” after it passes its shelf life? The answer is more complex—and unsettling—than many believe. ### The Science Behind Beer Expiration While beer is fermented rather than entirely stable, its expiration isn’t about explosion or contamination but chemical degradation. Over time, exposure to light, oxygen, and temperature fluctuations accelerates oxidation and the breakdown of key compounds. This process alters the flavor, mouthfeel, and aroma—but what’s often overlooked is how these chemical changes affect the drink on a biological level.