Many people enjoy keeping a supply of soda on hand for quick access. However, high temperatures can negatively impact soda, causing it to lose carbonation and taste flat. So an important question arises: can soda be safely stored in a hot garage, or will the heat cause problems?
Quick Answers
– Storing soda in high heat can cause it to lose carbonation and taste flat. The ideal storage temperature for soda is below 77°F (25°C).
– Soda will hold its carbonation better if stored in a cooler part of the garage away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Storing in a refrigerator or cooler is best.
– Cans and plastic bottles protect the soda better than glass bottles, which allow carbon dioxide to escape easier. Unopened cans or bottles keep the soda fresher.
– Soda can be kept in a hot garage short-term or seasonally, but avoid storage for more than 2-3 months in summer heat. Consume the soda sooner rather than later.
– If soda loses too much carbonation, add a pinch of baking soda to glasses before pouring to help replace carbonation.
How Heat Affects Soda
Carbonated sodas contain dissolved carbon dioxide gas, which provides the bubbly, fizzy texture we enjoy. The “fizz factor” makes soda fun to drink. However, heat causes carbon dioxide to escape from the soda, leaving it flat with diminished flavor.
Why does heat accelerate the loss of carbonation? Gas solubility decreases as temperature rises. In other words, hot soda cannot retain dissolved carbon dioxide as well as cold soda. More gas bubbles out of solution.
In addition, higher temperatures speed up the chemical reactions that change soda’s natural flavors. Sunlight further degrades flavors through photochemical reactions. The combined result is a warm, flat soda with an altered taste.
Ideal Soda Storage Temperature
The optimal storage temperature for maintaining soda’s carbonation and flavor is below 77°F (25°C). Colder is even better.
Refrigerators provide the perfect environment, with temperatures around 40°F (4°C). For long-term storage, some people use mini fridges or coolers just for soda.
If refrigeration isn’t an option, the key is finding the coolest spot possible. Look for areas that remain below 77°F even during hot weather. More details on the best garage locations are provided below.
Impact of Storage Duration
The longer soda is stored in heat, the more carbonation it will lose. Storing for a few hot days or weeks isn’t too problematic. But several months of high temperatures can leave soda completely flat.
One study found that soda stored at 77°F lost 15% of its carbonation after just 4 weeks. Meanwhile, soda stored at the cooler temperature of 59°F retained nearly all of its carbonation over the same period.
One general guideline is to avoid storing soda for more than 2-3 months at temperatures over 77°F. The hotter it is, the shorter the safe duration becomes. Consume any garage-stored soda relatively quickly to enjoy it at peak fizziness.
Tips for Storing Soda in a Hot Garage
If you want to keep a soda stash in your hot garage, here are some tips for protecting it:
Store in the Coolest Spot
Your garage probably has cooler and hotter zones. Place soda away from hot attic walls, in corners, near ground level, or against earth-bermed external walls. These areas stay cooler than central & upper parts.
Avoid direct sun exposure. Sun beating through windows heats up soda quickly. Keep it in the shade.
You can also insulate the storage area with Styrofoam or reflective barrier material. Just be sure air can circulate to prevent mold.
Use Refrigerators or Coolers
For best results, store soda in an old refrigerator or a dedicated cooler, even in the garage. This provides optimal cold temperatures.
Yeti and other rotomolded coolers maintain temperatures below 77°F for a week or more, even in hot environments. So they work beautifully for garage soda storage.
Store Cans & Bottles Vertically
Store soda cans and bottles upright instead of stacking them horizontally.
Vertical orientation limits surface area exposure compared to laying cans on their sides. This reduces warming effects from the surrounding air.
Choose Cans or Plastic Bottles
Cans and plastic bottles retain carbonation better than glass bottles.
Glass allows dissolved CO2 to gradually seep out through the surface. Plastics and metals are less gas-permeable, doing a better job of trapping the bubbles.
So store soda in cans or plastic whenever possible. Or keep glass bottles boxed to help insulate them.
Keep it Sealed
Keep sodas tightly sealed until you’re ready to drink them. Each opening allows gas to escape.
Avoid temporary caps that don’t seal well. Use original bottle caps or proper screw lids. Tightly sealed cans are ideal.
Also, don’t store open 2-liter bottles with just a bit of soda left. The large air space allows faster degassing.
Consume Sooner than Later
As a general rule, it’s best to consume garage-stored soda within 2-3 months during hot weather.
The longer the soda sits, the more carbonation it will lose. So don’t buy a huge surplus supply.
Ideally, buy soda as needed and drink it within several weeks. Or store extra in the garage over cooler months only. Rotate stock to use up older soda first.
Add Baking Soda for Extra Fizz
If your soda loses some fizz, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the glass before pouring to boost carbonation.
The soda will react with the baking soda, generating additional CO2 bubbles. It forms sodium citrate in the process, enhancing flavor.
This trick can revive a soda gone flat. But it’s still best to prevent excessive degassing in the first place through proper storage.
How Other Beverages Fare in Heat
The concerns over temperature apply primarily to carbonated sodas. Drinks without bubbles are more heat-stable. Here’s a quick look:
Plastic Bottled Water
Uncarbonated water holds up well at high temperatures. The plastic bottles help prevent chemical changes.
However, plastic water bottles left in the sun can leach chemicals like antimony into the water over time. So store in the shade.
Juice & Tea
These retain fresh flavor for a day or two in heat before degrading. Tea, in particular, can develop a “cooked” taste.
Juices with natural lemon or citric acid preservatives resist heat damage better. But all juice, tea, etc eventually benefit from refrigerator storage.
Alcoholic Beverages
Beer and wine both suffer flavor impacts from heat exposure. Whiskey and liquors are more resistant, though extended heat can still alter flavors.
For best taste, store all alcoholic drinks at room temperature or lower. Refrigeration isn’t critical but helps preserve quality.
Shelf-Stable Drinks
Drinks sold in shelf-stable boxes or pouches, like Capri-Sun juice and Kool-Aid, are designed to handle warm storage.
The aseptic packaging prevents chemical changes. Just avoid storing in direct sun, which can damage packaging integrity.
Signs Soda Has Degraded
How can you tell if soda has been compromised by heat? Here are the common signs of heat-damaged soda:
– Flat, lifeless carbonation
– Headspace air bubbles instead of fizz when opened
– Cloudy appearance instead of clear
– Altered colors, especially darker shades
– Off odors like vinegar or rotten eggs
– Sour, bitter, or metallic tastes
If you notice these issues, the soda has likely been stored too long at warm temperatures. Taste it to confirm before drinking more.
With proper storage, though, soda can retain its delicious fizz even through hot garage conditions. Just remember to keep sodas sealed, cool them down as much as possible, and consume them sooner rather than later.
Conclusion
Storing soda in a hot garage can lead to premature degassing and flavor changes if you aren’t careful. The best approach is to store cans or bottles in the coolest spot possible, out of the sun. Refrigeration works great if an old fridge is available. Consuming the soda within 2-3 months minimizes the risks of heat damage. With proper precautions, you can safely enjoy chilled garage-kept soda even in hot weather. Just be aware of the temperature factors and signs of degradation. Monitor soda closely and adjust storage as needed to maintain optimal fizz and taste.