Ginger beer is very effective in fighting off colds and flu. It’s so good for you; many love its tangy taste and bubbly consistency. But the question most people have is, “Does ginger beer go bad?”
The short answer is yes. However, store-bought ginger beer will continue to be drinkable for about three to six months. Some brands can develop unwanted flavors over time.
Did you know that from 2021 to 2026, the ginger beer market share may expand to USD 4.08 billion? Also, the market may grow at a 7.68% compound annual growth rate.
Aging bottles or cans will remove some of these flavors but may make them more pronounced. If you want to be 100% certain your bottle of ginger beer will be alright after a year or two, keep reading.
How Is Ginger Beer Made?
Before delving deep into the details, it’s essential to know the process of making ginger beer. Manufacturers combine water, sugar, molasses, champagne yeast, and spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon to produce ginger beer.
After boiling the mixture for a while, it is cooled down and then carbonated using CO2 gas (carbon dioxide). This process creates bubbles which give the beverage its fizzy taste.
The ginger beer plant is a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria that ferments the sugars in the mixture and creates the carbonation and unique flavor of ginger beer. Yet, the exact recipe and method of manufacturing vary depending on the brand and type of ginger beer.
Most ginger beers are from natural ingredients. But others may contain additional flavors, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. Yet, the manufacture of some ginger beers is through a non-alcoholic version, where fermentation is stopped by pasteurization or adding preservatives and artificial flavors.
While this may sound like a tasty drink, some people find ginger beer unpleasant to drink because it contains small amounts of alcohol. Additionally, some people get headaches after drinking too much ginger beer.
If you want to enjoy this drink without getting sick from its strong flavor or alcohol content, try making your own at home instead of buying pre-made bottles from stores.
The utilization of ginger as a medicine is common among modern and native Americans. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that can help fight colds and flu. Ginger also has anti-cancer properties, which may help prevent lung cancer.
Ginger contains enzymes called 6-gingerol that help fight off bacteria by breaking down their cell walls. Ginger also contains piperine, a compound found in black pepper that helps destroy bacteria.
What Is the Shelf Life of Ginger Beer?
The shelf life of ginger beer depends on several factors, including the manufacturing process, the ingredients used, and storage. Unopened ginger beer stored in a cool, dark place will last for several months, but it is best to check the end date on the bottle.
Once opened, ginger beer should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks, as it can lose its flavor and carbonation over time. It is also critical to be aware of any indicators of decomposition, such as a change in taste, color, or odor, and to reject the product if it seems ruined.
How to Store Ginger Beer Correctly
Although ginger beer is easy to make, there are some things that you should know about storing it properly so that it doesn’t go off before you get to drink it. To keep ginger beer fresh and avoid spoiling, always store it in the fridge after opening. Additionally, you should hold the unopened bottles in the refrigerator.
Otherwise, please keep them in a cool dark place, away from light and heat. It’s because ginger beer can go off quickly if left out for too long at room temperature or in direct sunlight.
You may preserve homemade ginger beer in your pantry or cupboard instead of refrigerating it as commercial beer sellers do. It will reduce the risk of bacterial growth within your homemade beverage.
How Can You Tell if Ginger Beer Is Bad?
If you’re new to ginger beer, it might look different from what you’re used to. Ginger beer is usually light brown, and some bottles can be cloudy or have sediment on top.
The taste of ginger beer can vary depending on the brand, but most agree it’s sweet. Some brands have added flavors like lemon or lime juice, which can also affect its taste.
It may not be good quality if your ginger beer tastes bitter or metallic. Other signs include an unpleasant aroma and a cloudy appearance.
Why Does Your Ginger Beer Contain Floating Sediment?
Ginger beer often contains floating sediment due to the use of ginger in the fermentation process. During fermentation, the yeast and bacteria break down the sugars in the ginger and release carbon dioxide. So the liquid becomes effervescent.
The sediment is from the solid pieces of ginger used in the brewing process. Ginger beers also contain the yeast used during fermentation, which can contribute to the sediment.
Can You Drink Ginger Beer Daily?
You can drink ginger beer daily, but limit yourself to one or two cans weekly. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and may help with arthritis pain and other joint issues.
Drinking ginger beer on an empty stomach first thing in the morning will give you energy and make you more alert throughout the day. It also helps with indigestion, bloating, and gas, so keep that in mind if you have problems with these symptoms.
However, you should get a decent digestive enzyme supplement if you intend to consume ginger beer daily for the rest of your life. By doing this, you can make sure that your body puts to use all the vitamins and minerals.
Ginger Ale Vs. Ginger Beer
Ginger ale and ginger beer are carbonated beverages made from fermented ginger. The difference is that ginger ale is made with cane sugar and water, while ginger beer is from fresh ginger, yeast, and water.
Ginger beer has a more pronounced flavor than regular soda because it comes from fresh ingredients. However, dried, crystallized roots make up most store-bought sodas. But ginger ale also has a more distinctive taste because it’s from cane sugar instead of corn syrup.
Ginger ale also tends to be darker than its ginger beer counterpart, which remains clear or straw-colored.
