Quick answer

Yes, you should refrigerate alcohol-free beer for the best taste, but it’s not always mandatory. Unopened cans stay fresh for months if kept cool and dark; once opened, treat them like any fresh drink and consume within a day or two. Always check the best-before date for specific guidance.

Myth 1: Alcohol-free beer doesn’t need to be refrigerated at all

Verdict: False. While 0.0% beer is more stable than many people think, refrigeration slows down the natural changes that affect flavour. Warmth accelerates oxidation, which can make the beer taste stale or cardboard-like. For the crisp, clean taste that DAYS is known for, keep your cans chilled. If you’re storing a mixed pack like the DAYS Mixed Lager, Pale Ale & Peach Cans Pack, the fridge helps each style stay true to its intended flavour.

Myth 2: Alcohol-free beer can go bad just like regular beer

Verdict: Partly true, but the timeline is different. Without alcohol, 0.0% beer is more susceptible to microbial growth if opened and left out. However, unopened cans are pasteurised or filtered to ensure safety and shelf stability. The main risk is flavour degradation, not food poisoning. Once opened, bacteria from your mouth or the environment can spoil it, so refrigerate leftovers and drink within 48 hours.

Myth 3: You can store alcohol-free beer anywhere, just like soft drinks

Verdict: Misleading. Soft drinks often contain preservatives that beer doesn’t. Alcohol-free beer is best kept away from direct sunlight and heat. A cool cupboard is okay for short-term storage, but for longer than a few weeks, the fridge is safer. If you’re buying in bulk, like a case of DAYS Passion Fruit Lager, storing it in a cool, dark place before chilling individual cans works well.

Myth 4: Alcohol-free beer lasts forever if unopened

Verdict: False. Like all beer, it has a shelf life. Unopened cans typically stay at their best for 3–6 months, depending on storage conditions. Check the best-before date on the can. After that, the beer won’t be unsafe, but the flavour may decline. For maximum enjoyment, drink within the recommended window and rotate your stock so older cans are used first.

Myth 5: Refrigeration ruins the flavour of alcohol-free beer

Verdict: False. In fact, serving temperature matters. Most lagers and pale ales taste best between 4–8°C. Too warm and they can seem flat or overly sweet; too cold and you lose some aroma. The DAYS Mixed Lager & Pale Ale pack is designed to be enjoyed chilled, so don’t hesitate to keep it in the fridge.

Storage myths: verdicts

  • Myth: Alcohol-free beer never needs refrigeration: Refrigeration slows oxidation and preserves flavour, especially for hoppy styles. Warm storage can make beer taste stale. Verdict: False. Chill for best taste.
  • Myth: Alcohol-free beer can’t go bad: Unopened cans are shelf-stable but lose flavour over time. Opened beer can spoil if left out. Verdict: Partly true. Check dates and refrigerate after opening.
  • Myth: You can store it like soft drinks anywhere: Heat and light degrade beer faster than soft drinks because it lacks preservatives. Verdict: Misleading. Keep cool and dark.

DAYS beers and storage

  • DAYS MIXED LAGER, PALE ALE & PEACH CANS PACK: Mix it up with Days classics and our new limited release Peach Lager. An even split of our clean, crisp Lager, our bold, balanced and vibrant Pale Ale and juicy, refreshing Peach Lager, all 0.0% ABV and all in one pack. This mixed pack offers variety, so you can chill the whole pack and enjoy different flavours without committing to a full case of one style.
  • DAYS PASSION FRUIT LAGER: Juicy tropical flavours meet our clean, crisp 0.0% ABV lager for a bold, bright and fresh beer that instantly transports you to warmer weather. The tropical notes in this lager are best preserved when stored cold, so refrigerating helps maintain its vibrant taste.
  • DAYS MIXED LAGER & PALE ALE: This mixed pack features an even split of our clean, crisp Lager and our bold, balanced and vibrant Pale Ale. Both full flavour at 0.0% ABV. A two-style pack is convenient for keeping both lager and pale ale chilled and ready to drink.