The Fizzy Truth About Freezing Soda
Picture this: you’re preparing for a party or barbecue when it hits you—you forgot to chill the sodas! Panic sets in as the clock ticks down, guests are due in 15 minutes, and the grill is already sizzling. The cooler? Full of lukewarm cans and bottles. In desperation, you eye the freezer, wondering if it could save the day.
But is this a clever hack or a recipe for disaster? Will the fizzy beverages emerge perfectly chilled, or will you be left cleaning up sticky explosions?
If you’ve ever thought about freezing soda in a last-minute attempt to cool it down, you’re not alone. The question is: does it work, or does it create chaos? Let’s dive into the science of freezing carbonated drinks to uncover whether this quick fix is a party trick worth trying or a mistake waiting to happen.
Why Soda Explodes in the Freezer
To understand the risks, let’s break down why soda often bursts when frozen.
Soda contains water and carbon dioxide (CO2)—the gas responsible for its fizz. In the fridge, CO2 stays dissolved in the liquid. But when soda is frozen, things get complicated.
As temperatures drop, the water inside the soda begins to freeze and expand (water increases in volume as it turns to ice). Simultaneously, the CO2 becomes more compressed and starts to take up additional space. With both expanding and vying for room in the container, pressure builds rapidly. Before long, BOOM—the can or bottle bursts, resulting in a sticky, fizzy mess.
Here’s a quick recap:
- Soda contains water and CO2.
- Water expands as it freezes; CO2 expands as it’s chilled.
- Pressure builds inside the container.
- The container eventually ruptures, causing an eruption of soda.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at what affects the timing of these explosions.
What Determines Freezing Time?
How long can soda stay in the freezer before it turns into a fizzy bomb? Several factors come into play:
1. Type of Soda
Diet sodas freeze faster than regular ones. Sugars in regular sodas lower the freezing point, while artificial sweeteners don’t have the same effect, making diet options more prone to freezing quickly.
2. Container Size and Material
Smaller cans freeze faster than larger bottles. Plastic bottles are slightly more forgiving under pressure than aluminum cans, but neither is immune to bursting.
3. Freezer Temperature
A colder freezer accelerates freezing. For example, a freezer set to 0°F (-18°C) will freeze soda much faster than one set to 20°F (-6°C).

Freezing Time Estimates
Here’s a general guide for how long it takes before soda freezes and explodes:
- 12 oz can: 4 to 6 hours
- 7.5 oz mini can: 3 to 4 hours
- 20 oz plastic bottle: 5 to 6 hours
- 2-liter plastic bottle: About 6 hours
Pro tip: If your freezer is set to a higher temperature, you can add 1–2 hours to these times. Either way, always set a timer if you’re freezing soda—it’s much easier than cleaning frozen cola off your walls and ceiling!
Quick Hacks for Chilling Soda
Since freezing soda for extended periods is risky, here are safer, faster ways to chill your drinks:
1. The 20-Minute Freezer Hack
Place soda in the freezer for 15–20 minutes. This will chill it without risking an explosion. Just don’t forget to set a timer!
2. Ice Bucket Method
Fill a bucket with ice and water, then submerge the sodas for 5–10 minutes. For even faster cooling, add salt to the water—it lowers the freezing point and speeds up the chilling process. Wrapping the cans in a damp paper towel can also help.
3. Half-Filled Bottles
If freezing a 2-liter bottle is your only option, pour out half the soda before freezing. This leaves room for the liquid to expand without bursting the bottle. Still, set a timer for no more than 4–5 hours.
Can You Freeze Soda Long-Term?
What if you want to freeze soda for months instead of minutes? It’s possible—but only if you take one key precaution: remove it from the original container.
Here’s how:
- Pour the soda into freezer-safe, airtight containers, leaving 1–2 inches of space at the top for expansion.
- Seal the containers tightly.
- Store in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C).
When properly stored, soda can last up to six months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge before opening to avoid a fizzy mess.
The Bottom Line
Freezing soda for short periods can be a useful party hack, but leave it too long, and you risk a sticky disaster. By understanding the science behind the freezing process and following these tips, you can keep your fizzy drinks cool without the mess. Party on!