Just like our soda cans, we sometimes find that our beer cans have become squishy and soft. But why?
There are different reasons that can cause your beer can to become squishy. Mostly it is because of less filling and more carbonation due to temperature change. But at times, leakage and improperly sealed cans are the reason too. In that case, the beer deteriorates and can cause problems like botulism.
Does it seem interesting? Then, let’s dig through the article and find out more about these culprits.
Why Is My Beer Can Squishy?
Since buyers all across the globe used to complain that sometimes, though rare, they find their beer can be squishy.
And yet another factor to consider was despite the can being squishy, the beer was always crisp and fresh in its taste.
So, a detailed analysis was done to find the real culprit, and the following four reasons were found that resulted in Squishy Beer cans.
1. Underfilled Beer Can
One of the most common reasons that lead to squishy cans is that they are not filled up to the mark.
What happens is that sometimes less beer is filled in the can than the claim. For example, 9 oz filled in a 12 oz can. So, there is some employment space left inside. Now, every time you press or apply external pressure, the beer can seem to be Squishy as there is an adequate area that is empty (no beer and no carbonation).
2. Carbonation and Change in Temperature
The second reason that can make Beer Can much more squishy and soft is the temperature change and, thus, the amount of carbonation.
Actually, carbonation is known to decrease, and the temperature falls due to the increased solubility of carbon dioxide gas. Now, when you place cans in the fridge, the beer faces a sudden drop in temperature.
As a result, the amount of soluble carbon dioxide in the fridge increases, thus decreasing carbonation.
And since carbonation is directly linked with pressure, too, the less carbonation, the less pressure inside the beer can, especially in the headspace. As a result, the “beer can” becomes squishy and soft.
And if this is accompanied by underfilling, too, they can get too soft.
3. Not Sealed Properly
Another possibility behind getting a squishy beer can is that it is not Sealed Properly.
Yes, though rare, there are chances that the beer can doesn’t get appropriately sealed when packing. As a result, carbonation is lost in the environment completely.
But, in that case, not only does your beer feel soft and squishy, but the beer taste profile is also destroyed completely.
4. Aluminum is leaching
Last but not least, some people claim that since beer cans are made of aluminum, there is a chance that aluminum metal is leaching into the beer. As a result, the can is becoming soft and squishy. They explain it based on reverse osmotic transfer.
However, it hasn’t been proven till now as the majority of the manufacturers claim they used specially coated cans that allow no contact between aluminum and beer.
So, these were a few reasons and culprits that make your beer can squishy. Now, let’s figure out a few more details related to it.
Can You Drink From A Squishy Can?
Whether it is safe to drink beer from a squishy can is safe or not depends on the reason that made it squishy.
In most cases, it is either due to less filling or temperature change, and if that’s the reason for your can, too, yes, it is safe to drink from a Squishy beer can.
Additionally, start drinking by taking a small sip. If you find the beer taste deteriorating, you should not drink that beer at all.
Can You Drink From A Dented Can?
Whether you should drink from a dented can depend solely on the condition. If it becomes dented by you while storing it in the fridge or while opening it, it’s completely fine. You can drink from it.
However, if the can was deeply dented at the time of purchase, it is better to discard the can.
The reason is that beer cans deeply dented near the rim have a high chance of bacterial spoilage and can lead to botulism too.
Were Beer Cans Always Made Of Aluminium?
No. Beer cans were not made of aluminum since the start. Previously, they were made of tin-plated steel. But the reason why they shifted to aluminum ones are:
- Aluminum makes the manufacturing process easy
- Aluminum is less costly as compared to tin
- Both offer more or less the same resistance to corrosion
- Steel cans were more malleable and heavier as compared to these aluminum ones.
- Aluminum can be recycled easily.
What Happens If the Beer Can Is Not Sealed Properly? The Oxidation Process
Many people think that if a beer can is not sealed correctly, it will result in the evaporation of alcohol. But that’s not true, as alcohol evaporates at a very slow rate.
Instead, if you don’t seal the beer can properly, there are chances of oxidation.
As a result, the beer flavor becomes stale and off-flavor as if drinking wet cardboard.
Beer Cans Vs. Bottles- A Quick Comparison
Lastly, let’s have a quick comparison between beer cans and bottles.
| Characteristics | Beer Can | Beer Bottle |
| Portability | More | Less |
| Material Used | Aluminum | Glass |
| Preservation | More | Less |
| Cost Analysis | More Affordable | Less Affordable |
| Environmental Impact | Easily Recyclable | Take time |
Conclusion
Now you are aware of the possible reasons why your beer can is squishy. So, next time you feel the can to be squishy, uncover whether it is due to temperature change or is underfilled. If that’s the reason, it’s okay. However, if it is due to leakage, discard the can.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
