Is it safe to store lemon water in aluminum bottles?

Dear Reader,

A refreshing drink, and a refreshing question! Acidic liquids like lemon juice react with aluminum and can cause the metal to dissolve into your drink. Some aluminum bottles may be coated with plastic linings or treated to make them less reactive to acidic beverages. However, these linings can contain harmful chemicals and may also wear off over time. For a portable—and potable—drinking experience, it’s recommended that you store your lemon water in stainless steel or glass containers.  

What is aluminum?

Aluminum is the most common metal found in the earth’s crust. It’s often mixed with other minerals and metals such as silicon, iron, and copper. Aluminum is a popular material for making kitchen products because it’s lightweight, cheap, and resistant to rust.

Are aluminum bottles and cookware safe to use?

Foods cooked in aluminum pots and pans are generally considered safe. However, acidic liquids such as lemon juice, vinegar, and tomato juice can react with aluminum and dissolve it. This causes aluminum from the cookware to enter your food and drinks.  

What are the health implications of aluminum consumption?

Exposure to high levels of aluminum may cause negative health effects. People with kidney disease have a higher risk of developing lung problems and softening of the bones. Additionally, some studies suggest that exposure to high levels of aluminum may increase the risk of breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. That said, other studies have shown that this may not be true. Therefore, more research is needed to truly understand if exposure to aluminum causes breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease.  

According to the World Health Organization, people shouldn’t take in more than one milligram of aluminum per kilogram of body weight each week. Using this guideline, studies suggest that adults are unlikely to exceed the safe weekly limit when drinking from aluminum bottles. This remains the case even if the beverage is acidic and the aluminum bottle is unlined. However, children may exceed the safe weekly limit when drinking any type of beverage from unlined aluminum bottles.  

Are lined or covered aluminum bottles safe to use?

Aluminum bottles may be lined on the inside with a type of resin to make them less reactive to acidic beverages. However, these linings often contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly used to make plastics. BPA from food storage containers and water bottles can seep into food and drink, causing negative health effects. It can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, disrupt the body’s hormone system, and cause possible changes to the brain and behavior in children. Repeated use of BPA containers, longer contact time with food and beverages, and high temperatures can all increase the amount of BPA released.  

Aluminum containers can also be processed with a thicker layer of metal around the outside of them. This outer layer helps the container to stay intact for longer and is often used to help insulate the contents. However, it gradually dissolves into food during the cooking process. It eventually wears off and becomes no different from regular aluminum. Acidic foods, longer contact time with food, and age can increase the amount of metal that is released.  

How can you reduce exposure to aluminum?

If the thought of aluminum dissolving in your drink has left a sour taste in your mouth, the good news is that there are ways to reduce your exposure. It’s best to avoid storing acidic drinks such as lemon water, apple juice, and tea in aluminum bottles. Instead, you might consider using stainless steel bottles. Stainless steel is made from a mixture of metals such as iron and chromium. Like aluminum, it’s durable and resistant to rust, denting, and scratching. While stainless steel tends to be a bit heavier and more expensive than aluminum, it’s less likely to corrode when used to store acidic drinks. Another alternative is glass, which does not react with acidic liquids. By nature, glass containers are less durable. Therefore, it’s recommended that you either use them with a cover or avoid transporting them back and forth between locations such as home and the office.  

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade—but don’t store it in an aluminum bottle! Depending on your budget, lifestyle, and personal preference, stainless steel or glass bottles may be a better storage solution for your lemon water.  

Stay hydrated and zesty!