Does This Popular Club Soda Trick Really Stop Fruit from Browning?

No one enjoys brown, mushy fruit. So when we came across a method promising to keep fruit fresh in the fridge for days, we had to try it. But was it too good to be true?

A viral tip from @kalejunkie claims that soaking sliced peaches in club soda for 5 minutes, then draining and storing them in an airtight container, keeps them fresh and vibrant for days. And, instead of tossing out the club soda, you can use it to make a refreshing fruit spritzer.

Although browning doesn't mean the fruit has gone bad, it does make it less appetizing and less likely to be eaten. Any trick that slows the browning process is a win for reducing food waste and saving money in the long run.

We Tested This Club Soda Hack on Different Fruits to See if It Prevents Browning.

Although we focused on peaches for this experiment, we also tested the method with apples, pears, and plums to see how they reacted. After soaking these fruits in club soda and refrigerating them, we checked back after five days to see the outcome.

Note: Be sure to use club soda, not sparkling water or tonic water. Unlike the other bubbly drinks, club soda contains minerals like potassium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate, which help prevent browning and slow spoilage, thanks to their saltier taste and carbon dioxide content.

Apples and Club Soda

Despite some skepticism in the comments, we found that the club soda hack kept the apples crisp and fresh-looking. However, the original creator suggests a different method using a simple ingredient: soaking apple slices in cold water with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes. This method also keeps the apples fresh for up to five days when stored in an airtight container.

Pears and Club Soda

The pear slices, likely due to their high moisture content, turned brown, mushy, and nearly inedible after refrigeration. Instead, try soaking the slices in a 1:1 mix of cold water and lemon juice before storing to keep them fresh.

Peaches and Club Soda

We were surprised to find that after five days, the peaches remained firm, bright, and delicious. In contrast, the control peaches (stored without the club soda soak) turned brown, mushy, and limp within just one day. The club soda made a noticeable difference in preserving the peaches for almost a week.

Plums and Club Soda

As expected, plums also held up well after a club soda soak. The slices remained firm and fresh, with a hint of bitterness from the skin infusing the flesh. Overall, the hack worked excellently, and it would likely work on other stone fruits too.