How Long Does Coffee Last In The Fridge? Best Storage Tips

Most of us love starting our day with a cup of coffee or winding down in the evening with a hot, aromatic cappuccino. But what happens when you make too much and find yourself holding onto that extra cup? The question arises: how long does coffee last in the fridge? Knowing how to store your coffee correctly can help maintain its flavor and integrity for longer, so it’s important to understand not only the storage guidelines but also what types of containers are best suited for it; Here we will guide you through all that is necessary about this beloved beverage to get delicious results each time.

How Long Does Coffee Last In The Fridge?

The answer to the question “how long does coffee last in the fridge?” can depend on types of coffee:

Whole Coffee Beans

The shelf life of whole coffee beans stored in the fridge can vary. When properly stored in an airtight container and away from moisture, heat, and light, whole coffee beans can remain fresh for up to several months. However, it’s important to note that freezing coffee beans isn’t considered the best method for preserving their quality and taste. To ensure the freshest beans, look for a degassing valve or a recent “roasted on” date on the packaging. This can help improve freshness and prolong shelf life.

Ground Coffee

While ground coffee can be stored in the fridge, it’s important to note that it will typically stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Brewed Hot Coffee And Espresso

Brewed coffee can last for up to 3–4 days when stored in a sealed container in the fridge. However, the taste may not be as good. If you add milk or creamer, it is recommended to consume it within 2 hours if left at room temperature. You can keep it in the fridge for a day or two, but always check for signs of spoiling before consuming. Brewed espresso, like brewed coffee, is best consumed shortly after brewing for optimal taste. It can be stored at room temperature for a few hours or in the fridge in a sealed container for a few days, although the taste will decline.

Cold Brew

Cold brew concentrate can last for 7-10 days when stored in a sealed container in the fridge. If water is added to the concentrate or if it’s obtained from a coffee shop, it’s recommended to consume it within 3-4 days. Cold brew with milk or creamer should be consumed within 2 hours, and when stored in a sealed container in the fridge, it will remain fresh for 1-2 days.

Before consuming, always check for signs of spoiling such as mold or foul smells to know “how long does coffee last in the fridge?”. To store cold brew or brewed coffee in the freezer, freeze them in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to an airtight container or bag. The frozen coffee cubes can be used within 2 weeks as an addition to fresh cold brew or when melted down.

Risks Of Consuming Spoiled Or Improperly Stored Coffee

After knowing how long does coffee last in the fridge, you must note that risks of consuming spoiled or imporperly stored coffee. When consuming a small amount of expired coffee, immediate poisoning is unlikely. However, it may result in food poisoning if the coffee harbors harmful bacteria that have proliferated over time. Improper storage, such as keeping coffee in an unsealed container or outside the refrigerator, can facilitate bacterial growth.

How Can You Tell If Your Coffee Is Expired?

Besides knowing how long does coffee last in the fridge, there are a few ways to determine if your coffee has reached its expiration:

• Check the freshness of the beans: For the best flavor, opt for freshly ground coffee using beans and a grinder. In this case, the closer to the purchase date, the better.
• Inspect for any off odors: If your coffee smells rancid, moldy, or mildewy, it’s best to discard it immediately.
• Consider the aroma: The smell of coffee plays a vital role in its flavor profile. If you notice a flat aroma, it is likely that the taste will be similarly lacking.

It’s important to note that while expired coffee may not make you sick unless it’s gone moldy, it is generally not recommended to consume coffee past its expiration date.

Can You Get Sick From Drinking Old Coffee?

While drinking coffee made from expired beans won’t make you sick, it’s worth noting that brewed coffee can grow mold if left to sit around for too long. Although coffee itself doesn’t go bad or rot, its quality deteriorates over time due to exposure to air. Thus, it’s recommended to consume freshly roasted coffee beans within three to four weeks of purchase, and ground coffee within two weeks.

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How Can You Store Your Coffee In The Fridge To Last Longer?

How To Store Coffee Beans?

To extend the longevity of your coffee, consider storing it in the refrigerator. Although the general rule of thumb is to keep coffee away from light, heat, moisture, and air, refrigeration can help preserve its freshness. Transfer the coffee into an opaque, airtight container, or use the original bag if it has a zip-top seal for a secure closure.

Before sealing the bag, ensure to remove any excess air by gently squeezing it out. Find a designated spot in your refrigerator, such as a cool and dark area, like the back of a shelf, to store your coffee beans. Avoid placing them near warm spots, such as the oven or stove, to maintain their quality and flavor for an extended period.

How To Store Ground Coffee?

To store ground coffee properly and maintain its freshness, follow these guidelines:

• Keep ground coffee in the same storage conditions as whole beans.
• Note that ground coffee tends to go stale more rapidly than whole beans.
• Pre-ground coffee typically lasts up to two weeks, while freshly ground coffee beans begin to lose freshness within a few days.
• To ensure freshness, only grind enough coffee for your morning brew at a time.

Can You Freeze Coffee To Make It Last Longer?

Freezing coffee has the advantage of preserving the flavors and maintaining the same freshness as a few days after roasting. While it may not taste as exceptional as freshly roasted coffee, it will come close in terms of quality.

What Can You Do With Your Leftover Coffee?

Besides knowing how long does coffee last in the fridge, there are several creative ways to use up leftover coffee:

• Make refreshing iced coffee by pouring the remainder into a pitcher or to-go cup, and chilling it in the fridge.
• Create coffee ice cubes by filling an ice tray with warm coffee. These cubes can be used to prevent iced coffee from becoming diluted.
• Infuse your brownies or other desserts with coffee for a delicious mocha flavor. Try recipes like chocolate fudge pudding cake or coffee Panna Cotta.
• Consider making caffeinated gummies for a continual energy boost throughout the day. Mix fresh brewed coffee, butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, gelatin, and sugar. Pour the mixture into candy molds or ice trays to set.
• Use leftover coffee as a rinse for your hair to achieve shiny and silky locks. Simply bring room temperature coffee into the shower and rinse your hair with it.
• Get creative with coffee by using it to “age” paper for school projects or adding a touch of authenticity to fabric.
• Don’t forget about the coffee grounds! They can be repurposed for cleaning and scrubbing pots and pans, hiding furniture scratches, or even making traps for pests like cockroaches.