Although the advantages and disadvantages of caffeine are frequently discussed, a lot of people still relish drinking one or more cups of coffee every day. Despite the fact that it may not provide a significant boost in energy (which is my personal experience), it remains a soothing and delectable drink.
When making drip coffee, it’s common to have excess that may not be consumed in one sitting, especially if you’re away for an extended period of time.
If you have coffee that has been left out, you may be curious about the amount of time it is safe to leave it out. Is it still suitable for consumption the next day after brewing?
It is safe to leave brewed black coffee at room temperature for approximately 24 hours, but the optimal time for the most delicious taste is within 30 minutes to an hour after brewing. If coffee contains milk, it should be stored in a refrigerator after two hours.
Having understood the fundamentals of leaving coffee out, let’s delve into some more intricate aspects. In this discussion, I will elaborate on the particulars of leaving coffee out and also provide information on how long it can be stored appropriately. Continue reading to become an expert in utilizing every last drop of your beloved coffee!
How Long Can You Leave Coffee Out at Room Temperature?
Regarding leaving out or storing coffee, there are different guidelines for plain, black coffee versus coffee with added milk or creamer. We will examine each option separately.
Black Coffee
You can keep your brewed plain, black coffee in the same pot or carafe for a maximum of 24 hours at room temperature.
So, if you make a big pot of coffee in the morning and require an energy boost in the afternoon, you can easily pour yourself a cup without any hassle.
Unless you plan to store it correctly and have it iced, I advise against making large quantities of coffee with the intention of drinking it the next morning.
Coffee typically loses its strong taste within half an hour, so even though it is not harmful to consume if left out, it may not be very enjoyable.
Black coffee can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in a glass container or mug with a lid, but it’s advisable to avoid storing it in a stainless steel travel mug or thermos as it may acquire a metallic taste.
Coffee With Milk
Milk, whether dairy or non-dairy, can be left out safely for a maximum of two hours before it starts to accumulate dangerous bacteria.
But, in case you have prepared a cup or glass of coffee with milk and cannot consume it immediately, there is no need to throw it away!
To keep leftover coffee fresh, you can store it in a covered container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, just like regular coffee.
What Happens to Coffee If It’s Left Out Too Long?
As previously stated multiple times, when coffee is left at room temperature, its delicious flavor begins to deteriorate.
Although it doesn’t necessarily mean that the coffee has gone bad, leaving it out for a few hours can cause it to acquire a bitter taste or become stale and unappetizing.
As coffee is a natural food item, it has the potential to develop bacteria and moldy or musty odors if left unattended for several days.
Ground coffee beans, if not stored correctly or kept in unfavorable conditions, can spoil even before being brewed.
Activating the warming function on your coffee maker or leaving your coffee on a warming plate for an extended period can cause it to acquire a bitter and burnt taste.
How Can You Tell If Coffee Has Gone Bad?
One can easily determine if coffee has gone bad by its smell, as it has a unique aroma that contributes to its flavor, and any alterations in the scent will probably be detectable.
Just because your coffee has lost its aroma after sitting out for a while, it doesn’t mean it’s spoiled. If the fragrance has only decreased and isn’t as potent, then the coffee has likely been exposed to air and become slightly stale. Although you can still consume it, be aware that it won’t be as flavorful.
Once the aroma becomes extremely strong and unpleasant, and if there are any visible signs of mold growth or alterations in texture, it is necessary to dispose of the coffee.
How Long Can Brewed Coffee Be Stored In the Fridge?
Brewed black coffee can be refrigerated for a maximum of four days, and it is advisable to keep it in an airtight container such as a mason jar to maintain its flavor.
If your coffee pot has a lid or covering, you can store your coffee in it for a short period of time (a few hours up to a day), but be aware that air may still seep in.
If you want to keep your coffee for later, it’s best to store it in a plastic or glass travel mug or bottle as metal containers may alter the taste of your coffee.
Once you have mixed milk with your coffee, it can be preserved similarly to black coffee, but its shelf life is limited to 48 hours.
How Long Can Coffee Creamer Sit Out?
Liquid coffee creamer that contains dairy should not be kept at room temperature for more than 2 hours, but if the room is not too warm, it can be left out for up to four hours.
If non-dairy coffee creamer is sold already chilled, it falls under the same rules as regular creamer. Nevertheless, if you purchase a creamer that was not refrigerated at the store, you can leave it out for an extended period.
When it comes to liquid coffee creamers, it is recommended to store them in the refrigerator as soon as you purchase them, although whether or not it is safe to consume them after being left out overnight can be ambiguous.
When it comes to powdered coffee creamers, they can be stored for up to 18-24 months at room temperature, as long as they are kept in a dry, cool, and dark place like a pantry or cabinet.
You can also check this video about “Can You Drink Coffee Left Out Overnight?”
