How Long Does Coffee Last in the Fridge?
If you’re a coffee enthusiast like us, you’ve probably tried it all. Iced coffees, lattes, macchiatos, you name it! Whatever type of coffee you’ve brewed up, you may want to store it in your refrigerator for later.
However, the same questions usually pop up: How long does coffee last in the fridge? How long before it starts losing its pleasant taste and odor? We’ll cover this and more within this guide.
The Short Answer
Brewed coffee can last in your fridge for up to 4 days. After that, it starts to lose its flavor, and you run the risk of it spoiling. This is true for French Press or drip coffee.
What about cold brew? This concentrate can last in your refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keep in mind that after the first week, it will start to lose its flavor. If you’ve diluted the concentrate with water, shelf life is shortened by about 2-3 days.
Can You Reheat Cold Coffee?
We’re assuming if you landed on this page, you want to know, “How long does brewed coffee last in the fridge?” You’re likely curious to know because you want to make a cold coffee drink at a later date. However, that may not be the case at all!
Technically, you could reheat it. Just follow these guidelines:
- After brewing a pot of coffee, pour what you need and let the rest come to room temperature.
- Place cool coffee in an airtight container.
- Keep it in your fridge no longer than 4 days.
We will say that flavor degradation is a huge problem when this beverage is stored for longer than a day. When you reheat it, this problem becomes worse. Atleast, that’s what we have experienced (especially when comparing it to a fresh cup of joe). You may find that reheated coffee tastes great to you, and if that’s the case, more power to you!
Downsides of Storing Coffee in the Fridge
Having a batch of cooled down coffee ready for use in your fridge is very convenient. However, there are some downsides you should consider.
The first challenge is that storing it in the fridge may cause it to pick up aroma from other foods. Your refrigerator is full of different smells, and these aromas will stick to your coffee. This goes for coffee beans, ground, and brewed coffee.
The second challenge is that flavor will degrade. The longer it’s stored away, the more its flavor will lessen. This is why we don’t recommend holding it for longer than 4 days. Your brew on day 1 will taste very different than day 4.
Solution: A great solution to both of these downfalls is to store your coffee in a clean, airtight container. We love using mason jars with rubber seals or a thermo bottle. This will help keep the coffee free from funny smells and maintain the pronounced coffee flavor.
Last Minute Tips
- Don’t place in the fridge as soon as it’s done brewing. Instead, let it cool down completely. Placing a pot of hot coffee in the fridge will increase the temperature significantly. Not only does this lead to a higher than usual energy bill, but it will also put other food items in your fridge at risk.
- Place your coffee in an airtight container like a mason jar. You can place the hot liquid within it, seal it tightly, and put it in the sink filled with cold water. This will speed up the cooling process.
- Place the mason jar at the bottom of your fridge near the back. This is the coldest part of the refrigerator and will keep your beverage fresh longer.
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Wrap Up
So, how long does ground coffee last in the fridge? No more than 4 days unless it’s cold brew (the concentrate). Then you can keep it for up to two weeks. We hope this guide has served useful and answered all your questions. Happy brewing!
