For many of us, drinking a cup of coffee is part of our daily routine, but there’s a lingering question: Is it safe to drink coffee the following day? According to experts, the answer is not as straightforward as one might think.
Coffee is a complex beverage that gets its flavor and body from the roasting and brewing process. It contains caffeine, oils, and other essential compounds, but with extended exposure to the air, these compounds degrade, affecting the flavor of the coffee. The fresher the coffee, the better the taste, but how does that affect its safety?
Studies have shown that when brewed coffee sits for more than 12 hours, it can create a build-up of harmful bacteria, including E.coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. These bacteria can cause food poisoning and other serious illnesses.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Coffee should not be left at room temperature for more than four hours.” This means that drinking a cup of coffee from yesterday is not always safe. However, this does not mean that coffee is completely unsafe. Reheated coffee may still be safe to consume if stored properly.
Benjamin Abella, a microbiologist with LifeTime Laboratories, explains, “Coffee can be stored for later consumption when kept at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or in the refrigerator. The cooler the temperature, the slower the environments are for any possible microbial growth, which will reduce the risk.”
Not to mention, caffeine can also become unstable when stored improperly. The compounds that give coffee its flavor and odor evaporate quickly when exposed to air, and when exposed to light and heat, its overall taste changes drastically.
That being said, there are ways you can still enjoy coffee after a day or two. If you store it in the refrigerator, make sure to transfer it to an airtight container, and consume it within a reasonable time after opening. You can also try cold-brewing or freezing your coffee, both of which help to preserve its flavor and the compounds that make it safe to consume.
Is Reheated Coffee Safe for Consumption?
According to the FDA, if coffee has been sitting at room temperature for longer than two hours, it is not safe to reheat. However, if it has been stored properly in a refrigerator, reheating it is possible. Coffee should not be reheated more than once and should be consumed shortly after reheating.
When reheating coffee, make sure you bring the temperature to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds. This will inactivate the bacteria, and make it safe to consume. You should also be aware that reheating coffee could affect the flavor and texture.
It is also important to note that when coffee is stored in the refrigerator, it can take on the flavors of other food and can spoil easily. To prevent this, consider investing in a vacuum-sealed container. This will keep the coffee fresh and free of any microbes.
It is important to note that no matter how you store or reheat your coffee, the only way to be certain you are consuming a safe, quality beverage is to buy fresh coffee every day.
The Dangers of Drinks Containing Milk
When it comes to coffee, drinks containing milk pose a higher risk. According to the USDA, reheating dairy-based beverages can create a breeding ground for foodborne bacteria. Milk proteins, when exposed to heat, can encourage the growth of bacteria, making these beverages unsafe to drink, even if it was just reheated.
So when it comes to drinking coffee that contains milk, it is best to avoid it. If you are considering adding milk to your coffee, it is recommended to use plant-based milks, as they can withstand the heat of the coffee and still taste good.
And while lactose-free milks may still be safe to add and reheat, they will gain an unpleasant sour taste over time. To make sure your coffee still tastes delicious, use a plant-based milk or one that is specially designed for making hot beverages.
Risks of Consuming Too Much Caffeine
Anyone who enjoys their coffee knows that the day-to-day consumption of it can lead to mild addiction. Too much caffeine can create a range of undesirable side effects, from headaches and anxiety to irritability and restlessness. For many people, drinking too much coffee can make it difficult to sleep, and can even disrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
It is recommended that adults consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, which is about four cups of coffee. So it is important to consider the amount of caffeine you are consuming on a daily basis, and if you can, try to limit your consumption to one cup a day.
Should I Be Concerned About Coffee Allergies?
For those who are sensitive to coffee, allergies can become a problem. Even if you are not allergic to coffee, but have experienced digestive issues, headaches, or other adverse symptoms, it might be due to a caffeine sensitivity.
If you experience persistent digestive issues, headaches, rashes, or other reactions after drinking coffee, you may want to consider avoiding it altogether. And if you want to still enjoy its flavor and other benefits, look into decaffeinated coffee or herbal teas that can provide the same relaxing effects.
Can Coffee Cause Stomach Ulcers?
Drinking coffee may not be a direct cause of stomach ulcers, but it can trigger the symptoms. Coffee has a corrosive effect on the lining of the stomach and can irritate ulcers. Additionally, caffeine is a well-known stimulant and can increase the inflammation in the stomach lining.
If you have a stomach ulcer, you may want to limit your coffee consumption. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. They may suggest drinking decaffeinated coffee, or avoiding it altogether. De-caffeinated teas and herbal drinks can provide the same mood-boosting effects without increasing your ulcer pain.
The Best Way To Enjoy Coffee
If you want to get the most out of your coffee, it is important to consider the kind of brew you are using. Different types of coffee, such as light and dark roasts, offer different flavors and levels of caffeine. The lighter roasts provide a milder flavor, while the darker ones provide a bolder, fuller-bodied experience.
It is also important to pay attention to the water you use. Filtered or distilled water is the preferred method, as it removes any particles, minerals, or metals that can affect the taste of the coffee. Furthermore, always use cold water to avoid bitterness or sourness.
Finally, your coffee should always be freshly ground. This helps to keep the flavor, aroma, and nutrients intact, as well as preserve the caffeine content. Pre-ground coffee can also contain toxins, so it is best to invest in a good-quality grinder and freshly grind your coffee.
