Coffee is a beloved staple of many morning routines, but what happens if it’s left sitting around for a while? Can three day old coffee be safe to drink?
Learning the answer to this question is important for all coffee drinkers, so it’s important to have the facts.
The chemical composition of coffee does change over time, and does so rather quickly. According to clinical dietitian Chloe McLeod, “When left sitting in room temperature, it will usually only stay palatable for around 12-24 hours before the taste and aroma really start to dissipate”.
The big question, however, is – what about the health implications of drinking 3 day old coffee?
Although it’s important to approach certain foods with caution if they’ve been sitting around for too long (think salad leaves, milk… and so on), generally, if something has been refrigerated, make sure it’s been kept in an airtight container and hasn’t developed any mold or an off-smell, those all-important nutrients are still present and consumable. This is especially the case when it comes to coffee.
Even if coffee is left to sit for 3 days or more, although the taste won’t be quite so strong, it’s still safe to drink. As nutritionist Geetanshi Vats reiterates: “Coffee is not likely to be a source of food-borne illness, even if it’s been left standing for a few days”. So, if you’ve been hesitant to try reheating it, there’s no need to worry.
It’s important to note, however, that this doesn’t mean there won’t be a decrease in the nutritional value of the drink. That’s because a lot of the essential vitamins and minerals found in coffee, such as Riboflavin, Thiamine and Niacin, will start to degrade over time and will eventually cause the nutrients in the cup of coffee to decrease.
However, while some of these compounds will decrease in number over time, the core compounds in coffee, such as the antioxidants, caffeine and chlorogenic acid, will exist in the same quantities in 3 day old as it does in freshly brewed.
A research paper, conducted by the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, looked into the effects of leaving coffee exposed in an open environment over a few days and found that yes, the taste and aroma of the coffee would decrease, but it wouldn’t pose any health or safety risks.
Reheating
Whether you’re looking to get rid of cold coffee or take a break from hot coffee for the day, mental health counsellor, Tom O’Donnell suggests reheating as an alternative: “If you’d like to still enjoy the coffee, I’d recommend popping it in the microwave just before drinking to warm it up or you could even make it into an iced coffee to change up your coffee routine”. Reheating coffee, even when it’s 3 days old, won’t cause any health problems, as the coffee may have lost some of its smell and flavour, but it won’t lose its nutritional value.
Storage Options
In order to have the best cup of coffee with the tasting notes and health benefits being retained, it’s essential to store coffee correctly. Clinical dietitian Laura Clark suggests keeping it in an air-tight container, in a dark and cool place, especially after the coffee has been opened. That way, the coffee will last longer and be ready to drink when you’re in need of caffeine.
Another point to note is that if you choose to store your coffee at room temperature, it’s important to check the expiration dates on the packet or on the roast date sticker; this will indicate how long the beans will remain fresh, while being stored away at higher temperatures. Of course, testing the beans before use is always an extra step you can take, to ensure you get the most out of your beans.
Alternative Brewing Methods
Coffee beans aren’t just for hot drinks. Making cold brew coffee is a great alternative option if you’d like to step away from the hot drinks. This style of coffee is made by soaking grounds in cold or room temperature water to extract its flavour, instead of the hot water involved with regular coffees. This way, you can create delicious cold coffee drinks which are rich in flavour, but with a smooth texture.
Bartender and online tutor, Jennifer Harding advises “If you’re working with 3-day-old cold brew, you can try using it in other ways, for example, creating cocktails such as a cold brew martini or a cold brew old-fashioned. There’s so much you can do when building up a range of drinks by using 3 day old cold brew”.
These alternative recipes can help you introduce a twist to your palate, without having to worry about the health impacts of consuming old coffee.
Does Temperature Matter?
When it comes to drinking coffee, the way the cup is brewed does affect the freshness, taste and most importantly, the health impacts. It’s important to remember that the higher the heat, the faster the chemical compounds found in coffee, like the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, will start to degrade.
For instance, brewing with boiling hot water can potentially make the coffee taste better, but the health effects will be significantly reduced the longer it’s left out in the open, especially after it’s been poured into the cup.
That’s why barista, Charlotte Naveen, advises that a minimum of 178 Fahrenheit is enough to help make the coffee palatable, without losing the necessary nutrients: “This way, you can ensure that the beans will provide the coffee with the necessary antioxidants, and not having to worry about the additional health risks”, she said.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s undeniable that leaving coffee for 3 days or longer will lead to a decrease in its taste, but the health effects aren’t considered to be harmful. However, it’s important to note that although it might not cause harm, leaving coffee standing for too long can lead to it losing its nutrients and flavours. That’s why it’s important to store coffee correctly, while also making sure to check the roast date, to ensure you’re getting the freshest cup of coffee possible each time. Finally, if you’re worried about reheating 3 day old coffee, there’s no need to fear, as it won’t pose any health risks.
