Background Information
Coffee has become an indispensable part of the morning routine for many people. But what happens when you make coffee in the morning and find yourself reaching for a cup the next day when you’re getting ready for work?
Can you safely drink coffee that has been sitting out overnight? Generally, coffee will retain its flavors for about 24 hours if it is kept at room temperature. Depending on the type of coffee you’ve made, the taste may be compromised as the flavors are lost.
The Health Risks
To better understand the risks involved with drinking coffee that has been sitting out overnight, we consulted with a professional food safety consultant, Gina Samuels. Samuels says that leaving coffee out on the counter can introduce food-borne illnesses. These can include contamination from bacteria, mold, and, in some cases, even fungus.
Samuels also adds that,while humans can generally stomach a variety of bacteria, it is still not a good idea to drink coffee that has been sitting out overnight. And, in some cases, the caffeine can actually work against the stomach, inhibiting its ability to defend itself from the contamination.
She further explains that when coffee is left outside for an extended amount of time, it can also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and fungi due to its high sugar and starch content. This can create a dangerous situation for anyone who decides to drink the old coffee.
How Long Does Coffee Last?
When it comes to the shelf life of coffee, it really depends on how it is stored. According to the National Coffee Association, regular ground coffee can stay fresh for two weeks when it is stored at room temperature. For instant coffee, it can usually last as long as three months.
Coffee beans last longer than either ground or instant coffee because they can stay fresh for up to a year when they are stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Additionally, while it is possible to store coffee in the fridge, this is generally not recommended because cold air can dry out the beans and deprive them of their flavor.
What Are the Alternatives?
If you’ve made coffee and you’re not planning to drink it all before the end of the day, there are a few ways to keep it fresh. The first is to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the coffee from oxidizing and will keep the flavor from becoming compromised.
Alternatively, you can also freeze coffee in an airtight container for a longer shelf life. This will keep the coffee fresh for up to six months and allow you to enjoy it whenever you are ready to make a fresh pot.
Is It Possible To Reheat Coffee?
The act of reheating coffee will not necessarily increase the risk of food contamination, as long as the coffee is reheated to a safe temperature. This means that it must reach an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in order to kill any bacteria that may be present. Reheating coffee on a stovetop or in a microwave is the best way to ensure that it is heated to this temperature.
Preserving the Coffee Flavor
If you’ve made coffee but aren’t planning on drinking it until the next day, there are a few ways to keep it from going stale. These include storing it in an airtight container and adding an air-drying agent such as salt. This will help to slow down the oxidization process and keep your coffee as fresh as possible for the next day.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, it is not recommended to drink coffee that has been sitting out overnight. It can lead to food contamination, and the flavors will generally be compromised after 24 hours.
When storing coffee, it is best to keep it in an airtight container away from direct heat and light. Also, use an air-drying agent such as salt to further preserve the flavor. Lastly, reheat it to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming it in order to kill off any bacteria that may be present.
