Introduction
Coffee is one of the world’s most beloved drinks as it gives us energy during our day-to-day lives. But have you ever wondered what happens when you have some leftovers that have been sitting around for a couple of days? Can you still drink it? Is it safe? In this article, we’ll tackle all these questions and more to help you decide whether it’s okay to drink 2 day old coffee, or not.
What’s Actually in the Coffee?
As you may already know, coffee is composed of a mixture of various components, depending on the type you’re having. Generally, it contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that makes us feel more alert and vigilant. The second component is the flavor compound, which can be either naturally occurring chlorogenic acids, or other added chemicals that just serve to create its taste. Other compounds within coffee that give it its aroma are its oils, which evaporate off if it’s been left out for too long.
How Long Does Coffee Stay Safe?
The answer to this question really depends on how you store it. If it’s been treated correctly, coffee can stay good for up to a week when it’s stored in a sealed container in the fridge. If you prefer to store it at room temperature, it can remain safe for up to three days before it starts to slowly start losing its flavor.
What About 2 Day Old Coffee?
The answer to this question depends on the quality of the coffee that you have and the conditions it’s been kept in. If it’s from a good quality store-bought coffee that has been stored in a sealed container and is two days old, then it should still be safe to drink. If you’re dealing with freshly brewed coffee or espresso, then it’s not advisable to drink it after two days as the oils and flavors have most likely already evaporated, leaving you with a bitter concoction.
Are There Health Benefits to Drinking 2 Day Old Coffee?
Though some say that coffee lost its health benefits once it’s been around for a while, a recent study involving over 400,000 participants showed that drinking coffee at any stage may still offer some health benefits. The research showed that coffee drinkers who had one to three cups a day had a lower risk of heart disease and stroke than those who didn’t drink coffee at all.
What Factors Do I Need to Consider Before Drinking 2 Day Old Coffee?
There are a few factors to keep in mind when deciding whether you can drink 2 day old coffee without worrying about your health. Firstly, you’ll want to consider the quality of the coffee and the way it’s been stored. If it’s from a lower quality of store-bought coffee or from a café, then you’ll have to be more careful. Remember to also check the expiration date before drinking it as even if it neared two days, it may not be safe.
How Can I Make Sure My 2 Day Old Coffee Is Safe?
The easiest way to make sure your 2-day-old coffee is safe is to store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you’re worried about the flavor, you can also add a few ice cubes or a splash of milk to make it tastier. To make sure it maintains the same flavor, try not to leave it out in the open for more than an hour.
What About Reheating?
Reheating 2 day old coffee is not recommended as it may produce a bitter taste. The oils and flavor compounds have most likely evaporated, leaving you with a cup of coffee that may have an off flavor. Additionally, reheating coffee can also eliminate some of the beneficial compounds that are present in coffee.
Freezing 2 Day Old Coffee
The consensus among experts is that freezing 2 day old coffee is not recommended as it will reduce its flavor quality. Additionally, frozen coffee can also clump together and may be difficult to thaw out. If you want to preserve its flavor, you can opt to store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator instead.
The Takeaway
In short, you can drink 2 day old coffee if it’s from a higher quality store-bought variety and has been correctly stored in an airtight container. Additionally, it may still offer some health benefits despite its age. However, it’s generally not recommended to drink freshly brewed coffee or espresso that has been sitting around for two days as its flavors and oils have most likely already started to evaporate, leading to a bitter taste. It is also not recommended to reheat or freeze 2 day old coffee.
Bacteria, Mold, and Spoilage
Coffee that’s been left out on the counter or stored in an open cupboard can start to develop bacteria or mold due to the moisture in the air. As such, it’s not recommended to drink 2 day old coffee that’s been stored as such, and you should instead dispose of it. If the cup has been left sitting for more than 24 hours, it should be thrown away as the effects of bacteria and mold can be hazardous to your health.
The Stay-Hot Myths
One of the most lasting myths about old coffee is that it will stay hot if it’s kept covered. Unfortunately, this isn’t true because the thermal properties of coffee don’t allow for it to stay hot for more than an hour. If you plan on drinking 2 day old coffee, it’s best to reheat it before sipping to ensure it’s still warm.
Ground vs Whole Beans
Another factor to keep in mind when you’re dealing with 2 day old coffee is whether it’s in the form of ground beans or whole beans. Generally, ground beans are more prone to going bad due to their increased exposure to air. Therefore, if you want to keep your coffee safe for longer periods of time, it’s best to buy whole beans and grind them only when you’re ready to use them. This way they won’t dry out as quickly and you’ll be able to enjoy their fresh flavor for longer.
Coffee Pod Usage
Finally, coffee pods are pre-measured coffee servings that are often used by coffee makers to brew a single cup of coffee at a time. Unfortunately, pods can’t be reused and so if you want to make a cup of 2 day old coffee with these machines, you won’t be able to. Therefore, if you opt for a pod machine to make coffee, you’ll need to prepare a fresh serving every time.