What is the Risk in Drinking Coffee Left Out Overnight?
It’s often convenient to just make a pot of coffee for the day and let it sit out for a few hours. But have you ever wondered, can you drink coffee that has sat out overnight? What are the potential risks related to drinking such coffee?
Coffee becomes unsafe to drink when certain bacteria and mold begin to grow in it. This is what can make coffee left out overnight potentially dangerous. To put it into perspective, the USDA recommends never leaving cooked food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours because it can become a host for harmful bacteria and mold. So, leaving coffee out overnight is definitely not advisable.
What Happens After Leaving Coffee Out Overnight?
When coffee is left out at a room temperature, the warm environment encourages the growth of bacteria, mold and other microorganisms. This can spoil the flavor of the coffee and make it unsafe to consume.
When coffee is kept at room temperature, the caffeine levels degrade due to evaporation. This makes the coffee taste less intense and bitter. Additionally, leaving out coffee overnight will also cause the oils and fatty acids to break down. This makes the coffee taste stale and flat. So, even if the coffee does not have any bacteria or mold, it still would not be pleasant to drink.
Is it Safe to Drink Leftover Coffee?
It is not safe to consume coffee left out overnight or even for several hours. Even cold brewed coffee has a limited shelf-life. The maximum time for which cold brewed coffee can safely be consumed is about three days. If it is left out for longer, it should be discarded to avoid any potential risk.
Experts Opinions
Experts advise that it is not safe to consume coffee left out overnight and advocate discarding it as soon as possible. A food health and safety consultant, Mr. James Emmanuel, explains that “Coffee sitting out at room temperature overnight is not safe to consume as it can contain bacteria and mold. The bacteria and mold can in turn lead to food poisoning.”
Similarly, nutritional expert Dr. Dena Redmond warns that “Coffee left out for too long can have a bitter taste and could contain mold or bacteria which could be really harmful if ingested.”
Other Alternatives
If you are hesitating to waste the coffee left out overnight, you can use it to make a food dish instead. Cooking the coffee breaks down the bacteria, making it safe to eat. Additionally, adding the coffee to a muffin or cake type recipe can help to mask the bitter taste that comes with it.
Does Cold Brewed Coffee Last longer?
Cold brewed coffee can last longer than regular hot coffee. Since the extraction of the coffee doesn’t happen through hot water, the quality of the coffee stays fresher for longer time. However, it should still be refrigerated to prevent spoilage and consumed within the three days.
Although cold brewed coffee can last longer, it is better to consume it as soon as possible. Even the cold brewed coffee can acquire bacteria, mold, or bad taste if it is left out for too long.
Storing Coffee Tips
The best way to help extend the shelf-life of coffee is by properly storing it. You can refrigerate both hot brewed and cold brewed coffee. The cold temperatures in the refrigerator will slow down the growth of bacteria and mold.
Additionally, it is best to store coffee beans in an air-tight container and keep them in a cool, dry place. Storing the coffee in a freezer is not recommended as the humidity in the freezer can lead to the coffee absorbing unwanted moisture.
How to Tell If Coffee is Spoiled?
If your coffee has been sitting out for more than two hours, it is better to discard it. Additionally, you can look out for some common signs to determine whether your coffee is spoiled. If it exhibits any of the following characteristics, it is best to avoid it:
- It has a strange smell or taste
- It has a slimy texture
- It has taken on a different color
- It has acquired a foamy layer on top
Emotional & Well-being Implications on Drinking Spoiled Coffee
Inhaling or consuming spoiled coffee can not only be harmful to your health, but it also takes a toll on your emotional and mental wellbeing. Consuming spoiled coffee can cause food poisoning, and the resulting symptoms can be quite unpleasant. The food poisoning can further lead to feelings of stress, frustration, and a lack of concentration.
Drinking spoiled coffee can also affect the taste buds, leading to a lack of appetite. Since most coffee drinks contain milk, the milk can also turn sour upon spoiling. If coffee is stored improperly, it can leave a bad taste in the mouth, making it difficult to taste other food items.
Risk of Consuming Spoiled Coffee
Consuming spoilt coffee can make you sick, as can other food that has been left out for too long. It can cause common food poisoning symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can be quite severe in the case of people with compromised immune systems or with underlying medical conditions.
When consuming coffee left out overnight or left out for a long time, it is also possible that you can develop an allergic reaction to the bacteria or mold growing in it. This includes hives, itchy skin, and other inflammation. If you experience any such symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
To sum it up, it is not safe to drink coffee that has been left out overnight or for several hours. This is due to the potential risk of bacteria, mold and other microorganisms growing in it. Moreover, the flavor of the coffee also deteriorates, making it unappetizing. It is best to discard any leftover coffee and make a fresh batch.
