Background Information
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages around the world. Millions of people rely on caffeine to get their energy levels up and going. Starbucks, being one of the most popular brands of coffee, is no exception. For those who really need their Starbucks fix on the go, can you reheat the coffee the next day? That’s what we are going to explore in this article.
Data and Perspectives from Experts
Some baristas from Starbucks say that their policy includes disposing the coffee after two hours in order to prevent bacteria from forming. Refrigerating the cold coffee is usually not recommended as it will affect the flavor and taste of the drink. Moreover, reheating fresh brewed Starbucks coffee is definitely not suggested either; it will spoil the quality of the drink.
Regarding the safety of reheating Starbucks coffee, Food Safety News reported that it should be avoided. As like tea and other drinks with caffeine, reheating the coffee does not make it safer to drink as the caffeine content remains the same. Moreover, reheating Starbucks coffee may alter the flavor of the drink and make it bitter, which nobody wants to experience.
Analysis and Insights
The answer to the question – can you reheat Starbucks coffee the next day? – is definitely no. According to food scientists, bacteria can start to form if the coffee’s temperature is not regulated properly. However, to prevent the bacteria from forming, Starbucks suggest storing the hot beverage in a thermos to maintain the optimal temperature.
It is noteworthy to mention that the beverage must not be stored in any paper cups or plastic containers. As the material of these cups will absorb the saturated fats in the coffee and affect the flavor, making it taste like a cardboard.
Bacteria Reformation
The chances of bacteria reformation increase when coffee is cooled to the room temperature. At room temperature, the coffee is an ideal environment for the bacteria to get heated. Moreover, reheating coffee may also create the conditions where bacteria can grow rapidly and make the coffee contaminated, which could potentially make a person sick.
For additional safety measures, Starbucks advise not to store the drink in the fridge for more than 48 hours. As the coffee will come in contact with the air and spoil the taste. The website also recommends discarding the beverage if it has been left for too long, as bacteria will start to form due to the condensation and humidity in the air.
Effects of Reheating
In addition to the potential health risks, reheating Starbucks coffee can also have a negative effect on the flavor and the aroma of the drink. As the caffeine molecules break down when heated, the taste of the coffee will become overly bitter and acidic. Moreover, the flavor of the coffee will also be affected as the reheating process can damage the different oils and fats found in the drink.
Possible Alternatives
So what can be done instead of reheating Starbucks coffee? Well, you can use the coffee that has been stored in a thermos as long as it has been kept at an optimal temperature. You can also try brewing the beverage in a French press or any other type of coffee maker for a fresher flavor.
For cold coffee, the best way to enjoy it is to pour the beverage in a glass and add ice to keep it cold. You can also add a few drops of vanilla syrup and fresh cream to give the drink a more delicious taste. If you want to avoid the caffeine, you can always opt for any type of decaffeinated coffee.
Heat Resistance of Cups
When it comes to hot coffee, always keep in mind that not all cups can withstand the heat of the coffee. Especially paper and plastic cups as they are made of thin materials that are not designed to hold hot beverages for a long period of time. To prevent the drink from spilling, it is best to switch to reusable and durable containers such as a stainless steel mug.
Furthermore, if you want to keep the coffee hot for an extended period of time, the best option would be to place the beverage in a thermos. As thermos are designed to maintain the warmth of the beverage for several hours.
Health Benefits
Apart from being delicious, Starbucks coffee also contains several health benefits that may be beneficial for our bodies. Coffee is known to boost the metabolism, reduce risks of certain types of cancer, enhance cognitive performance and even reduce the risk of stroke.
Moreover, coffee is also packed with beneficial nutrients and antioxidants that can help protect our bodies from illnesses. As the antioxidants can help to reduce the levels of inflammation in our bodies and reduce the risk of developing any form of heart diseases.
Health Risks of Drinking Too Much Coffee
Despite all the benefits of drinking Starbucks coffee, it is important to keep in mind that too much of it can have a negative impact on our bodies. As too much caffeine can lead to fatigue, insomnia and migraines. Additionally, it can also increase the acidity in our stomachs, which can lead to ulcers and other digestive problems.
Therefore, it is important to be aware of how much coffee you are consuming and limit the servings to two or three cups per day. Moreover, if you want to cut back on your caffeine intake, you can switch to decaffeinated coffee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not recommended to reheat Starbucks coffee the next day as it can affect the flavor, aroma and make it unsafe to drink. To avoid such issues, it is better to store the beverage in a thermos. Additionally, drinking too much of it can be detrimental to health, so it is also important to be mindful of how much coffee you having.
