Do you love cold brew coffee? Then you’re in luck it’s a delicious and refreshing summertime favorite.
But have you ever wondered how long cold brew lasts unrefrigerated? If youre curious about the shelf life of cold brew, youll be surprised by the answer.
In this article, well explore the differences between cold brew and regular coffee, and the factors that can affect the shelf life of cold brew.
Plus, learn the benefits of refrigerating cold brew, how to properly store it, and what happens when cold brew coffee goes bad.
Get ready to find out the surprising answer to how long cold brew lasts unrefrigerated!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Cold brew can last unrefrigerated for up to 12 hours if stored at room temperature.
After the 12 hour mark, the cold brew should be refrigerated and will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
However, for optimal freshness, it is best to consume cold brew within the first 12 hours of making it.
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew coffee is a unique and flavorful way to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Unlike traditional coffee, cold brew is brewed slowly over a period of several hours using cold or room temperature water.
This results in a coffee concentrate that is smooth, less acidic, and full of subtle flavor notes.
Cold brew coffee is also quite versatile, as it can be used to make hot coffee, iced coffee, or even cocktails.
While cold brew is popular for its convenience and flavor, many people wonder how long it can last unrefrigerated.
How is Cold Brew Different?
Cold brew coffee is a unique and delicious way to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Unlike traditional brewing methods, cold brew coffee is brewed by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for an extended period of time.
This unique method of brewing results in a smoother and less acidic cup of coffee than the typical hot brewed version.
While the cold brewing process may take longer, the resulting flavor is worth the wait.
Cold brew coffee can also be stored for longer periods of time without losing its flavor or quality.
This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy their favorite cup of coffee without having to wait for it to brew.
How Long Does Cold Brew Last Unrefrigerated?
When it comes to cold brew, the answer to the question how long does it last unrefrigerated? is not as straightforward as it may seem.
Generally speaking, cold brew coffee can last up to a week unrefrigerated if it is stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
However, this timeline is subject to change depending on a few factors.
First, the quality of the coffee itself affects the shelf life of cold brew.
If the coffee used to make the cold brew is of a lower quality, it can spoil more quickly and lose its flavor faster than if it were made with higher quality beans.
Similarly, the brewing method can also affect the shelf life of cold brew.
If the brew is made with hot water, it will likely not last as long as if it were made with cold water.
It is also important to consider the temperature and humidity of the environment the cold brew is stored in.
If the cold brew is stored in an area that is too warm or humid, it will spoil and lose its flavor more quickly than if it were stored in a cool, dry place.
Finally, the type of container the cold brew is stored in can also affect its shelf life.
Glass or stainless steel containers are best for storing cold brew as they keep it fresh for longer periods of time.
Plastic containers, on the other hand, can cause cold brew to spoil faster due to the nature of their material.
For these reasons, it is best to store cold brew in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days for the best taste.
This will help to ensure that the flavor of the cold brew is preserved and that it is safe to consume.
Factors Affecting the Shelf Life of Cold Brew Coffee
When it comes to cold brew coffee, it is important to understand what factors affect the shelf life of this beverage.
Temperature is the most important factor, as cold brew coffee should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Additionally, the container that the cold brew is stored in should be airtight to prevent oxidation, which can cause the coffee to go bad quickly.
The amount of oxygen present also plays a role in how long the coffee can last unrefrigerated.
Oxygen accelerates the degradation process and can make the coffee spoil faster.
Lastly, the type of coffee you choose is also important and affects the shelf life of cold brew coffee.
Darker roasts are more acidic, and therefore will spoil more quickly when left unrefrigerated.
Lighter roasts, on the other hand, are less acidic and can last longer unrefrigerated.
Benefits of Refrigerating Cold Brew Coffee
When it comes to cold brew coffee, refrigeration is key.
Refrigerating your cold brew coffee can help keep it fresh, flavorful, and delicious for a longer period of time than if it was left unrefrigerated.
Cold brew coffee that has been refrigerated can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container.
This extended shelf life means you can enjoy your favorite cold brew coffee for much longer than if it was left unrefrigerated.
Refrigerating your cold brew coffee also helps to preserve its flavor.
Cold brew coffee is known for its smooth, rich flavor, and refrigerating it helps to keep that flavor intact.
Refrigeration also helps to slow the oxidation process, which can cause the flavor of your coffee to become stale and unpalatable over time.
Finally, refrigerating your cold brew coffee can help to keep it safe to consume.
Bacteria and other microorganisms grow quickly in warm, moist environments, and leaving cold brew coffee unrefrigerated can encourage the growth of these.
Refrigerating your cold brew coffee can help to slow down the growth of these microorganisms, keeping your coffee fresher and safer to consume.
How to Store Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is a great way to enjoy a cup of coffee without having to wait for it to brew, but it is important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful.
To store cold brew coffee unrefrigerated, it should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
This will help keep the coffee fresh and prevent it from spoiling.
It is also important to remember to not leave the coffee out in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can cause it to spoil more quickly.
Seal the container tightly and store it in a pantry or cupboard away from any direct heat sources.
To ensure the coffee stays fresh and flavorful for longer, consider storing it in the refrigerator.
This will help keep it fresh and preserve its flavor for longer.
Cold brew coffee should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container and consumed within a few days for the best taste.
Additionally, be sure to periodically check the container for signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or visible mold.
If the coffee has been stored properly and is not showing signs of spoilage, it should still be safe to consume.
What Happens When Cold Brew Coffee Goes Bad?
When cold brew coffee goes bad, it can lose its flavor, aroma, and nutritional benefits.
The flavor may turn bitter, and the aroma can become musty.
This is due to the oxidation process that occurs when coffee is exposed to air.
As the coffee sits out at room temperature, the beans start to break down, resulting in a loss of flavor and aroma.
Additionally, the nutritional benefits of the coffee may be reduced as well.
Cold brew coffee is higher in antioxidants than regular coffee, but when left unrefrigerated for too long, these beneficial compounds can degrade, leaving you with a less nutritious cup of coffee.
To keep cold brew coffee tasting its best and preserve its nutritional benefits, it is best to store it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.
Final Thoughts
Cold brew coffee is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a cup of coffee without having to wait for it to brew.
Knowing how long cold brew lasts unrefrigerated and the factors that affect its shelf life are important to make sure you enjoy the best cup of coffee possible.
Generally, cold brew can last up to a week unrefrigerated as long as it is stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
To ensure the best flavor and quality, it is best to store cold brew coffee in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.
Now that you know the surprising answer to how long cold brew lasts unrefrigerated, you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee anytime.