All About Coffee
Your complete guide to coffee - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Coffee Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for coffee in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Brewed Coffee (refrigerated)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or fermented smell, noticeably bitter or metallic taste, visible mold (rare but possible with prolonged storage), cloudy appearance, or unusual sediment.
How to Check
Conduct a smell test for any sour, fermented, or 'off' odors. Visually check for mold growth, cloudiness, or unusual separation. A small taste test (if smell and visual are okay) will confirm if the flavor has turned bitter, stale, or unpleasant.
Storage Tips
Store in a clean, airtight container to prevent absorption of other food odors and to minimize oxidation, which affects flavor. While safe for 3-5 days, the peak flavor and aroma significantly diminish after 1-2 days.
Brewed Coffee (frozen)3-6 months
Signs of Spoilage
Loss of flavor and aroma, diluted taste after thawing, freezer burn (visible ice crystals, especially if not tightly sealed). Safety-wise, it remains good indefinitely, but quality degrades.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive ice crystals or signs of freezer burn. After thawing and reheating, taste for a dull, watery, or 'freezer-burnt' flavor. It won't typically show signs of 'spoilage' in the traditional sense.
Storage Tips
Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portioning, then transfer cubes to an airtight freezer bag or container. Ideal for iced coffee, smoothies, or cooking, as some flavor nuances may be lost during freezing and thawing.
Opened Ready-To-Drink (RTD) Coffee Beverage (refrigerator)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or fermented smell, visible mold, significant separation or clumping (especially if it contains dairy/cream), unusually bitter or unpleasant taste.
How to Check
Conduct a smell test for any sour, fermented, or 'off' odors. Visually inspect for mold growth, unusual texture, or separation. If smell and visual are acceptable, a small taste test will reveal if the flavor has deteriorated.
Storage Tips
Re-seal the container tightly after each use. Consume quickly, especially if the beverage contains milk, cream, or other dairy products, as these can spoil faster.
Freshly Brewed Coffee (at room temperature)2-4 hours
Signs of Spoilage
Sour or stale smell, noticeably bitter or acrid taste, cloudy appearance, slight film on the surface (in later stages).
How to Check
Perform a smell test; if it smells sour, burnt, or 'off', discard it. Visually inspect for cloudiness or any surface film. A taste test (if smell and visual are acceptable) will reveal significant bitterness or an unpleasant flavor.
Storage Tips
Quality degrades rapidly. For food safety, it's best to consume brewed coffee within 2 hours at room temperature, especially if it contains milk or sugar, as bacterial growth can occur quickly.
Unopened Ready-To-Drink (RTD) Coffee Beverage (pantry/refrigerator)Up to 'Best By' or 'Expiration' date + 1-3 months (if shelf-stable); Up to 'Best By' or 'Expiration' date (if always refrigerated)
Signs of Spoilage
Swollen or bulging container, leaking, visible mold (if clear packaging), unusual sediment or separation, 'off' or fermented smell upon opening, sour or rancid taste.
How to Check
Always check the 'Best By' or 'Expiration' date. Inspect the packaging for any damage, swelling, or leaks. Upon opening, perform a smell test for any 'off' odors and visually check for mold or unusual consistency. Do not taste if any of these signs are present.
Storage Tips
Shelf-stable RTD coffees should be stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigerated RTD coffees must be kept in the refrigerator. Follow manufacturer's instructions for optimal quality and safety.
Unopened Liquid Coffee Concentrate (pantry/refrigerator)Up to 'Best By' or 'Expiration' date + 1-3 months (if shelf-stable); Up to 'Best By' or 'Expiration' date (if always refrigerated)
Signs of Spoilage
Swollen or bulging container, leaking, unusual sediment or cloudiness, 'off' or fermented smell upon opening, sour or rancid taste.
How to Check
Check the 'Best By' or 'Expiration' date. Inspect packaging for damage, swelling, or leaks. Upon opening, perform a smell test for any 'off' odors and visually check for unusual consistency or sediment. Do not taste if any of these signs are present.
Storage Tips
Follow manufacturer's specific storage instructions, as some concentrates are shelf-stable until opened, while others require constant refrigeration. Store in a cool, dark place if shelf-stable.
Opened Liquid Coffee Concentrate (refrigerator)1-2 weeks (check manufacturer's specific recommendations, as this can vary)
Signs of Spoilage
Fermented, sour, or 'off' smell, visible mold, significant cloudiness or unusual sediment, change in texture (e.g., thickening or thinning).
How to Check
Conduct a smell test for any fermented, sour, or 'off' odors. Visually inspect for mold growth, cloudiness, or changes in consistency. If smell and visual are acceptable, a small taste test will confirm if the flavor has turned unpleasant.
Storage Tips
Keep tightly sealed in the refrigerator after each use. Manufacturer's guidelines are particularly important for concentrates due to varying formulations and preservation methods. Some high-sugar concentrates might last longer, but 1-2 weeks is a safe general guideline.