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How Long Does Cold Brew Coffee Last In The Fridge?

Unlike hot or iced coffee that usually starts to lose its flavor quality after about 30 minutes, cold brew coffee is good for a much longer period of time. However, you have to know how to properly store your cold brew in the fridge and what signs to watch out for so you know when to throw it away. Keep reading to learn more.

How Long Is Homemade Cold Brew Good For?

Do you make your own coffee concentrate at home using a cold brew coffee maker like the Toddy? Generally speaking, homemade cold brew is good for up to 2 weeks. However, for the best taste you’ll want to drink it during the first 7 to 10 days. After that the flavor quality may start to degrade, especially if you did not use freshly ground coffee beans.

How To Know If Your Cold Brew Has Gone Bad?

I would strongly advise against drinking the cold brew if you notice any of the following:

  • The coffee aroma disappears or is significantly weaker
  • An unusual smell or odor develops
  • There is a loss of flavor
  • An unusual flavor develops (acidic, sour, stale, bitter or otherwise bad)
  • There is mold developing on the lid, in the container or on top of the liquid

How To Extend The Shelf Life Of Your Coffee Concentrate

Don’t Add Anything To It

Don’t add water to the coffee concentrate you want to store in the fridge; leave it undiluted. Once you add water, the cold brew will only stay fresh for 2 to 3 days refrigerated. Only add water to the portion of the concentrate you want to drink that day. The same goes for milk, cream, sugars, syrups and any other add-ins.

Store In An Air-Tight Container

Store the brew in an airtight container with a firmly tight lid or seal. Never store it in an open or loosely sealed container as oxygen will enter and speed up the degradation. A glass container will provide better protection than a plastic one since they can have a tighter seal.

Divvy Up The Concentrate Into Multiple Containers

If you have multiple small airtight containers, like mason jars, consider splitting up your concentrate into multiple containers. Opening and then resealing a container exposes the coffee to oxygen. By dividing up the cold brew, you’ll prevent exposing more of it to oxygen until you are ready to use it.

Keep It In the Fridge

Store the container(s) in the refrigerator. Don’t leave them out at room temperature.

Freezing

Some people use cold brew to make coffee ice cubes that they then defrost when they are ready to drink them. Some people may notice that it tastes a little different since freezing can affect some of the chemical properties.

How Long Does Store Bought Cold Brew Last?

Many coffee brands like Starbucks have started offering ready to drink cold brew coffee in large bottles at grocery stores. These typically have some preservatives to keep them fresh until the sell by or expiration date. However, once you open one of these bottles, you typically need to keep it in the fridge and consume it within 7 days. The Wandering Bear brand is an exception as it uses a bag in box format that helps it stay fresh for 30 days.

What To Do With Expired Coffee Concentrate?

If you notice mold on your coffee, you should just throw it away. However, if you don’t see mold you can use it to feed some of your plants.

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