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How Long Does Iced Coffee Last In The Fridge?

Will Beck
Last Updated: February 28th, 2023

Coffee is the most popular drink in many countries around the world. Countless forms of coffee and coffee drinks vary in flavor and strength.

However, one of the most popular ways of preparing coffee is to drink it iced!

If you’re anything like me, drinking an entire iced coffee in one sitting can be tough. That’s why I usually pop it in the fridge for later.

But wait a second! How long does iced coffee last in the fridge? Will it go bad if I leave it too long?

Well, if you want to know the answer to these questions, keep reading. Here’s everything you need to know about storing your iced coffee for later.

How Long Do Coffee Grounds Last

If we’re talking about coffee grounds, you can technically store it for years.

Ground coffee won’t go moldy (as long as it’s kept dry) and it won’t develop any harmful properties, either. In other words, if you find a package of coffee sitting in the back of your cupboard, you can technically still drink it.

coffee grounds

Now, that’s not to say that you should drink it. Make sure to use your best judgment to keep yourself safe and healthy.

Another thing to know is that even though coffee doesn’t necessarily spoil very quickly, it can definitely lose its aroma.

When coffee comes into contact with oxygen (in other words, every time you open the bag or container) a process called oxidation occurs.

During oxidation, both the flavor and the aroma of the coffee start to dissipate. By the time two weeks are up, your coffee beans aren’t likely to have much flavor left!

How Long Does Brewed Coffee Last

If we’re talking about coffee that’s already been brewed, things look a little different. Brewed coffee will typically last for just a few hours if left out at room temperature.

If you store it in the fridge, it can last anywhere from three days to two weeks. However, the longer you leave the coffee in the fridge, the sharper and sourer the flavor will become.

brewed coffee

Iced coffee with milk in it has a much shorter shelf-life. For those who typically add milk to their iced coffee, you can only store it for about two days in the refrigerator.

That’s true regardless of whether the brewed coffee is iced or hot!

Tips for Storing Your Coffee for Longer

The good news is that if you’re storing iced coffee, there are a couple of things you can do to make sure it lasts a bit longer.

For one thing, you should make sure you store the iced coffee in an airtight container. Using a sealed container helps preserve the aroma of the coffee, and therefore the flavor.

On top of that, you should try to keep the coffee out of sunlight. Luckily, in the fridge, the light goes out as soon as you shut the door. That way, you don’t have to worry about the quality dissipating too much.

Another pro tip for storing your iced coffee is to avoid removing it from the fridge as much as possible.

If you’re going to take the coffee out of the fridge, make sure to drink it all in one sitting. Repeatedly storing the coffee can also cause the flavor to diminish.

How Long Does Iced Coffee Last In The Fridge? – FAQ’s

Do you have a few more questions about leaving iced coffee in the fridge?

We’ve got your back. Here are the answers to a couple of frequently asked questions about storing iced coffee.

Is It Possible to Leave Iced Coffee at Room Temperature?

No. If you leave iced coffee out of the refrigerator, it will lose its flavor and turn bitter. On top of that iced coffee with milk or sugar will spoil if left out of the fridge for more than two hours.

Can Boiled Coffee Spoil?

Just like most foods, brewed coffee can spoil just like iced coffee. However, it usually takes at least a couple of days for a cup of hot-brewed coffee to go bad.

How Long Does Ground Coffee Last?

If you haven’t brewed your coffee yet, you might want to know how long the grounds will last. Grounds left out at room temperature will last just 1-2 weeks. In the freezer, however, it will last for about 1 month.

Final Thoughts

In short, iced coffee in the fridge lasts for a couple of weeks before it turns sour, aromaless, and tasteless.

If you want to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, it’s best to just drink it straight away. That way, you don’t run the risk of the coffee losing its flavor!

Next time you order an iced coffee at your local coffee shop, take the time to sip and savor it. Enjoy it while it’s fresh and put your refrigeration worries behind you.

About The Author

Will Beck

Will is a true digital nomad, taking his work on the road at every opportunity. His first love is coffee, with whiskey a close 2nd. He loves nothing more than enjoying a perfectly brewed coffee with spectacular scenery whilst he coordinates behind the scenes of the Drink Stack blog!

Just so you know, if you click on a product on DrinkStack.com and decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.


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