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Cold brews are strong, convenient, and easy to make yourself at home.
Unfortunately, just like any other edible food, cold brew can spoil, so before you go and brew a big batch, you need to know how long you can keep it.
So, how long does cold brew last? It can be anywhere from 1 hour to 1 year, depending on how you're storing it.
In this guide, I'll explain exactly how long it should last, and share some useful tips on how to keep your coffee delicious and fresh for longer.
How Long Is Cold Brew Coffee Good For?
Homemade cold brew coffee can last 2-14 days, but store-bought cold brew coffee can last over 6 months if it remains unopened.
Fresh cold brew is amazing, but drinking cold brew that's been stored for too long is not good for you.
Just like other food, regular cold brew coffee will start to break down over time, and while you might not see any mold, there will be bacteria gathering on the surface.
It will also begin to taste and smell very bad.
This change happens as the coffee particles start to break down, mostly due to oxidation. Oxidation is the process of food and drink going stale, and it even happens to coffee.[1]
So, how long does cold brew last? Here’s a quick breakdown of the cold brew shelf life in different situations:
In The Fridge
If you're storing cold brew coffee in the refrigerator, it should last 2-3 days. After this point, the taste will deteriorate until it's very unpleasant to drink.
Temperature is the key to safely storing food for long periods of time.[2]
When you store cold brew coffee in colder temperatures, it prevents oxidation from taking place and slows the natural deterioration caused by enzymes.
Fridge storage prevents the beans from breaking down, preserving the taste and keeping it flavorful for longer.
You can also freeze cold brew coffee concentrate into ice cubes and it will last up to 2 months.
Left Out Of The Fridge
How long does cold brew last when it’s not refrigerated at all?
Cold brew coffee left out of the fridge will only last a few hours.
The hotter the temperature, the quicker it will go bad.
Without colder conditions to slow the breakdown of the coffee beans and it will start to taste stale very quickly. If you're brewing a batch and don't have room to keep your leftover coffee, then you should throw it out.
Cold Brew Concentrate
This concentrated form of cold brew gives it a higher flavor stability and longer shelf life. The exact lifespan of the undiluted concentrate will depend on whether it's fresh or store-bought.
Store-bought concentrate usually has a shelf life of about a year, but this will only apply while it's in a sealed, closed-top container.
Once it's opened, it will usually only last 1-2 weeks before it starts to spoil.
How long does cold brew last if you make your own concentrate?
Homemade concentrate will usually stay fresh for up to two weeks if it’s kept in the fridge.
The flavor will usually start to deteriorate after about a week, but only true coffee enthusiasts will be able to tell the difference.
When Bought From Starbucks
A freshly made cold brew from Starbucks will last 2-3 days if it’s kept in the refrigerator.
At room temperature, it will start to go bad after just a few hours.
A pre-made Starbucks bottled cold brew concentrate will last 6-12 months, but when opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and consumed within 14 days.
After this point, the freshness and flavor profiles will be impacted, leaving you with a less-than-delicious brew.
Why Does Cold Brew Last Longer?
Cold brew will keep for longer than regular hot coffee because it’s made with cold water.
When hot water is added to ground coffee beans to make a fresh cup of regular coffee, it causes the coffee to release quinic acid.[3]
Quinic acid is what gives the coffee drink the distinct taste and smell, but it also encourages oxidation. This can cause regular coffee to break down more quickly.
Cold brewing involves no heat, just room temperature water. This means that there is less degradation of the beans and less quinic acid is released, resulting in a longer shelf life.
How To Extend The Shelf Life Of Cold Brew (4 Tips)
1. Type Of Storage Container (Less Air Exposure)
Oxidation, as the name suggests, is caused by oxygen.[4] If you limit the amount of air that can get to the coffee, then you'll keep it fresher for longer.
The best way to do this is to use an airtight container to store your brewed coffee.
Many people use mason jars that can be fully sealed, but other glass containers also work well. A French press can also be used to make your own cold brew and store it afterwards.
A glass container is best for the cold brew process and subsequent storage as it will preserve the brew without impacting the flavor.
2. Have The Right Temperature
Edible food and drink go bad or moldy because it's being broken down by enzymes at a molecular level. In colder conditions, these enzymes slow down, and the process of coffee 'going bad' takes longer.
No coffee stays fresh forever, but storing it in a fridge will extend the lifespan of the drink. You can even use a freezer or ice bath to keep it even colder and fresher for longer.
3. Coffee Quality Matters
Storage matters, but true coffee experts know that the quality of the coffee used in the brewing process will impact how long it stays fresh.
Look for reputable brands like Starbucks, Caribou, or La Colombe when making cold brew and compare the shelf life of their grounds because this will influence how long coffee lasts.
Whole coffee beans last longer, but once you grind them, the clock starts ticking.
It's best practice to use the coffee grounds for brewing as soon as possible and then store the coffee in a glass container in the fridge immediately afterwards.
4. Dilution When Prepared
Even a cup of cold brew has a big caffeine kick, but you can make cold brew with more plain water to dilute it and make it easier to drink.
The more diluted your cold brew is, the quicker it will go bad, so it’s important to consider the water ratio.
In most cases, you’re better off making smaller batches of concentrated cold brew and storing it for longer. A large batch of diluted cold brew is great for drinking immediately, but won’t last as long.
Cold Brew Vs Iced Coffee: Which Lasts Longer?
Cold brews lasts longer than iced coffee, but iced coffee lasts longer than hot coffee.
Iced coffee is generally just regular brewed coffee that's been through a cooling process.
It's therefore more prone to going bad quickly as the the quinic acid and chemicals found in regular hot coffee are also found in iced coffee.
The cold temperatures will slow the process, though, so it will last in the fridge for 2-3 days.
In comparison, when you make cold brews, there's no hot water in the process at all, so it won't go bad as quickly. This makes it the best option for those who frequently drink chilled coffee and want it to last longer.
FAQs
How does milk, cream, or sugar affect the shelf life of cold brew?
Milk, cream, sugar, or even extra water will decrease the shelf life because they go bad more quickly. It’s best to leave your filtered cold brew refrigerated and only add extras when you’re ready to drink it.
Can I drink 3-day-old cold brew?
If the cold brew has been kept chilled, then it should still be fine to drink for 3-4 days. If you notice any signs that it's gone bad (rancid smell, sour taste) stop drinking it immediately.
Does cold brew get stronger the longer it sits?
No, the longer you steep cold brew the stronger it gets, but the longer you leave it once it's brewed, the weaker it will become.
How long should I let my cold brew steep?
Cold brews should be steeped for 12-24 hours. The longer you let it steep, the stronger it will be.
How long does nitro cold brew last?
A sealed nitro brew should last over a year. It's basically carbonated but with nitrogen instead of carbon dioxide, so after this point, it will begin to go flat.
Conclusion
Cold brews are smooth, delicious, and pack a big caffeine hit.
Regular cold brew will typically last 3-4 days in colder temperatures, and a concentrate will last up to 2 weeks (though you may prefer to drink it in the first week before the flavor diminishes).
Hopefully, this guide has helped to explain how long cold brew lasts and given you some advice to keep your morning brew fresher for longer.
References:
1. https://www.goicona.com/what-is-oxidation-2/
2. https://www.foodhygienecompany.co.uk/food-hygiene/food-temperature-guidelines/
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/quinic-acid
4. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxidation-in-chemistry-605456
