If you’ve ever wondered how long your favorite drinks last, you’re not alone. The good news is that most foods are safe to eat for several days after they’re prepared. This includes coffee—and its most popular form, iced coffee! If you have some leftovers, you may wonder how long you can keep iced coffee in the fridge before it goes bad.
Iced coffee can stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure that it is stored in an airtight container or cup with a sealable lid. This will help prevent air from making the iced coffee stale. In addition, remove any ice before storing them in the fridge so that it doesn’t melt and dilute the taste of the drink.
How Long Does Iced Coffee Last at Room Temperature?
Your iced coffee will last up until 24 hours after brewing (24 hours is the maximum recommended time for storing hot beverages). This means that if you brew a batch right before bedtime and drink several glasses over the course of a few hours throughout your sleep-over party next door, chances are no one will get sick from drinking it—but don’t plan on enjoying your cold beverage later than this point.
How to Tell if Iced Coffee Has Gone Bad
To determine if your iced coffee has gone bad, look for signs of mold or discoloration. If you notice a white substance on top of the coffee, don’t worry—that’s just ice crystals that have melted.
Next, check the expiration date on the package. If it’s still good and you’re ready to drink it before that date arrives, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge until you are ready to enjoy it again!
Finally, smell your coffee before taking a sip (or sip when smelling). If there’s no aroma coming from your beverage but everything else looks okay then go ahead and try some! If something smells off though then toss out any contents left inside containers since they could be spoiled too by now due to bacteria growth.
Tips To Keep Iced Coffee Last Longer in the Fridge
- Refrigerate your iced coffee immediately. The best way to keep your iced coffee for as long as possible is to store it in the refrigerator. Avoid keeping it out at room temperature before refrigerating.
- Store in an airtight container or bag. If you have a reusable plastic container, transfer your iced coffee into that sealable jar when you get home from work or the grocery store (or wherever). If not, try using a resealable plastic bag instead—just be sure not to spill any while pouring it!
- Avoid storing near warm or hot foods. Hot foods can melt ice and cause condensation on cold items like your iced coffee, which will dilute the flavor of both products by mixing them together inside one cup after they’re chilled again later on down the road!
Conclusion
Now that you know how long iced coffee lasts and how to keep it from going bad, you can enjoy your favorite drink for longer. Just remember that when stored in the fridge, it’s best to consume the iced coffee within 3-4 days of making it.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
