Does Coffee Lose Its Caffeine When Refrigerated? Pro Storage Tips

Put any leftover coffee in the refrigerator, and you can enjoy it later safely. However, this storage method will change the taste of your drink to some extent.

Some people may ask, “Does coffee lose its caffeine when refrigerated?” If you have the same question, this article must be what you are looking for.

We will explain how caffeine works when cooled. You can also learn extra tips to store your leftover drink. Let’s read on to discover!

Does Coffee Lose Its Caffeine When Refrigerated?

No, refrigerating coffee does not lower its caffeine content. Coffee’s flavor and quality might, though, change due to refrigeration.

The technique and duration of brewing, along with the kind of beans and roast, determine the caffeine content in coffee.

Because caffeine is a stable chemical, it won’t degrade in cold environments. Even when the coffee is past its expiry, the caffeine content remains.

How long can caffeine last?

Caffeine is harsh and won’t easily vanish. Brewed coffee can retain its caffeine almost forever. When consumed in your body, caffeine can work for up to six hours.

It means that when you drink about 100 mg of caffeine, there will be about 50 mg in your body after six hours.

The exact duration often depends on the brewing method, the potency of the beans, and how you roast them.

What happens if you refrigerate your coffee?

The caffeine content in coffee won’t sublimate or evaporate. However, the oils will degrade with time. This process doesn’t harm you but will change your drink’s strength and taste.

You may also notice other aromas and tastes in your coffee, especially when you store it with other foods. The container’s smell affects its flavor, too.

Will Brewed Coffee Go Bad In The Refrigerator?

Why does refrigerated coffee taste different than fresh coffee? Oxidation is the cause of the change in your beverage’s flavor and aroma.

Unfortunately, oxidation is a chemical process that starts as soon as you open the coffee packaging and expose it to the air. This process continues even when you put your java in the refrigerator.

The difference is that the low temperature in your refrigerator slows down oxidation. The process will occur more slowly if you store your coffee in an airtight container, preventing air from leaking inside.

If you want to enjoy the best taste of your brewed coffee, drink it within a week. You may observe how your beverage goes bad if you leave it in the refrigerator for ten days.

The type of java you use may also affect how quickly it goes bad and how soon you see the oils changing. The aroma will turn unpleasant, too.

How Long Does Caffeine Last in the Fridge?

Caffeine stored in the refrigerator has the same lifespan as your java. In fact, it may outlast other ingredients in your drink because it’s a tough chemical.

However, as you can guess, caffeine is not the only thing you get from a cup of coffee. You may add other ingredients, such as water and sugar. The ground coffee itself is already a problem.

As a result, although caffeine can last forever, we don’t advise sipping coffee when it tastes strange because of oxidation.

So how long can brewed coffee last? It’s good to consume your refrigerated java within one or two days. So you can brew it in the evening and enjoy it the next morning.

Meanwhile, some people store coffee in the refrigerator for five days, while others go for a whole week. You can drink it safely if there isn’t any spoilage sign.

Can You Refrigerate Coffee And Reheat It?

Yes, you can. However, since you will experience a flavor change, it depends on your preference to determine if reheating the refrigerated coffee is a good idea.

It would be best to heat the cooled coffee over low or medium temperatures. This method allows you to slow down chemical processes that affect the flavor.

Besides, do not boil the java unless you like the burnt taste. Instead, just heat it until you start to see the steam. This state is perfect timing to stop reheating the beverage.

There are two ways to reheat coffee: on the stovetop and in the microwave. Many people prefer the stovetop because they can control the temperature and time better.

To reheat coffee on the gas stove, pour the refrigerated coffee into a stainless steel pot and heat it to a low temperature. Keep stirring thoroughly so the heat can distribute evenly.

If you choose the microwave, place your cup of coffee inside the equipment and set the power level to two levels below its default. Your coffee can heat normally then.

The microwaving time to reheat coffee depends on how much liquid you have in the cup. If you want to heat a full cup, set the timing to 45 seconds.

If your java hasn’t reached the right temperature, wait for about 30 seconds for it to cool down and microwave it again.

This video discusses different ways to reheat coffee. Please check to choose the best way:

How To Store Brewed Coffee?

The caffeine content in your coffee won’t change despite the cool temperatures. Hence, you can store the leftover java in the fridge or freezer.

In the fridge

Storing coffee in the refrigerator is convenient, but it can change the aroma and flavor of your drink. To minimize the change, please follow these steps.

• Step 1: Allow the coffee to cool down

Your coffee should cool to room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. Moreover, this step ensures it won’t warm up the contents in your refrigerator.

• Step 2: Pour coffee into an airtight container

Air will encourage oxidation. Hence, you need to pour your brewed coffee into a clean and airtight container, such as a glass jar or a container with a tight lid.

Many people make the mistake of using containers with headspace to store coffee. Avoid it because it will cause your coffee to turn stale quickly.

• Step 3: Put the container in the fridge

Store your java in the main compartment of the fridge. Separate it from strong-smelling contents, like garlic and onions, to preserve its aroma.

In the freezer

If you want to store coffee for a long time, consider freezing it. The instructions are as follows:

• Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature.
• Pour it into a freezer-safe container. Unlike the previous method, you should leave headspace in the container for expansion when the drink starts to freeze.
• Mark the date of storage and type of coffee.
• If you want to serve frozen coffee, defrost it at room temperature first. Otherwise, microwave or heat it on the stovetop to save time.

Conclusion

Even when refrigerated, coffee won’t lose its caffeine. This tough chemical can last forever, but it doesn’t mean you can keep your drink in the refrigerator for too long.

Please note that the flavor and aroma of coffee will change over time due to oxidation. Hence, ensure to store it in an airtight container to avoid air from leaking inside.

Thank you for reading!