You just woke up from a long nap. Now, all you want is a delicious and creamy cup of coffee to awaken your senses. You hit the coffee brewer and reach for the coffee creamer that's been sitting on the kitchen counter since your last coffee session. To your dismay, the creamer smells a little off. Could it be that it has gone bad?
Does coffee creamer really go bad? Unfortunately, yes. Coffee creamer can easily go bad if not stored properly. In this article, we'll go over the shelf life of coffee creamer and answer some common questions:
- How long does coffee creamer last?
- How to store coffee creamer properly?
- What happens if you drink expired coffee creamer?
And more!
What Is Coffee Creamer?
Americans love their creamers. Simply put, a coffee creamer is a store-bought product in liquid or powdered form. It is commonly added to coffee and tea to substitute milk products like cream or half-and-half.
Coffee creamer comes in two versions- dairy and non-dairy. It is also available in various flavors, such as strawberry, chocolate, hazelnut, etc.
Coffee Creamer Shelf Life – How Long Does Coffee Creamer Last?
Generally, unopened liquid coffee creamer usually lasts for several weeks to a few months when stored properly. Once opened, it will have a typical shelf life of 7-14 days in the fridge.
Having said that, the answer to "how long does a coffee creamer last" ultimately depends on the type of creamer you're using:
First, let's talk about the most common type of creamer, i.e., dairy creamers. You'll find these in the refrigerated aisle of a store. All dairy-based creamers come with a best-before date and usually spoil faster than other creamers. That's because they're made with milk. Once opened, it will last for about 14 days in the fridge. However, once it passes the best-before date, it's best to discard them.
Next, we have non-dairy creamers with a relatively long shelf life. When stored properly, this type of creamer lasts up to a month. Once opened, you can use them for about ten days.
Finally, powdered creamers have the longest shelf life of up to two years at room temperature. Now, if you're wondering if powdered creamers go bad, the answer is no. Powdered creamers don't go bad per se. However, they start losing their quality and flavor once it passes the best-before date. Once opened, they should last for a few weeks when stored in an airtight container.
There's another type of coffee creamer that comes in little cups. These products also have a best-before date. So, make sure to check that before getting your hands on one. The shelf life of mini coffee creamer cups is about a year. Past their best-before date, they are considered safe for consumption for a month (if unopened).
How Long Do Individual Coffee Creamers Last?
Individual coffee creamers last anywhere between 6 and 12 months. You can still use them past their expiry dates, provided you store them properly. Just make sure to check for signs of spoilage before using it.
How Long Does The International Delight Creamer Last?
According to the company, International Delight Creamer will last 5-7 days after opening. The company also recommends not consuming the product once it passes the expiration date for quality purposes.
How Long Do Plant-Based Creamers Last?
Plant-based or non-dairy creamers like almond, oat, soy, or coconut creamers generally have the same shelf life. They last for about 3-6 months on the shelf if unopened. Once opened, they will last up to 10 days in the fridge.
How Long Does Nestle Coffee-Mate Creamer Last In The Fridge?
Coffee-Mate creamer from Nestle is perhaps one of the most popular coffee creamers out there. All products come with a use-by date stamped on the container. However, unopened Coffee-Mate creamer lasts for 5-7 days beyond the printed date when refrigerated. As for their powdered version, they have a shelf life of 2-4 months past the printed date.
Once opened, liquid Coffee-Mate will last for 2-3 weeks in the fridge, and powdered Coffee-Mate will last for 1-2 months at room temperature.
How To Tell If Coffee Creamer Has Gone Bad?
The above answers on how long a coffee creamer lasts are largely based on personal experiences and what most consumers generally follow. However, it can slightly vary depending on many factors such as the brand, best-before date, storage, how it was handled during use, etc. But the good news is that all it takes is common sense to tell if your creamer is still safe for consumption. How? By looking for signs of spoilage:
Give It A Quick Sniff
All you'll ever need is your sense of smell, sight, and taste to tell if your coffee creamer has gone bad; no fancy equipment requires it.
Firstly, check for signs of coffee creamer spoilage by smelling it. Rancid coffee creamer will smell sour and odd.
Examine It
If you are still unsure of your coffee creamer's quality, pour some into a clear glass to give it a sight check. Coffee creamer that has clumps or appears curdled means it is time to toss it in the trash.
Give It A Taste
A surefire way to confirm if your creamer has gone bad is to taste it. We don't need to describe exactly what bad creamer tastes like. You'll know when it hits your tongue. Familiar with the flavor of fresh creamer? So, if it tastes any different (usually sour), it's no longer safe for consumption.
How To Store Coffee Creamer Properly To Extend Its Shelf Life?
The only way to extend your coffee creamer's shelf life is with proper storage. This way, you can even use it past its best-before date. Here's how to do it:
Proper Storage Tips For Liquid Dairy or Non-Dairy Coffee Creamers
- Always refrigerate the creamer once opened. The ideal fridge temperature for storing liquid coffee creamer is 33°F – 40°F. It's fine if you can't maintain this temperature, considering you might have to think about other food items in the fridge. But, in any case, don't freeze the creamer, as it can spoil its quality and texture.
- Make sure to tightly seal the package.
- For some unopened non-dairy creamers, you can store them at room temperature in your pantry. You'll usually find them sitting out on the shelves at the stores too. But once opened, refrigeration is a must.
- Don't let it sit out for too long when you take it out of the fridge for use.
Proper Storage Tips For Powdered Coffee Creamer
- Always store powdered coffee creamer in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Don't store them together with other foods that have strong odors.
What Happens If You Drink Expired Coffee Creamer?
If you or a loved one accidentally drinks some expired coffee creamer, there's no need to panic. But be warned: this is only when you consume a small amount of the expired product. You might experience mild stomach ache, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or nausea, but they will gradually pass with time.
If the symptoms don't go away within 24 hours, it's best to check with a doctor. On the other hand, if you drink a coffee creamer that's way past its expiry date or consume too much of it, you may get very sick. In rare cases, it could even cause food poisoning. So, be sure to visit the nearest doctor immediately.
Wrapping Up
Coffee creamers are very popular and loved all around the world. It can take any regular cup of coffee or tea to a whole new level of deliciousness and creaminess. However, as familiar as you are with its flavor and potential, you should also be aware of its shelf life, proper storage methods, and signs of spoilage for quality and health reasons. And we hope our article has helped you learn just that!
FAQs
Does Coffee Creamer Go Bad In Coffee?
Yes, coffee creamer can go bad in coffee. It can degrade the taste and texture of your favorite brew. In fact, if you end up using an expired or rancid creamer, it could even lead to health issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomachache.
How Long Can Coffee Creamers Sit Out?
Once opened, coffee creamer can sit out for a maximum of 2 hours.
Does Coffee Creamer Need To Be Refrigerated?
Yes, coffee creamers need to be refrigerated once opened. In the case of liquid dairy coffee creamers, you must store them in the fridge at all times.
