What You Should Consider Before Storing Leftover Brewed Coffee

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world. According to the National Coffee Association, 70% of Americans have a cup every week, while 62% need a cup of java every day. We know what you are wondering: What does that 70% drink the rest of the week to get their giddy-up and go? It's an excellent question, especially when you consider, on average, that those who do drink coffee on a daily basis drink a little more than 3 cups a day.

PBS reports that people have been drinking coffee since at least the 13th century, when the Muslim community used it to help keep the energy flowing during long prayer sessions. The news site further reveals that coffee didn't find its way to the U.S. until the 18th century. Its star rose to prominence after the Boston Tea Party, but more as a protest of the British rather than a love of the brew. Today, there are a vast number of different types of coffee drinks and even more purveyors of this morning starter. 

While coffee often tastes better at a cafe than it does at home, per the Apartment List, it is much cheaper to brew your coffee at home, especially if you are a regular drinker. However, what if you want to save time in the morning and make enough coffee for a week? Can you store it for later use? Here's what you should consider before storing leftover brewed coffee.

According to the Hiline Coffee Company, if you want to store your brewed coffee for later use, you can easily accomplish this. You will need an airtight container to help preserve its flavor and to keep any other refrigerator flavors out. The company recommends something made of glass so the coffee flavor doesn't become a permanent part of what you are storing it in; however, the coffee site also notes you can use plastic but just have a designated plastic container that is solely for your leftovers. How long will your coffee's flavor hold up and keep you happy in the a.m.?

Per Healthline, if your brewed coffee is properly stored in the fridge, it is okay to drink for 3 to 4 days after you brew it. But the site notes it won't taste as good as it did the day you originally made it. Naturally, most coffee tastes better right after it's been brewed, but it's nice to know if you need to have a time-saving step in the morning, it can be drinking leftover coffee. That said, Home Grounds cautions that if you have not stored your day-old coffee in the refrigerator, you probably won't want to drink it and instead will want to toss it to avoid a sour taste and smell.