How Long Does Cold Brew Last?
Updated - Team Colipse
Cold brew coffee lasts up to 7 days when refrigerated at 40–46°F (4–8°C) and stored undiluted in an airtight container. After that, it spoils from bacterial growth and off-flavors. Unopened store-bought cold brew stay microbiologically stable for up to 150 days at 4°C. At room temperature, freshly made cold brew spoils quickly. Check freshness by smelling for sour odors and inspecting for mold, cloudiness, or separation. To keep cold brew fresh, store undiluted cold brew coffee at 4–8 °C in a sealed glass, stainless-steel, or ceramic container with minimal headspace out of light (or freeze at −18 °C for up to two months). Brew every 5–7 days using freshly roasted, coarsely ground coffee from specialty coffee brands like Colipse. Cold brew caffeine lasts up to ten hours, with a half-life of about five hours in your system.
Does Cold Brew Go Bad?
Yes, cold brew coffee does go bad like any other coffee beverage by losing flavor, developing bad odors, or growing mold. A 2021 study published in Foods by Linda Claaßen at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University examined home-style cold brew (coarse grind, 16–26 h steep) under typical domestic conditions. It found that a batch of homemade cold brew stored in the fridge at 46°F (8°C) goes bad after about seven days due to bacterial growth and off-flavors.
When refrigerated, spoilage bacteria like Bacillus cereus grow and release enzymes that break down cold brew coffee lipids and acids. This forms sour acids and foul-smelling compounds. These spoilage reactions make cold brew smell sour, appear cloudy, and taste bad. By day five, spoilage is visible. By day seven, it often exceeds safe microbial limits and is unsafe to drink.
Store-bought cold brew also goes bad. A 2025 study published in the journal Processes by Eduardo Alessandro Soares titled “Processing and Shelf Life of Cold Brew Organic Coffee” found that unopened bottled cold brew stored at 4°C remains microbiologically stable (below detection limits) for up to 150 days in medium and dark roasts. However, the light-roast version failed taste and quality tests just days after it was made.
Does Cold Brew Go Bad if Not Refrigerated?
Yes, cold brew goes bad if not refrigerated. At room temperature (73°F / 23°C), freshly made cold brew coffee spoils much faster. Unrefrigerated cold brew loses half its aroma in six hours, tastes best for 30–60 minutes, and reaches unsafe bacterial levels after 12 hours, according to Claaßen. In warm conditions, these spoilage microbes feed on sugars and coffee compounds. They produce acids and gases that weaken flavor and cause sour, musty smells. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture rule, cold brew is unsafe after being at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The USDA warns that perishable drinks fall into the 40–140°F “danger zone” where harmful bacteria multiply. Common microbes include E. coli and Salmonella. Refrigeration prevents foodborne illness in cold brew coffee.
How Long Does Cold Brew Last in the Fridge?
Homemade cold brew coffee lasts up to 7 days when refrigerated at around 40–46°F (4–8°C) and kept undiluted in an airtight container, a glass Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, or a vacuum-sealed stainless-steel bottle. How long cold brew lasts in the fridge depends on added ingredients like milk, cream, or creamer. A 2018 study published in Journal of Food Science by Mohamed Ziyaina found pasteurized milk stored at 5 °C, 7 °C, and 10 °C found acceptable microbiological and sensory quality for 30, 24, and 12 days, respectively.
In A 2017 study in the Korean Journal of Food Science and Animal Resources by Ji-Woo Yoon et al., found that milk-coffee drinks stored at 4 °C stayed microbially safe for eight weeks and chemically safe for 14 weeks. However, the taste got worse after four weeks. These results show that adding pasteurized milk will make your cold brew have a shorter shelf life, meaning the milk goes bad first and makes it last for less than the usual 7 days for plain cold brew.
How Long Does Store Bought Cold Brew Last?
Unopened store-bought cold brew stays fresh in the fridge for 90–120 days, based on the brand, ingredients, and expiration date on the packaging. Cold brew that you buy from a store lasts longer than homemade due to pasteurization, sterilization, and packaging that blocks oxygen and light. These methods kill bacteria and spores, extend shelf life, and keep the brew fresher than what you make at home.
Studies show pasteurized, aseptically filled cold brews remain stable for up to 150 days at 4°C. A 2024 study by Samuel N. Lopane at Clemson University found no bad bacteria grew in the first 42 days at 4°C, but taste-testers noticed strange flavors and more sourness after six weeks. This tells us that the best freshness of store bought cold brew is over long before its expiration date. Once opened, store bought cold brew should be consumed within 5–7 days because contact with air makes it spoil and lose flavor faster. The table below shows the refrigerated shelf life of cold brew products, both unopened and opened, across popular brands.
| Brand | Unopened Shelf Life | Opened Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| STŌK Cold Brew | 4–6 months refrigerated | 10–14 days refrigerated |
| Starbucks Cold Brew (Bottled) | 4–6 months refrigerated | 5–7 days refrigerated |
| Starbucks Cold Brew (In-Store Keg) | 1 month refrigerated | 5 days refrigerated |
| Cold Brew in Keg (General) | 1–6 months refrigerated | 1 month refrigerated |
| Cold Brew on Tap (Keg) | Up to 1 year shelf-stable | 1 month refrigerated |
| Chameleon Cold Brew | 6 months refrigerated | 7–14 days refrigerated |
| La Colombe Cold Brew | 4–6 months refrigerated | 7–14 days refrigerated |
| Chobani Cold Brew | 4–6 months refrigerated | 2–4 days refrigerated |
| Jameson Cold Brew | 1–2 years shelf-stable | 6 months refrigerated |
| Toddy Cold Brew | 4–6 months refrigerated | 7–14 days refrigerated |
| Califia Cold Brew | 4–6 months refrigerated | 7–10 days refrigerated |
| Canned Cold Brew (General) | 4–12 months shelf-stable | 7–14 days refrigerated |
| Bizzy Cold Brew | 6 months refrigerated | 7–14 days refrigerated |
| Dunkin Cold Brew | 4–6 months refrigerated | 7–14 days refrigerated |
| Grady’s Cold Brew | 4–6 months refrigerated | 7–14 days refrigerated |
| Philz Cold Brew | 4–6 months refrigerated | 7–14 days refrigerated |
What are the Signs that Cold Brew Coffee has Gone Bad?
Cold brew has gone bad if it smells sour, tastes bitter, shows visible mold, or becomes cloudy. You may also notice separation and a drop in aroma or caffeine strength.
- Odd or sour smell: Fresh cold brew smells mild and pleasant. A sour or rancid odor signals spoilage and possible bacterial growth, meaning it should be thrown out immediately.
- Visible mold: Mold growth inside the container or on the coffee’s surface signals spoiled cold brew that must be discarded.
- Bitter or sour taste: Spoiled cold brew develops sharp bitterness or high acidity instead of smooth flavor. If the taste is stale or off, avoid drinking it.
- Unusual separation or cloudiness: While some sediment is normal, excessive separation or an oily surface layer signals spoilage.
- Loss of aroma and caffeine kick: A decline in coffee aroma or caffeine effect signals that the cold brew is past its best by date.
How to Tell if Your Cold Brew Coffee is Still Good?
Tell if cold brew is still good by checking five factors. Smell it—fresh brew has a rich aroma, while sour or rancid notes mean spoilage. Inspect it—mold or odd particles indicate it’s unsafe. Taste it—smooth is good; bitter or sour is bad. Store it cold, and drink within 7–14 days.
Can You Drink Expired Cold Brew Coffee?
Yes, you can drink expired cold brew, but it's unsafe due to potential bacteria and spoilage that harm taste and safety. Drinking expired cold brew can potentially cause food poisoning if pathogens like Salmonella or Listeria have developed, especially if it was stored improperly or for too long.
How To Store Cold Brew Coffee to Keep it Fresh?
To store cold brew coffee for maximum freshness, follow these seven steps below.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container: Store freshly made cold brew undiluted in a clean, airtight glass container at 40–46°F (4–8°C) to slow oxidation and preserve flavor. Cold brew concentrate stays fresh for about 1 week in the fridge.
- Avoid adding milk or sugar before storing: Add milk, creamer, or sweeteners only when serving. Diluted cold brew lasts 2–3 days in the fridge because additives spoil quickly. Adding butter, ghee, honey, or coconut oil won’t extend shelf life but may alter taste or texture.
- Minimize air exposure: Minimizing headspace in your container reduces oxygen exposure, slowing oxidation of oils, acids, and aromas that create bitter byproducts. It also limits where microbes multiply, preventing cloudiness and odors. Filling a bottle halfway doubles headspace, speeds oxidation and microbial growth, and shortens cold brew’s freshness window.
- Use glass containers if possible: Glass, stainless steel, and ceramic are non-porous and won’t absorb odors or flavors. This makes it ideal for storing cold brew. BPA-free plastic, aluminum, and silicone can be used as alternatives, but they’re less ideal because they may scratch or retain flavors over time.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep cold brew longer than a week, freeze it in airtight containers or ice cube trays. Frozen concentrate lasts up to 2 months. Freezing at −18 °C (0 °F) stops microbial growth and slows spoilage, preserving cold brew for two months. A 2024 study from China Agricultural University by Donghao Zhang found that freezing medium-roasted cold brew preserves its desirable fruity and floral aromas while reducing bitterness, astringency, and acidity.
- Keep away from light: Use UV-resistant containers or store in a dark fridge area to prevent light from degrading flavor. UV rays break down oils, acids, and aromas in cold brew. This creates stale or skunky off-flavors. Block light with amber or cobalt-blue glass, stainless-steel thermoses, or ceramic crocks. Avoid clear or thin plastic containers.
- Discard after about 1 week: Even refrigerated cold brew loses flavor after one week and may become unsafe by week two, so consume it within this timeframe. Label the container with the brew date, set a calendar reminder for day six, and transfer leftovers into a smaller airtight container near day seven to reduce headspace and spoilage.
How Often Should You Make Cold Brew to Keep It Fresh?
Make cold brew every 5 to 7 days to keep it fresh. Cold brew concentrate lasts up to 1 week when refrigerated in an airtight container. Diluted versions stay fresh for only 2 to 3 days. Brewing weekly ensures optimal flavor and safety. Using freshly ground coffee makes a difference by preserving volatile compounds and chlorogenic acids that support flavor and antioxidant value, which degrade during storage.
Where to Buy Freshly Ground Coffee for Cold Brew?
You can buy freshly ground coffee for cold brew here at Colipse. Our site offers coarse to medium grinds for optimal cold brew extraction using mason jars, French presses, Toddy, Filtron, or any cold-brew maker. Choose 12 oz or 16 oz bags for daily cold brew, or 2 lb and 5 lb sizes for family-sized batches. We carry single-origin, blend, and flavored options like vanilla-cinnamon for sweetness, caramel-hazelnut for a smooth cup, and lemon-ginger for bright, refreshing notes. Prices start at $20.50 for 12 oz with free U.S. shipping. We offer up to 40% off on 2 lb and 5 lb orders through volume discounts.
How Long Does Cold Brew Concentrate Last?
Cold brew concentrate lasts up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Its flavor and caffeine strength are best within the first week. After one week, cold brew concentrate may develop off flavors or spoil, especially if not kept cold.
How Long Does Nitro Cold Brew Last?
Nitro cold brew lasts 1–2 weeks when stored in a sealed keg under pressure at 35–40°F. Once poured or exposed to air, it should be consumed within 1–2 days for best flavor. Storage conditions, container type, and gas pressure all affect freshness.
How Long Does Cold Brew Stay in Your System?
Cold brew can remain in your body for up to 10 hours, depending on caffeine metabolism. Caffeine has a half-life of about 5 hours, meaning half the caffeine in cold brew remains in your body after that time. Full elimination can take up to 10 hours or more.
Is it Bad to Drink Cold Brew Everyday?
No, it is not bad to drink cold brew everyday. Drinking cold brew daily is safe for most people if consumed in moderation. A standard serving contains 150–200 mg of caffeine, which fits within the recommended 400 mg daily limit for healthy adults. However, excessive intake can cause insomnia, anxiety, or digestive issues depending on sensitivity.