In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long can coffee creamer sit out of the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of coffee creamer. Moreover, we are going to discuss the different ways to spot spoiled coffee creamers.
So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.
How long can coffee creamer sit out of the fridge?
The time for which the coffee creamer can sit out of the fridge varies depending upon whether it is dairy-based coffee creamer, powdered coffee creamer, or non-dairy coffee creamer and whether or not the pack is opened or unopened.
Dairy-based coffee creamer
When allowed to sit out of the fridge, dairy-based coffee creamer lasts for around 2 hours. Moreover, an open pack of the non-dairy coffee creamer also lasts for about 2 hours when allowed to sit out of the fridge
Because bacterial growth occurs at a quicker rate between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, coffee creamer left out for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
Furthermore, if the surrounding temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the rotting process is accelerated, and coffee creamer left out in the open for more than an hour at such temperature should be discarded.
Non-dairy coffee creamer
If stored in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry away from direct sunshine and heat and provided there is no leakage, nondairy creamer that is sold unrefrigerated and is still unopened will last for about a month over the “best by” date.
Powdered coffee creamer
If properly stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark corner of your pantry away from direct sunlight and heat, powdered coffee creamer will last for about 3-6 months past the “best by” date.
It’s worth noting that the values given above are for the coffee creamer’s expected shelf life.
How long does coffee creamer last in the fridge?
Dairy-based coffee creamer
Unopened dairy-based coffee creamer lasts in the fridge for a week or two past the “use by date” while an open pack of dairy-based coffee creamer lasts for about 1-2 weeks if kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in an air-tight bottle or container.
Non-dairy coffee creamer
Opened non-dairy coffee creamers last for about 1-2 weeks when stored in the fridge in an air-tight container or bottle.
What is the best temperature to keep coffee creamer at?
Coffee creamer should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower at all times. Bacterial development is more rapid between the temperatures of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore it’s best to keep your coffee creamer at a lower temperature to keep it fresh for longer.
What are different ways to spot spoiled coffee creamer?
There are a few clear indicators that indicate if your coffee creamer has gone bad. To determine if a coffee creamer has gone bad, look at its appearance, texture, and smell.
Appearance
If you see mold or other organic growth on your coffee creamer or if it has discolored, it’s time to throw it out.
Texture
If the dairy-based coffee creamer has curdled or has lumps in it, it’s time to throw it out.
Smell
If you smell something sour while sniffing your coffee creamer, it’s time to throw it out.
Taste
You can taste the coffee creamer when it has passed the visual and smell tests. If you notice a sour or bitter taste after taking a little sip of liquid creamer (dairy or non-dairy), it is a sign that the creamer has gone bad.
You can brew yourself a cup of coffee to test the flavor profile of the powdered coffee creamer. If you detect any off-flavors, it is best to avoid using powdered coffee creamer.
Thus, if the microbes have somehow gotten into your coffee creamer and spoiled it, the best thing you can do is throw it out.
How to properly store coffee creamer?
- Coffee creamer should be stored on one of the refrigerator shelves rather than the door, as there is a lot of temperature variation at the fridge door, which might affect its quality.
- Because microscopic organisms grow quickly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, it is best to refrigerate the dairy-based coffee creamer to extend its shelf life while keeping its quality.
- Dairy-based coffee creamer should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container or bottle. It should also be kept away from strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.
- In the case of powdered coffee, the ideal way to store it is in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark part of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.
You can read whether or not you can use coffee creamer instead of milk here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long can coffee creamer sit out of the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of coffee creamer. Moreover, we discussed the different ways to spot spoiled coffee creamers.