In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “does coffee creamer go bad?” and other questions pertaining to the subject at hand like how to store coffee creamer and how to tell if your coffee creamer has gone bad
Does coffee creamer go bad?
If you like coffee but don’t really enjoy it black then don’t worry, there are a wide array of products available to boost up the taste of your coffee; coffee creamer is one of them.
Coffee creamers might be a staple product in many households. It is a non-dairy product made from a combination of vegetable oil, water, and sugar. It is used to enhance the taste of hot beverages and to add some sweetness.
Types and flavours of coffee creamer may vary. Generally, it comes in a powdered form and a liquid form.
Does powdered coffee creamer go bad?
Powdered coffee creamers are a stable compound and typically retain optimum quality for 2 years or more when stored at room temperature. To maximize its shelf life, keep the package airtight after each use. After 2 years, its flavor starts to decline.
How to tell if coffee creamer is bad?
Coffee Creamer that has gone bad will have a different texture for both solid and liquid creamers. Clumps can form in the powder and liquid forms chunks. The taste of spoiled creamer will be different and often bitter. Moldy growth is also an indicator of bad creamer.
How to store coffee creamer
Powdered coffee creamer is relatively simpler to handle and a shelf-stable product. It can be kept in a cool, dry area, away from sources of heat and direct sunlight, such as your kitchen, pantry or cupboard.
However, once opened, make sure you tightly close the lid since coffee creamers contain a huge amount of sugar that attracts ants and other insects.
When exposed to air and humidity, the moisture can lead to clumps in a powdered creamer. It is better to transfer the creamer in an airtight container. Always use a clean utensil to scoop out the product to prevent cross-contamination.
Liquid coffee creamers can be either dairy or non-dairy. If unopened, store it in the pantry until you need to use it. Keep it refrigerated after opening. Don’t forget to always close it tightly!
Dairy liquid creamer should be kept in the fridge. This type of creamer usually contains milk and cream which will inevitably spoil if left unrefrigerated.
Single serving mini-cup liquid creamer is a shelf-stable, portable product that does not need refrigeration. This creamer can be served at a restaurant, hotel, office, or stored in a pantry and is also suitable to carry for travelling.
How long does coffee creamer last?
Whether it is powdered, liquified, refrigerated, or shelf-stable, each coffee creamer product will go bad eventually. The ‘best before date’ or ‘use by date’ indicates an estimate from the producers that the products should remain in their best quality with proper storage.
It is always recommended to consume products before the expiry date to enjoy the best product quality. It is also possible that coffee creamer goes bad before the expiry date if not stored properly or if the container is damaged.
Powdered coffee creamers may last the longest than any other types. If you use coffee creamers occasionally, this product is your best pick. It can last for up to 3 – 6 months after the expiry date. After opening, it is advised to finish the product within 2 – 3 months to enjoy its peak quality. Refrigerating the product is not a necessity for powdered coffee creamers.
Mini cup liquid creamer is shelf-stable but doesn’t last as long as a powdered creamer. It lasts for 6 – 9 months after production date (may vary on different producers). Consult the label for the date.
Liquid coffee creamer is less durable, either dairy or non-dairy. Try to stick to the date on the label. After opening, consume it within 1 – 2 weeks.
After the expiry date, it may still be good, but this product tends to go bad faster. Check signs of spoilages before pouring it in your coffee.
Other FAQs about Coffee which you may be interested in.
How to Tell if Coffee Creamer is Bad
It is not very difficult to tell if your coffee creamer has gone bad or spoiled. You can always do the simple way: use your senses to check the appearance, smell, and taste.
For powdered creamer, if it smells off or shows changes in color, signs of mold, gets infested with contaminants (ants, insects), you may consider discarding it.
If you’re not sure, add a small amount into the coffee. If the taste is fine, you can continue with your next cup of coffee. After a while, the powder may start getting clumpy due to exposure to air and moisture. As long as it doesn’t smell off, it should be fine to consume.
For liquid creamers, especially dairy-based, the obvious sign is a sour smell like that of bad milk. If you also observe a noticeable change in texture (clumpy, curdled), it is now time to discard the creamer. Dairy-containing products tend to go bad more quickly. If any signs of spoilage are found, it is better to stay on the safe side and discard it. If the liquid seems fine but you are still unsure (for example it has passed the expiry date), taste a small amount to decide if you’re going to keep it or move on.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we addressed the question, “Does coffee creamer go bad” as well as other questions pertaining to the subject at hand like how can you store coffee creamers and what are the ideal storage practices to prolong the shelf life of coffee creamers.
Reference:
https://www.doesitgobad.com/does-coffee-creamer-go-bad/
