Does Instant Coffee Go Bad? Read Now And Find Out!

Instant coffee is getting better all the time, thankfully due to both the use of better beans and improved manufacturing techniques. Even Starbucks has a range of instant coffee that is pretty delicious. No matter how tasty and how delicious instant coffee is, the question “Does Instant Coffee Go Bad?” arises.

Let’s face it: instant coffee is quick, convenient and does have an incredibly long shelf life. In many cases, you can measure the expiry date in years!

If you have an unlabeled container of instant coffee, you might just be wondering about its shelf life and if it could go bad.

For those in a rush, here is the short and quick answer.

Yes, your instant coffee can go bad. Your instant coffee can lose its fresh taste and become less flavorsome. The shelf life is considerably longer when compared to regular ground coffee, and it still can go bad and even develop mold.

Keep reading as we dig down and detail the topic of instant coffee and its shelf life.

What Is Instant Coffee?

Instant coffee is coffee granules that are 100% soluble, which makes it a very quick, easy, and effortless coffee to make.

No brewing is involved as it is as simple as adding hot water, sugar and milk, depending on your own personal preference. Usually, only a teaspoon or two of coffee is required.

It is made from fresh coffee grounds which are brewed and then boiled down to a concentrate and then freeze-dried. The resulting coffee granules then become the instant coffee that you see in stores.

They are typically much cheaper due to using less expensive robusta beans and the beans from the previous years crop that are cheaper and unsold.

To be clear, this is not always the case as there are some very good high end more expensive coffee brands that specialize in or have an additional range of instant coffee.

Read: Instant coffee Vs Ground coffee

Can Instant Coffee Go Bad?

Yes,

your jar of instant coffee can indeed go bad. Like any other food product that is instant, like instant noodles, the older it is, the less tasty and less enjoyable the flavor is. If stored in poor conditions, it can even start to grow mold.

Check for mold on top and along the sides of the container and give it a good sniff to be on the safe side before you use it.

Read: Nescafe instant coffee caffeine content

How Long Does Instant Coffee Last After Expiration Date?

There are many, literally hundreds of different brands of instant coffee, ranging from the famous and popular Nescafé to locally available brands to recognizable global brands like Kenco and even Starbucks.

Naturally, they all have slightly different manufacturing processes, beans used, suppliers and coffee farms and co-operatives that they use. Thus, they have varying expiry dates which range from 6 months to around 2 years on average.

I have seen brands that have 3 year expiry dates. By all means, it has been said that instant coffee could last as long as 20 years.

How To Store Instant Coffee for the Longest Shelf Life

To get the best out of your instant coffee, follow the same set of rules for storing coffee beans. Buy an airtight coffee canister that has a one-way valve.

Then fill your canister with your coffee grounds and store in your freezer. Your grounds (or beans for that matter) will not freeze.

An airtight container is essential as you do not want any air to get into your beans or instant coffee granules to oxidize them. Even though you have plenty of containers that you can use around your home, including regular plastic containers, these will not get the job done as well as a professional coffee canister as they will lack an airtight lid and one way valve.

The one way valve is more for your coffee beans than your instant coffee. It allows the carbon dioxide to escape without letting any air in.

A canister that blocks sunlight and, preferably all light, is better as light can and will damage your coffee.

Check regularly for signs of mold growth and mold spores. Obviously you don’t want any mold to be in your coffee.

Can I Drink Expired Instant Coffee?

Obviously, drinking expired coffee is not advised, not only because of the unpleasant taste but the possible adverse health effects.

It is usually safe to drink instant coffee beyond the expiry date – I have done so many times myself. Ensure you store them well and not in any contact with moisture or have any white fluffy mold growing on them or near them.

If you are an occasional instant coffee drinker, there is an obvious solution – see the pro tip below.

Does Starbucks Instant Coffee Expire?

Yes,

all food items will eventually expire. Even though there is no moisture content and technically can last as long as 20 years, the coffee taste will start to deteriorate. Store your Starbucks instant coffee in the manner we have indicated in this article and use a coffee canister immediately after you break the seal.

Can Instant Coffee Go Mouldy?

Yes, instant coffee can grow mold. You will notice a white fluffy cotton-like substance on the top of your instant coffee grounds, powder or granules. This is caused by the moisture content in your storage container – which is why, at Latte Love Brew, we insist on the use of a professional coffee canister.

Pro Tip: Single Serve Sachets

The elusive obvious to casual instant coffee drinkers is to buy sachets of instant coffee. They are sealed, and this moisture is unlikely to get in. Single serve coffee packets are also airtight and are perfect for storing long term in your pantry with no loss of quality.

You can find all kinds of variations, from 3 in 1 with milk, sugar also in the sachet.

They are also very convenient for traveling. Just stick them in your bag or suitcase and you are good to go.

Alternative Uses For Expired Instant Coffee & Used Coffee Grounds

The obvious plus point for instant coffee is they are long-lasting and very easy to whip up a very quick cup of coffee.

If you do have expired instant coffee, there is no need to waste it and throw it out. You have many alternate uses. You can brew some coffee with your expired instant coffee using regular tap water and use it to water your houseplants. The mineral content will aid both your plant and the soil quality.

You can also mix them in and add them to the soil so that when you water your plants they are getting a steady flow of nutrients.

And an unintended benefit is the insect repellant effect. You can also add it to your compost pile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Does Instant Coffee Go Bad?

Is It OK To Drink Expired Instant Coffee?

As a general rule, it is not a good idea to drink instant coffee or any type of coffee that has expired as out of date coffee may contain toxins and dangerous bacterias.

Run the visual check and have a good look for mold If you see mold, discard your instant coffee. Then give it a good sniff test, if it smells off, discard. If your instant coffee passes these two tests, brew a sample cup of coffee and sniff and sip to check for rancid aromas and taste. If it is off, discard; if not, enjoy your coffee.

How Do I know If Instant Coffee Has Gone Bad?

It is easy to tell if your instant coffee or ground coffee has gone bad:

• Give your coffee a good visual check for mold.
• Sniff your coffee for off and rancid aromas.
• Brew a cup of coffee and check the aroma, for flat and off scents.
• Sip test your cup of coffee and test for off flavors and lack of flavors.

How Long Is Instant Coffee Good After Expiration Date?

If it is stored in perfect conditions, both ground coffee and instant coffee will keep well beyond the date printed on the package.

Ground coffee or whole bean coffee can stay well for 2 years beyond that expiry date if you store them in a professional opaque coffee canister with an airtight lid and one-way valve and keep the canister with your freezer.

Instant coffee can stay well for up to twenty years!

What Can Old Instant Coffee Be Used For?

Old coffee, be it whole beans, coffee grounds or instant coffee, can be used in the following ways:

• Revitalize your soil.
• Make a facial scrub.
• Use it to rid your dog of fleas.
• Keep ants and insects out of your home.
• Make baked goods with them.
• Topping for your ice cream.
• Use it as a marinade for your meats.

There are many more uses.

How Do You Store Instant Coffee For Long-Term Storage?

Instant coffee, like all coffee, is best stored in an opaque airtight container with a one-way valve, ideally a professional coffee canister. Store your coffee canister in a put it in cool place.

Heat, light, and moisture are the three enemies of coffee.

Can I Put Instant Coffee In Plant?

Yes, instant coffee mixed in your soil will act as a natural fertilizer. You can also brew the coffee and pour it into your plants soil.

What Plants Like Instant Coffee?

Instant coffee and coffee grinds are good for Rhododendrons, Camellias, Azaleas, Roses and Hydrangeas.

How Do You Store Coffee For 25 Years?

 Storing your coffee for 25 years is possible if your store it in a professional opaque coffee canister with an airtight lid and add an oxygen absorber into it. Store your canister in your freezer. This will help instant coffee to stay well for 25 years.

Frappé-Ing It All Up – Does Instant Coffee Go Bad?

If you are wondering does instant coffee go bad then the correct answer is yes, it does but only if you are storing it poorly. You can use your instant coffee beyond the expiry date but do sniff test it first and then take a sip. If it fails either test, do not drink.

…And do not throw out your old coffee grounds as you can use them to revitalize your soil.

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Derek Marshall

Derek Marshall, a certified barista by the Specialty Coffee Association possesses over two decades of experience in specialty coffee shops. He holds professional certifications for coffee brewing and barista skills. Derek is also an author with authoritative books covering various coffee topics including specialty coffee, sustainability and coffee, coffee brewing, coffee recipes, coffee cocktails and books focusing on Brazilian coffee, Vietnamese coffee, Indonesian coffee and Malaysian coffee. As a barista for over two decades, Derek Marshall has worked in specialty coffee shops across the United Kingdom, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. His expertise extends to the distinct coffee cultures, specialty beverages, and brewing techniques of each nation. Functioning as a coffee consultant, Derek charges US$50 per hour. To learn more about Derek Marshall and Latte Love Brew, visit his About Me Page. For coffee inquiries, contact him at +34-639-410-375 or Derek@LatteLoveBrew.com, mentioning your name and location