We know that coffee already taste good by itself, but adding a bit of coffee creamer can make it even tastier. Today, coffee creamer become a kitchen staple in every household across American. It comes in different form from powder to liquid creamers, dairy or non-dairy, vegan or non-vegan. It also come in different flavor as well. With many varieties, people tend to buy many at once, thus the most common question among coffee drinkers are: does coffee creamer go bad? How long does coffee creamer last?
In this article, we will help you to answer all these questions as well as giving you the tips on how to extend shelf life of coffee creamers.
Table of Contents
What Is Coffee Creamer Made of?
Coffee creamer is a powder or liquid that is usually added to brewed coffee or black tea. Most of it is dairy-free and prepared from sugar or sugar alternative, oil, or thickeners. Coffee creamer has a long shelf life, particularly when in powder form.
Though the composition of coffee creamer can vary by brand, most of them are made from combining water, sugar, or vegetable oil. Coffee creamers are typically heavily processed and packed with added sugar.
Some famous coffee creamers can consist of up to 6g of added sugar in a single serving. That is more than one teaspoon of sugar. Other usual additives are utilized to maximize coffee creamers’ flavor and texture, involving carrageenan, cellulose gum, or artificial flavorings.
But, there are plenty of different forms of coffee creamer that may have different ingredients. They may be:
- Sugar-free
- Fat-free
- Powdered
- Flavored
Different Types of Coffee Creamers
Coffee creamers come in many different types and forms, and they are given below;
Dairy Coffee Creamer
There are different forms of dairy creamer, like heavy cream and half-and-half creamer. Heavy creamer is also known as whipping cream; it is the thick, high-fat cream that may rise to the top of fresh milk. Half-and-half is also one of them.
It is prepared by mixing equal parts cream or whole milk, resulting in a thinner product and reduced in fat content than heavy cream. Half-and-half also contains a much lighter flavor, and you can use it in different recipes.
Besides milk and cream, dairy coffee creamers sometimes contain additives like carrageenan that help boost the final product’s texture.
Non- Dairy Coffee Creamer
Non-Dairy creamer is a white granular or powder used to boost odor and color. You can use it in coffee, tea, ice cream, chocolate, confectioneries, soup, juice, or sweets. It is a plant oil powder prepared from hydrogenated vegetable oil, milk protein, or glucose syrup.
Non-dairy creamers are even liquid or granular substances used as an alternative for milk or cream in coffee or other drinks.
Vegan Coffee Creamer
Vegan coffee creamer is a healthy option. You can prepare almond, soy, coconut, or any vegan creamer that you like in flavors such as vanilla, hazelnut, and many more as they are 100 % vegan or plant-based. That is why they are fat-free or calorie-free products and can also boost your health.
Vegan creamer can b made using any of the following milk;
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk
- Almond milk
- Cashew milk
- Oat milk
Powder Based Creamer
The powdered creamer has a longer shelf life and can be kept in your cupboard for maximum duration. It doesn’t have to be refrigerated. It makes them a more flexible option than its liquid form.
One of the primary advantages of this powder creamer is its versatility. You can use them as an alternative for milk, prepare a creamy porridge, and go with tea or coffee.
Does Coffee Creamer Go Bad?
The answer is yes. Just like coffee has its shelf life, coffee creamers also can go bad. However, depend on the types and forms, the shelf life will be different.
Dry and non-dairy creamer has the longest shelf life compare to dairy and liquid coffee cream.
How Long Does Coffee Creamer Last?
Every coffee creamers come with expiration date printed on the packaging.
Powdered coffee creamers
For powdered coffee creamers, shelf life is typically around six month and up to 2 years. You should be able to find the expiry date on the packaging easily. You should also read the label if there is any usage detail about this product. These items don’t go rancid quickly, and if they are sealed packed, so you might still able to use it even if it pass the expiration date. For this type of creamers, they actually do not go bad, but the taste will change if you keep it way too long.
The shelf life of Coffee Mate dry coffee creamer is up to 2 years.
Liquid coffee creamers
For liquid form, the shelf life is much shorter. Again check the expiration date on the package to know how long you can keep it. After open, liquid coffee creamer may last for almost two to three weeks. Coffee Mate recommends you to use the their liquid coffee creamer within 2 weeks after open. After this time, the favor may be changed, and you don’t even like it after tasting it!
How to check if the coffee creamer has gone bad?
Here is 4 ways to check your coffee creamers to ensure it is still good to use
Expiration date
As the rule of thumb, the first thing you should check is the expiration date. If your coffee creamers are way pass the expiration date, then you should just through it a way without hesitation. Especially if it is a liquid or dairy creamers.
Checking the texture
If you already checked the expiry date and it is still within acceptable period (even if it pass the date), you should check how it look, does the texture of the creamers has changed or not. If your creamers have some sign of molds or the powdered creamer clump together, you should throw them right away.
Smell and taste
If your coffee creamers pass the texture check, smell and taste is the next step. If it taste sour or have a strong smell that make feel nauseous, it means your coffee creamers is already gone bad.
Mix it with coffee and taste it
If you have gone through all these checks above, then your coffee creamers might be still good to consume. However, the taste may be degraded.
The best way to check is to brew a cup of coffee and mix with it. If taste of your coffee is off after mixing with it, then there is no reason for you to keep it.
How to store coffee creamers?
In order to maintain the shelf life of your coffee creamer, you should know how to store it properly. Although it is very easy and straightforward, but you still need to pay attention to it.
For dairy creamers which you pick up at the refrigerated section when you shop at supermarket, you should store it in your fridge right away when you get home. As it contains dairy, thus it will go bad if it is not refrigerated. If it is in bottle, remember to close the lip tightly. If it is in plastic bags, you should store it in the air tight container after use.
For creamers which you can find on regular shelves at supermarket (plastic bottle or mini cups), it usually does not contain dairy, thus you can store it at room temperature. However, if you already open it, you should keep it in the fridge as same as dairy creamer.
Lastly, powder creamers requires the least effort. You just need to keep the package sealed and store it in the dry places without direct sunlight.
Can You Freeze Coffee Creamer?
Yes, you can freeze coffee creamers. Most of the brands do not suggest freezing if the creamer consists of dairy. Non-dairy coffee creamers can be frozen and may offer the same taste and texture.
One of the most straightforward techniques to freeze coffee creamer is to keep it in the original bottle. You have to eliminate a small amount of creamer out of the bottle before freezing, as the creamer will expand, or the bottle may explode. However, many people think that it is not necessary.
Can You Drink Expired Coffee Creamer?
Yes, it is possible to use coffee creamers if it just passes the best before-date or expiry date. However, it is not recommended. You will feel a change in flavor and texture.
Unlike a powdered form, for dairy liquid creamers, when it pass the expiry date, molds and fungus start to grow in it. Harmful bacteria also appear, thus you should avoid consuming too long after the expiry date for safety reasons.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
How long can coffee creamer sit outside?
The answer to this question depend on the type of coffee creamer. If it is powder creamer, then it can sit out as long as you keep it sealed until its expiry date. For the liquid creamers that you already refrigerated prior taking it out, you should not let it sit out for too long as it will easily go bad.
How Long Does The International Delight Creamer Last?
The international delight creamer is same as other creamers such as coffee mate, you should consume it before expiration date. If you already open it, then it must be used within one to two weeks and stored in the fridge after use.