Coffee creamers are generally liquid or powdered products that you can add to your coffee to give it a creamier and milky consistency without actually adding milk. Thus, it is meant to substitute milk as a (usually) dairy-free option, although some might contain dairy, so you should check the packaging.
Such coffee creamers also come in a range of flavors that can enhance the taste of your coffee. Containing other ingredients like thickeners, oils, sweeteners and milk proteins (casein). Some might also be free of fats and sugars based on your choice.
You should note that coffee creamers often last for a long time, having a much longer shelf life than milk or cream. Despite this, however, it is still definitely possible for the coffee creamer to go bad, with its shelf life or lifespan being dependent on its type and brand.
Through this guide, you can go through all the essential details about how long you can expect coffee creamers of different kinds to last, along with some tips to store them and to tell if they’re bad. Let’s begin!
Best Way to Store and Keep Coffee Creamers
There are mainly three kinds of coffee creamers: liquid creamers, powdered creamers, and individual creamers. Based on the kind of coffee creamer, the storage method can differ a bit. You can go through each kind’s storage requirements and conditions below.
Liquid Creamers
These often come in tetra-packing or plastic containers. Even among liquid creamers, dairy may or may not be present in some varieties.
You must keep the packs or bottles of any dairy-containing liquid creamers inside your refrigerator, especially if you purchased them chilled from the shop. It is simply advisable to verify the instructions on the box if you want more precision.
If possible, liquid creamers without dairy should be able to be stored on a shelf or at room temperature, however, you should always check the package.
After opening, chilling is necessary for both situations.
Powdered Creamers
Powdered creamers generally have the longest shelf life. They come in powder form, making them suitable to store at room temperature. In fact, it is better to keep them unrefrigerated.
As long as you can manage to keep them away from any kind of moisture, you can store them anywhere you want. Make sure the seal is unbroken as well when you first open it.
If your powdered creamers are present in a large container, make sure you close the lid tightly so that no issues can arise when you store them.
Individual Creamers
Individual coffee creamers that come in tiny packs can last for a long time. You can store them at room temperature since these usually do not contain dairy. If you want to confirm, however, you can check what the packaging says.
You should simply avoid bringing them close to heat. Make sure you also check the condition of the packaging since you might need to use it immediately if there are any issues with the seal.
Since they are only meant for a single-use, you do not need to worry about storing them after opening the seal.
Lifespan and Durability of Coffee Creamers
The lifespan and shelf life of coffee creamers can also depend on the kind of coffee creamer you are using. You can go through how long you can expect each of them to last below.
Liquid Creamers
How long liquid creamers last can depend on whether or not they contain dairy as well as the brand you opt for.
For liquid creamers that contain dairy, you should ideally follow the expiration date mentioned on the packaging label. If they require refrigeration, you might only be able to use them for two weeks to a month, although you can manage to keep them for up to a week more.
If you have already opened them, you should use them up within a week (at most).
For those without dairy, you can expect a shelf life of anywhere between a month and six months. If they do not require refrigeration, they can last for closer to six months, although you can stretch it a bit in either case. Creamers with yolks instead of egg whites can also last longer.
After opening, you might still be able to use the coffee creamer for up to two weeks.
Powdered Creamers
Powdered creamers can last the longest since they don’t usually go bad. However, beyond a certain point, there might be a difference in how they taste.
You can expect them to retain their taste and quality for around two to three years as long as you keep them stored properly.
Even if the powdered coffee creamers go past their expiry date, you might be able to extend their usage for a few more months. Just make sure they taste and look fine and you should be good to go.
Individual Creamers
Individual creamers can last up to six months or so with proper storage. You might even be able to use them for a couple of months more than this as long as you think they taste and look fine.
Since you are usually single-use, you will not need to worry about keeping them for longer, but in the off chance that you do, refrigerate them and use them within a couple of days.
Ways to Find Out If Your Coffee Creamer Has Gone Bad
You should look for the following signs to tell if your coffee creamer has gone bad.
- Check the expiry date on the label first to get a general idea. However, even if expired, it might still be okay to use, so move on to the next few signs.
- Look at the consistency or texture of the creamer. If there are clumps, chunks, mold or signs of moisture (if powdered), the creamer has gone bad.
- If it smells odd or downright foul, it has gone bad.
- Lastly, taste it alone or with some coffee. A sour or strange taste can indicate that it has gone bad.
Further Reading:
- Canned Food Expiration Dates Chart: How Long Does Canned Food Realy Last?