The Coffee Bros is reader-supported. Affiliate links on our site may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
It’s easy to forget some things in life, we are all human after all. So, if the thing you’ve forgotten was leaving the creamer out, it has probably left you wondering: how long can coffee creamer sit out?
The Quick Answer to How Long Can Coffee Creamer Sit Out
Dairy and non-dairy liquid coffee creamers can stay out of the fridge for a maximum of two hours before you start to run into problems.
After two hours, the creamer will enter what is referred to as the ‘danger zone’. The danger zone is a temperature that’s been set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It consists of temperatures between 40 Degrees Fahrenheit and 140 Degrees Fahrenheit.
How Serious Is the Danger Zone?
During the danger zone, harmful bacteria can develop. This puts those drinking it at risk. Keep in mind, that the same rule applies if the creamer is left out in your coffee rather than in its container.
How Long Can Coffee Creamer Sit Out When They’re Powdered?
Powdered creamers are a little different. They can stay out at room temperature for quite a few months, 18 to 24 months to be exact. It’s recommended to keep them stored in a dark space, and completely sealed if you want to keep them in good condition for longer.
The Possible Side Effects of Drinking Coffee Creamer After Two Hours
When you drink a creamer that has not been refrigerated (but needs to be) for more than two hours you run the risk of several problems occurring. And unfortunately, these problems can be of great concern.
These include but are not limited to:
- Stomach Cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low-grade fever
Ways You Can Tell How Long Coffee Creamer Has Sat Out
If you’re unsure of how long coffee creamer has been left out by mistake or even a cup of joe with creamer in it that you haven’t got around to drinking, certain signs indicate that it’s gone bad.
Have you ever dealt with milk that has been spoiled? If so, creamers that have gone off are likely to exhibit many of the same features, such as when it begins to curdle, has a sour smell, and tastes nasty.
Be sure to dispose of the liquid just like you would with milk if any of the features we mentioned are present. Otherwise, it has the potential to make you ill if you decide to go against our advice.
Now, powdered creamers are a little different. They don’t have the ability to show the same signs as a liquid when they’re out of date. However, you can usually tell when the color or consistency changes.
Stomach aches are common to get from powdered creamers that contain dairy when they go past their shelf-life. So it’s worth paying close attention to the signs and the expiry date to determine if they’re still good to use.
Stay Up-to-Date
Hopefully, that adequately answers: how long can coffee creamer sit out? The moral of the story is that there are various creamers out there, so you’ll need to find what rules apply to the type you have.
Found this post interesting? We send out just one email per month to keep our readers informed about our latest posts. Feel free to join us.