Last Updated on October 12, 2022 by Timothy Byron Smith
Who doesn’t love to start their day with a shot of espresso, right? Some of us actually consume espresso throughout the day to keep ourselves going. But have you ever wondered how long does espresso lasts in your system?
Our bodies need some time to digest the espresso we are pouring into ourselves. If we constantly keep filling our stomachs with espresso before it has time to digest our last shot, things could get complicated. We definitely do not want that.
It’s also important to know how long your espresso will last in storage and still be safe for consumption. Since it’s already a super-concentrated drink, you don’t want to consume it if it’s gone bad or stale. How long can you let it sit and still consume it? Find out and correct your espresso habits from today!
How Long Does Espresso Last in Your Body?
An average person typically consumes about 6 shots of espresso in a day. A coffee enthusiast can be drinking more. It will blow you away (and not exactly in a good way) to know that coffee can take a long time to exit your system. Till it does, you’re basically overloading it with caffeine!
Here’s to taking a step towards healthy espresso consumption.
How many espresso shots are a healthy amount?
It’s crucial that you consume espresso in a limited quantity. Not only because your body takes time to process it completely and overdosing can be disastrous. But also because its effects vary depending on your body’s tolerance, and health. What may seem okay to you could be a dangerous amount of caffeine for you.
To avoid any problems, stick to about 400 milligrams per day. Consuming 1.5 ounces of espresso can mean anywhere between 58 and 185 mg of caffeine (the numbers vary depending on the coffee brand).
A single shot of espresso is about an ounce of espresso. This means you can drink 3 to 4 shots of espresso and still remain within a healthy limit.
Which Factors Influence The Effect Of Espresso On Your Body?
We know the energy boost caffeine provides is well worth it. However, you shouldn’t rely on caffeine excessively. Caffeine can be a sneaky little brat. Since you consume it in shots, it can trick you into thinking you’ve only consumed a little, when you’re already pushing your limits!
Especially if your body is less sensitive to the effects of caffeine, you won’t know how it’s hurting you on the inside. The following factors determine how long espresso will last in your body and the effect it’ll have:
- Height
- Weight
- Average consumption in a day
- Overall Health
- Other drugs consumed
- The amount of espresso you drink
For instance, birth control pills could make you more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. On the other hand, if you’re a regular smoker, you will barely notice the effect of caffeine on you.
Normally, caffeine breakdown takes a long time. However, those whose bodies metabolize it quickly will hardly get the energy boost of caffeine. Those sensitive to its effects can expect the following effects (these are your cues to halt):
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Heart palpitations
- Discomfort
Time Espresso Takes To Exit Your System
Because espresso is so concentrated, it includes a lot of caffeine. Our bodies tend to absorb this caffeine pretty quickly. That’s why we get almost an instant stimulating effect as well as a burst of energy and activity. However, for some, the boost of energy can take time, which means their bodies take time to absorb the caffeine.
It can take around 40 to 60 minutes for espresso to tantalize your mind after consumption. Its effects will last no more than an hour or two. But don’t get this mixed up with how long it stays in your body. The effects (alertness, vigor, etc.) may fade quickly, but caffeine lasts longer.
Caffeine residues can last for another 5 to 7 hours in our systems. It might take up to 10 hours to completely leave the body. That, too, is contingent on the fact that no additional espresso is consumed in the meantime! The more caffeine you consume, the longer it will take for your system to detox.
How Long Does Espresso Shot Last Before It Dies?
While your espresso will not ‘expire’ if saved, however, its texture and flavor are bound to change. The best espresso, as believed by many, is freshly pulled from an espresso machine. And nowadays you can get amazing and affordable espresso machines quite easily!
Here’s how espresso can change.
Once Pulled from the Espresso Machine
Your espresso shot is great for consumption till about 30 to 40 seconds after being pulled from the espresso machine. It will be hot and taste caramelly and kind of sweet yet strong.
However, if you let it stay for a few minutes its texture and flavor change. As the coffee reacts with the oxygen in the air, the crema starts fading. Not only will it be slightly cold, but you’ll taste more acidic, harsh, and bittersweet flavors. This will accompany a nutty aftertaste.
Does it taste bad? Well, that depends on how you like your espresso. Some might like the bold and bitter flavors of espresso when left to sit for a few minutes better.
In a Fridge
Your espresso is good in the fridge for only a day, ideally no more than 10 hours! After that, you don’t want to use it. Not only will the flavors be altered but it won’t be healthy for consumption any longer either.
One extremely important thing to remember here is that espresso stored in the fridge is only for later use in milk beverages. Like your lattes and mocha, or cappuccinos. Espresso, on its own, is best drunk straight pulled from the espresso machine. You don’t see baristas heating up fridge-stored espresso for you for a reason.
At room Temperature
So, your espresso shot won’t spoil after brewing for a few hours at room temperature. It’s safe for consumption within a day, however, its taste will have significantly altered. So you’ll need to prepare yourself for more bitter and acidic flavors.
Also, there will be no crown of cream on your espresso. Ask yourself, do you really want to dink such an espresso?
FAQs
1. Can I store Espresso in the fridge?
Yes, you can store espresso in the fridge for up to 10 hours or a day. However, stored espresso is only good to use with milk beverages. It is not advised to drink it on its own after reheating.
2. Does espresso go bad after a day?
Espresso flavors start to change if it’s left for a long time. It becomes harsher and more acidic to consume. It is not recommended to consume a day-old espresso. However, you can store it in the fridge for a day and use it for your milk beverages.
3. How long does brewed espresso last?
Brewed espresso can last for a day. However, its flavors and texture will have significantly changed. It will not contain those unique components any longer such as the crema which make espresso so special.
Conclusion
As stimulating and addictive as espresso is, you cannot let it overpower you. The best way to drink espresso is to drink it in healthy amounts. So, you can satisfy your cravings, your mouthfeels, and remain healthy. For that, you need to be mindful of how long espresso lasts in your body and consume accordingly.
Constantly keep a check on your consumption habits. And remember the best espresso flavors come out when it’s fresh! Happy espresso drinking!
