We all know that feeling of dread when we’re running late in the morning and realize we forgot to make a cup of coffee at home—Cue the rush to the local coffee shop or the office break room to make a cup of the good stuff.
But what about those of us who like to keep some instant coffee in the car for emergencies? Sure, it’s convenient,but have you ever thought about the risks of storing instant coffee powder in your car?
Hardening
One of the biggest risks of storing instant coffee powder in your car is the potential for hardening. You know how that sugar packet you accidentally left in the car turned into a rock-hard nugget? The same thing can happen to instant coffee powder. When exposed to moisture and heat, the powder can clump together & harden, making it impossible to use
This might not seem like a big deal, but imagine you’re in a rush to get to work and your emergency coffee supply has turned into a solid mass—Not only are you left without your morning pick-me-up, but you’re also left with a mess to clean up in your car. No thanks!
Not to mention, hardened instant coffee powder loses its flavor and potency, meaning even if you do manage to chip away a chunk, it won’t taste the same as fresh powder.
Moisture
Speaking of moisture, storing instant coffee powder in your car can also lead to moisture buildup— especially true if you live in a humid climate or if you’re storing the powder in an area where there’s a lot of condensation, like the glove box.
Moisture can lead to mold growth, which is not only gross (eww!!!) but also potentially harmful to your health—Also, the moist powder can clump together even faster than dry powder, making it even harder to use.
Temperature
It’s no secret that cars can get hot, especially if you park in direct sunlight or in a garage without proper ventilation (that absolutely make it hotter!). Instant coffee powder is sensitive to temperature & prolonged exposure to heat can degrade the quality of the powder.
This can lead to a stale taste & a weaker flavor. Besides, if the powder gets too hot, it can even melt and fuse together, making it even harder to use.
Alternatives
So, what’s the solution? If you’re someone who likes to keep the instant coffee powder in the car for emergencies, there are a few alternatives to consider.
First, consider investing in a travel mug with a built in coffee press—This way you can bring whole coffee beans and a French press with you on the go, ensuring that your coffee is always fresh and flavorful.
If you’re set on using instant coffee,consider keeping a small container in your bag or purse instead of in the car—This way, you can control the temperature & moisture levels, and avoid the risk of hardening.
Just Don’t Do It
In conclusion, while it may seem convenient to store the instant coffee powder in your car for emergencies, the risks of
- hardening
- moisture buildup,
- and temperature degradation
far outweigh the benefits. Instead, consider investing in a travel mug with a built-in coffee press or keeping a small container of instant coffee in your bag or purse.
Trust us, you’ll thank yourself in the long run when you’re sipping on a fresh and flavorful cup of coffee instead of struggling to chip away at a rock-hard nugget of instant coffee powder
So, to all the coffee lovers out there, let’s leave the car as a mode of transportation and not as a makeshift coffee storage facility. #CarCoffeeNoMore #CoffeeConverse
