Does brewed coffee stored in the fridge lose its caffeine over time?

Yes, brewed coffee stored in the fridge does lose caffeine over time, but the amount of loss is relatively small.

Here's why:

* Caffeine is soluble: Caffeine is a water-soluble compound, meaning it can dissolve in water.

* Refrigeration slows down degradation: Refrigeration slows down the chemical processes that cause caffeine to break down. However, it doesn't completely stop them.

* Time: The longer coffee is stored, the more caffeine it loses.

How much caffeine is lost?

Studies have shown that coffee stored in the refrigerator loses about 5-10% of its caffeine per day. This means that after a week, you might have lost about 35-70% of the original caffeine content.

Factors affecting caffeine loss:

* Type of coffee: Darker roasts tend to have slightly more caffeine, but the difference is usually negligible.

* Brewing method: Some brewing methods, like French press, can extract more caffeine than others.

* Storage container: Using an airtight container can help minimize caffeine loss.

Practical considerations:

* If you're concerned about caffeine loss, it's best to drink coffee freshly brewed.

* For optimal flavor and caffeine content, don't store coffee in the fridge for more than 3-4 days.

* If you need to store coffee for longer, consider freezing it.

In conclusion:

While some caffeine is lost when coffee is stored in the fridge, the amount is relatively small. If you're looking for the full caffeine kick, freshly brewed coffee is always the best option.