Sweet TeaShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide
Pantry
Not RecommendedUnsafe
Prepared sweet tea should not be stored at room temperature due to the risk of bacterial growth. Refrigerate promptly.
Refrigerator
3-5 days
Store prepared sweet tea in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer
6-8 months for best quality
Freeze sweet tea in airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving headspace for expansion. While safe indefinitely, quality may degrade after 6-8 months.
Signs of Spoilage
- Off-odor (sour or fermented smell)
- Cloudiness or haziness that was not present initially
- Mold growth on the surface
- Unusual or unpleasant taste
Room Temperature Safety
The 'Danger Zone' for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).
Promptly refrigerate sweet tea after brewing and cooling. Discard any sweet tea left in the danger zone for longer than the recommended time.
Safe Handling
Refrigerate prepared sweet tea within 2 hours of brewing and cooling.
Do not consume sweet tea that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the ambient temperature is above 90°F/32°C).
Always use clean utensils and containers to prevent cross-contamination during preparation and storage.