Do coffee beans go bad?

Don't settle for less-than-perfect coffee - follow these guidelines to enjoy the full flavor and aroma of your coffee beans for much longer!

What’s better than the taste and aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans? Coffee connoisseurs who know their stuff will readily tell you that whole bean format is by far the best way to enjoy your coffee. When your fresh-roasted coffee beans are ground just before brewing, they will unleash the boldest flavors and most distinguishable nuances for a bold, complex cup every time! 

This begs the question, how long do fresh roasted coffee beans stay fresh, and do coffee beans ever go bad? After all, it would seem that coffee beans do indeed have a long shelf life. Although they are better fresh, they can last for months at a time in a coffee canister and still produce a decent cup of coffee. 

 

Will coffee beans expire and how to keep them fresh? Read on to find out about proper coffee bean storage!

Here, we will explore whether coffee beans go bad, and if so, when they expire. That way, you can always enjoy the best possible flavors in your cup! To purchase premium, organic, and gourmet coffee beans freshly roasted on the same day that they are shipped to you, click here…

 

Do coffee beans go bad? 

Yes, coffee beans can go bad, especially if they are exposed to moisture or contaminants. However, when properly stored in a dry, dark, airtight, environment, they have an extensive shelf life. Unopened coffee beans in a sealed valve bag can last for up to a year. An open bag of coffee beans should be consumed within a month, as coffee beans are always best when freshly roasted and ground just before brewing. 

 

Understanding How Coffee Beans are Packaged 

To understand why, when, and how coffee beans go bad, it can be helpful to know what the coffee bean packaging process is like. Coffee beans are the seeds of the Coffee fruit. This fruit is sometimes also called a coffee cherry. After the coffee cherries are harvested, the coffee beans inside are removed, cleaned, and dried. 

 

The dried coffee beans are then sent to a coffee roaster (like this one). At the coffee roasting facility, the beans will be roasted to light, medium, or dark levels. Then, the freshly roasted beans are packaged in an airtight bag or container. 

 

Arguably, the best way to package coffee beans is in a vacuum-sealed valve bag. A vacuum-sealed valve bag can keep out moisture, air, and light, while simultaneously allowing the fresh beans to release gasses via a valve. This helps to ensure that the coffee stays fresh and flavorful for the longest possible time. 

 

Once you open a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans, it is recommended to consume them within the month for the best balance of flavors and the most delicious crema in your coffee cup. 

 

Coffee Bean Expiration, Shelf Life, and Storage: What Else to Know 

Even though millions of people around the world drink coffee every day, many of us are unsure about how to properly store coffee beans and coffee grounds. While coffee can indeed go bad, usually, this shelf-stable product is safe to consume for years after it has been roasted and processed. Coffee generally only expires if it is exposed to contaminants or moisture. 

 

Bearing that in mind, the flavors, oils, and other components of coffee taste best when freshly prepared and enjoyed (ergo, as close to the roast date as possible). Since coffee beans contain natural oils, it is important to understand that through oxidation, these oils can break down in time. When coffee beans are exposed to air, oxidation begins. 

 

The longer coffee beans or coffee grounds have been oxidizing, the more their oils will have broken down. This can lead to an unpalatable cup of coffee. Moisture can be another problem with opened coffee beans. Coffee beans exposed to moisture may become stale or grow mold which renders them inedible. 

 

Understanding Coffee Bean Shelf Life: Coffee Bean Storage Guide

If you want to unlock the full flavor and aroma of your coffee beans and savor every sip, you need to understand the shelf life of coffee and how to store it properly. When you open a bag of coffee, the clock starts ticking. Without optimal storage, an opened bag of ground coffee can only maintain its peak freshness for about two weeks, and the same goes for whole coffee beans. 

 

• ROAST DATE

One of the most crucial factors that determine the shelf life of coffee is the roasting date. Coffee starts to lose its flavor rapidly after roasting, so it's essential to consume it within a few weeks to enjoy its full flavor before it starts tasting stale. For this reason, you should buy your coffee beans from a roaster that prepares them freshly on the same day they ship. For example, this coffee retailer roasts all coffee beans and coffee grounds as close to the shipping date as possible (the same day, in fact) to ensure the best flavors in every cup. 

 

• TYPE OF COFFEE

The type of coffee you have also plays a significant role in how long it stays fresh. Ground coffee loses its flavor faster than roasted coffee beans because it's exposed to more air. Coffee pods and instant coffee, on the other hand, can last for up to a year or more as long as they remain sealed. Still, fresh is better, even with coffee pods. The sooner you enjoy single-serve coffee after it has been roasted, ground, and packaged in each cup, the better.  

 

• MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY 

Moisture is another factor that affects the shelf life of coffee. Once water touches coffee, the grounds start breaking down, releasing their flavor and aroma. Additionally, moisture can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria, making the coffee unsafe for consumption.

 

• LIGHT EXPOSURE

Light exposure can also cause coffee to lose its freshness. UV rays can break down the oils in coffee and coffee beans, causing them to taste stale or even rancid. Moreover, light can cause the coffee to dry out, further deteriorating its quality.

 

• HEAT AND TEMPERATURE

Lastly, heat exposure can also ruin the quality of coffee. High temperatures accelerate the oxidation process, causing the oils in coffee beans to break down and evaporate or change consistency. This can lead to a loss of the subtle aromas and flavors that give coffee its unique taste. Additionally, heat can cause the coffee to expand, further reducing its freshness.

 

Will coffee beans expire if stored in the freezer?

The freezer is not an ideal place to store coffee beans, as fridges and freezers tend to be humid environments. This can damage the oils of your coffee beans over time or make they incredibly stale. Instead, store dry coffee beans at room temperature in an airtight bag away from contaminants, light, or moisture. 

 

Do coffee grounds go bad? 

Technically, coffee grounds don't "expire" in the sense that they are a shelf-stable dry good. In the same way that sugar and flour don’t technically expire, you can store coffee grounds in an airtight container in your pantry for an indefinite amount of time.

Still, it is possible for the oils in coffee grounds to go rancid. Also, just like with flour, rice, and sugar, coffee grounds are susceptible to damage that will make them go bad. If coffee grounds are exposed to light, air, moisture, or contaminants, they can and will go stale, grow mold, etc.

Additionally, coffee grounds contain oils that may begin to have a stale taste over time. For these reasons, it is best to consume coffee grounds within 1 to 2 weeks of their roast date. 

 

How to keep coffee beans fresh? 

The best way to keep coffee beans fresh is to store them in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed valve bag in a dry, dark, temperature-controlled location. A cupboard or pantry should be fine. 

 

Do Coffee Beans Go Bad: Final Considerations

To unlock the full flavor and aroma of your coffee, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place. This way, you can savor every sip of your coffee and start your day on a delicious note. For the very freshest possible flavors and most delicious aromas, you can shop for delicious coffee that is roasted on the same day that it ships to you by clicking here!