FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (about coffee)

How Long Before Coffee Goes Bad?

The shelf life of your coffee depends on its preparation and storage condition.

When Unopened or Sealed

Ground coffee lasts for 3-5 months when kept in a pantry at room temperature, but it can last 1-2 years in the freezer.

Whole-bean coffee lasts for 6-9 months in the pantry and up to 2-3 years in the freezer.

When Opened

Freshly ground coffee lasts 3- 5 months in the pantry or freezer.

Fresh beans can last 6 months in the pantry and up to 2 years in the freezer.

How to Recognize When Your Coffee Has Gone Stale

Coffee doesn’t spoil or develop mold, so it’s hard to tell if your coffee has gone bad based on its appearance. Coffee is a dry product, so there’s little moisture to allow mold to grow.

To check if your coffee is still fresh, trust your nose and taste buds. Bad coffee has lost its pleasant aroma, and the flavor is stale when you drink it.

Oxidation and How It Affects Your Coffee

After brewing, your coffee is prone to oxidation. When oxygen comes into contact with the organic matter of coffee—the proteins and lipids—it will cause a change in the coffee’s molecular structure. It’s the same process that turns apple brown, but in this case, the result is staleness.

The Optimal Ways to Store Coffee

Keep your coffee at its best by storing it properly. Here are some coffee storage pointers to remember:

Don’t reheat your brewed coffee! Use a thermos to store unused brewed coffee to keep it warm and preserve the flavor for a few hours.

Store your ground coffee or coffee beans in an airtight, opaque container and in a dry place. This prevents photodegradation, where light and air alter the organic composition of your coffee, making it stale.