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Let’s say you stockpiled more coffee beans than you could possible consume in a month. No big deal, you’ll just set them aside for later. Except…does coffee go bad? Can you save those beans for a later date? Here’s the tea—err, coffee.
Similar to some other food items like chocolate and spices, coffee does not have an expiration date in the traditional sense. This is because coffee beans, when stored properly, do not spoil or become harmful to consume. However, coffee can go stale over time, which can affect its flavor and aroma.
OK, So How Do You Store Coffee to Prevent It from “Going Bad”?
Maintaining the freshness of coffee beans all comes down to storage. And the storage method you should choose depends on the format of the coffee—that is, whether the beans are whole, ground or in pods.
- How to store coffee beans: Whole beans will last longer than pre-ground coffee, and even longer if you store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep it in its original bag, that’s fine, as long as you compress all the air out of the bag and seal it tight. An airtight container with a vacuum pump (like an OXO Pop container) is our vessel of choice. Keep it away from heat and sunlight, too.
- How to store ground coffee: For the freshest flavor, you should grind whole beans every time you brew…but pre-ground coffee is undeniably more convenient. The storage method is the same as whole beans: airtight container, away from heat and light.
- How to store coffee pods: Coffee pods for single-serve machines should be kept away from light and heat, but since they’re already sealed up, you don’t have to worry so much about keeping air out. Still, a jar or other airtight vessel won’t hurt.
You might’ve heard that you should store coffee beans and grounds in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them tasty for longer. That’s actually *not* true, at least when it comes to the fridge. Coffee beans are absorbent—store them in the fridge and any pungent odors (onions, garlic, last night’s leftovers) will get soaked right up. Not to mention the refrigerator will suck the moisture out of those beans, causing them to go stale even faster.
The freezer is preferable to the fridge for extended storage, but only if you do it correctly. Put the coffee in its original bag inside of a Ziploc bag, then compress the air out of it and put it in the freezer, where it can be stowed for a few months without fear of losing quality. When you’re ready to use the coffee, take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw completely before brewing. Sounds easy, right? Just know that you can’t stick the coffee back in the freezer once its thawed, since the drastic back-and-forth changes in temperature can degrade the beans.
If you drink or prepare coffee, you may be wondering how long it can last once purchased. Unfortunately, there is a lack of scientific research and food safety guidance on proper coffee storage. More research on coffee storage and safety is needed.
Depending on the manufacturer, packaging, and when you purchased the coffee, this could be a few weeks to months or more.
Many people believe that brewed coffee is freshest for about 20–30 minutes in an open cup or an hour in a sealed container.
There are countless forms of coffee and coffee-based drinks that vary in flavor and intensity. In addition to providing its signature boost in energy, coffee is rich in antioxidants that may promote health (2).
What’s more, be careful about coffee with added milk or creamer. Milk shouldn’t sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth. Drinking spoiled milk can increase the risk of foodborne illness (4).
Can You Drink EXPIRED Coffee?
FAQ
Is 4 year old coffee safe to drink?
Can you drink coffee that expired 3 years ago?
Is it OK to drink old coffee?
How long does coffee expire?
How long does coffee last after expiration date?
Whole coffee beans, when stored correctly, will taste best within one month of their roast date. Expired coffee is still safe – it won’t make you sick or turn “rancid” like many other foods. In terms of safety, whole coffee beans last months after their expiration date – possibly even years.
Is drinking coffee 4-5 times per a day is bad for health?
Drinking this much coffee is not ideal however, it is truly dependent on the speed of your CYP1A2 enzymes. Some individuals are fast metabolisers of caffeine, which means they have rapid versions of the CYP1A2 enzymes. These individuals can consume a larger quantity of caffeine without it being harmful to their health. The opposite can be said for slow metabolisers.
How long does old coffee last?
Even when it is still safe to drink, old coffee tends to have stale and muted flavors. Hot coffee usually already tastes less than ideal when it reaches room temperature, and leftover coffee will last a maximum of a few days in the fridge when it’s black (milk goes bad faster). Another form of brewed coffee that will last a bit longer is cold brew.
How long does brewed coffee last?
Many people believe that brewed coffee is freshest for about 20–30 minutes in an open cup or an hour in a sealed container. However, you can still drink coffee a few hours after it’s brewed. Brewed coffee that doesn’t have milk or creamer added to it, such as a pot of black coffee sitting on a burner, is likely OK to drink for up to 4 hours.