The freshness of coffee is essential to enjoy its full aroma and flavour. And the question many people ask is: does coffee expire? The answer is complex. Although coffee does not spoil like other foods, it does lose its organoleptic properties over time. Here we explain when and why it changes, and how to preserve it so that it lasts longer.
Does coffee really cure?
Technically, coffee does not ‘expire’ like fresh produce. You will find a ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on its packaging, but this indicates the point up to which the roaster guarantees its optimum quality, not that the coffee becomes unsafe thereafter. However, over time, coffee loses intensity, aroma and flavour, and becomes stale.
However, its longevity will also depend on the type of coffee, the way it is processed and the material of the packaging. Coffee stored in airtight, opaque, vacuum-sealed packaging can be kept in better condition for longer.
Can expired coffee be consumed?
Yes, you can consume expired coffee if it has been stored correctly. But there are important nuances:
Possible risks and loss of organoleptic properties
- It is not dangerous to health, but may have a flat, stale or dull taste.
- It may have lost its organoleptic properties: aroma, freshness and original coffee notes.
- If it has been exposed to humidity or light, it may develop mould or undesirable flavours. In this case, it should not be consumed.
Factors affecting the shelf life of coffee
Type of coffee: whole bean or ground
- Coffee beans: Lasts longer than ground coffee. Properly stored, it can be kept for 2 to 3 months after roasting.
- Ground coffee: Loses aroma and flavour quickly. Ideally, it should be consumed within 2 to 4 weeks after opening. The shelf life of ground coffee is more sensitive due to the larger surface area exposed to air.
Storage conditions
The shelf life of coffee depends very much on where and how it is stored:
- Make sure the container has a degassing valve.
- Keep coffee away from light, heat and humidity.
- Store it in an airtight container, preferably opaque.
- Avoid opening and closing the package constantly. If you can, separate it into smaller portions.
- Never store it in the fridge if it is grainy or ground: it can absorb moisture and odours. However, if you store it in the fridge, it is advisable to put the bag inside another container with a lid (tupper).
- Open coffee is more vulnerable to these factors. Although a closed packet of coffee keeps its qualities better, once opened it is advisable to consume it within the following weeks.
Coffee expire. Tips to preserve the freshness and flavour of coffee
- Buy in small quantities: Avoid having open packets of coffee. It is better to renew frequently.
- Choose coffee beans: They retain their aroma and flavour better than ground coffee.
- Use an airtight container: Especially if it has a one-way valve. This allows roasting gases to be released without letting oxygen in.
- Store in a cool, dry place: No cupboards near the oven or fridge. A closed cupboard is ideal.
- Grind just before brewing: To enjoy time coffee at the peak of freshness.
- Don’t freeze coffee unless it is strictly necessary: If you do, do so in its original vacuum-sealed, unopened package.
- Reuse judiciously: If you are wondering what to do with expired coffee, it can be used as a natural exfoliant, fertiliser or home deodoriser if it has lost its flavour but is not contaminated.
Although coffee does not become harmful after its expiry date, its quality decreases dramatically. Knowing when it has been roasted and consuming it close to that date will make a huge difference.
At Cafés El Magnífico we roast every working day and if you don’t want to take the coffee beans with you, we grind them on the spot in our shops. In addition, all our bags have a degassing valve and you can also find the new Mag tins with vacuum-sealed lids to preserve the volatile aromas of the coffee in an optimal way.
