How to Store Coffee Beans: The Ultimate Guide to Lasting Freshness
The best way to store coffee beans is in an airtight, opaque container, in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard away from the oven. Buy only what you will drink in one to two weeks, and grind just before you brew.
How long do coffee beans last?
| Coffee | Where | Stays fresh for |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted beans, opened | Airtight container at room temperature | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Ground coffee, opened | Airtight container at room temperature | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Roasted beans | Refrigerator | About 2 weeks |
| Roasted beans | Freezer, truly airtight | 3 to 4 months |
| Unopened beans or ground coffee | Cupboard | Until the best-by date |
Source: National Coffee Association.
Old coffee is not unsafe unless moisture has got in. It simply loses its aroma and tastes flat.
The four things that ruin coffee
- Air. Oxygen makes coffee stale. Keep the container sealed.
- Light. Clear jars look good and let in light that hurts flavor. Use an opaque container.
- Heat. Keep coffee away from the oven, the dishwasher and sunny counters.
- Moisture. Coffee absorbs moisture, and smells, from the air around it.
Five rules for storing coffee beans
- Move coffee into an airtight, opaque container, especially once the bag is open.
- Keep it in a cool, dark cupboard.
- Buy smaller amounts more often. One to two weeks' worth is ideal.
- Buy whole beans and grind only what you need.
- Keep it away from strong smells.
Should you keep coffee beans in the fridge?
Usually not. The refrigerator is humid and full of odors, and coffee takes on both. A cupboard is better.
Should you freeze coffee beans?
Experts disagree, according to the National Coffee Association. If you do freeze coffee:
- Use a truly airtight container.
- Take out no more than a week's supply at a time.
- Put the rest back before condensation forms on it.
Freezing makes most sense if you have bought more than you can drink in a couple of weeks.
Whole bean or ground?
Whole beans keep longer, because less of the coffee is exposed to air. Ground coffee goes stale in one to two weeks. For the right setting when you do grind, see our grind size chart.
How we help
Freshness starts before the coffee reaches you. We roast in small batches every week in Atlanta and ship within 48 hours, so your coffee arrives days from the roaster, not months.
A subscription sends you a fresh bag as often as you need one, so you never have to stockpile.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to store coffee beans?
In an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dark cupboard.
How long do coffee beans last after opening?
One to three weeks at room temperature in an airtight container.
Can you store coffee beans in the freezer?
Yes, for three to four months, if the container is truly airtight and you take out only a week's worth at a time.
Should coffee beans be kept in the bag they came in?
A resealable bag with a valve is fine for a week or two. For longer, move the beans to an airtight container.
Do coffee beans go bad?
They go stale and lose flavor. They are only unsafe if they get damp and moldy.
How long does ground coffee last?
One to two weeks once opened.
