How Long Does Coffee Last?

To enjoy a superior cup of coffee, keeping your beans or ground coffee fresh is crucial. Coffee, whether whole or pre-ground, begins to lose its peak qualities soon after roasting, notes the National Coffee Association. If coffee enriches your morning ritual, knowing its freshness duration can make all the difference.

Does Coffee Go Bad?

In terms of food safety, coffee is quite shelf stable, according to Michael Phillips, director of education for Blue Bottle Coffee. In other words, old coffee won't cause foodborne illness, but it can yield a mediocre cup of joe.

"Coffees start to noticeably lose flavor at around two weeks [after opening]—one week if the coffee is a darker roast profile," says Phillips. Moreover, "coffee beans do have a certain amount of oil in that, under bad conditions (such as exposure to sunlight and heat), can go rancid after long periods of time," he says.

The Coffee Bag Matters

When it comes to brewing an optimal cup of coffee, it all starts with the bag. "Any factory sealed bag will keep freshness longer than an open bag, paper or not," says Phillips. "Vacuum-sealed bags that have been flushed are even better, but the best thing is to buy small amounts frequently. That way, the freshness is ensured."

With that in mind, try to buy smaller batches—enough for one or two weeks, as recommended by the experts at the National Coffee Association.

How Long Do Whole Coffee Beans Last?

Unopened

According to the experts at Ohio State University Extension, an unopened, vacuum-sealed bag of coffee beans should be used within two years.

Opened

Once opened, a bag of coffee beans will yield optimal cups within one to two weeks.

How to Store Whole Coffee Beans?

Unopened

Proper storage is the most essential detail in terms of keeping coffee fresh. That means keeping out air, moisture, heat, and light, which all have an impact on the freshness and taste. "If you have airtight vacuum-sealed packaging, the freezer is your best option," says Phillips.

Opened

Once a bag of coffee beans has been opened, avoid the freezer at all costs, says Phillips. "The coffee will act like a sponge and absorb all sorts of flavors and humidity. Once the original seal is broken, placing the coffee in the freezer will almost certainly eliminate flavors and humidity that will lower the quality of what you get in the final cup," he says.

"To preserve your beans' fresh roasted flavor as long as possible, store them in an opaque, air-tight container at room temperature," according to the National Coffee Association. "Coffee beans can be beautiful, but avoid clear canisters, which will allow light to compromise the taste of coffee. Keep beans in a dark and cool location. A cabinet near the oven is often too warm, and so is a spot on the kitchen counter that gets strong afternoon sun."

Phillips recommends special storage canisters that help pump the air out, increasing freshness even further.

How Long Does Ground Coffee Last?

Unopened

For the best flavor, grind coffee beans just before brewing a cup. But if you purchase vacuum-sealed pre-ground coffee, it will last for about one year unopened.

Opened

An opened bag of ground coffee will taste its best for about one week. Again, it's safe to drink it past this date, but the flavor might not be as good.

Is there a difference between coffee beans that have been ground at home or a coffee shop? "Once the coffee is ground, the CO2 from the roasting process that protects the coffee from oxygen escapes very quickly no matter how the coffee is stored," says Phillips. "Optimal taste is within a few hours of being ground, but you can still get good cups for a day or two."

How to Store Ground Coffee?

Storing ground coffee follows the same rules as whole bean coffee, says Phillips. The best way to store it is in airtight containers in cool, dark location.

Should You Buy Whole Beans or Pre-Ground?

Whether you should buy beans or pre-ground coffee really comes down to personal preference. "Most coffee aficionados opt to keep their coffee as whole bean right up to the point of brewing as this will keep the freshness of the coffee at its peak," says Phillips. But having a great grinder plays a role as well. "I would actually suggest getting your coffee ground in a coffee shop's professional gear, as having a good grind will treat your final cup better than the difference in freshness."

How Long Do Coffee Pods Last?

Contrary to what many may think, coffee pods do have an expiration date and can, in fact, alter their taste if not stored properly. Unopened boxes of coffee pods usually have a shelf life of 10 to 18 months to preserve them. Make sure to leave them in their original package in a dark cool place, and avoid the fridge (similar to whole beans or ground coffee, pods can also absorb humidity, smell, and flavor of other foods in there) or direct sunlight.

An opened box of coffee pods will taste fresh for a week or two, again, if they're stored in a moisture-free environment (you can place them in an airtight container or sealable bag if the conditions aren't right). How to know if coffee pods have gone bad? Simply check for a change in color, smell or rancidity once brewed.