How Long Does Coffee Last?

If you’re wondering how long does coffee last, there are several ways to preserve your fresh brew. Fresh, unopened, and sealed coffee can be stored for three to five years. Ground coffee can be stored for a short time, but it still has a shorter shelf life than whole beans. You can also try storing your coffee in an airtight container. Avoid exposing the coffee to air, as this can cause oxidation.

Unopened or sealed coffee can last for 3 to 5 years

Coffee is one of the most versatile beverages and keeps a long shelf life when properly stored. Beans can be stored in airtight containers for up to three years, and whole beans can be stored for as long as nine months. Coffee Shop San Diego While whole beans will lose some of their flavor over time, they can last for up to six months in the freezer. However, if you have a small quantity, you should freeze it.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that coffee’s flavor and smell go down with time. Adding milk or creamers can increase the chance of spoilage.

Pre-ground coffee has a shorter shelf life than whole beans

Whole-bean coffee has a much longer shelf life than pre-ground coffee. Because whole beans are not exposed to oxygen or contamination, they can be stored for months, unlike ground coffee, which goes stale quickly. Furthermore, whole beans are more cost-effective to purchase in bulk. You can buy them at wholesale prices, which makes them a better value than single-serve bags. In addition, whole-bean coffee is more versatile than ground coffee, as you can grind it to any grind you desire.

The shelf life of pre-ground coffee is significantly shorter than that of whole beans, which has a ten to fourteen-day shelf life. In comparison, pre-ground coffee only lasts about a week after purchase, thanks to the small hole that allows carbon dioxide to escape.

Cold brew coffee is an exception to the no-refrigeration rule

Cold brew coffee has a longer shelf life than hot brewed coffee, but it is still subject to oxidation and may develop rancidity. This can be mitigated by nitrogen pressure and cold storage. However, some studies indicate that the shelf life of cold brew coffee is limited by the deterioration of sensory attributes.

To extend the shelf life of cold brew coffee, store it in an airtight container. You should avoid using plastic containers because they have porous walls, which oxidize important coffee flavors faster. In addition, plastics contain chemicals that can affect the taste. Glass containers have a higher barrier to oxygen and can preserve flavor profiles longer. Coffee press beakers and Mason jars are also great choices for fridge storage. You can even freeze the coffee for several months and thaw it overnight to enjoy it at a later time.

To make cold brew, you’ll need to steep the coffee in water that’s slightly cooler than body temperature. Ideally, you’ll want to steep the coffee for 16 hours, though you can use as little as 14 hours if you prefer a more potent profile. Cold brew will keep for up to 7-14 days after filtering.