What Is the Shelf Life of Roasted Coffee Beans?
Coffee lovers know that freshness matters. Whether you brew coffee at home or own a café, knowing how long roasted coffee beans last is important. This helps you get the best flavor from every cup.
But how long do roasted coffee beans truly last? And what’s the best way to store them?
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the longevity, freshness, and storage of your roasted coffee beans.
How Long Do Roasted Coffee Beans Last?
Typically, you can store roasted coffee beans for 2 to 12 months, depending on how you store them. However, while they may not “expire” in the traditional sense, they do lose flavor and aroma over time.
Breakdown of Shelf Life:
- Whole roasted beans (unopened) – 6 to 12 months in a sealed, airtight bag with a one-way valve.
- Whole roasted beans (opened) – Best consumed within 2 to 4 weeks after opening.
- Consume ground coffee within 1 to 2 weeks for peak flavor.
The biggest factor affecting shelf life is exposure to air, moisture, heat, and light — all which speed up the degradation process.
Signs Your Coffee Beans Are No Longer Fresh
Even if your beans haven’t “gone bad,” they might be stale. Look for these signs:
- Flat or dull aroma
- Weak or bitter taste
- Beans look dry and have no oily sheen
- Coffee lacks the body or complexity you expect
How to Store Roasted Coffee Beans for Freshness
To extend the freshness of roasted coffee beans, follow these storage tips:
- Keep beans in an airtight container – preferably one with a one-way valve
- Store in a cool, dark place – avoid direct sunlight and heat sources
- Do not store in the fridge – temperature fluctuations can cause condensation
- Buy in smaller quantities – only what you’ll use in 2–3 weeks
At The Brew Crew, we recommend customers buy fresh roasted beans in small batches and grind just before brewing for maximum flavor.
Can You Freeze Coffee Beans?
Freezing roasted coffee beans is not ideal for daily use but can be an option to store beans long-term. If you do freeze:
- Use airtight, vacuum-sealed bags
- Thaw only the portion you’ll use
- Never refreeze thawed beans
Final Thoughts
So, how long does roasted coffee last? While coffee beans don’t have a hard expiration date, you should enjoy them within a few weeks of roasting. For the best-tasting brew, always choose freshly roasted beans, store them properly, and consume them while they’re still vibrant and aromatic.
Want to taste the difference freshness makes?
