How you store your coffee beans – or grounds – makes a big difference to the taste of your final brew.
According to Samuel Klein, a respected Green Coffee Buyer at Partners Coffee in the US, proper storage plays a major role in preserving your coffee’s flavour.
“Coffee is sensitive to air, heat, moisture, light, and strong smells – all of which can break down its quality over time,” he tells Real Simple magazine.
“By keeping those elements at bay, you help ensure the coffee stays vibrant and enjoyable for longer.”
Even though beans are roasted, like any organic product they’re still perishable and can go stale or even rancid over time.
Where is the best place to store coffee beans?
Start by storing your coffee beans in a cool, dark, dry cupboard. Most importantly, keen them away from humid spots in the kitchen (like over the stove) and off sunny window sills.
You should also distance them from strong-smelling foods.
“A sealed bag with a one-way valve, just like the one it came in from the roaster, often works great,” Klein said.
An airtight container or a clean jar works too.
Did you know? A beloved Johannesburg café recently earned a prestigious spot on the 2025 list of the World’s Top 100 Coffee Shops? Read more about it here.
What about ground coffee?
Ground coffee goes stale faster than whole beans due to its higher surface area. “Once ground, those flavourful aromatic compounds start to dissipate fast,” noted Klein.
If you’ve bought pre-ground coffee, follow the rules above by storing it in a cool, dark place in a small airtight container.
“If possible, grinding fresh before each brew is always the better move flavour-wise.”
Fun fact: The flavour profile of some roasts improves over time. Read more here.
Why fridge and freezer storage is a bad idea
Many coffee drinkers stash their ground or whole coffee beans in the fridge or freezer. This is a risky move.
“Cold storage can cause condensation, especially when the coffee moves between temperatures, which can lead to stale-tasting brews,” Klein added.
Another downside? Scents. Fridges and freezers tend to be full of other food smells, which coffee can easily absorb.
Bonus tip: Used coffee grounds make for an excellent fridge deodoriser. Pop a bowl of them in the back to soak up odours.
Does coffee expire?
Yes – just not like milk. Coffee beans won’t necessarily go mouldy or rotten, but the coffee can lose its flavour notes.
“Especially once exposed to air, it can start to taste flat, muted, or even a bit like cardboard,” Klein concluded.
“Dark roasts with surface oils are especially prone to going rancid, while ground coffee tends to fade faster than whole beans.”
Are these coffee storage tips useful?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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