Getting a good deal and over-buy coffee beans in excitement leads to one question - can coffee go bad?
To save you wasting time (and coffee) on this, I will separate fact from fiction and help you keep those grounds fresh.
Does Ground Coffee Ever Expire?
Yes, coffee can go bad over time, so it expires according to the roast date on the bag and the freshness.
Even the best coffee is made from whole coffee beans and is essentially just roasted beans at its core. Like any other roasted or dried bean, it can go bad - but not in the way you would think.
They are not prone to rotting like an overripe banana or mold like old bread, but coffee beans expire over time.
As roasted coffee beans age, chemical changes in the grounds and oils cause the flavor to fade or disappear.
The way coffee ages can be compared to spices - you can still use them, but the more air the grounds are exposed to, the more stored ground coffee is affected.
Air is the enemy of coffee grounds, so you need to minimize the amount of contact your beans have with it to keep them fresh.
Many variables go into making ground coffee and freshly brewed coffee goes bad:
As long as you do not let an open bag or grounds sit in wet conditions, you should be able to drink expired coffee without issue - it just may not smell or taste as good as it does at its peak.
It is also possible for instant coffee and store-brewed coffee to go bad, but that is slightly different.
How Long Does Ground Coffee Normally Last?
Coffee beans typically last about two weeks from opening for you to enjoy them at peak freshness.
A regular coffee drinker should be able to manage that easily, provided you only have a bag or two in your pantry at a time.
However, the peak flavor time limit will change depending on the roast, blend, and how you brew the coffee.
An unopened and properly stored coffee bean bag at room temperature should last a few months past the sell-by date.
If stored in the freezer, the unopened bag could stay fresh for up to two years. If you want longevity, K-cups last for years without expiring.
Once the bag is opened, it is suggested that you drink that coffee within a few weeks to achieve peak flavor. However, that is not typically when coffee spoils.
How Do You Know If Ground Coffee Is Bad?
How do you know if your coffee has gone bad? It is possible to drink coffee after the sell-by date, but there is a limit to how long the quality will hold out.
There are a few key indicators that you have expired coffee beans on your hands:
The Smell Has Changed Or Smells Bad
A dusty or mildewy smell is a good way to tell if coffee has gone bad.
This applies not only to black coffee grounds or beans but also to cold brew and instant coffee.
The Flavor Profile Is Off
Another good indicator is to brew a cup of coffee and try it. You will be able to tell if you are drinking expired coffee if it tastes stale.
You Can See Mold In The Container
Old grounds kept in poor conditions can grow mold. Drinking moldy coffee is a bad idea. If you see any mold growing, throw the grounds away.
The Grounds Are Damp Or Wet In The Bag Or Container
Damp coffee grounds are a haven for mold and other nasty bacteria - dispose of them immediately.
There Are Pantry Insects In The Bag
If you see any insects in the bag, discard ground coffee immediately.[1]
Storage Tips For Keeping Your Ground Coffee Fresh
The best way to avoid consuming freshly ground coffee that has expired is to store it in an airtight bag for freshness.[2]
How you store ground coffee and store coffee beans is a major factor in keeping the taste fresh and maintaining the taste.
Here are some tips for ensuring your freshly roasted coffee beans stay fresh and give you the perfect cup every time.
Use An Airtight Container
When it comes to storing coffee, the container is everything. We recommend that you find a resealable bag or air-tight container to prevent the grounds from getting wet or air exposure.
Alternatively, you can use a vacuum-sealed container to prevent air and excess moisture from getting the grounds wet.
Sometimes the original packaging has a seal, but often you need to store ground coffee in an airtight container.
Store In A Cool Dry Area
Heat is the third enemy of ground coffee, so storing your coffee in a cool, dry place is essential. Heat invites bacteria and increased degradation, causing the coffee to lose quality.
You could also try storing whole beans and grinding them right before use.
Try Freezing Ground Coffee
While it is a hotly debated method, it is possible to store your coffee in the freezer (but NOT the fridge).
It is debatable whether this is the best way to store coffee, but it can help if you use properly sealed storage.
Overall, we would suggest it is better for long-term storage of up to two years rather than regular short-term storage.
If you do choose to freeze your coffee, we recommend portioning the coffee out a week at a time and writing the dates on each container to minimize moisture and air contact.
Make sure to use the frozen ground coffee straight away - you do not need to let it defrost at room temperature.
How To Repurpose Bad Coffee
Coffee beans have natural oils inside them, and, like any other oil, the oils can go rancid. This will affect the taste and smell of the coffee, removing the rich flavor you are used to.
Rancid coffee must be thrown out; it is not worth keeping.
If your coffee grounds have gone bad but do not have mold or insects, you can repurpose them.[3]
For an environmentally friendly way to get the most out of your old coffee grounds, you can choose to:
This can help you help the environment and minimize waste at the same time - talk about a win-win.
Common Ground Coffee Shelf-Life Questions
Is it okay to use ground coffee after the expiration date?
Yes, it is fine to use coffee grounds after expiration provided that the coffee grounds do not smell bad or have mold or insects inside.
Can old coffee grounds make you sick?
If the grounds have mold or insects in them, they will most likely make you sick if you try to drink them. However, if you have stored them properly and they are not wet or smell okay, then it should be fine. If you are unsure, the best thing to do is throw the coffee away - better to be safe than sorry!
What do bad coffee grounds smell like?
Bad coffee grounds have an aroma that has often been described as:
If any of this is present, you should throw the coffee away.
Conclusion
Can you drink good quality coffee after expiration date? The answer is yes; you do not need to worry about the taste, provided it smells okay.
You can keep making fresh coffee for up to a few weeks or months afterward.
Do coffee grounds go bad if left out or not stored properly? Yes! Follow our tips above to store and inspect your bought ground coffee properly before drinking.
It is possible to keep drinking your ground coffee after the expiration date suggests but keep an eye out for any issues.
References:
1. https://extension.umn.edu/product-and-houseplant-pests/pantry-pests-insects-found-stored-food
2. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/cooking-tools/food-storage-container-reviews/g2215/food-storage-containers/
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/uses-for-coffee-grounds#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
