Ground Coffee

Unopened ground coffee can last between 3 to 5 months in the pantry beyond the date it was printed on the package. Once opened, it should be used within 1 to 2 weeks for optimum flavor but can still be safe to use for 3 to 5 months if stored properly. Freezing ground coffee is a common practice and can help extend the shelf life up to 1 to 2 years.

The best way to determine if your ground coffee has gone bad is to rely on your senses. As coffee goes stale, it loses its rich aroma and it may smell lifeless, like cardboard. The color might appear slightly faded, but this is not always the best indicator. If it develops an off smell, a moldy appearance or it tastes sour, bitter or like it has no flavor at all, it’s time to toss it.

• Store your opened ground coffee in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. • Don't store your coffee near spices or fragrant foods to prevent the coffee beans from absorbing those flavors. • Avoid repeatedly taking coffee out of the freezer to use, this brings moisture into the packet which can ruin the rest of the coffee. It’s best to divide it into smaller portions before freezing. • If you've bought a large bag, divide it into smaller portions that will last 1-2 weeks each and store these in individual airtight containers. • Contrary to popular belief, refrigerating coffee is not recommended as it can absorb odors from other foods and condensation could damage the beans.