Your morning cup is only as good as your storage. It’s one of the most overlooked steps in making great coffee at home, yet it has a bigger impact than you might think. Storing your beans properly can mean the difference between fresh, fragrant flavour and a flat, disappointing brew.
Let’s fix that.
Why storage matters more than you think
Coffee beans are sensitive. Exposure to air, light, moisture and heat all speed up oxidation — which means your beans start losing their flavour from the moment the bag is opened. Bad storage makes that happen faster.
Freshness is everything in coffee. Beans past their best can taste stale, sour, or just… underwhelming. If your coffee doesn’t quite hit like it used to, poor storage is often the culprit.
How long should beans stay fresh?
Whole beans are at their best within four weeks of roasting. After that, the oils start to break down and the aromas fade. Pre-ground coffee has an even shorter window — usually just a few days once opened.
The good news is, the right container and environment can help you make the most of every bean.
What to avoid when storing beans
Here’s what to steer clear of:
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Clear jars on the benchtop (light and heat are the enemies)
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Scooping straight from the bag with a wet spoon
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Leaving the bag open or poorly sealed
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Putting your coffee in the fridge (it absorbs moisture and odours)
Better bean storage in 3 steps
Use this as your new go-to:
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Transfer to an airtight container
Choose one that’s opaque and has a proper seal. A vacuum-sealed coffee canister is even better. -
Store in a cool, dark place
A pantry or cupboard away from the stove is perfect. Aim for a stable temperature. -
Buy smaller amounts, more often
It’s tempting to buy bulk, but freshness suffers. A 250g or 500g bag keeps things fresher, longer.
Bonus tip: Use your grinder as a freshness checkpoint
If your beans grind too quickly or the aroma feels weak, they’re probably past their prime. A consistent grind with a strong, rich smell means you’re doing it right.
Want to always start with fresh beans?
We roast and ship on demand. That means you get beans that haven’t been sitting around, losing their edge. Explore our full range of blends and single origins, and start storing them right from day one.