Can you freeze ground coffee? What container should you use? We answer these questions (and more) in our guide to storing ground coffee.
It’s no surprise that freshly ground coffee beans yield a better cup. But on hectic mornings, grinding beans is a step many of us are willing to skip. That’s where pre-ground coffee enters the picture. This convenient staple makes it possible to get our caffeine fix in mere minutes. And, when stored correctly, it tastes almost as good as the fresh stuff. That’s why we found the best methods for storing ground coffee. We’ll cover everything from storage spots to the best containers—and much more.
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Lock Out Moisture
You want to keep your grounds dry, so skip any storage spots that are exposed to moisture, like the refrigerator or a shelf above your stove. We recommend storing grounds in a cool, dry place, such as in the back of the pantry.
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Grind and Freeze
Can you freeze ground coffee? Yes! It’s possible to achieve a coffee-shop taste without grinding your beans every morning. Simply grind your beans over the weekend, then stash the grounds in the freezer for use during the week. Make sure to use an airtight container to lock out moisture and odors.
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Keep It Dark
Heat and light can damage your coffee grounds, so plan to store them in a dark spot. An opaque container helps, as does a naturally dark environment like a cupboard or closet.
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Pick the Perfect Container
The best coffee storage containers are airtight. You also want to make sure that the material is sturdy and won’t transfer any flavors or odors to the grounds. Ceramic and metal are the best choices, but glass works well too if your storage spot is out of the sun.
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Buy Less
Coffee is one of the items you want to avoid buying in bulk. For peak freshness, finish your grounds in one to two weeks. Any longer and they’ll begin to lose their flavor. Instead of stocking up for months, we recommend buying small bags of the best coffee beans more frequently.
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Shop Local
If you want your coffee to stay fresh, you need to make sure you’re buying fresh grounds in the first place. Instead of shopping at the grocery store—where products can sit on the shelf for months—head to a local coffee roaster. If you ask, most places will even grind the beans for you!
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