Expiry Dates and Freshness in Specialty Coffee: What You Should Know

In the world of specialty coffee, quality is not just about origin, variety, or roast profile. One of the most overlooked aspects is freshness. While coffee bags often come with expiry dates, these dates only tell part of the story. If you want to enjoy your coffee at its best, it helps to understand what those dates mean, how long coffee stays fresh, and how storage affects the result in your cup.

Roast Date vs Expiry Date

When you look at a bag of specialty coffee, you will often see a roast date printed clearly. This is not just an extra detail. It is a crucial piece of information. The roast date tells you when the coffee was roasted, giving you a true sense of how fresh it is. An expiry date, by contrast, is often more about food safety compliance than flavour.

Many roasters set the expiry date at one year after roasting. Technically, the coffee is still safe to consume within that time. But in specialty coffee, freshness means more than just safe to drink. It is about peak flavour and balance, and those start to fade much sooner.

The Freshness Window

After roasting, coffee goes through a phase of degassing. This is a natural release of carbon dioxide built up during roasting. During the first few days, the coffee is still stabilising. For filter coffee, most baristas recommend waiting around five to ten days after roasting before brewing. For espresso, the ideal window is often between ten and fifteen days, depending on roast style.

Coffee will typically stay vibrant for around four to six weeks after roasting. This is the window where the complexity and clarity are most noticeable. Beyond that, the coffee may still be good, but the top notes start to fade and the profile can flatten out.

Whole Bean vs Ground Coffee

Whole bean coffee stays fresh longer than ground coffee. Once coffee is ground, it has far more surface area and loses aroma quickly due to oxygen exposure. This is why grinding just before brewing makes such a noticeable difference in taste.

Storage Makes a Difference

Even great coffee will age quickly if it is not stored properly. To keep your beans in top shape:

• Use an airtight container

• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight

• Avoid fridges or freezers unless the coffee is sealed airtight

Putting an open bag in the fridge or freezer can introduce moisture or odours that will affect taste. Room temperature is usually best, as long as the bag is kept tightly closed and away from heat sources.

Can You Drink “Expired” Coffee?

Coffee does not expire in the same way milk or fresh produce does. If you find a bag that is past its printed expiry date, it may still be drinkable. It just might not be very interesting anymore. Expect a flatter, less fragrant experience. While it is not unsafe, it is no longer representing what the roaster intended. Older beans might still work for cold brew, iced coffee, or as a base for blending, but do not expect peak flavour.

What to Look for When Buying

Always check the roast date. A bag roasted within the past one to three weeks is ideal. If there is no roast date listed or the beans are more than two months old, it is worth asking questions. Specialty coffee is about transparency, and freshness is part of that story.

Also think about how much coffee you use. If you brew just a few cups a week, smaller bags will help you keep things fresh. Buying in large quantities only makes sense if you go through them quickly.

In Summary

Freshness matters. Expiry dates give a rough guideline, but they are not a measure of flavour. A roast date is far more useful. For the best results, aim to brew your coffee within four to six weeks of roasting, store it with care, and grind just before brewing. That is how you get the most from each cup — not just caffeine, but clarity, complexity, and character.