How long does coffee last?
In the fridge, coffee keeps for 3 to 4 months after opening. In the pantry, it keeps for 3 to 5 months from the package date. Once opened, use it within 3 to 4 months. All 4 kinds are below.
3 to 5 months
from the package date
3 to 4 months
after opening
3 to 4 months
in the fridge unless noted
By kind
| Kind | Pantry | Fridge | After opening | Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| whole beans | 3 to 5 months | no guideline | 3 to 4 months | no guideline |
| home ground, non-vacuum | 3 to 5 months | no guideline | 3 to 5 weeks | 1 to 2 years |
| instant | 1 year | no guideline | 2 to 3 months | no guideline |
| commercial ground, non-vacuum | 2 years | no guideline | 1 month | 6 to 12 months |
No guideline: USDA gives no time for that place, usually because the food is not stored that way.
Does coffee go bad?
Yes. The fridge time above is the window USDA gives for good quality; after it, coffee may still be safe for a short while but quality drops and spoilage signs start. The date on the package is the maker's quality promise; the times here count from purchase unless marked "from the package date".
Two numbers to keep in mind: a fridge at 40 F (4 C) or below, and no more than 2 hours at room temperature (1 hour above 90 F / 32 C) for anything perishable.
How to tell coffee has gone bad
General signs for beverages, the group USDA lists coffee under.
- Fizzy drinks that have gone flat or taste metallic
- Sour or curdled smell from opened juice or milk alternatives
- Cloudiness or separation that will not shake back together
- Cork pushed slightly out or wine that smells like vinegar
- Mould ring forming at the neck of a bottle or carton
More on beverages. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.
How long do other beverages last?
Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.