Manufacturers indicate shelf life and shelf life on coffee packaging. To tell whether you can drink expired coffee, you need to consider the difference between these terms. After the expiration date, the product deteriorates: it oxidizes, mold appears on it, etc. You should not drink this type of coffee, as it can cause severe intoxication. At the end of the storage period, the grains lose their taste and aroma. You can drink a drink made from them, but it will be inferior to a fresh one. In some cases, you can “reanimate” stale coffee and restore its taste.
Approximate shelf life of coffee and signs that the raw materials have deteriorated
The shelf life of coffee depends on its variety. Soluble and ground varieties are more susceptible to spoilage because they have a larger area of contact with oxygen. Whole grains are more resistant to environmental influences. The raw product contains more substances, but is easier to oxidize and become infected with mold. Roasted beans retain their properties longer than other types of coffee.
Raw grains
The shelf life of raw coffee beans is up to 1 year. The period is shortened if the product is in insufficiently sealed packaging or in unsuitable conditions. For example, damp raw grains are more susceptible to mold contamination. The natural product may lose its odor if you use a container that is not airtight. Sometimes the aroma becomes unpleasant. This happens if the coffee has already gone bad.
Beans that have expired become uneven in color. The coffee looks faded. The grain structure is disrupted. They either crumble even with minimal impact, or they harden greatly but become brittle.
It is forbidden to use grains with a putrid or unpleasant sour aroma, uncharacteristic stains and traces of mold on the surface. This product can cause poisoning. Fungal spores contain toxins and carcinogens and often cause allergies.
Capsule coffee
The shelf life of capsule coffee is from 9 to 24 months, but in most cases the product does not deteriorate even after this period has expired. This is due to high-quality packaging. Each serving is in an individual capsule. Packaging protects the product from pathogens and the adverse effects of external factors: moisture, light and oxygen. Once the package is opened, the shelf life is not reduced. Damaged capsules should be used within 2-3 days.
Most often, the only sign that such coffee has expired is a weakening of the aromatic properties. The drink can be consumed, but it will not have a distinct odor. If the product looks damp or smells unpleasant, this indicates a violation of the integrity of the packaging or errors made by the manufacturer. Such capsules cannot be used.
Ground varieties
In the case of ground varieties, you need to take into account their variety and type of packaging. Store-bought coffee can be stored in an airtight container for up to 12 months. The expiration date may expire earlier if you poured the powder from the original packaging, for example, into a container. This happens due to contact with air.
Vacuum-packed coffee retains its properties for 3 years. After this time, the drink begins to lose its smell and taste, but it can still be consumed without harm to health.
For freshly ground coffee, the shelf life is reduced to 2-4 weeks depending on conditions. To ensure that the powder retains its taste and aroma qualities longer, it is recommended to wrap it in foil and place it in an opaque airtight container. This minimizes exposure to light and oxygen.
After opening the production classic or vacuum packaging, the drink should be consumed within a month. After this period has expired, the product loses 90% of its properties. However, if there is no unpleasant odor, it can be used for its intended purpose.
Roasted grains
In classic sealed packaging, coffee beans are stored for up to 12-18 months, in vacuum packaging - up to 1.5-3 years. When roasting raw materials yourself, it is recommended to consume them within 2-4 weeks. If the expiration date is several months away or has already expired, you need to check the condition of the product before preparing the drink. A slight weakening of the aroma does not indicate final deterioration of the grains.
Significant darkening of the product, changes in texture, oily sheen and rancid odor should alert you. An alarming sign is the appearance of uncharacteristic whitish, greenish or blue spots. It is not recommended to drink such coffee, even if the expiration date has not yet expired.
Instant drink
The soluble product contains not only natural, but also chemical compounds, so its shelf life can reach a record 2-3 years. Even after this period, the drink most often does not spoil, but only begins to lose its properties. Thanks to preservatives, oxidative processes slow down, so this happens slowly. If a can of instant drink has been opened, the contents should be used within 1-2 months.
Duration of storage of ground grains
Most lovers of the aromatic invigorating drink prefer to purchase it in whole grains. This is due to the fact that it is very difficult to store it in crushed form; it quickly loses its properties. If you purchased ground coffee in vacuum packaging, then after opening it can be stored for no more than two weeks. The essential oils contained in it evaporate very quickly. The shelf life of ground coffee, if it was ground yourself, does not exceed three days.
You might be wondering: Is it possible to drink coffee before and after training?
Coffee lovers advise:
- Purchase exclusively whole grains and grind them in a coffee grinder immediately before preparing the drink.
- If you still decide to buy ground coffee, then you should not buy it for future use; it is better to opt for a small amount.
- It is best to store it in a tightly sealed container, as far as possible from any strong-smelling products.
- Avoid exposure to moisture and direct sunlight.
Is it possible to drink expired coffee?
The permissibility of drinking expired coffee depends on the degree of its spoilage. In most cases, an expired drink is not harmful to health. However, if stored incorrectly or for too long, toxins are formed in the grains, which can cause poisoning. Regardless of the type of coffee, it is recommended to check the quality of the product before using it.
Instant coffee
The instant drink is stored for a long time. It contains substances that prevent spoilage, so most often it can be used even after the expiration date specified by the manufacturer. In some cases, people without consequences consumed a product whose “age” exceeded 5 years. Instant coffee rarely spoils even if stored improperly. The worst thing that can happen to it is the loss of taste and aromatic qualities.
Ground and roasted grains
If we are talking about independently roasted or crushed grains, then it is better to use them immediately or prepare small portions. This type of coffee spoils faster. At home, it is almost impossible to pack it correctly, eliminating the impact of all negative environmental factors. For this reason, the risk of poisoning is higher. Store-bought ground and roasted grains spoil less often, so they can be consumed as long as they maintain a pleasant smell and acceptable appearance.
Use of green grains
Green grains are the most dangerous because they are minimally processed. They are sensitive to improper storage conditions, so they are more often contaminated with mold. In the absence of obvious signs of spoilage, a drink can be prepared from the raw materials, but it will not have a pronounced taste and aroma.
If the smell of the grains has become rancid, and mold has appeared on the surface, it is better to dispose of the product.
Capsule drink
Coffee capsules are slightly susceptible to spoilage, so they can be used even after the expiration date specified by the manufacturer. It is advisable to check the contents of the package before preparing the drink, but the chances of the oils going rancid or mold developing are minimal.
What happens to green coffee?
Green grains in closed packages can be stored for up to 5 years. A number of varieties are artificially aged to achieve a change in taste. This is done in India and Sumatra, however, while observing a number of certain conditions.
In any case, even expired green coffee does not pose a health threat - it can be safely roasted and drunk. There are a number of signs by which it is determined that the product has not just exceeded its expiration date, but has deteriorated.
Signs of spoiled coffee:
- heterogeneous structure;
- increased fragility or hardness of grains;
- lack of aroma;
- loss of color.
You can correct the situation by roasting the grains with the addition of aromatic spices: cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and pepper. More intense roasting can also partially restore the lost properties of the product.
In what cases should you not drink “overdue”?
Expired coffee should not be drunk in the following cases:
- The product looks wet. Water, like oxygen, accelerates oxidative reactions. If coffee has been exposed to high humidity for a long time, it is better to get rid of it.
- The smell has become putrid or rancid. The sign indicates deterioration of the oils included in the drink.
- Suspicious spots appeared on the surface of the grains. Most often, this indicates a mold infestation.
Storage duration of instant drink
With this variety the situation is much simpler. The shelf life of instant coffee is usually 2 years. This is due to the fact that during production it is subjected to processing using high temperatures. At the same time, most of the essential oils contained in natural coffee simply disappear from the product.
They are being replaced by artificial analogues, which remain in the product longer. However, once opened, the packaging should be stored for no more than three weeks. During this time, the remaining natural substances disappear. You can extend this period by placing the coffee in a hermetically sealed container. In such packaging it can retain its properties for up to two months.
Consequences of drinking expired coffee
In most cases, there are no negative consequences after drinking expired coffee. You can drink it, but you won't get the expected pleasure due to the almost complete lack of aroma and taste. In rare cases, toxicity occurs due to rancid oils or mold spores.
When oils spoil, aldehydes, ketones and low molecular weight fatty acids are released. The latter have almost no negative impact on human health, but give the product an unpleasant odor. Ketones disrupt the acid-base balance and metabolic processes. They, like aldehydes, can have an irritating effect on tissue, which can lead to the development of pathologies. First of all, this concerns the gastrointestinal tract.
Severe intoxication from consuming rancid oils rarely occurs; long-term consequences pose a greater danger.
Mold becomes the cause of poisoning more often. Fungal spores release toxins that act as poison on the human body. Consuming contaminated drinks may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. In some cases, patients complain of general symptoms of intoxication: migraine, severe weakness, dizziness. Sometimes vomiting occurs. Long-term consumption of contaminated foods weakens the immune system. The risk of developing internal pathologies increases. Mold can also cause allergies.
Powder
Powdered coffee oxidizes easily and is moderately susceptible to mold. For this reason, when consuming spoiled crushed grains, symptoms of poisoning from both fungus and oils are observed. However, when stored in sealed packaging and slightly exceeding the shelf life, there are most often no negative consequences.
Ground and bean coffee
Ground coffee, like powdered coffee, is more susceptible to oxidation. It can be contaminated with mold, so if you drink a spoiled drink, you may experience symptoms of intoxication with both fungi and oils. If the shelf life is slightly exceeded and the consumer properties of the product are preserved, there are no negative consequences.
Roasted grains are less susceptible to oxidation, since the area of contact with air is minimal. They are less likely to develop mold. Even if the grains have spoiled, severe symptoms of poisoning rarely appear.
Cereal raw
Old green beans may become moldy. The oils in them go rancid a little faster than in a fried product. However, the likelihood of intoxication is low, since fungal spots on the grains are clearly visible.
Capsules
The risk of poisoning from a capsule drink is minimal. The manufacturer creates optimal storage conditions for each serving, so the coffee spoils more slowly. Manufacturers often play it safe and indicate minimum terms, so coffee can be consumed even after their expiration without harm to health.
Different types of storage containers
There are several types of packaging in which coffee is usually kept:
- Paper bags;
- Containers made of plastic or metal;
- Foil packaging with check valve;
- Glass or ceramic containers with a tight-fitting lid.
Each type has its pros and cons, which are worth considering in more detail.
Coffee is most often sold in bags made of paper in stores. But this is not the best packaging for the product. It is quite thin and does not protect well from environmental influences. Therefore, after purchasing, when you come home, it is advisable to pour the coffee into another, more suitable container for storage.
Metal and plastic containers are separated into a single group, since both are poorly suited for storing coffee in them for a long time. The reason for this is that these materials tend to give the product an unpleasant aftertaste, and can themselves become saturated with its odor, which is difficult to remove.
You may be interested: Stomach hurts from coffee - causes and consequences
Very often glass or ceramic jars are used for this purpose. It is advisable that the lid be equipped with a silicone seal to ensure the tightness of the package. If the container is transparent, then it is advisable to place it in a dark place to prevent exposure to sunlight. The disadvantage of such containers is that there is no possibility of removing carbon dioxide from it.
Therefore, grains that have been roasted independently can be transferred to a jar only after a day. During this time, gases and excess moisture will come out of them.
The best storage option is foil bags equipped with a special clasp and valve. They significantly increase the shelf life of coffee. The opaque material prevents sunlight from reaching the product, and the non-return valve allows excess gas to escape freely from the packaging.
How to restore the taste of expired coffee?
If the drink is expired, but has not yet completely deteriorated, you can try to restore its taste and aroma. For example, it is enough to roast raw grains to restore their aroma. You can add some spicy spices to enhance the effect. Cinnamon, anise, cloves or cardamom are suitable.
Refreshing roasted beans is a little more difficult and requires an oven. The product is poured with cold boiled water for half an hour. Then the grains are placed on a baking sheet and kept in the oven at +180°C for 10 minutes. After this, the product acquires its original taste and aroma, but it should be consumed within 2-4 weeks.
To “rejuvenate” ground coffee, you need to pour the powder into a frying pan and add a little salt. The crushed grains are heated for 5 minutes. However, this method does not always help. As a last resort, adding 0.25 tsp is allowed. cocoa in Turku with the finished drink. This improves the taste and aroma.
Storage conditions
To ensure that the aromatic product does not lose its taste during its shelf life, several simple rules should be followed when storing it:
- Any instant coffee, ground or grain, must be kept in an airtight container.
- A transparent jar of product should not be left in the light.
- It is not advisable to store soluble powder or granules in a tin container for a long time, otherwise they may acquire a metallic taste, and the drink from them will be unpleasant to drink.
- At first, roasted grains release a large amount of carbon dioxide. Therefore, at the beginning of storage, you need to release it every day by opening the container lid.
- Roasted grains remain fresh for a long time when frozen. But when placing them in the freezer, you should take into account the ability of coffee to absorb odors.
- Green beans, like capsules, do not tolerate high temperatures very well. Therefore, you need to choose a dark, cool place to store them.
Compliance with these simple rules is the key to obtaining a tasty and aromatic drink throughout its shelf life.
We advise you to read: Tea bags - benefits or harm.
photo: depositphotos.com/wideonet, belchonock
Alternative ways to use "overdue"
Grains that have deteriorated, but have not lost their acceptable appearance, can be used in creativity. Coffee is used to make topiaries, artificial trees and figurines. Paintings are created from powder and whole grains. Sometimes unusual boxes and boxes are made from coffee. The list of possible crafts is limited only by your imagination: it could be a hedgehog, a horseshoe, a cat figurine, etc. Grains are used for decoration or creating a background for photographs.
The crushed product can be included in a cosmetic scrub. The simplest recipe is a powder with any nutritious oil: grape, peach, etc. In extreme cases, olive oil will do. This scrub will increase blood circulation, renew the skin and help saturate cells with nutrients. It is better to use it for cleansing the body, because the particles are too large for the face and can cause irritation.
Is it possible to return the taste to expired food?
Adding spices and frying
You can try to breathe new life into the delay. But keep in mind that the taste and aroma will not be the same.
Try roasting green beans with some spices. A strong amber of cinnamon or cloves will eliminate the unpleasant odor.
Spices have antibacterial properties that will help neutralize bacterial growth.
The freshest drink is also drunk with syrups. Sweetness mutes the taste of expired food. More tips in the article “What else is added to coffee for taste and aroma.”
If you don’t like oriental notes, try frying it in a hot frying pan without additional ingredients. This will help release the natural flavors hidden within the beans.
If roasted grains have spoiled, it is better not to experiment with restoring quality. But don’t rush to throw away the expired items. There are other ways to use coffee beans.
Alternative uses
Roasted coffee beans are useful in interior decor. For example, for decorating photo frames, flower pots, vases, bottles.
You can make Christmas decorations, scented candles or coffee topiaries. There is a lot of information on this topic on the Internet, with step-by-step instructions.
Often roasted and ground grains are used in cosmetology in beauty salons and at home.
Face masks and scrubs based on ground powder will help refresh and tighten the skin.
Interesting! Coffee for weight loss - what is the effect?
Hair masks will restore shine and smoothness to your hair.
Cosmetic coffee wraps remove excess fluid from the body and help fight cellulite. The skin after the procedure is smoothed and softened.
Americano and filter coffee
Everything is much more democratic here. The taste of Americano is much more empty and dull, and the difference between “now” and “in five minutes” is quite arbitrary. This is where you actually have time to sit and sip, even if the baristas look askance at everyone who prefers Amer.
It's even easier with filter coffee. After cooking, it is usually stored in a special thermos, where it cools slowly but surely. As time passes and the temperature drops, the taste of the drink changes. But not necessarily for the worse. Some flavor descriptors only develop when they cool, so filter coffee takes a very long time to die.
The caffeine won't evaporate, and from a health standpoint, you're safe if you plan to finish that cup today rather than the day after tomorrow. True, a completely cooled kofas rightly seems to many to be a rather disgusting drink. But if you like it, we don't judge.
Although it is better not to take risks even if you have a thermos or heated coffee maker - if more than five hours have passed since brewing, it is better to pour it out and make a new drink than to allow the formation of some bacteria. Coffee is generally not a thing that is made for future use. If you really want, you can finish yesterday's cup, but we wouldn't recommend it.
But cold brew coffee can easily stand in the refrigerator for several days. All because of the peculiarities of its preparation. The extraction of this drink takes from twelve hours to a day, and it is initially prepared in cold water.
Espresso
The first, but already incredibly difficult point. Baristas have a belief that espresso dies in thirty seconds. But this does not mean that you cannot drink it later. It sounds strange, but there is a good explanation for this.
The key concept here is cream. This is the thick foam that forms on the coffee during extraction. If you leave espresso in a cup for a long time, this element will quickly collapse, and the drink itself will lose some of its flavors and begin to acquire excess acidity and bitterness.
Therefore, it is customary to drink espresso within thirty seconds after serving - literally without leaving the cash register. The strange tradition of sitting in front of a cup of espresso and thinking about lofty things is widespread in the post-Soviet space, but in Europe it is practically non-existent. There, the espresso is dashingly knocked back, like a funeral glass, in order to have time to feel the right aftertaste and not let the creamy foam die.
Technically, the drink will continue to live, but a much more dull and tasteless life. Therefore, many people think that espresso is a bitter and nasty drink, preferring the diluting taste of Americano or milk versions. They also have their own rules.
When the deadline expires
It is, of course, better not to brew expired coffee at all, especially if it has uncharacteristic aromas or an unpleasant aftertaste. And also in the case when mold fungi appear. Even one cup of such a drink will not only not bring pleasure, but will most likely cause poisoning (mild or severe - depending on the strength of your body). In addition, a product made from roasted grains that have expired can also cause harm. It's all about fat, which has the property of spoiling.
By the way, in numerous soluble variations there is practically no fat, and therefore, if the powder was stored according to the rules, it can be dissolved even after a while. Although, undoubtedly, such an expired product is unlikely to produce a drink with characteristic tastes and aromas. So the choice is yours. But it’s easier not to stock up on too much coffee so as not to take risks.
Destroying myths
Some housewives still believe that grains or powder can be stored indefinitely. This is an unfortunate misconception. Is it possible to drink expired coffee, because, like any product, a strong drink also has a specified expiration date? They depend, as usual, on several factors, including the types of grains and the intended storage conditions. In addition, all these nuances must be taken into account immediately when purchasing in a store. You need to carefully look at the timing of the sale of the product, do not buy from dubious companies or in stores that do not have certified products.
