Coffee Cans and Coffee Freshness

What is coffee freshness?

In specialty coffee, freshness refers to how closely the coffee retains the aromas and flavours it had shortly after roasting.

There is no universal rule for defining coffee freshness, as it depends on several factors: roast level, roasting process, whether the coffee is whole bean or ground, storage conditions and packaging.

That is why each roaster may establish a different best-before date for their coffee.

Freshness can also be studied through chemical markers, such as the presence of CO2, which is produced during roasting and gradually released afterwards.

Why is coffee packaging important?

Packaging plays an essential role in preserving coffee freshness over time.

Exposure to oxygen and moisture can negatively affect coffee quality, causing the gradual loss of aromas and flavours.

Specialty coffee packaging is available in different materials, including recyclable plastics, compostable materials and multilayer bags with an aluminium barrier.

Each option has different advantages in terms of protection and environmental impact.

Aluminium barriers can provide excellent protection against oxygen and moisture, although multilayer packaging can be difficult to recycle.

Why do we use aluminium coffee cans?

At 80plus, we use aluminium cans for our 250 g coffees to help preserve their freshness and quality.

Their rigid structure and protective barrier help reduce exposure to external elements that could affect the coffee’s aromas and flavours.

Aluminium is also a recyclable material that can be recycled repeatedly without losing its essential properties.

This makes it an interesting alternative to certain types of multilayer coffee packaging.

How does nitrogen help preserve coffee?

There is another important factor in keeping coffee fresh: reducing the amount of oxygen inside the packaging.

Our coffee cans are flushed with nitrogen during packaging, helping displace oxygen and protect the coffee.

Oxygen contributes to the loss of aromatic compounds and the oxidation of coffee oils, which can eventually produce rancid flavours.

Nitrogen, on the other hand, is an inert gas that does not react with coffee oils under normal storage conditions.

By combining protective aluminium packaging with nitrogen flushing, we aim to preserve the coffee’s original characteristics for longer.

How long does specialty coffee stay fresh?

Freshness depends on the coffee, its packaging and how it is stored.

Some specialty coffee roasters recommend consuming their coffee within three months of the roast date to enjoy its best aromatic qualities.

At 80plus, we also recommend enjoying our coffee within three months of roasting for the best experience.

Good packaging helps protect the coffee, but proper storage remains important. Keep your coffee in a cool, dry place, away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.