Food Shopping and Storing Beverages Where Should You Store Coffee? We Finally Settle the Pantry vs. Freezer Debate This is the best place for those grounds―and why. By Sharon Tanenbaum Sharon Tanenbaum Sharon Tanenbaum is a writer and editor based in New York. Highlights: * Former fact checker and researcher turned reporter and associate editor at Real Simple * Has held positions at Us Weekly, Everyday Health, DailyGlow.com, and Brit+Co Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Betty Gold Betty Gold Betty Gold is the former senior digital food editor at Real Simple. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 26, 2023 Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Medically reviewed by Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN Kristy Del Coro is a registered dietitian nutritionist, RDN, and professionally trained chef with more than 10 years of experience in the field of culinary nutrition. Her strong background in nutrition science, sustainable food systems, and culinary education makes her exceptionally qualified to write about food that is good for us and the planet—while not sacrificing flavor. Learn More Fact checked by Danielle Slauter Fact checked by Danielle Slauter Highlights: * Has worked as a fact checker for Real Simple since 2022 * Worked as a staff writer for Mochi Magazine * Currently runs and operates the United States blog for Student Beans Our Fact-Checking Process Photo: Cara Cormack Talk about precious cargo. Coffee is a non-negotiable grocery item in nearly every home in America. It's what brings us back to life in the morning, and it's the only path to productivity for sleepyheads everywhere (myself included). But caffeine content isn't everything. Coffee is a delicious drink meant to be prepared, stored, and served properly. There's a lot of confusion when it comes to keeping your coffee beans or grounds as fresh as possible. Is the pantry the right place, or should we be storing them in the freezer? At long last, we have the answer. If Cold Brew Coffee Is Your Caffeinated Drink of Choice, Here's What You Should Know Keep It Shelved The best way to keep ground coffee or whole beans fresh is to store the coffee on a pantry shelf in an opaque, airtight container. It should be away from light, heat, and moisture, says Scott McMartin, who has tasted more than half a million cups of coffee as a member of the Starbucks Green Coffee Quality group. (If you don't have a canister, close the top of the bag with a rubber band, then put the bag in a resealable plastic bag.) When you freeze the coffee you use every day, the fluctuating temperatures create moisture in the packet, which can leave your morning cup tasting like cardboard. "The cell structure changes, which causes a loss of the oils that give coffee its aroma and flavor," says McMartin. So why do so many coffee connoisseurs keep their stashes in the freezer? They probably stock up and store the coffee there for a longer time. When You Can Freeze It's fine to freeze whole beans for up to a month, provided you're not taking them out during that period. "For a large amount of coffee, first divide it into smaller portions, then freeze the portions in airtight bags," recommends Robert Nelson, president and chief executive officer of the National Coffee Association. When you do remove the frozen beans, put them on a shelf to thaw, and grind and brew within two weeks, so the coffee is truly good to the last drop. Save Big Bucks—and Skip the Line at the Coffee Shop—With These Tips for Brewing Espresso at Home By Sharon TanenbaumBy Betty Gold Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit