Can Coffee Beans Be Frozen?

The short answer is Yes they can but there's no point and fresh is best!

We offer free delivery of fresh roasted beans so why would you? (and if you set up a subscription you remove any possible faff!)

Still want to know more about freezing? then read on...

Unlike meat and other food that, when frozen, stops bacteria spreading. Coffee beans don't carry the type of bacteria that decay food. When considering preserving the notes of specialty coffee, oxygen (not temperature) is the biggest enemy of coffee freshness and flavours so buy beans (and a grinder) to minimise surface area exposed to air and store in an airtight container or bag with one way valve system (like ours!). The freezing process can in fact alter the notes you expect to find!

Still, if you want (for whatever reason??) you can freeze beans but note it's not as straightforward as bunging a bag if coffee in the freezer!!

Here's some general guidelines to make sure your beans are preserved as well as possible.

  1. Make sure the beans have cooled down to room temperature before freezing them. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the packaging, which can negatively affect the flavor and quality of the beans.

  2. Package the beans properly: Transfer the coffee beans to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it to minimize the risk of freezer burn.

  3. Divide into smaller portions: If you have a large quantity of coffee beans, consider dividing them into smaller portions before freezing. This allows you to take out only the amount you need without repeatedly exposing the entire batch to the freezer's temperature fluctuations.

  4. Label and date the packaging: Write the date of freezing on the package so you can keep track of the storage time. Additionally, label the package with the type of coffee beans to easily identify them later.

  5. Place in the freezer: Put the packaged coffee beans in the freezer, preferably in a section where they won't be disturbed or exposed to strong odors.

  6. Thawing and using frozen coffee beans: When you're ready to use the frozen beans, remove the desired portion from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. It's crucial not to refreeze any portion that has been thawed, as this can affect the flavor and freshness.