Does Coffee Go Bad? How to Tell if It’s Stale

(And Why Freshly Roasted Strava Coffee Makes All the Difference)

If you’ve ever pulled out an old bag of beans from the back of the pantry and wondered, “Is this still good?” — you’re not alone. Coffee doesn't spoil in the way milk or bread does, but it does go stale. And when it does, it loses what makes it magical: those rich aromas and vibrant flavors you crave in a fresh cup.

So, does coffee go bad? Let’s break it down—and while we’re at it, we’ll show you why Strava’s freshly roasted coffee is a game-changer when it comes to freshness and flavor.

What Actually Happens When Coffee Gets Old?

Here’s the truth: coffee is a bit of a diva. As soon as it’s roasted, the clock starts ticking. Oxygen, moisture, heat, and light all start working against it. Over time, these elements break down the aromatic oils and compounds that give your coffee its flavor and scent.

The result? A flat, bitter, or just plain "meh" cup of coffee.

But here’s the good news: with the right knowledge (and better beans), it’s easy to avoid stale coffee.

How to Tell If Your Coffee Is Stale

You don’t need a lab test to spot stale coffee. Trust your senses.

Start with the smell. Fresh coffee—especially from a roaster like Strava—bursts with aromas like chocolate, citrus, caramel, or berries, depending on the roast. If your beans smell dusty, musty, or like cardboard? That’s a red flag.

Next, brew a cup. A stale brew tends to taste flat, overly bitter, or lifeless. If it’s missing that usual punch of flavor or depth, chances are the beans are past their prime.

Even the appearance can give things away. Freshly roasted beans have a slight sheen from natural oils. Stale ones often look dull, dry, or faded. If you see mold or smell anything sour, it’s time to toss them—stat.

How Long Does Coffee Stay Fresh?

This depends on a few things—mostly how it’s stored and whether it’s whole bean or pre-ground. Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

Whole beans stay fresh for 4–6 weeks after opening. Unopened and stored well? Up to 6 months.
Ground coffee starts to go stale faster—usually within 2–4 weeks.
Brewed coffee? Best enjoyed within 12 hours if left out, or up to a week if refrigerated (though flavor fades quickly).

But keep this in mind: coffee has a peak window where it tastes its absolute best. For Strava, that’s usually between 7–21 days after roasting—just enough time for the beans to degas and fully develop their flavor. That’s why we roast in small batches and ship fast. You get your coffee just as it hits its prime.

How to Store Coffee So It Stays Fresh

Proper storage can stretch your beans’ life and preserve those nuanced flavors. Here’s what we recommend:

Keep it airtight: Oxygen is coffee’s worst enemy. Use a sealed container, preferably one that blocks out light.
Skip the fridge: Coffee absorbs moisture and odors like a sponge. Unless it’s vacuum-sealed, avoid the fridge or freezer.
Store it in a cool, dark place: A pantry or cupboard works perfectly—just keep it away from heat sources.
Grind fresh if you can: Whole beans retain freshness longer. Grinding just before brewing helps preserve those flavorful oils.

Oh, and pro tip? Buy smaller amounts more often. Strava makes it easy with flexible subscriptions and one-off bags you can grab whenever you're running low.

Can You Still Use Old Coffee?

If your beans are past their prime but still smell okay, don’t throw them out just yet. They might not be ideal for your morning pour-over, but they can still serve a purpose.

Try using them for cold brew, where the longer steep can extract more mellow flavors. Or grind them for baking, DIY body scrubs, or even coffee-infused BBQ rubs. Just don’t drink coffee that smells sour or shows any sign of mold—that’s a definite no.

Why Freshly Roasted Coffee (Like Ours) Tastes So Much Better

Most grocery store coffee was roasted weeks—or months—ago. By the time you brew it, it’s already on the decline.

At Strava, we roast to order and ship quickly, so your beans arrive fresh off the roaster. You’ll notice the difference from your very first cup: more aroma, more flavor, and a smoother, more satisfying brew. Check out our collection of freshly roasted specialty coffees and check out our options for a recurring subscription of freshly roasted coffee.

FAQs On Coffee's Shelf Life

Does coffee ever actually expire?
Not in the way food does. Coffee doesn’t become dangerous, but stale coffee loses flavor—and moldy coffee should always be discarded.

How do I know when Strava Coffee was roasted?
We include the roast date on every bag, so you always know exactly how fresh your coffee is.

Can I freeze coffee beans?
Yes, but only if they’re sealed tight and you don’t plan to open and close the bag repeatedly. For most people, storing beans in a cool, dark pantry is the safer bet.

Final Sip

So—does coffee go bad? Not exactly. But it definitely goes stale, and stale coffee just isn’t worth your mug. That’s why we’re obsessed with roasting in small batches and getting coffee to you while it’s fresh, bold, and full of life.

Your morning ritual deserves better than a bitter aftertaste. Choose freshly roasted coffee from Strava, and taste the difference.