The Reason You Should Never Store Coffee In The Fridge

If you're someone who can't function — or can't live — without your morning cup of joe, you aren't alone. According to a 2020 survey by the National Coffee Association, 62 percent of Americans drink coffee every single day, with the average java drinker consuming over three cups daily. The same report found that sales of single cup coffee makers (like Keurigs, for instance) have spiked over 50 percent over the last few years. In other words, while Starbucks will always be popular for commuters and travelers, more and more of us are brewing our own coffee at home.

Whether you like grounds or whole beans, there are tons of different types of coffee to shop, from blonde roasts to Arabica to flavored brews and everything in between. But there's one common question, no matter which you choose: What's the best way to store your coffee? The answer is definitely not in the refrigerator, experts say. Here's why you should never put your coffee in the fridge.

You might assume that putting your coffee beans or grounds in the refrigerator will extend their lifespan, but actually the opposite is true. "[The fridge] causes the coffee to condensate and pushes oils to the surface," Trevor Corlett, co-founder of Madcap Coffee Company, explained to Bon Appétit. "It actually ages the coffee faster." Additionally, he says that the cell structure of coffee is very porous, so it will absorb any odors in your fridge. (Yuck.) And don't even think about putting your java in the freezer instead. Corlett warns it's just as bad (if not worse than) than the fridge. The thawed beans won't taste nearly as good as fresh beans that have been correctly stored.

So if the freezer and the refrigerator are out, where are you supposed to store your coffee? Serious Coffee and Tea! recommends keeping it an airtight, dark container out of direct sunlight or heat for maximum freshness.