There are two main factors that impact the freshness of coffee: when it was roasted and how it is stored once the bag is opened. Proper storage, such as keeping the coffee in an airtight container, can help preserve the freshness of the coffee.

The general consensus is that coffee is considered fresh if it is less than one month from the roast date. However, some coffee professionals argue that the “fresher the better” approach is incorrect, and that slightly aged coffee can be just as good, if not better, than very fresh coffee.

Freshly roasted coffee has a unique set of characteristics, including a more vibrant flavour, a more complex aroma, and a more acidic taste. The coffee’s “bloom” or " CO2 gas" is also more pronounced in freshly roasted coffee, which can result in a more intense and richer flavour.

Overall, fresh coffee is a matter of personal preference, and the ideal freshness level will vary depending on individual taste buds. However, generally, freshly roasted coffee is considered to be the best way to experience the full flavour and aroma of coffee.

The Main Factors

1. Time

Simplicity is basically a synonym for instant coffee. Measure the granules, add hot water and boom—a hot cup of coffee ready to indulge in. So, if you’re someone who just can’t handle the patience and minutes spent on a pour over, instant coffee will save your day.
With ground coffee, you’re easily setting aside a couple minutes for prep time, not to mention cleaning your equipment. Some people don’t mind this, but if you like to live fast, nothing will beat the speed of instant coffee.

2. Brew Method

With instant coffee, there is no brewing method you have to learn or specific technique to follow to get the perfect cup. It’s easy to “just add hot water” and get on with your day. Instant has already been through the brewing process before you purchase it.

With ground coffee, you have to get coffee out of the beans and into your cup. That usually means adding water and allowing the coffee to steep, percolate or pressurize. You can do this by using a Chemex, French Press, Aeropress or drip coffee maker. Each method will give you a world of experiences and require a different grind.

3. Flavour

Instant coffee manufacturers tend to use robusta beans, which typically have a more edgy, bitter taste. In addition, during the process of drying and freezing, instant coffee loses some of the oils that affect the flavour in the brewing process. However, if you’re in the market for a good instant coffee, stick with “freeze-dried” instead of “spray-dried.” This method, along with opting for organic, tends to produce a premium coffee flavour without the chemicals you can’t pronounce.

Fresh-brewed coffee grounds are able to hold onto all of the essential oils, making it lower in acidity than instant coffee. The outcome of your cup will tend to have a fuller, richer taste. As a result of the brewing process, there are more varieties of flavour to be extracted in fresh coffee. The outcome of your cup will tend to have a fuller, richer taste.

4. Caffeine Content

Instant coffee generally uses robusta beans that are higher in caffeine content in order to combat any caffeine lost in the production of instant coffee. Although the amount of caffeine depends on the instant coffee brand, most instant coffee contains about 20-45% of caffeine you’d get in a regular cup. By adding some all-natural and organic green coffee extract.
Fresh coffee retains more of the caffeine content compared to instant coffee due to the brewing process. Caffeine content varies by brand, brewing method and coffee-to-water ratios, depending on your preference. Our Dark and Medium Roast are double the strength of your average cup and are as smooth as the day is long.

5. Cost

Even better than going out to that local coffee shop around the corner, brewing a regular cup or opting for a cup of instant at home—or out in the wilderness—is always the best option for taste and saving that hard-earned cash.

6. Shelf Life

Instant coffee has a long shelf life that ranges anywhere from 2-20 years. The life of instant coffee extends if it’s stored properly in a sealed package or airtight container and kept in a cool, dark place. Even opened packages can last for several years. Any exposure to moisture, however, might change the texture of the coffee and even increase the chances of mold growing.
Coffee, in general, has a shelf life of about 6 months upon reaching you. Store your blends in a dark, cooler area void of moisture and away from other foods with strong flavors and aromas. The main thing to keep in mind is humidity, as a rapid change in temperature and exposure to cold will alter your blend—and not for the better. Opting for a coffee canister will keep the coffee fresh and flavourful.

7. Uses

For those of us that can’t sit still and are constantly on the go, instant is the natural coffee to reach for. Going camping, hiking or traveling in general? Instant coffee offers the convenience you need to stay fueled before, during and after your adventures. And if you have a recipe that calls for coffee, reach for the instant, too. It’s perfect for baking because it keeps for a long time, it’s convenient and offers a punchy, straightforward flavour.

If time is on your side, reach for the beans and grind it yourself. A slower brewing process will ensure a flavourful, strong cup every single time. And as an added “perk,” there are so many ways to recycle and reuse those grounds. Coffee grounds make great facial scrubs, help keep plants healthy and fertilized, deodorize freezers and eliminate tough stains for pans and drains.

When it comes down to it.

Coffee is a lifestyle. The kind of coffee you prefer and brewing method you choose go hand in hand with how you live. Brewing coffee can be a relaxing ritual for many, which adds to the experience. However, for busybodies who are always on the run, instant coffee is quick and convenient.