How to store ground coffee — 5 clever tips for keeping it fresh

A portafilter filled with coffee grounds demonstrating how to make espresso
(Image credit: Pexels)

Whether you've invested in one of the best coffee makers 2024 has to offer, mastered that milk steaming hack to improve latte art, or perfected at-home cold brew coffee, it all starts with fresh grounds.

Even the most sophisticated brewing equipment can't compensate for stale coffee. Whether you're a casual coffee consumer or a dedicated enthusiast, knowing how to properly store your grounds can make the difference between a mediocre cup and a remarkable brewing experience.

Let's explore the simple but crucial steps to keep your coffee grounds at their peak freshness, flavor and aroma.

1. Choose the right container

(Image: © Pexels )

Select an airtight container that blocks out light and moisture. Ceramic or opaque glass containers with secure seals work best, while clear containers or the original packaging can let in harmful light.

Make sure your container is clean and completely dry before transferring your grounds.

2. Find the perfect location

(Image: © Shutterstock)

Store your coffee in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid keeping it near the stove, oven, or on countertops that get morning sun.

A pantry or cabinet away from appliances is ideal, maintaining consistent temperature and darkness.

3. Control moisture and temperature

(Image: © Shutterstock)

Keep your grounds at room temperature, around 70°F (21°C). Avoid storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer, as temperature changes create condensation that can spoil the grounds.

Ensure the storage area has low humidity to prevent moisture from affecting flavor.

4. Buy the right amount

(Image: © Shutterstock)

Purchase only what you'll use within 2-4 weeks. While proper storage helps maintain freshness, coffee grounds inevitably lose flavor over time. Consider buying smaller quantities more frequently rather than bulk purchasing for optimal taste.

5. Handle with care

(Image: © Future)

Always use clean, dry utensils when scooping grounds, and close containers immediately after use. Minimize exposure to air and avoid leaving the container open longer than necessary.

Another good tip is using a dedicated coffee spoon to prevent cross-contamination.


Now that you know how to keep your coffee grounds fresh, explore the best coffee grinders for better brewing, discover how to descale your coffee maker properly, and learn how to clean a coffee grinder and keep your brew tasting fresh.

Kaycee Hill
Tutorials editor

Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

Read more
Coffee grounds
3 tips for making the perfect coffee at home — from an ex-barista
A person doing latte art in a black coffee mug
Coffee doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby — here’s my 5 favorite cheap accessories
A person doing latte art in a white cup
You can elevate your home cafe in 3 easy steps — here's how
A selection of the best coffee grinders we tested
Best coffee grinder in 2025 — all the top options compared
De'Longhi La Specialista Opera is a stainless steel manual espresso machine with smart tamping, a group handle, steam wand, and grinder
Just got an espresso machine for Christmas? I’m an ex-barista and these are the 3 critical mistakes you need to be aware of
Kingrinder
My morning coffee just got even fresher with this $22 coffee grinder
Latest in Home
The new Husqvarna iQ series robot lawn mower.
Husqvarna’s new robot mowers offer GPS for less
A distraction-free desk setup built around the Oakywood Standing Desk Pro
I built the ultimate work-from-home setup with this vertical monitor — and it’s a game changer for my productivity
the dyson airwrap ID in teal and terracotta colorway (patina and orange) with a lapis case, with a brush, hairfryer, curling wand attachments
I'm so sick of everything being 'smart' — and the Dyson Airwrap i.d. I've been testing is the last straw
Segway g30lp
Segway recalls 220,000 electric scooters - what to do if yours is on the list
the breville dose control pro, called sage dose control pro in the uk, a silver coffee grinder with 60 grind settings and labeled grind size adjustment
The Breville Dose Control Pro is one of the most divisive coffee grinders — here’s why I disagree with the haters
the clever dripper, a brown transparent plastic manual coffee maker with a handle and a sluice feature in the bottom to keep water inside
The Clever Dripper is my new favorite way to brew coffee — and I think it’s easier than a French Press
Latest in How To
An image of an iPhone screen showing the Safari app icon in the center
I got tired of Safari revealing my web searches in iOS 18.4 — this setting fixes that
AirPods Pro 2 in hand
Your earbuds are disgusting — here's the right way to clean them
ChatGPT logo on a smartphone screen being held outside
7 biggest ChatGPT mistakes — and how to fix them
a photo of a woman looking at her fitness tracker
Forget the treadmill — I boosted my metabolism and walked 2,000 steps with this 15-minute workout
a photo of a woman out for a walk
Forget running — I did this one thing to boost the calorie burn on my daily walks
Gemini logo on smartphone
Google's Gemini Deep Research is now free — I've got 7 quick tips to start using it now