How Much Coffee to Buy
Coffee tastes best within a freshness window. Here’s how to choose the right amount so you never run out or waste beans.
Introduction: More Coffee Isn’t Always Better
When ordering coffee, many people buy in bulk to avoid running out.
But unlike shelf-stable foods, coffee gradually loses flavor after roasting. Buying too much at once often leads to dull, flat cups before the bag is finished.
Choosing the right quantity matters just as much as choosing the right roast.
The Coffee Freshness Window
After roasting, coffee releases gas and stabilizes over time.
Typical timeline:
- Days 1–3: settling period
- Days 4–21: peak flavor
- After ~3–5 weeks: gradual flavor loss
Coffee doesn’t spoil quickly — it simply becomes less expressive.
Why Coffee Changes Flavor Over Time
Oxygen slowly breaks down aromatic compounds.
This reduces:
- sweetness
- complexity
- clarity
The cup becomes more muted rather than bad.
Estimating How Much Coffee You Use
A standard guideline:
1 cup of coffee ≈ 15–18 grams of coffee
Example Weekly Usage
1 person, 2 cups/day → ~200–250g/week
2 people, 2 cups/day → ~400–500g/week
This helps determine how much coffee stays within peak freshness.
Buying Frequency vs Quantity
Instead of buying large amounts infrequently, many coffee drinkers prefer smaller amounts more often.
Benefits include:
- consistent flavor
- less storage concern
- easier experimentation
Freshness is maintained naturally without special handling.
How Storage Affects Freshness
Proper storage slows flavor loss but does not stop it.
Best practices:
- sealed container
- room temperature
- away from light
- avoid frequent air exposure
Refrigeration is generally unnecessary for daily-use coffee.
Finding the Balance
The goal isn’t minimizing orders — it’s maximizing taste.
Buying enough for 1–3 weeks typically keeps coffee within its most expressive period for most households.
Conclusion
Coffee quality depends on timing as much as origin or roast. Understanding how quickly you use coffee helps you choose the right quantity and maintain consistent flavor from the first cup to the last.
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