Roast Date vs. Best Before

Freshly Roasted Doesn't Mean Ready

Many coffee drinkers look at the best-before date. But for coffee lovers, the roast date is far more important - it reveals how fresh the coffee really is.

The Degassing Phase

Freshly roasted coffee releases CO2. In the first 2-5 days after roasting, this process is so intense that the coffee doesn't yet taste optimal. Espresso even needs 7-14 days of rest.

The Optimal Drinking Window

• Filter coffee: 5-30 days after roasting
• Espresso: 10-42 days after roasting
• After 8-12 weeks: Aromas noticeably diminish

Best Before vs. Roast Date

The best-before date (often 12-24 months) only means the coffee hasn't spoiled. It says nothing about flavor quality. A coffee roasted 2 months ago tastes significantly better than one roasted 10 months ago - even if both are "still good."

Our Tip

Buy coffee with a printed roast date and consume it within 4-6 weeks. This way you experience the coffee at its best.