Should you use vacuum coffee bags or other sealing methods?

Key takeaways

• Vacuum coffee bags significantly extend the shelf life of roasted coffee. By removing oxygen and moisture, it can stay fresh for up to six months. However, heat sealing is more common.
• Once opened, however, vacuum bags for roasted coffee should be used within two weeks for optimal flavour.
• Vacuum packing coffee helps to lock in flavour and aromatic compounds, while also preventing oxidation, mould growth, and degradation.
• Vacuum sealing is a more common solution for green coffee, particularly for high-scoring microlots.

The main challenge for coffee packaging is to preserve freshness. Packaging needs to do more than just look good – it also needs to keep the coffee intact, as fresh as it was when roasted. However, this is only possible if you choose storage options that shield the coffee from oxygen, light, heat, and moisture.

Many roasters have turned to vacuum coffee bags as a much-needed solution. This creates an entirely airtight seal – but how much more effective is it than other sealing methods?

To learn more, I spoke to Derek Marshall. He is the co-owner of NU Arrows Cafe, a coffee shop based in Da Nang, Vietnam. With over 20 years of experience in the global specialty coffee scene, he is not only an SCA-certified barista but also an author, blogger, and consultant. Read on for his insight into vacuum coffee bags.

What are vacuum coffee bags and are they effective?

Vacuum packing coffee is a way of sealing coffee that creates an airtight barrier. “It works by removing most of the oxygen from the packaging, which is critical because oxygen is a key factor in coffee’s degradation,” Derek explains.

As he mentions, maintaining coffee bean freshness requires close control over oxygen content. Too much oxygen causes oxidation, a process that erodes the coffee’s flavour and aromatic compounds, leaving you with dull tasting notes. 

Vacuum coffee bags create a low-oxygen environment that not only slows the rate of oxidation but also prevents the growth of mould and bacteria. This is because there is less moisture in the packaging, preventing microbial activity, which can entirely spoil coffee and result in lost income and waste.

“Vacuum packaging helps lock in the volatile compounds that give coffee its distinctive aroma, ensuring that the sensory experience remains intact,” Derek adds.

From a functionality standpoint, vacuum coffee bags are suitable for both green and roasted coffee. While green coffee is generally more stable, vacuum sealing is often used for specialty microlots to preserve their integrity prior to roasting.

Methods like heat sealing are more common for roasted coffee. This uses machinery with a heat-resistant bar that runs an electric current through the closure, sealing it fully. It protects the coffee from water, oxygen, and light, and is a more convenient, cost-effective solution for most roasters.

What is the shelf life of vacuum coffee bags?

The main benefit of vacuum coffee bags is the increased shelf life. Derek explains that ground coffee, once vacuumed, will stay fresh for up to six months, provided the packaging is durable enough. “However, once opened, it should be consumed within one to two weeks for optimal flavour,” he cautions.

Compared to other types of packaging, vacuum coffee bags can vastly increase the shelf life of coffee. This is because roasting brings out the coffee’s flavour compounds, but also makes them more porous and absorbent than green coffee. At this point, it is more hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture. It is also more prone to oxidation, so solutions that remove these hazards help to prolong shelf life.

However, once opened, the vacuum seal is broken, and the coffee beans will gradually degrade. According to Derek, these are the signs that your beans have lost their freshness: 

• The aroma is flat or non-existent upon opening the vacuum seal
• The taste is dull, stale, or has a papery, cardboard-like quality
• The beans or grounds feel excessively dry or crumbly

This often occurs after opening vacuum coffee bags if you don’t reseal or properly store it in the correct conditions. Even with vacuum packed coffee, there are still limitations to its shelf life once unsealed. The shelf life of coffee bags with heat sealing is similar once opened.

Designing vacuum coffee bags

Vacuum coffee bags should be as practical as it is visually appealing. Customers expect their coffee to arrive in perfect condition, and research shows they also prefer eye-catching, unique designs.

Derek recommends using high-quality materials to preserve the vacuum seal. “Multilayer laminates or foil-lined bags provide a barrier against light, oxygen, and moisture. These elements are critical in maintaining the integrity of the vacuum seal.”

Some multilayer materials can be difficult to recycle, especially if they’re made of different components. However, eco-friendly options like recyclable low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polylactic acid (PLA) are alternatives that still provide high-barrier protection.

Choosing eco-friendly materials can also increase your coffee’s customer appeal. Up to 82% of consumers are willing to pay more for a product if it’s available in sustainable packaging. “Include a recycling symbol or information to appeal to these environmentally conscious buyers,” Derek advises. 

Before the bag is unsealed by customers, you should include an airtight closure to prevent oxidation from taking place. “A strong seal ensures that the vacuum environment remains intact,” he explains. “Any breach can compromise the coffee’s freshness.”

Similarly, he recommends including a degassing valve for when the vacuum coffee bags are opened. This will prevent the excess buildup of CO2, which may cause the bag to burst if it isn’t expelled from the atmosphere.

As for the aesthetics of vacuum packed coffee bags, Derek advises using “modern, sleek designs with vibrant colours and appealing imagery. It helps catch consumers’ attention on the shelf.”

Choosing premium packaging features also helps to build trust with consumers. “Include a small, clear section on the packaging to showcase the product inside,” he recommends. “Highlight key details like origin, flavour profile, and brewing recommendations. For example, mention how much coffee and water to use to educate consumers and build trust.”

Evidently, the considerations for vacuum packed coffee are slightly different to traditional packaging methods. You need to determine whether the vacuum seal is the right choice for your coffee compared to heat sealing, and how to customise the packaging to preserve its quality.

At MTPak Coffee, we offer a range of coffee packaging solutions for specialty coffee roasters and producers. Our PureLock range of vacuum bags for green coffee helps to preserve its integrity on its journey from producers to roasters. We also offer horizontal heat sealers to enhance packaging efficiency at your roastery.

Then, you can choose from our range of closures for roasted coffee bags, including zippers, heat sealing, and laser scoring. We also offer fully customisable packaging using materials such as LDPE and PLA for eco-friendly roasters.

Contact the MTPak Coffee team to get a quote or browse our catalogue to learn more.

FAQ

How long does vacuum packed coffee last?

Vacuum packed roasted coffee can stay fresh for up to six months if it is unopened and properly sealed. After opening, it should be used within two weeks for the best flavour.

What are the benefits of vacuum packing coffee?

Vacuum packing coffee removes hazards like oxygen and moisture from inside the bag, which can cause oxidation and mould development if they remain present. This makes it ideal for long-term storage and high-barrier protection for high-scoring specialty coffee.

Is vacuum packing coffee more effective than heat sealing?

While vacuum packing is better for long-term storage, it is a less practical option than heat sealing. The latter is a much faster process, which still protects roasted coffee until consumers have opened the bag.

Can vacuum packing be used for green coffee?

Yes, vacuum sealing is commonly used for specialty microlots of green coffee to preserve quality before roasting. Since green coffee is more stable than roasted coffee, it can last for at least a year in vacuum coffee bags.