Have you ever stored coffee beans? Maybe to the point of not realizing that they’ve suddenly expired?
You might be asking yourself: what to do with old coffee beans? Can you do anything with expired coffee beans? Although no longer ideal for brewing, old coffee beans are still beneficial.
Therefore, there is no need to worry if your coffee beans have expired. You can find tons of benefits from coffee beans. Here are some of the uses for old coffee beans that you can apply!
Table of Contents
How Long Do Coffee Beans Last?
The shelf life of coffee beans varies depending on the type of coffee and how it is stored. Generally, whole coffee beans can last up to 6-12 months before they expire. Of course, this only applies if you store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark area.
On the other hand, the shelf life of coffee grounds tends to be shorter. They only last about 2-3 months before they expire. They are also more prone to oxidation.
Instant coffee, however, is much more durable than both, lasting up to 2 years or more. This is because the beans have been dehydrated to remove their natural moisture.
Also read: How Long Do Green Coffee Beans Last & How to Properly Store It
Does Coffee Beans Expire?
Coffee beans don’t go rancid like other foods. When they do go bad, the coffee will experience a decline in quality. Usually, the oxidation process causes the breakdown of the natural oils in the coffee beans. The result? The coffee will tend to be bland, even rancid.
Coffee beans stored for a long time can still be consumed as long as they are not contaminated. Generally, old coffee beans will be more suitable for non-consumption uses, such as organic fertilizer or DIY projects.
However, avoid using coffee beans that are moldy, foul-smelling, and have texture changes. Coffee that is no longer possible to use should not be used for anything, just throw it away.
Also read: Do Coffee Beans Expire? Here’s What You Need To Know!
Can You Do Anything With Expired Coffee Beans?
As long as the coffee beans are not damaged, you can still use them safely. In fact, expired coffee beans can still be consumed, although the flavor is not as optimal as fresh coffee beans.
However, it must also be remembered that expired coffee beans will generally lose their distinctive aroma and flavor due to oxidation.
If you are hesitant or want to avoid drinking it, utilize these aged coffee beans for various household, garden, and even beauty purposes!
Can you Drink Expired Coffee?
Drinking expired coffee is generally safe, provided the beans have not been contaminated or changed significantly.
However, the flavor and aroma of expired coffee will clearly not surpass that of fresh beans. Alternatively, you can use a brewing method that enhances the flavor, such as cold brew.
15 Clever Ways to Use Old Coffee Beans
Still unsure about what to do with old coffee beans? Don’t worry! We’ll explain 15 uses for old coffee beans that you can easily replicate.
1. Organic Fertilizer for Garden
Coffee beans are rich in soil fertilizers: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Coupled with magnesium and calcium, old coffee beans can boost plant growth.
First, crush these coffee beans into powder. Besides being easy to sprinkle, ground coffee tends to be more easily broken down and absorbed by plants.
Despite their benefits, you should avoid using too many coffee beans at once, as they can excessively increase the soil’s acid level.
2. Compost for the Garden
Other than apply it directly on plants, you can speed up the decomposition process of organic matter just with old or ground coffee beans!
It’s pretty easy to use; mix the coffee with dry leaves or twigs to produce nutrient-rich compost. The coffee grounds in the compost will increase the activity of microorganisms in decomposing the organic matter. In short, compost can be produced in less time.
3. Pest Repellent
With its strong aroma, coffee is less favored by various pests. Sprinkle old ground coffee beans around your favorite plants, or place them in areas frequented by pests.
Additionally, you can dissolve coffee grounds in water to eliminate pesky insects. The natural oils in the coffee are strong enough to deter them.
4. Air Freshener
Utilize coffee beans as an effective air freshener. Place some old coffee beans in a cloth bag or the open. With the natural aroma of coffee, your home feels fresher and creates a pretty relaxing atmosphere. Mix it with a few drops of essential oil for a more complex scent.
5. Natural Body Scrub
Did you know? Coffee grounds are often used as a natural exfoliator. You can use it to remove dead skin cells effectively.
Immediately mix the coffee grounds with coconut oil or honey to use it. This scrub can be used on several areas, such as the face, body, knees, and elbows.
Other than cleansing the skin, its antioxidant content is also effective in fighting free radicals that damage the skin. Using this scrub regularly will make your skin feel smoother, softer, and look brighter!
6. Natural Colorant
Mix old coffee beans with water to create concentrated coffee water. This can be used as a versatile natural dye and is even safe for children.
To use, simply soak the material in this solution for a few hours. Then, remove and lay it out to dry. Repeat this soaking process several times for more intense results until you achieve the desired color.
7. Cold Brew Mix
Even though they have lost most of their flavor, old coffee beans can still be used to make cold brews. How to make it? Soak the coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for 12-24 hours. After that, strain the mixture and serve with ice or milk.
Also read: Cold Brew vs Hot brew: Everything You Need to Know
8. Natural Cleaner
Aged coffee beans can be used as a natural cleaner for kitchen utensils. Mix the ground coffee beans with water until the consistency resembles a paste. After that, use a sponge or cloth to scrub the dirty area. If you think it’s enough, rinse it clean.
9. Fridge Deodorizer
Coffee quickly absorbs odors around it. Therefore, we can use it to eliminate unpleasant refrigerator odors. Put some coffee beans in a small bowl, then place it in the corner of the refrigerator. For optimal results, replace these beans in a few weeks.
What if you only have coffee grounds left? Don’t worry, it can still be used the same way, as long as it’s not too wet or moldy.
10. Coffee Scented Candles
Coffee-scented candles are in high demand for their unique aroma and aesthetic appearance. To make economical candles, you can mix melted wax with coffee beans. After that, pour it into the molds provided.
Coffee candles will give off an aroma that gives a warm and calm feeling, perfect for rooms with vintage decor. It can also be transformed into a handmade gift or a personalized coffee table decoration.
11. Hair Mask
What to do with old coffee beans? Make a homemade hair mask that effectively cleanses the scalp, reduces excess oil, and stimulates hair growth. Mix ground coffee beans with conditioner or olive oil. After that, apply this mixture to your scalp.
Massage gently and let it sit for a few minutes to soak in. Finally, rinse it off until it’s clean and there are no coffee grounds left. Use regularly for best results.
12. Hand Odor Remover
Of course, you don’t like the smell of cooking ingredients that stick around for a long time, such as onions or fish. Simply scrub the coffee grounds for a few seconds to remove these odours, then rinse with warm water.
This way, your hands will be free from unpleasant odors, and it will even be smoother as the coffee grounds also exfoliate your hands momentarily.
13. Earthworm Feed
If you use earthworms when composting, feed them with used coffee grounds. Without realizing it, coffee is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen. This content can help boost the metabolism of the earthworms.
Add the coffee grounds to the worm box along with other organic materials. Also, mix it evenly to avoid any lumps of coffee. This also makes it easier for the worms to digest.
14. Car Freshener
Similar, but not the same. Coffee can also be used as a car deodorizer. Hang a small cloth bag containing a few coffee beans in the car.
Undoubtedly, they will absorb unwanted odors. In return, your car will feel fresher for a long time. Add a few drops of essential oil to the coffee beans for a more varied scent before putting them in the bag.
15. Uses for Decoration and Art
The last use for old coffee beans is as a display. Transform coffee beans into decorative elements to fill glass vases, picture frames, or mosaics.
The coffee’s aesthetic and distinctive color add a rustic touch to the decor. You can also paste them on paper or cardboard to create creative patterns. Perfect for spending time with the kids!
Also read: 5 Best Beans for Cold Brew Coffee
The Great Benefits of Beans That Are No Longer Fresh
Those are some uses for old coffee beans that you can replicate. There’s no need to worry about what to do with old coffee beans.
The point is to utilize these coffee beans creatively to fulfill all your needs at home. If your coffee beans are old or unfit for consumption, throw them away immediately. Replace them with new quality coffee beans found at FnB Coffee!
Here, we provide a variety of quality coffee from Indonesia, both Arabica and Robusta, with various flavors and aromas that are sure to arouse your taste buds. Of the several types available, we export these best coffees from the best coffee supply areas, from Sumatra to Sulawesi.
Do you still need to decide which type of coffee is the best? You can contact our team or check out some of our best-sellers. What are you waiting for? Get your premium quality coffee beans from FnB Coffee for the perfect cup of coffee to enjoy every day at home!
