You may have wondered "Can you store coffee in mylar bags?" The answer is: Yes, you can store coffee beans and coffee ground in Mylar Bags. In many cases, it is one of the best storage options available when done correctly.

Why Coffee Storage Matters So Much

The freshness of coffee begins to diminish as soon as it is roasted. The presence of oxygen leads to oxidation, while moisture can lead to mold and clumping. Light can decompose the oils present in the coffee and heat will accelerate the deterioration process. If coffee is placed in a thin paper bag or an unsealed container, it will go stale very quickly. Proper storing of coffee is not just for convenience; it is also done to help protect the volatile oils found in the coffee and to preserve the coffee's flavor for as long a period of time as possible.

What Makes Mylar Bags Good for Coffee

Mylar bags are barrier bags that are designed as multi-layered barriers to keep out the primary dangers of coffee. Generally, they include a non-porous polyester layer, an intermediate aluminum foil barrier, and an innermost food safe barrier. Each of these layers creates a larger barrier to oxygen, light, and moisture.

When sealed properly, Mylar bags provide many benefits for extending the lifespan of coffee. Therefore, Mylar bags are frequently used for both long-term food storage and more traditional premium coffee packaging. Many specialty roasters continue to use Mylar-style bags as they preserve the freshness of coffee much better than an average paper or single wall plastic bag.

For a deeper breakdown of how Mylar compares to other storage methods, including vacuum sealing, this comparison explains the differences in protection and shelf life.

Whole Bean vs Ground Coffee in Mylar Bags

Compared to ground coffee, whole bean coffee will always stay fresher longer when stored in any container including Mylar bags because less of the beans surfaces are exposed to oxygen due to their larger size.  When whole beans are stored in an airtight Mylar bag with very little air within it, the beans can be kept fresh for many months after sealing.

It is also possible to store ground coffee in Mylar bags, although ground coffee is going to benefit significantly more by being sealed as completely as possible within the Mylar bag. Due to the extra surface area exposed from grinding the beans, it is essential to remove as much of the air as possible before sealing the bag to preserve freshness.  In both cases of coffee bean preparation, minimize the amount of oxygen exposure will greatly improve the freshness of the product.

How to Store Coffee in Mylar Bags the Right Way

• Use a food grade Mylar bag with a foil barrier
• Add whole bean or ground coffee to the bag
  
• Press out as much air as possible before sealing
  
• Heat seal the bag for an airtight closure
  
• Use the zipper only as a secondary seal if included
  
• Store the bag in a cool, dark place away from heat and light

Do You Need a One Way Valve?

Most coffee Mylar bags come equipped with a one-way valve that helps to degas when the bag is sealed off from airflow; this gives the freshly roasted coffee inside a place to release the carbon dioxide produced during the roasting process, while preventing oxygen from entering the bag to puff up or explode.

If you are storing already degassed coffee for an extended period of time, a valve may not be critical. However, it is strongly recommended for retail packaging as well as for fresh roast beans being packaged into retail packaging. By maintaining the seal on the bag while allowing for any degassed gas to escape, the valve ultimately protects both the bag itself and the contents therein.

Best Practices for Storing Coffee in Mylar Bags

Storage using Mylar is greatly enhanced by the following simple tips: 

- Food grade Mylar bags with a foil barrier should be used.

- Remove as much of the air as possible before sealing the bag.

- Use a heat sealer to seal the bag instead of just relying on the zipper.

- Store the bags in a dark, cool location away from heat.

- Avoid opening and resealing the bags frequently.

If you follow these suggestions, you will find Mylar bags will outlast most other means of storage (jars, paper bags, standard plastic containers), in terms of the number of years they provide you with to store your food items safely.

If you are concerned about food safety, this guide breaks down whether Mylar bags are toxic or safe for long term food storage.

Why Coffee Brands Are Using Custom Mylar Bags

Customized mylar bags are an essential part of packaging for many coffee brands as they provide effective protection against spoilage and improve shelf appeal. The foil barrier prevents light, oxygen and moisture from entering the bag which can lead to longer lasting aroma and flavor compared to bags made from paper and/or thin plastic. In addition, custom printing will help brands to be seen on busy shelves, properly communicate about the roast profiles of the coffee being packaged and provide a premium, resealable bag that consumers can trust.

View examples of custom mylar bags here. 

How Long Does Coffee Last in Mylar Bags?

The way that coffee is roasted, the quality of the green coffee beans and the way it is stored will affect how long it will last. Whole bean coffee that is sealed in Mylar bags can be expected to remain good for at least a few months and sometimes for a few months longer than this because of the lack of air exchange and moisture. Ground coffee will not stay fresh for as long, but if ground coffee is stored in a non-barrier bag it will stay fresher than had it been stored in a barrier bag.

• Whole bean coffee can stay fresh for 6 to 12 months in sealed Mylar bags stored in a cool, dark place
• Ground coffee typically lasts 3 to 6 months due to increased exposure to oxygen
  
• Vacuum sealed Mylar bags can extend freshness even further
  
• Heat sealing always provides better results than relying on a zipper alone

Using a Mylar bag slows down the aging process, but does not stop the natural aging process of the coffee beans.

Are Mylar Bags Better Than Other Coffee Containers?

Mylar bags protect your goods better than clear glass jars, paper bags, or thin plastic. Clear glass jars will allow light inside unless they are opaque. Paper bags don't block light enough because they breathe too much. Normal  Plastic does not have a very good oxygen barrier to keep your products fresh. Mylar bags provide all three layers of protection; blocking out light, repelling moisture, and preventing low levels of oxygen from entering the bag, all in one unit.

With these advantages, it is no surprise that many coffee companies, emergency food suppliers, and serious home storage systems use Mylar bags.

Final Answer: Can You Store Coffee in Mylar Bags?

Yes, you can store coffee in Mylar bags. In many cases, when sealed properly, they are one of the most effective ways to protect coffee from the elements that cause staleness. Whether you are storing whole beans at home or packaging coffee for sale, Mylar bags provide a reliable, proven solution for preserving flavor and aroma.