For coffee roasters and specialty coffee brands, a 1kg bag of coffee beans is a core specification that balances wholesale supply (such as coffee shop procurement) with a retail experience (such as home stocking). However, choosing the wrong bag often leads to flavor loss, bag damage during transportation, and poor shelf visibility.

In fact, a good 1kg bag for coffee beans must focus on three key aspects: freshness retention, protection, and adaptability, combining quantifiable criteria with business scenarios. Drawing on MTPAK's years of experience in custom coffee packaging, this guide will help you accurately select the right bag for your coffee beans, from analyzing your needs to determining the product criteria.

How many coffee beans are in a 1 kg bag and how many cups of coffee can be made?

When purchasing or promoting, knowing the approximate number of cups of coffee brewed from a 1kg bag of coffee beans can help brands better plan inventory and pricing. Generally, a single roasted coffee bean weighs between 0.1 and 0.2 grams (depending on the variety and roast level), so 1kg contains approximately 5,000 to 10,000 beans.

As for brewing volume, calculating it is relatively straightforward. By weight, 1kg of ground coffee beans yields roughly the same weight of ground coffee. However, by volume, ground coffee of varying roast levels can vary slightly due to varying moisture content. Regardless, the amount of coffee bean loss during grinding is largely negligible.

For example, based on the typical 18g of ground coffee per cup for pour-over or espresso, 1kg of ground coffee beans can yield approximately 55-60 cups of coffee. This number may vary depending on personal taste and brewing method, but it serves as a useful guideline (calculated by dividing 1000g by the weight of a single cup).

What is the shelf life of coffee beans?

Generally speaking, roasted coffee beans are at their peak flavor within two weeks of roasting. However, some vendors claim that they are at their peak flavor about a month after roasting. Why does this discrepancy occur? The reason for this discrepancy is that different roast levels and flavor profiles affect the rate at which coffee beans release gases and flavor compounds. For example, lightly roasted beans require a longer "resting period" to release carbon dioxide, resulting in a purer flavor, while darkly roasted beans develop a richer flavor in a shorter period.

Overall, the shelf life of coffee beans depends on whether they are roasted, the roast level, the oil content, whether they are ground, and the packaging and storage conditions. To maximize the freshness of your coffee beans, you can refer to the following steps.

The correct location and method for storing coffee beans

The three key factors affecting coffee bean freshness are oxygen, moisture, and sunlight (ultraviolet rays).

Just as cut fruit oxidizes over time, so do roasted coffee beans. After roasting, coffee beans begin releasing carbon dioxide and aroma. Prolonged exposure to oxygen accelerates oxidation, darkening the beans and even developing a rancid, oily flavor. Therefore, it's best to store coffee away from oxygen as much as possible.

Once coffee beans are exposed to moisture, they lose their flavor, much like premature extraction, and may also develop mold and spoilage, producing harmful substances. Exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight accelerates oxidation and deterioration, significantly reducing the coffee's flavor.

Therefore, the ideal storage conditions for coffee beans are a temperature of 15°C-25°C and a humidity of approximately 50%. Specific recommendations are as follows:

1. Unopened coffee beans: Refrigerate (rather than freeze) to slow oxidation. However, bring to room temperature before use to avoid condensation and moisture.

2. Opened coffee beans: Store in a cool, dry place in sealed bags with degassing valves or dedicated bean storage containers to isolate them from air and light.

3. For long-term storage: Vacuum or nitrogen flushing of coffee packaging is recommended to maximize the aroma and flavor of the beans.

How to choose packaging to keep coffee beans fresh

When selling coffee beans, how do you choose packaging that preserves their freshness? Based on the form in which coffee is supplied, common packaging can be roughly divided into three categories: green coffee bean export packaging, roasted coffee bean packaging, and instant coffee packaging. (Instant coffee packaging is beyond the scope of this discussion.)

1. Green Coffee Bean Export Packaging

Unroasted green coffee beans are typically packaged in large-capacity burlap bags. This type of packaging, the earliest form of packaging in the coffee industry, is breathable and durable, making it convenient for bulk transportation. It's both a practical option for trade and transportation and a part of coffee culture. For many coffee enthusiasts, the burlap bag itself symbolizes coffee's origin and history.

2. Roasted coffee beans packaging

After roasting, coffee beans continue to release carbon dioxide and are easily affected by oxygen, moisture, and sunlight. Therefore, the packaging method is particularly important.

(1) Stand-up pouch with one-way exhaust valve

This is currently the most popular packaging method for roasted coffee beans. The exhaust valve allows carbon dioxide to escape while preventing air from flowing back into the bag, thereby preventing bulging and maintaining freshness to the maximum extent. The bag body is mostly made of aluminum foil composite film or kraft paper coating, which has excellent moisture-proof and light-proof properties, and is an ideal solution that combines practicality and cost-effectiveness.

(2) Non-airtight packaging

In reality, this is a type of packaging intended for immediate consumption and short-term storage, such as small packages sold on-site at coffee shops. It involves packaging coffee beans directly into ordinary plastic bags, paper bags, or ziplock bags without degassing valves. While this is inexpensive and easy to use, it lacks sealing properties, and the flavor of the coffee beans often deteriorates significantly within 7-10 days. Therefore, it is more suitable for situations with fast turnover and short-term sales.

(3) Vacuum coffee bags

By using a vacuum to delay oxidation, coffee beans can be stored for about 10 weeks. However, since roasted coffee beans continue to release gas, if they are not left to rest,” the vacuum bag will easily expand and even lose its sealing properties. Therefore, vacuum packaging is more suitable for sealing after the beans have completely released gas. It is suitable for e-commerce delivery or home-made packaging.

(4) Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP)

This is one of the most effective methods for preserving coffee. The process involves first vacuuming the coffee, then filling it with an inert gas and sealing it under pressure. One of the most popular methods is for roasters to flush their coffee packaging with nitrogen, also referred to as nitrogen flushing. This environment prevents oxidation while allowing the coffee beans to continue to mature in the bag, preserving their quality and aroma for up to two years. However, this type of packaging is expensive, complex, and requires specialized equipment. It is usually used for specialty coffee or high-end brands.

Conclusion

Choosing the right packaging method not only extends the shelf life of coffee beans but also allows consumers to experience the optimal aroma and flavor during brewing. By adhering to these requirements, you can enjoy the delicious flavor of coffee beans for longer. As a professional coffee packaging supplier, MTPAK offers a variety of customized coffee bean packaging solutions to help brands maintain freshness while enhancing their market competitiveness.

For samples or custom quotes, please feel free to contact us.

Email：account@mtpak.com

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How to Choose a Bag for 1KG of Coffee Beans?