The ‘best before’ date on Nespresso capsules is a contentious topic, and many consumers fear that it’s not safe to drink a Nespresso after they’ve ‘expired’.
Fortunately, it’s perfectly safe to drink Nespresso even long after their best before date has elapsed. This date simply acts as an indicator of optimal freshness, flavor and aroma. Unopened capsules are completely safe to consume after this date. If the capsule has been punctured or damaged, or the coffee tastes unpleasant, only then would we recommend throwing them out.
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Do Nespresso Pods Really Expire?
Nespresso pods are stamped with two dates – a production date and a best before date which is typically 12 months after the date of production.
While the product date is self-explanatory, what exactly do they mean by a best before date?
Nespresso capsules are hermetically sealed to protect the coffee inside from light, moisture, and oxygen. When they are manufactured are purged of any oxygen with the inert gas nitrogen, and then quickly sealed to stop any nitrogen from getting out, and any air from getting in.
In theory, this means the capsules will last indefinitely.
In fact, we’ve heard reports of people drinking Nespressos years past their best before date and still tasting great.
What’s the Shelf Life of Nespresso Capsules?
The shelf life of Nespresso pods is astounding.
Nespresso rate each pod to be ‘best before’ 12 months after the date of manufacture.
From the Consumer website:
“Best-before dates are used to provide information about food quality… Food can be sold and eaten after its best-before date as long as it’s been stored properly. However, it may have lost some nutritional value and might not taste the best.”
It’s important to differentiate that this isn’t an expiration date. Nespresso pods don’t have a legitimate expiration date. They are safe to consume
Nespresso pods should be stored properly. so you can extend their shelf life even further, allowing you to store up and avoid having to purchase new ones for a long time.
How to test if a Nespresso capsule has been compromised
Air is our biggest enemy and the most likely culprit if your capsules taste off.
We recommend performing a visual check to see whether your pods may have been accidentally punctured. Gently rub the foil seal on a capsule and see if it bounces back. This indicates there’s pressure inside the pod and the seal hasn’t been broken or punctured.
Is it safe drink Nespresso pods after their expiry date?
There’s nothing to worry about in terms of your health, but it won’t be the nicest cup of coffee you have tasted. In any case, drink it, even if it’s been years, but be warned that it might not be as good as it was at first.
There isn’t much difference between fresh and old capsules, even if they are really ancient. A few months old pods will occasionally create a coffee with less cream and a slightly flatter flavor.
Additionally, a bitterness or astringency may indicate that the coffee has oxidized.
None of these faults will render a cup of coffee that is in any way unsafe or could make you sick. Even if bacteria has got inside, the 93-degree hot water will in all likelihood kill them long before it gets to your lips.
4 tips to store your Nespresso capsules to keep them fresh for longer.
Even while Nespresso capsules are designed to last, they might spoil rapidly if stored incorrectly.
You must understand how to properly keep your Nespresso capsules if you want them to last as long as possible. It’s not complicated, but the following simple tips below will help you maximize the freshness, and longevity of your capsules:
1. Nespresso pods should be stored in a dry location
Despite the fact that the pods are constructed of aluminum and with a protective lacquer, there’s still the potential for the capsule to deteriorate if stored incorrectly.
Aluminum is normally protected by an oxide layer, but if that’s scratched or stored in a corrosive location it can deteriorate rapidly. The best way to do this is to keep your pods dry.
2. Keep your pods in a cool place
Heat will speed up reactions, such as the deterioration of the flavors in you Nespresso pod. \
The best thing to do to keep things tasting like the day you bought them is to store you Nespresso pods in a cool location.
The fridge is optimal, but we understand that fridge space is prime real estate, so somewhere cool and dark like in a drawer or your pantry will be ideal.
3. Don’t leave Nespresso pods in direct sunlight
Direct sunlight can cause the pods to get really hot – especially darker colored ones! Keep them out of the sun to ensure none of the volatile flavors are damaged.
4. Don’t leave them anywhere they could get scratched or punctured.
The thin foil seal on top of a Nespresso capsule is designed to be punctured.
Don’t leave your pods to roll around loose in your kitchen drawer for example, as they could get punctured.
As soon as air gets in their shelf life rapidly deteriorates and really should be drunk right away.
Conclusion
You probably already know that these Nespresso capsules do not actually expire, although they can lose their exquisite flavor with time or due to other circumstances. So, using the mentioned simple storage practices, you can keep those pods cool and pleasant for your next Nespresso.
Of course, the easiest way to ensure you’re drinking fresh coffee is by drinking fresh coffee.
With our Green Pods you can grind the beans right before you brew – guaranteeing freshness, and making best before dates a thing of the past
