How To Tell If Your Nespresso Pods Are Still Good
Did you make or are you thinking about making a really large order of pods? Or did you recently uncover a treasure of limited edition pods in the back of a kitchen drawer? Either way, you are here because you are wondering if Nespresso pods expire or how long they last for. After all, these pods are not cheap. You don’t want to have to throw them away if they are still good to drink. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
The Dates On Nespresso Sleeves
There are two dates on the 10 pod sleeves. The first is the date the pod was made. The second is the “best before” date. The best before date is typically one year or 12 months after the production date. So how long are Nespresso pods good for? This best before date is a signal for how long Nespresso guarantees the pod will have its optimal freshness, flavor and aroma. This is different than a true expiration date like you might find on foods that spoil. Nespresso pods don’t go bad after this best before date – they just might not taste as great. You might be less likely to notice this with lower intensity pods, which typically have more distinct flavor and aroma to begin with.
If you threw away the pod sleeve, you won’t know what the expiration date is. The before before date is only on the sleeve. There are no dates on the pods. Don’t worry! Keep reading to learn how you can tell if the pods are still OK to drink.
Is It Safe To Drink Nespresso Pods After They Expire?
Nespresso pods are filled with nitrogen and hermetically sealed to maintain the best freshness possible. This seal protects the coffee grinds inside from light, moisture and oxidation. As long as that seal has been maintained and there are no holes, you can still brew the Nespresso pods after they expire. They may not taste as great as they would have been before the printed date. For example, the taste might be flatter or there might be less crema. Either way, there is no safety concern.
Testing to see whether the pod seal is still in place is easy. Pick up a pod and gently press on the silver foil lid membrane. If it has some resistance and pushes back, then the seal is still in place and you can use the pod. If not, then the lid has loosened or there is a hole somewhere. It is best to throw the pod away in this case. The coffee probably would not have tasted that great anyways. When oxygen gets into the pods, the grinds can produce a more bitter taste.
How To Store Nespresso Pods To Preserve Freshness
Storing your pods the right way can help you extend the life of them. You just want to keep them in a cool, dry and dark place. Make sure they are not next to any sharp objects that could scratch or puncture the foil and let oxygen into the pods. You want to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from any heat source. Heat exposure can negatively impact the pod flavor. A pantry, cabinet or cupboard should be fine. There’s no need to store Nespresso pods in the refrigerator or freezer. Doing so might actually negatively impact the flavor.
