FIRST DROP OCTOBER 25, 2024 @ 12:00 PM EST
We'll Never Ship Pre-Ground Coffee

I get it. Convenience often tempts us to pick up a bag of pre-ground coffee. But, in the specialty coffee world, it's just not worth it. Even when it is more convenient. If you're spending the extra moullah on a bag of beans, you should do yourself a favor: buy whole bean and grind it.
I'm not judging either. If you wanna have pre-ground coffee at home, do it. It's accessible, easy, and as mentioned -- convenient. But I believe the best coffee experience comes from whole bean and that's why I'll never ship pre-ground coffee.
Keep reading. I'll break down some of the logic and reasoning that went into making this decision.
Table of content
Fresh Beans, Better Cup
When you open a bag of freshly roasted, whole bean coffee, the aroma greets you before you even brew. Those captivating scents of fruit, chocolate, nuts, or florals are tied to volatile compounds locked inside the bean. Once ground, these flavors break down quickly through contact with air, moisture, and light. By choosing whole bean coffee—especially one delivered soon after roasting—you gain the advantage of capturing those compounds at their peak, ensuring each cup brims with complexity and depth.
Why It Matters:
- A bag of pre-ground coffee on the store shelf may sit for weeks, losing flavor day by day.
- Whole beans stay protected, preserving flavor until the moment you decide to grind.
Pre-Ground Coffee: The Hidden Downsides
Oxidation + Stale Flavors
The moment coffee is ground, it’s exposed to oxygen, which leads to oxidation—the number one culprit behind stale coffee. This process dulls the vibrant tasting notes and replaces them with a flat or cardboard-like taste.
- Volatile Oils: The oils that produce nuanced flavors oxidize quickly once ground.
- Loss of Aromatics: The sweet, fruity, or floral hints dissipate long before the coffee lands in your cup.
Uniform Grind That Doesn’t Fit All Brewing Methods
Pre-ground coffee typically comes in a single grind size intended for drip machines. But if you want to explore a French press, espresso, or AeroPress, that universal grind likely won’t do your beans justice.
- Over- or Under-extraction: Using a one-size-fits-all grind can result in coffee that’s too bitter or too weak, depending on your brewer.
Extended Shelf Life? Not Really
Although some bags claim a long “best by” date, the real flavor peak of ground coffee is measured in mere days, not months.
Check out CoffeeChemistry.com for resources on how grinding accelerates flavor degradation.
Why Whole Bean Matters
Preserving Aromas & Tasting Notes
Whole bean coffee acts like a sealed container, keeping the bean’s natural oils intact until you grind. When you grind at home, you release those essential oils and aromatics right before brewing, translating to a more vibrant cup.
- Full Flavor Spectrum: Expect to taste the distinct “origin” qualities—from berry-like Ethiopian coffees to chocolatey Colombian beans—rather than the muted version found in pre-ground.
Control Over Grind Size
If you’re brewing a French press, you likely need a coarse grind; for pour-over, a medium-fine grind. Owning a burr grinder allows you to dial in the perfect setting for each brewer, unlocking a broader range of flavors.
- Adapt to Your Brewer: Fine-tune grind size to fix issues like under- or over-extraction.
- Experiment at will: One bag can be used in multiple ways: Pour-over in the morning, cold brew on the weekend, espresso after dinner, etc.
More Engaging Coffee Ritual
Grinding beans at home adds an interactive step—like prepping fresh ingredients for cooking. Instead of passively scooping coffee from a pre-ground bag, you actively shape your cup’s outcome.
There is a ton of resources online about the benefits of having a morning ritual or routine, but this is a good place to start.
Our Roast & Ship Timeline
Small-Batch Roasting
We roast beans in small batches to bring out each origin’s best qualities. Whether it’s a Kenyan lot with deep fruit notes or a Brazilian bean known for nutty, chocolatey hints, we tailor the roast to spotlight what makes it special.
Degassing & Packaging
Freshly roasted coffee releases CO2—a process called degassing. We allow beans to rest briefly so they don’t arrive gassy or taste off. Then we package them in valved, air-tight bags to lock in freshness.
Text-to-Order Simplicity
- No Forced Subscriptions: Instead of monthly boxes piling up, we text you whenever we have a new coffee drop. Learn more here
- Say “Yes” When You’re Ready: If the flavor profile interests you, respond “Yes,” and we’ll ship it out promptly.
Debunking Common Myths
Myth 1: “Pre-Ground is More Convenient”
While you might save a few seconds, the flavor cost is high. Plus, a burr grinder automates much of the work for you. It’s almost as fast as scooping pre-ground.
Myth 2: “My Basic Drip Machine Won’t Benefit from Fresh Grinding”
Even a straightforward drip brewer extracts more nuanced flavors when beans are freshly ground. You’ll notice the difference in aroma alone.
Myth 3: “I Can’t Taste Subtle Differences Anyway”
Many people think that—until they do a side-by-side taste test. The difference in aroma, brightness, and overall clarity can be eye-opening.
Think of fresh whole beans as the “produce section” of coffee—once you’ve tried it, you won’t want to go back to canned goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I contact cHow soon after roasting should I brew my beans?ustomer service?
Most coffees hit their sweet spot within 3–14 days post-roast. Our shipping timeline aligns with that window, so they arrive ready for optimal enjoyment.
What if I don’t have time to grind every morning?
You can grind the night before if needed—though for max freshness, we recommend just before brewing. Even a day-old grind is typically better than a bag that’s pre-ground weeks ago.
What’s the best way to store whole bean coffee?
Keep it in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. No fridge or freezer needed—extremes in temperature can cause moisture damage.
Is a hand grinder worth it?
If budget is a concern or you enjoy a tactile brewing process, a manual burr grinder is great. It’s portable and often more affordable than electric models.
Conclusion
Why We Only Ship Whole Beans: Once coffee is ground, it begins losing flavor at an accelerated rate—like sliced fruit that starts browning the moment it’s exposed to air. By sticking to whole beans, we preserve the full spectrum of aromas and oils so you can experience each cup at its peak. And while grinding may add a small step to your routine, the payoff in taste is huge.