Which is Best? Coffee Bags with Valves or without Valves.

The world is filled with people who love coffee and drink it every day. The coffee industry rakes in roughly $32 billion per year today. 

Because it's such a coveted product that has to be made just right, the way that it's stored means a lot. Today, many bags of coffee are outfitted with a special valve that helps with storage. 

So what should you understand about these valves? How can you compare bags of coffee with valves to those without?

Here are some tips you should know about choosing the coffee bags that are best at preserving your goods.

Understand What the Valve Is and How It Works

Seeing a coffee bag with a valve is quite common in this day and age. You'll see this technology included on both coffee bean bags and pouches for ground coffee. 

These valves are circular and come with air vents. They're typically found near the top or bottom of the coffee bag, where they apply one-way pressure. 

It's common to see these valves on different types of coffee bags and brands in the grocery store. They are semi-permeable and connected to the rest of the bag lining. 

The Valve Helps to Keep the Coffee Fresh

Freshness is the main factor at play with coffee bag valves. It promotes the flow and release of gas so that the coffee doesn't get stale while in storage. 

These bags are often also lined with aluminum material in order to preserve the freshness of the coffee. The valve prolongs the shelf life of any coffee that you decide to buy. 

People Say a Coffee Bag With Valve Provides the Best Flavor

Coffee is a multi-billion dollar business, which is why it's in every company's interests to protect the flavor of their prized products. By focusing on coffee freshness during storage, you're also helping to preserve the flavor. 

Connoisseurs particularly appreciate bags for coffee beans since it helps to keep them in their purest and most flavorful form. 

Since your coffee isn't getting oxidized, it's also not aging. The fresher the coffee, the more robustness and aromatic qualities you'll enjoy in every bag. Preserving the freshness also keeps the little characteristics that bring out maximum flavor. 

Letting Gas Leak Helps With Coffee Storage

A coffee bag without a valve doesn't allow carbon dioxide to escape the package. 

After coffee is roasted during the production process, it immediately begins expelling large amounts of carbon dioxide. If freshly roasted beans or ground coffee were placed in a bag without ventilation, the expelled carbon dioxide would keep expanding, possibly until the bag exploded. 

The smell and flavor qualities that we all know and love about coffee also only happen once carbon dioxide is released. The valves help to keep your coffee in its prime state by keeping the right balance of gases. 

Valves Allow the Coffee to Retain Its Temperature

Your coffee also has to be stored at certain temperatures to retain its qualities. The valves that get installed help the coffee to stay at a cool room temperature, which is optimal. 

It's best to keep your coffee bags out of the refrigerator for this reason. Keeping the coffee in the pantry instead will prevent moisture from overtaking the bag. 

Manufacturers and Packers Can Work Quickly Thanks to Valves

The valves also help manufacturers get their products on store shelves and in your home quicker. Since the valve allows for the expulsion of gases, packers and shippers don't have to wait for it to cool off before packing. 

This saved time adds up and allows them to have the quickest and most efficient possible output. The uptick in production is helpful both for the company's bottom line and the customer's satisfaction. 

It Helps You Keep Contaminants Out of the Coffee

The coffee bag valve also acts as a safety mechanism. When it's in place, your coffee is less likely to come in contact with contaminants. 

Keeping these contaminants out of the coffee can prevent food poisoning and other problems. It also helps manufacturers to avoid costly recalls that also hurt their brand. 

Anyone concerned with the freshest, cleanest coffee should always purchase bags with seals for this reason. 

You Don't Need Valves When the Coffee Is Canned

So what about canned coffee? Since these containers are sealed airtight and don't have space for gas to escape, manufacturers get the coffee to de-gas before packing them. 

The tins are sealed airtight once the beans or ground coffee has been given time to cool off. The tin is also made with an aluminum inner lining, in addition to an aluminum-backed freshness seal at the opening. 

People often purchase tubs or tins of coffee whenever they buy large amounts. You can still count on these products to be fresh since the manufacturer handled the CO2 expulsion on the front end. 

Choose the Best and Freshest Coffee Bags

Coffee bags will provide the care that you need for your coffee products. You likely have more of an appreciation of coffee now that you understand some inside science behind how it arrives at your kitchen. 

Definitely check for that valve on your coffee bag if you're the type of person who loves waking up to the perfect cup. 

Coffee manufacturers prefer bags with valves for the most part.  If the product will be used quickly, bags with no valve are more economically friendly.

When sealing your coffee bags, a constant heat sealer will help keep your product fresher longer.  Tin ties do not keep the air out as efficiently as sealing your bag with a bag sealer.  Constant heat sealers are the sealer of choice for coffee companies, as they work best with the material the bags are made with and give a consistent seal.

At Pack Secure, we're happy to help you out with all of your packing, sealing, and shipping needs. Take the time to contact us via our website, or by calling (888) 511-7225.