Vacuum-packed coffee blocks can lose their vacuum during transport. This usually happens because pressure differences and movement create a microscopic hole in one of the corners of the block, the weakest point of the film. This hole is virtually invisible to the naked eye, but it is enough to let the vacuum slowly disappear. It is a common occurrence with ground coffee in vacuum packaging, even when it is shipped in the original factory packaging. The packaging remains completely sealed and the coffee is perfectly fine to use.
Is the coffee still OK if the vacuum is gone?
Yes. The packaging has remained sealed, so the coffee is safe and suitable for use. The best-before date on the packaging remains valid.
Does it affect the taste?
As long as the packaging remains unopened, the effect on taste is negligible. For the best flavour experience, as with all freshly ground coffee, we recommend using the coffee within a few weeks after opening.
Why does this happen specifically on the corners?
The film of a vacuum block is folded several times at the corners to achieve the tight shape. This makes the corners, microscopically speaking, the thinnest and most stressed parts of the packaging. During transport, pressure differences arise, for example due to temperature fluctuations or changes in altitude, and parcels move against each other. A corner pressing against the side or corner of another block creates point pressure on that exact weak spot, and that is enough to cause an extremely small hole through which air can be drawn.
Can I return the pack or get a replacement?
Because this is inherent to the packaging method and has no impact on the usability of the coffee, we do not normally replace the pack for this. If you still have doubts about your order or something is clearly wrong, please contact our customer service and we will be happy to take a look with you.
Does this also happen with coffee beans?
Coffee beans are generally not vacuum packed at all. Bean bags are soft packages with an aroma valve: a one-way valve through which CO2 (which freshly roasted beans continue to release) can slowly escape, without oxygen being able to enter. A bean bag should therefore always feel a little soft or airy; this is not vacuum loss but rather a sign that the packaging is working properly.
Do you do anything yourselves to prevent this?
Yes, we pack orders carefully with cushioning material and try to shield the packs from each other as much as possible. Unfortunately, we cannot always prevent vacuum loss, because it can also be caused by pressure differences during transport itself.
