Common FAQS

Where can I buy Folgers® coffee?

Our Folgers® Coffee products are sold in grocery stores, drug stores, and other large chain retail stores. To find a store near you, please check our online Product Locator. Simply choose your favorite Folgers product and type in your zip code for a list of area stores that carry the product. If no stores are currently listed, you can speak with your local store manager about carrying your favorite Folgers Coffee product.

You can also order Folgers Coffee online by visiting our friends at the Smucker's® Online Store, or by calling 1-800-742-6729 to reach our customer service representatives, who will be happy to help. Orders placed through the Smucker's Online Store can be shipped within the continental United States.

What is the shelf life of Folgers coffee?

All Folgers® packages include "best by" date information to help make sure you have the freshest coffee experience possible. We do not recommend using Folgers Coffee that is past this expiration date because we cannot guarantee the same taste, quality, and performance. To keep unopened ground coffee fresh after you bring it home, store it in the refrigerator with the lid tightly closed to help retain its freshness and use it before the "best by" date. Check out our article on how to store coffee.

What is the best way to brew ground and whole bean coffee?

The general rule is to add 1 level tablespoon of ground coffee per cup. For example, 6 tablespoons of ground coffee would be recommended for making 6 cups. Find more information on how to measure coffee.

If using whole bean, please keep in mind that you will need to first grind the coffee according to the type of coffeemaker to be used in preparation (automatic drip, percolator, French press, etc.).

Next, use fresh, cold water, typically adding 6 fluid oz. per cup of coffee. Hot water has a tendency to carry minerals and/or buildup from inside water pipes, which could affect the taste of the brewed coffee.

It's also important to clean your coffeemaker. Consult your coffeemaker's user manual for the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. If cleaning instructions are not readily available, you can use distilled white vinegar for cleaning your coffeemaker. Fill the water reservoir with vinegar and run it through the brewing cycle once. Then, rinse the coffeemaker thoroughly with two cycles of plain water.

My coffee tastes bitter or burnt. What can cause that taste?

There are a number of factors that can give coffee an "off" taste, including reheating and overheating brewed coffee and improper storage. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Don't leave brewed coffee sitting on the heating element for too long, as the coffee will begin to caramelize and smell "off." We recommend keeping brewed coffee in a thermal container if it has remained on the warmer for longer than 15 minutes.
  • Don't reheat coffee, as the reheating process cooks out the delicate flavors, leaving the bitter taste.
  • Check to see if the grind level correctly matches the brewing method. Coffee ground for an automatic drip but used in a percolator, for example, might taste bitter.
  • For whole beans, the level of grinding can affect the flavor. Coffee ground too fine or not fine enough can be too bitter or lack flavor.
  • Improper storage can result in coffee that has an off flavor. Coffee should be kept refrigerated and tightly sealed. And make sure to use the coffee before its "best by" date.
  • Try changing to a lighter roast coffee. Darker-roasted coffees typically have a more bitter, full-bodied flavor.
  • Find other coffee making tips in our How-to Guides section.

The roast classification changed on my favorite blend. What happened?

Our coffee is still the same coffee you know and love and has not changed. We know the roast meter on the package helps our consumers best make their coffee choices, and we’ve recently updated the classification of the some of our blends to better represent its flavor and strength.

What causes the canister to bulge? Is it safe to use?

Yes, it is safe to use. This bulging can happen when the coffee is packaged under higher-than-usual pressure. As the coffee releases its aroma, the protective seal can expand. You can be assured the coffee still will have that wonderful Folgers flavor and aroma. Here are some helpful tips for opening the container:

  • As with any vacuumed product, hold it away from your eyes.
  • Prick the inner seal with the tip of a knife, and you'll hear a "whoosh" sound.
  • Wait a few seconds for that sound to stop, then continue opening. Enjoy!

Is Simply Smooth® a "low acid" coffee?

While it is not a low-acid coffee, Folgers Simply Smooth is specially blended and carefully roasted to reduce certain irritants associated with stomach discomfort. Folgers Simply Smooth is gentle on the stomach, while providing the great taste and aroma of Folgers Coffee.

Can I reuse my coffee grounds or filters?

In order to guarantee the best taste and quality, we don't recommend that you reuse the coffee grinds or reheat leftover coffee, as it will not taste the same. Also, we recommend against reusing coffee filters, as they tend to absorb the leftover stale flavors and are prone to tearing, which allows grounds to pass through into your coffee.

What are Folgers® K-Cup® pods?

K-Cup® pods are single servings of ground coffee supplied in a prepared, single-serve coffee pack and designed specifically for use with a Keurig® Brewer. Learn how K-Cup® pods can help you brew the perfect cup of Folgers Coffee in less than a minute using a Keurig® Brewer.

I prefer to brew a single cup of coffee instead of a full pot. What Folgers® products are available in single-serve portions?

Folgers® offers a number of single-cup brewing options. You can try Folgers K-Cup® pods, which are specifically designed for use with the Keurig® Brewer.  We also offer Folgers Instant Coffee single-serve packets.

How should I store my Folgers® coffee?

Properly storing your Folgers coffee will help you preserve the best flavor. We recommend storing Folgers ground coffee in a cool dark place with the lid tightly closed. Learn how to store coffee.

What nutritional information is available for Folgers® coffee?

All of our products follow the Nutrition Facts labeling regulations set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Under these regulations, our Folgers product packaging is not required to include nutritional information, as the nutrients of coffee are considered "insignificant" if it has less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and protein per serving, if all nutrients required in Nutrition Facts can be declared as zero, and if no nutrition claims are made on the label.

Are Folgers® coffee containers recyclable?

Our Folgers AromaSeal® container and its snap-tight lid are recyclable. For more information on coffee recycling options, check out our how-to recycle coffee guide.

How will I recognize recyclable K-Cup® pods?

Our updated packaging specifically calls out if your K-Cup® pod is recyclable*. The new packaging also includes recycling instructions on the back of the carton.  For more information on coffee recycling options, check out our how-to recycle coffee guide.

*Check locally.  Not recycled in many communities.

Do Folgers® products contain gluten?

Coffee is not a source of gluten, and our Folgers roast and ground coffee items are produced in a dedicated facility where no other types of agricultural crops are handled or processed.  However, due to the use of common equipment within the agricultural community to harvest, store, and transport crops, our roast and ground products may contain trace amounts of grain-based ingredients. Additionally, our flavored coffee products may contain added ingredients that are not gluten free.