What Happens If You Eat Coffee Grounds?

– By Eat Your Coffee May 23, 2019

Stop pretending as if you’ve never wondered if it’s okay to eat coffee grounds. 

There’s no shame in admitting it – it’s something we’ve all thought of before when we’re dumping what seems like four metric tons of grounds into the trash after brewing our coffee. Can my body digest them? Will they give me energy? Are coffee grounds the next superfood? Do they even taste good? Read on to find out more.

YES, THEY’RE EDIBLE 

Coffee grounds are what’s leftover when you brew your morning (…or afternoon…or evening) cup of joe. Even after they’ve been soaked with water and filtered, coffee grounds still contain caffeine, antioxidants, and dietary fiber – though in smaller amounts than before they were brewed.

According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, spent grounds do contain higher levels of dietary phenolic compounds than brewed coffee. But WTF are polyphenols and why are they important? These organic compounds are known to fight harmful UV rays and pathogens, prevent the development of some illnesses like cancer and diabetes, and boost cardiovascular strength. Sounds good to us.

Coffee grounds make a great bittersweet addition to marinadesand can even help tenderize meat. You can also add them to baked goods (like these cookiesor brownies) in order to enhance the chocolate flavor or infuse your treats with that rich espresso taste. Try a literal coffee cake or some gluten-free, dairy-free coffee granola. Dare we suggest grabbing an Eat Your Coffee Caffeinated Energy Bar on your way to work?