
Introduction
Coffee grounds are not ideal for direct consumption. Such a practice could result in unpleasant effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress. This is due to the high caffeine content within the grounds. Reactions may vary depending on age, weight, and tolerance level. It’s best to avoid drinking coffee ground-infused water or chewing on raw coffee beans.
Coffee grounds are rich in antioxidants. They can be used as facial scrubs or home soil fertilizers. Drinking leftover espresso particles in a cup won’t give the same benefits as brewed coffee does. It is possible to consume coffee grounds and survive, but it’s not recommended.
One possible consequence of consuming coffee grounds is physical. In 2018, a man in South Wales needed to be rushed to hospital after swallowing a spoonful of unbrewed coffee pellets while cleaning his machine. The tiny fragments got stuck in his lungs for more than six months, causing chronic coughing and breathing difficulties.
To sum up, it is not advised to consume coffee grounds directly. This could lead to severe discomforts, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, acid refluxes, and dehydration. To prevent these adverse effects, it is best to dispose of used grinds properly or recycle them for alternative uses.
What are coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds are the leftovers from brewing coffee. Caffeine and other compounds in them can give you a lift. Some people use them for gardening or face scrubs. But, it’s not a good idea to eat coffee grounds.
Indigestion, nausea, and stomach cramps are some of the risks of drinking coffee grounds. Plus, too much caffeine can lead to a racing heartbeat, anxiety, and high blood pressure. The insoluble fibers in coffee grounds could even block your digestive tract.
On the plus side, used coffee grounds can be good for your garden. They act as a natural fertilizer and keep pests away. But, if you want to drink coffee grounds, take caution.
PRO TIP: Stick to brewed coffee, like Turkish-style. Don’t risk drinking coffee grounds!
What happens when you drink coffee grounds?

Drinking coffee grounds can have bad effects on your health. These include digestive problems, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. Plus, it can lead to stimulation of the central nervous system. Agitation and seizures are possible in extreme cases. Stick to filtered coffee instead.
Anemia and osteoporosis can also result from consuming large amounts of grounds. This is because caffeine binds with iron, blocking absorption. Plus, caffeine can reduce calcium absorption.
A man bought ground coffee from Amazon. He had regular morning coffee for weeks and then felt severe stomach pain. The brand had not mentioned pea protein, which his body reacted to, causing an allergic reaction. This story serves as a warning of the dangers of buying low quality, unlabeled products.
Drinking coffee grounds? No. But using them as a skin exfoliant? Grounds for celebration!
What are the benefits of coffee grounds?
Coffee grounds are not just a waste product – they can be used in many ways! Let’s look at the benefits of taking advantage of them:
- As fertilizer: Great for acid-loving plants like tomatoes, azaleas, and blueberries. Plus, they act as a natural barrier against garden pests.
- For compost: High nitrogen helps speed up decomposition.
- Body scrub: Mix with coconut oil for an exfoliating and smoothing skin treatment.
- Air freshener: Place dried grounds in sachets or bowls to absorb odors.
- Insecticide: Caffeine compounds prevent certain insects from infesting your home.
Plus, they can moisturize hair and reduce cellulite when applied topically. Diluted in water, they even dye wood furniture stains a natural color.
It all started in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. Kaldi, an Ethiopian goatherd, noticed his goats’ jumpy behavior after consuming berries from a shrub. He tested it himself and felt energized, introducing these raw beans to the world!
But, moderation is key. If you want to go crazy and consume coffee grounds, go ahead.
Can you drink coffee grounds in moderation?
Coffee grounds shouldn’t be consumed normally. But, in moderation it can be done. Having too much of it, however, can lead to bad health effects.
If you decide to drink coffee grounds, use high-quality beans. Grind them properly to get a consistent texture. You can either mix it with hot water or sprinkle it on desserts.
Be careful with whole beans or large amounts of grounds. They are abrasive and acidic. Too much caffeine can cause jitters and anxiety.
4 cups of coffee each day has health benefits. It helps reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and lowers mortality rate. Monitor your caffeine intake and consult a doctor if there are any reactions.
Conclusion: If you want to enjoy coffee grounds, do it in moderation.
Conclusion
Coffee grounds can contain high doses of caffeine. This can lead to effects such as nausea, vomiting, palpitations and even hallucinations. So, it’s important to watch your daily intake.
At the same time, research has shown drinking coffee in moderation can bring positive benefits, both physical and mental.
Contrary to what many believe, coffee grounds aren’t dangerous. In fact, they can be used for composting or cooking. Harvard Health Publishing states that only 1% of the caffeine is extracted when brewing. This is safe for healthy adults who often enjoy coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to drink coffee grounds?
No, it is not recommended to drink coffee grounds as it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and can be a choking hazard.
2. Can drinking coffee grounds cause any health problems?
Drinking coffee grounds can lead to digestive problems such as stomach cramps and diarrhea. It can also increase the risk of choking.
3. What happens if I accidentally ingest some coffee grounds?
If you accidentally ingest small amounts of coffee grounds, it is generally not harmful. However, consuming a large amount can cause digestive issues.
4. Can drinking coffee grounds give me a caffeine buzz?
Drinking coffee grounds can cause a caffeine high, but it may be dangerous and not recommended. It can lead to an irregular heartbeat, anxiety, and other negative side effects.
5. Can I reap any health benefits from consuming coffee grounds?
No, drinking coffee grounds does not provide any health benefits. It is best to stick to consuming coffee in its brewed form.
6. What should I do if I accidentally drink a large amount of coffee grounds?
If you ingest a large amount of coffee grounds, seek medical attention immediately. It can lead to serious health complications such as dehydration and choking.

Cody Flake is an ardent coffee lover and experienced barista. His expertise makes him a comprehensive coffee connoisseur. His vision: to share his passion and knowledge with fellow coffee enthusiasts.