Is it OK to Drink Expired Coffee Grounds?
When coffee grounds are past their expiration date, the question of whether to drink them arises. After all, those grounds still contain caffeine and many of the same flavonoids that freshly-ground beans do. Despite their age, however, drinking them may not be a safe option.
From a taste perspective, a cup of coffee brewed with expired grounds may be bitter, acidic, or have very little flavor. Furthermore, research has found that after 10 days, the caffeine levels of coffee grounds decreases significantly, making the taste experience even more undesirable.
In terms of health impacts, drinking coffee brewed with expired grounds can cause numerous adverse effects. Researchers have found that the rate of microorganisms growth, fungi, and mycotoxins inside expired grounds is very high, which is why drinking them can result in stomach issues and nausea. That’s especially the case if they are past their expiration date.
Experts advise that expired grounds should be discarded once they are past their date, rather than consumed. To get the highest benefit from your grounds, it is recommended, by numerous sites, that you buy freshly-ground beans for each new brew. Although it requires more effort and money, it is certainly worth it as the taste of brewed coffee can be greatly affected by out-of-date grounds.
Aside from flavor and health-related concerns, there are several additional positives that come from buying fresh grounds. Brewing with newly-ground beans will ensure you are getting the freshest and most potent characteristics from your grounds that you possibly can. That can include a stronger taste and more robust body, smoother texture, and decreased levels of acidity.
Level of Caffeine in Expired Coffee Grounds
Studies have revealed that caffeine contained within expired coffee grounds may be less than in fresh grounds or beans. Research has shown that some of the caffeine dissipates, with the rate being much higher in ground coffee due to the size of the grounds, than in whole beans. This means that the larger the grounds, the faster the caffeine will be gone, and the weaker the taste.
Also, it has been reported that when expired coffee grounds are exposed to oxygen, caffeine and hydrogen compounds seep out. As a result, expired grounds provide weakened taste and hardly any caffeine.
Health Risks of Drinking Expired Coffee Grounds
According to health professionals, expired coffee grounds have the potential to cause food poisoning, due to the growth of numerous bacteria, fungi, and mycotoxins. The presence of harmful microorganisms considerably increases after grounds or beans go past their expiration date, so it is highly advisable to not drink expired coffee grounds, especially ground beans past their expiration date.
However, as reported on medical sites and blogs, other health risks may arise from drinking expired coffee, such as increased acidity in the stomach, greater sugar levels, and, in the worst-case scenario, death.
The Pros of Using Expired Coffee Grounds
When it comes to benefits from drinking coffee brewed from expired grounds, there are none. However, there are still some uses for them. Expired coffee grounds can be used to clean, remove odors, and even to make a moisturizing body scrub.
It has been reported that expired grounds can be used to remove rust from copper items, as a natural fertilizer for home gardens, and to extract contaminants from oily oven surfaces. Coffee grounds can also be used to make compost or to keep away animals like rats and ants.
The Costs of Brewing with Expired Coffee Grounds
Brewing with expired coffee grounds can be less expensive than buying fresh ones. This is due to the fact that they are often cheaper, and also because they are generally easier to find.
However, the taste of the coffee brewed with these grounds might not be ideal, as the flavor, body, and aroma will have decreased significantly. Plus, the caffeine levels in the cup of coffee will also be much lower than in coffee brewed with fresh grounds.
In the end, drinking coffee brewed with expired coffee grounds isn’t worth the potential bad taste and health risks associated with it. It’s best to throw out any coffee grounds that have passed their expiration date or have begun to smell musty and buy fresh grounds instead.
Storage Tips for Coffee Grounds
To maintain the flavor, aroma, and freshness of your coffee grounds, storing them correctly is key. It has been found that light and heat are the two biggest enemies of coffee. Therefore, coffee grounds should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. To extend their life, coffee grounds should also be sealed in an airtight bag or container.
Also, try to store the coffee grounds in such a way that the air doesn’t stay in the bag or container for an extended period of time. It is important to note that air can cause severe damage to the life of the coffee grounds and the flavor of the coffee that is brewed with them. It’s recommended to freeze coffee grounds to maximize their lifespan.
Caffeine Levels in Expired Coffee Grounds
When it comes to caffeine levels in expired grounds, research has indicated that the amount left after expiration varies according to the type of coffee beans used and the grind. The caffeine levels decrease much faster in ground coffee than whole beans, with faster results in finer grinds. This is due to their higher surface area, so they interact much faster with oxygen and water.
Brewing a cup of coffee with expired grounds can still produce a caffeinated beverage, but it has been found that the amount of caffeine contained in that cup is much less than the one brewed with fresh grounds.
Storage Conditions for Expired Coffee Grounds
When it comes to storing expired grounds, the same environment needed for storing fresh grounds should also be applied to expired grounds. This means keeping them in a cool, dark place away from oxygen, light and heat. Also, the grounds must be sealed in an airtight bag or container to maximize their life and extend their flavor.
As previously mentioned, freezing the grounds can also be beneficial for shelf-life, as it will slow down the oxidation process and will prevent mold growth. However, for optimal results, the grounds should be used immediately or within 3 months of expiration. Storing them in the freezer is only recommended if the grounds must be used past the expiration date.
