Coffee lovers across the UK are being encouraged to think twice before throwing away their used coffee grounds, thanks to sustainability-focused chef Chantelle Nicholson and premium coffee brand illy.
The Michelin Green Star chef, best known as the founder of London restaurant Apricity, has partnered with illy to highlight creative ways home cooks can transform spent coffee grounds into flavour-packed ingredients for both sweet and savoury dishes.
As food waste continues to be a growing concern, Nicholson believes that reusing coffee grounds is a simple and effective way to make kitchens more sustainable while unlocking new flavours in everyday recipes.
Why You Shouldn’t Throw Away Coffee Grounds
For many households, brewing a morning coffee is part of a daily routine. However, the used grounds often end up in the bin immediately afterwards. According to Nicholson, these grounds still contain plenty of flavour and can be repurposed in a variety of dishes.
“Coffee is an incredibly versatile ingredient, and even after it’s been brewed and used, spent coffee still has so much flavour to offer,” Nicholson explained.“Using an ingredient multiple times is a simple way to reduce waste without compromising on taste. Whether you’re infusing cream for desserts, adding richness to baking or experimenting with savoury recipes, spent coffee can unlock new flavour in an array of dishes.”
The initiative aligns with illy’s ongoing focus on sustainability and finding innovative ways to enjoy coffee beyond the cup.
Three Ways to Cook with Spent Coffee Grounds
1. Infuse Milk and Cream
Used coffee grounds can be steeped in warm milk or cream before being strained. This creates a subtle coffee flavour ideal for:
- Ice cream
- Custards
- Chocolate ganache
- Panna cotta
The technique delivers a rich aroma without requiring additional coffee beans.
2. Upgrade Your Baking
A small amount of spent coffee grounds can enhance chocolate-based desserts by adding depth and roasted notes.
Try incorporating them into:
- Brownies
- Chocolate cakes
- Cookies
- Muffins
Coffee naturally complements cocoa, making it a popular ingredient among professional bakers.
3. Add Depth to Savoury Dishes
Coffee isn’t just for desserts. Nicholson recommends stirring a small quantity of used grounds into slow-cooked sauces or gravies before straining.
The result is a richer, more complex flavour profile that works particularly well with:
- Braised meats
- Beef stews
- Rich gravies
- Barbecue-style sauces
Recipe: Burrata, Baby Plum Tomato, Basil and Espresso Vinaigrette
One of Nicholson’s favourite ways to incorporate coffee into cooking is through a simple espresso vinaigrette.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 burrata balls (or 1 large burrata)
- 140g baby plum tomatoes
- 2 sprigs basil
- Salt
For the espresso vinaigrette:
- 1 double espresso
- 1 tbsp sherry vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 60ml olive oil
Method
- Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients until combined.
- Halve the tomatoes and place in a serving bowl.
- Season lightly with salt.
- Place the burrata on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Spoon over the espresso dressing and serve immediately.
Recipe: Spent Coffee Granita
Looking for a refreshing summer dessert? This coffee granita makes excellent use of leftover grounds.
Ingredients
- 50g spent coffee grounds
- 200g water
- 25g dark brown soft sugar
- 15ml vodka, amaretto or rum (optional)
Method
- Place the coffee grounds and sugar into a jug.
- Pour over boiling water and stir thoroughly.
- Allow the mixture to settle for one minute.
- Carefully strain through a fine sieve into a bowl.
- Add alcohol if desired.
- Transfer to a shallow freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for several hours.
- Scrape with a fork to create a light, fluffy granita texture before serving.
Sustainable Cooking Starts at Home
With consumers becoming increasingly conscious of food waste and sustainability, simple kitchen habits such as reusing coffee grounds can make a meaningful difference. Whether incorporated into baking, savoury dishes or frozen desserts, spent coffee grounds offer a practical way to maximise ingredients while reducing waste.
For more information about illy coffee and its sustainability initiatives, visit illy UK.
