Is Coffee High in Nitrogen? Deciphering the Nutritional Facts

October 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Used coffee grounds are well-regarded by gardeners as a rich source of nitrogen for composting and fertilizing soil. However, the key distinction lies in whether the finished beverage contains a nutritionally significant amount of nitrogen for human consumption, directly addressing the question: 'Is coffee high in nitrogen?'.

Quick Summary

This article explores the difference between nitrogen in coffee grounds versus brewed coffee. It clarifies why coffee grounds are beneficial for plant nutrition and composting due to their organic nitrogen content, while the human diet derives negligible nitrogen from the beverage. The piece details the chemical components in coffee and explains why the brewing process separates most of the nitrogen-rich material from the liquid.

Key Points

Coffee Grounds Contain Nitrogen: Used coffee grounds are a good source of nitrogen, which is slowly released into the soil, making them a valuable fertilizer for plants.
Brewed Coffee is Low in Nitrogen: The brewing process leaves most of the nitrogen-rich material in the grounds, and the resulting beverage offers only a negligible, nutritionally insignificant amount of nitrogen for humans.
Nitrogen Compounds are in Trace Amounts: Nitrogenous compounds like caffeine and trigonelline are present in brewed coffee but are not a viable source of dietary nitrogen.
Gardening vs. Nutrition: The benefits of coffee's nitrogen are for soil and plant health, not for meeting human dietary needs.
Nitrogen Infusion is for Texture: In products like nitro cold brew, nitrogen gas is infused for texture and mouthfeel, not for added nutritional value.
Composting is Key for Recycling: For gardeners, composting coffee grounds is the best way to utilize their nitrogen content safely and effectively for plant growth.

The Truth About Nitrogen in Coffee Grounds

The perception that coffee is high in nitrogen primarily stems from its use in gardening. Spent or fresh coffee grounds are valued as a nitrogen-rich organic material, containing about 1–2% nitrogen by volume, along with micronutrients. Gardeners use them in compost as a "green" material and as a slow-release soil amendment that benefits plant growth. The nitrogen is released as microorganisms decompose the organic matter. This is a crucial point, as the nitrogen content in the grounds is separate from that in brewed coffee.

Brewed Coffee vs. Your Nutritional Needs

During brewing, hot water extracts soluble compounds like flavor and caffeine. Most nitrogenous material, mainly proteins, stays in the insoluble grounds. While brewed coffee contains nitrogen-containing compounds like caffeine (C${8}$H${10}$N${4}$O${2}$) and trigonelline, the amount is nutritionally insignificant for humans. Your body gets most nitrogen from dietary protein. Brewed coffee, being over 98% water, provides negligible nitrogen compared to protein-rich foods. Therefore, coffee is not a significant source of dietary nitrogen.

The Chemical Side: Nitrogen Compounds in Coffee

Coffee beans contain various nitrogenous compounds. Roasting leads to the Maillard reaction, creating volatile nitrogen compounds like pyrazines and pyrroles responsible for aroma and flavor. These compounds are in small amounts and do not contribute significantly to dietary nitrogen.

The Role of Nitrogen in Coffee Production

For the plant: Nitrogen is essential for Coffea plant growth and bean production.
For freshness: Nitrogen gas is used in packaging to prevent oxidation and keep roasted beans fresh.
For texture: In nitro cold brew, nitrogen gas provides a smooth texture and creamy head, without adding nutritional nitrogen.

Comparing Sources of Nitrogen


Source	Nitrogen Form	Role/Effect	Use in Diet	Use in Gardening
Brewed Coffee	Traces of caffeine, trigonelline, and other compounds.	Primarily flavor and aroma; acts as a stimulant.	Negligible nutritional nitrogen content.	None (the liquid offers no benefit).
Coffee Grounds	Proteins and other organic molecules.	Decomposes to enrich soil; improves soil structure.	Insoluble and not for human consumption.	Excellent slow-release fertilizer and compost additive.
Protein-Rich Food (e.g., chicken)	Proteins and amino acids.	Provides essential amino acids for human health.	Excellent and vital source of dietary nitrogen.	Not typically used as a garden fertilizer.

How Coffee Grounds Benefit Your Garden

Coffee grounds are a valuable gardening resource due to their nitrogen content. They improve soil by enhancing drainage, aeration, and water retention. They also supply micronutrients like calcium and potassium. The nitrogen is slow-release, avoiding nutrient burn. Their high nitrogen content balances carbon-rich materials in compost.

Conclusion: Distinguishing the Difference

The idea that coffee is high in nitrogen applies more to gardening than human nutrition. Coffee grounds are a valuable nitrogen source for soil. However, brewing extracts a negligible amount into the liquid. Brewed coffee is not a source for your daily nitrogen needs, which are met through dietary protein. The nitrogen in coffee is best utilized in the garden. Enjoy your coffee, but consider recycling the grounds for their gardening benefits.

For more information on coffee's nutritional science, you can consult the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only in trace amounts. The nitrogen in brewed coffee comes from compounds like caffeine and trigonelline, but the quantity is so small that it is not considered a significant source of dietary nitrogen for humans.

Gardeners refer to coffee grounds, not brewed coffee, as being high in nitrogen. The organic material in the grounds contains about 1-2% nitrogen, which enriches soil and aids plant growth when composted or used as a soil amendment.

No, brewed coffee is not a good source of protein. While protein is a primary source of nitrogen for humans, the vast majority of protein in coffee beans is insoluble and remains in the grounds during the brewing process.

Most of the nitrogen, which is bound in proteins and other organic matter, stays in the coffee grounds. Only a small fraction of nitrogen-containing compounds, like caffeine, are extracted into the brewed beverage.

Yes, you can add coffee grounds directly to your garden soil. They provide a slow-release source of nitrogen and other nutrients. For best results, mix them into the soil or add them to your compost pile, as a thick layer can inhibit growth.

No, nitro cold brew does not have more dietary nitrogen. The nitrogen gas is infused to create a creamy texture and mouthfeel, not to add nutritional nitrogen.

Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and can improve soil structure and water retention. When composted, they become a nutrient-rich additive that promotes healthy plant growth.