Can You Eat Coffee Beans? 7 Essential Benefits & Risks to Know

Last updated on September 4th, 2023 by Garret Jacob

Have you noticed the jar of chocolate-covered coffee beans at your local coffee shop and wondered what they taste like?

Spoiler alert! They are delicious.

If you have not tried eating roasted or chocolate-covered coffee beats yet, you NEED to try them. Not only is eating coffee beans in moderation safe and delicious, but its also a good way to get a strong dose of antioxidants and a boost of energy. 

Don’t worry, we have a few recommendations below!

A Quick History Lesson

Did you know that humans have actually been ingesting coffee beans for a very long time? 

Traditionally, humans would pick coffee beans from the plants and then mix them with animal fat. They would then consume the beans and animal fat for a boost of energy before hunting or other strenuous activities.

Consuming coffee beans is built into our DNA. However, you do want to make sure you exercise some restraint. 

When we eat coffee beans, we are actually introducing a much more concentrated form of coffee into our bodies than when we drink it. If you are looking to avoid many of the negative side effects of consuming too much caffeine, then you should limit the number of beans you eat. 

Let us take a closer look at some of the most common questions and concerns that coffee enthusiasts may have when it comes to eating coffee beans versus drinking coffee.

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How to Eat Coffee Beans

How many coffee beans can you eat safely?

As long as you are not pregnant or sensitive to caffeine, the average person can safely eat around 20 to 30 beans per day.

One serving size of coffee beans is considered approximately 7 to 10 beans.

Can you eat coffee beans for caffeine?

Yes, eating 7 to 10 coffee beans gives you the same amount of caffeine as one regular 8-ounce cup of coffee.

What are the best coffee beans to eat?

The three best types of coffee beans to eat are roasted coffee beans, green coffee beans, and chocolate-covered coffee beans.

Some people prefer one type more than another and others like to eat a combination of all three. 

Here is a breakdown of the most popular types of coffee beans that people eat. 

• Roasted coffee beans: Many people love the rich and bold flavors that roasted coffee beans have. They are easier to chew than green coffee beans and they have a much more prominent flavor.
  • If you are looking for the most caffeine, then a light-roasted coffee bean is the best choice. 
  • A subscription box is a good way to try out tons of different origins and flavors easily.
• Green coffee beans: Some people prefer to eat green coffee beans.
  • Green coffee beans are the raw form of coffee before any roasting or processing has been done. Most common varieties is the Arabica and Robusta.
  • It is important to note that green coffee beans are much harder than roasted beans, therefore, some people slowly suck and chew on the beans for a longer period of time.
  • Green coffee beans have a more natural plant flavor to them, so if you are looking for that classic rich coffee taste, then roasted coffee beans may be the better choice. 
• Chocolate-covered coffee beans: Chocolate-covered coffee beans are delicious and a common treat for coffee lovers.
  • If you are looking for a healthier version, then go with dark chocolate. The darker the chocolate, the more antioxidants there are. 
  • Here are our 3 top recommendations!

Last update on 2024-04-02

Last update on 2024-04-02

Last update on 2024-04-02

Health Benefits & Risks

Is chewing coffee beans bad for your teeth?

Chewing coffee beans most likely will not cause damage to your teeth like drinking coffee does. Drinking coffee can actually weaken your enamel through its high acidity level.

Although chewing coffee beans may not cause the same kind of damage to your enamel as drinking coffee does, its high acidity level can still make some impact. The biggest consequence of chewing coffee beans is it can stain your teeth. 

Does eating coffee beans help with weight loss?

Yes, eating coffee beans can promote weight loss by increasing your metabolism, improving your rate of fat burning, and increasing your endurance during workouts.

Also, eating coffee beans can suppress your appetite, decrease your risk of obesity, and even improve your blood pressure over time. 

What are some of the pros and cons of eating coffee beans?

When you eat coffee beans, you are ingesting a much higher amount of antioxidants and getting the full nutritional value of the bean compared to when you drink coffee.

However, there are some potentially negative side effects you may want to be aware of as well, especially if you consume too many coffee beans. 

Pros

• Higher levels of antioxidants
• Higher levels of caffeine
• More nutrients

Cons

• Potential heartburn and/or bloating
• Potential bowel movement issues

In addition to these advantages and disadvantages of eating coffee beans, remember that when you ingest coffee beans, you are exposing yourself to a much more concentrated form of caffeine.

Consuming caffeine in excess can sometimes lead to an increased heart rate, nervousness, anxiety, and/or irritation. Know your limitations and do not consume in excess. 

Are there any health benefits that come from eating coffee beans?

The main health benefit that comes from eating coffee beans is the high levels of antioxidants and complex bioactive compounds including the main ones: caffeine, chlorogenic acid, cafestol and kahweol.

These antioxidants can help combat inflammation and reduce your risk of diabetes. Also, some clinical trials may suggest that consuming coffee beans has some cancer-fighting capabilities as well.  

Can you eat coffee beans while pregnant?

It is recommended that women who are pregnant avoid caffeine. Caffeine in high doses has been shown to cause birth defects, premature labor, and low birth weight in animal studies.

So, no. If you are pregnant, you should not ingest coffee beans. 

Other FAQ’s

How often can you eat coffee beans?

You can eat coffee beans every day, however, you should not exceed 30 beans in a day. 

Can you eat roasted coffee beans?

Yes, roasted coffee beans are a favorite amongst coffee enthusiasts who choose to eat coffee beans. Roasted coffee beans have a rich and intense flavor that people love. 

Can you eat unroasted coffee beans?

Yes, many people choose to eat the green coffee beans that are unroasted. They have a unique flavor that some coffee lovers enjoy. 

Sources:

1. https://fullcoffeeroast.com/best-coffee-beans-to-eat/
2. https://enjoyjava.com/can-you-eat-coffee-beans/
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eating-coffee-beans
4. https://coffeevibe.org/eating-coffee-beans/

Chief Editor