# Coffee as food? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** coffee\ **Created:** [May 7, 2026, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897 "2026-05-07T19:55:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/1 "2026-05-07T19:55:20Z")
I admit I’m a coffee fiend–I used to joke that if I didn’t have water available, I’d just snort the grounds (caffeine cocaine 🤪). Haven’t said that, what about using coffee as something to consume outside of brewing? 1. of course, tiramisu 2. chocolate-covered espresso beans 3. coffee ice cream–I prefer Whole Foods 360 brand, which includes frozen coffee “shards?” 4. I think I’ve seen recipes on Food Network where they use coffee grounds as part of rub, I believe ribs anyone else know of coffee being used in cooking? ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/2 "2026-05-07T20:01:01Z")
Equal volumes Lawry’s seasoned salt, granulated sugar, and coffee grounds. Rub on meat; cook; enjoy. Coffee jelly; make unflavored gelatin according to the instructions, but using brewed coffee instead of plain water; I would then make a sweetened milk gelatin in a smaller amount, layered and allowed to set on top of the coffee jelly after IT has set. (My kids loved my coffee jellies) ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/3 "2026-05-07T20:02:30Z")
**Nitpick:** The expression is “Having said that.” Along with ham drippings, coffee is used to make redeye gravy, a Southern delicacy. It can also be used to flavor certain baked goods and desserts. ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/4 "2026-05-07T20:06:09Z")
forgot about that–can’t type too fast, AI will get you 🙃 ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/5 "2026-05-07T20:10:57Z")
The coffee isn’t eaten in this case, but I have heard of coffee grounds being used in a smoker as a source of smoke. ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/6 "2026-05-07T20:47:46Z")
I remember back when “mocha” meant coffee flavor, not choco-coffee flavor, and many desserts with “mocha” in the name were actually made using coffee buttercream. I loved it! You never see that around anymore. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/7 "2026-05-07T20:55:40Z")
My mom would make a wonderful birthday cake with a coffee buttercream frosting. Maybe from the New York Times Cookbook? ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/8 "2026-05-07T21:06:57Z")
> [@fedman1](#): > > anyone else know of coffee being used in cooking? Not specifically, but one of the upscale delis around here often has thick steaks marinated in what’s billed as a “coffee marinade”. I don’t know what the recipe is but it’s not a dry rub and I doubt they use coffee grounds – it’s a thick marinade with a strong coffee flavour. Can’t remember if they use it on rib steak or striploin, but it really does make a beautiful steak on the grill! I’m sure a bit of Googling will turn up numerous coffee marinade recipes for steak. ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/9 "2026-05-07T21:14:41Z")
you just reminded me that our local BBQ chain Sugarfire has a coffee-based sauce ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/10 "2026-05-07T21:23:39Z")
Coffee Granita: > **[Coffee Granita](https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/coffee-granita-recipe-1938493)** > > Get Coffee Granita Recipe from Food Network [very simple version, much more complex ones, including booze are out there] Coffee Whip > **[How to Make Whipped Coffee (Dalgona Coffee) + Tips](https://jessicainthekitchen.com/how-to-make-whipped-coffee-dalgona-coffee-tips/)** > > Whipped Coffee is the BEST thing ever! It's a fluffy incredibly delicious way to make your morning coffee. 5 minutes with a hand mixer! Make it hot or cold! [can be really, Really sweet, but nice to top a coffee beverage alcoholic or not, or a dessert] Coffee Jelly [https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/214724/coffee-jelly/](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/214724/coffee-jelly/) [can be a texture issue for some people, but I like it] Coffee Mole > **[Coffee Mole Chicken Tacos](https://gatherfoodstudio.com/blogs/recipes/coffee-mole-chicken-tacos)** > > This quicker version of mole is great for a weeknight meal! [lots of variants, but this is close to one I used the past] So three sweet but central, one savory with it as an accent flavor. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/11 "2026-05-07T22:59:00Z")
My daughter puts coffee in all gravies except white milk gravy. When the kids get hyper after a meal we scold her about it(😀). I sure there’s got to be a chocolate-coffee-caramel candy out there. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/12 "2026-05-07T23:06:47Z")
Coffee adds depth to chili recipes and a lot of savory sauces. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/13 "2026-05-08T00:53:29Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I sure there’s got to be a chocolate-coffee-caramel candy out there. Dunno about all three but Werther’s has a coffee caramel. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2026, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/14 "2026-05-08T00:55:35Z")
> [@fedman1](#): > > coffee ice cream–I prefer Whole Foods 360 brand, which includes frozen coffee “shards?” I’ve made my own version of Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Toffee (with a bit of [Kahlúa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kahl%C3%BAa) added). ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2026, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/15 "2026-05-08T02:51:36Z")
> [@terentii](#): > > Along with ham drippings, coffee is used to make redeye gravy, a Southern delicacy. It can also be used to flavor certain baked goods and desserts. Delicious stuff, especially with good biscuits. I didn’t see it upthread, but adding a bit of powdered espresso to chocolate desserts often deepens the chocolate flavors, because there’s a whole lot of overlap between chocolate and coffee. From what I can tell, it works spectacularly. My wife’s chocolate cakes are much improved once she picked up on that little trick. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2026, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/16 "2026-05-08T05:26:48Z")
My favorite overpriced smoothie has coffee grounds in it. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2026, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/17 "2026-05-08T10:34:38Z")
Stouts sometimes contain coffee. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2026, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/18 "2026-05-08T10:50:45Z")
Chocolate covered coffee beans are a thing. Get a sugar rush _ **and** _ a caffeine rush! ETA: Dammit, I thought I scanned the whole thread, but I went and missed this mention in the OP! I hate when other people fail to properly read the OP, but I am apparently just as guilty. Well, I blame it on the lack of coffee yet this morning 😊 > **[Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans | Nuts.com](https://nuts.com/chocolatessweets/chocolate-covered-espresso-beans/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwk_bPBhDXARIsACiq8R3SsIuT3u4u5REO4eqzkkCKYOGXL2evQc05NlR8Gj2KvfAaLvYPXqwaAtjGEALw_wcB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=SEM&&utm_campaign=plt--ggl-bsu--dtc-cut--ftb-obj--acq-bnb--nb-cmt--search-cat--chocolate_covered-mat--exact&utm_keyword=chocolate%20covered%20coffee%20beans&utm_matchtype=e&utm_network=g&utm_device=c&utm_campaignid=23547186198&utm_adgroupid=190900903657&utm_content=796972110385&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23547186198)** > > Buy Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans from Nuts.com for freshness and quality guaranteed. Same-day shipping available, nut puns on the house. > [@Kron](#): > > Equal volumes Lawry’s seasoned salt, granulated sugar, and coffee grounds. Rub on meat; cook; enjoy. I’m always looking for new BBQ tips and tricks. so I find your rub interesting. Do you use actual ground up coffee beans, or instant coffee granules? It seems like actual grounds would add an unpleasant gritty texture. Maybe the cooking process softens the grounds up. > [@WildaBeast](#): > > The coffee isn’t eaten in this case, but I have heard of coffee grounds being used in a smoker as a source of smoke. Ditto for this idea. > [@wolfpup](#): > > Not specifically, but one of the upscale delis around here often has thick steaks marinated in what’s billed as a “coffee marinade”. I don’t know what the recipe is but it’s not a dry rub and I doubt they use coffee grounds – it’s a thick marinade with a strong coffee flavour. Can’t remember if they use it on rib steak or striploin, but it really does make a beautiful steak on the grill! And this! Almost missed this one. I’m going to have to start saving the little bit of coffee left in the pot every morning. ---
**Author:** ![Johanna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johanna/32/8318_2.png) [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2026, 11:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/19 "2026-05-08T11:34:02Z")
> [@bump](#): > > I didn’t see it upthread, but adding a bit of powdered espresso to chocolate desserts often deepens the chocolate flavors, because there’s a whole lot of overlap between chocolate and coffee. There’s a recipe for Sicilian _cassata_ covered with a frosting made of chocolate, butter, and strong black coffee. Its taste goes very deep. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2026, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897/20 "2026-05-08T12:04:17Z")
> [@solost](#): > > I’m always looking for new BBQ tips and tricks. so I find your rub interesting. Do you use actual ground up coffee beans, or instant coffee granules? It seems like actual grounds would add an unpleasant gritty texture. Maybe the cooking process softens the grounds up. My brother has been using coffee in his steak rubs for about fifteen, twenty years now. He just uses finely ground coffee. It really works nicely. I’ve never noticed any grittiness. I know some recipes have you use instant espresso powder, but ground coffee works fine enough for me. I definitely recommend trying it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coffee-as-food/1029897.md?page=2)