Coffee lovers, pay attention! There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about coffee grounds—how to use them, whether they’re healthy, and even how to dispose of them. Let’s separate fact from fiction and get the truth behind 13 common coffee ground myths.

1. Coffee Grounds Can Replace Fertilizer Completely

Myth: Coffee grounds alone are enough for plant nutrition.
Fact: Coffee grounds contain nitrogen, but they lack other essential nutrients. Use them as a supplement mixed with compost rather than a sole fertilizer.

2. Coffee Grounds Are Acidic for All Plants

Myth: Coffee grounds will make your soil too acidic.
Fact: Used coffee grounds are near-neutral in pH, so they won’t harm most garden plants. Fresh grounds are acidic, but composting them neutralizes acidity.

3. Coffee Grounds Attract Pests

Myth: Grounds will repel insects naturally.
Fact: Grounds may repel slugs and snails to some extent, but they don’t work as a broad pest deterrent. Use proper pest control for reliable results.

4. Coffee Grounds Prevent Cats From Digging in the Garden

Myth: Sprinkling coffee grounds keeps cats away.
Fact: Some cats might avoid coffee grounds, but many ignore them entirely. Consider physical barriers for consistent results.

5. Coffee Grounds Make Great Body Scrubs for Everyone

Myth: Coffee scrubs suit all skin types.
Fact: Coffee can exfoliate skin, but it may irritate sensitive or inflamed skin. Test on a small area first.

6. Drinking Coffee Grounds is Safe and Healthy