# Climate-Conscious Alcoholic Drinks Researchers Have Created a Drink Made from Used Coffee Grounds By Francesca Mercurio | Published 2021-08-27 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alcoholic-drink References: [foodnavigator-asia](https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2021/08/25/Grounds-for-optimism-Singapore-researchers-create-alcoholic-drinks-with-coffee-by-products?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS) Researchers at the [National University of Singapore](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nitrogendriven-recovery-boost) have patented an innovative technology that turns spent coffee grounds into an alcoholic drink. Coffee is a heavily consumed beverage worldwide, and approximately six to eight tons of coffee ground residue is globally generated year-round. Coffee grounds are typically disposed of as waste; however, it is an environmental hazard due to the phenolic compounds found in the beans, which are harmful to soil and water. A team of students at the National University of Singapore began developing a way to reduce food waste by utilizing spent coffee beans. The team developed a drying, hydrolyzing, and fermenting used coffee grounds and turning them into [alcoholic beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-spirit). The researchers are currently studying the shelf life of this product and will then begin to commercialize the technology. Image Credit: National University of Singapore ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sustainable Alcohol Production:** The innovative technology of turning food waste into alcoholic drinks presents an opportunity for the alcohol industry to become more sustainable. - **Upcycling Food Waste:** The process of upcycling spent coffee grounds into an alcoholic drink provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for the food and beverage industry to create sustainable products and reduce food waste. - **Circular Economy in Food and Beverage:** Turning food waste into a viable product like an alcoholic drink promotes a circular economy and can lead to more sustainable practices in the food and beverage industries. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** The process of utilizing spent coffee grounds in alcoholic drink production presents an opportunity for the food and beverage industry to reduce waste and create sustainable products. - **Alcohol:** The innovative technology of turning food waste into alcoholic drinks presents an opportunity for the alcohol industry to become more sustainable and eco-friendly. - **Waste Management:** The upcycling of food waste into a viable product presents an opportunity for the waste management industry to reduce the environmental impact of waste and promote sustainable practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spent Grain Alcohol Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zenso-alcoholic-beverages.md) - [Cholesterol-Reducing Coffee Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffogenic.md) - [Crystal-Clear Coffee Liqueurs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brunette-clear.md) - [Upcycled Coffee By-Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kaffe-bueno.md) - [Collaborative Caffeinated Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luckin-coffee-1.md) - [Alcoholic Cold-Brew Coffee Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cold-brew-coffee-beer.md) - [Coffee Grounds-Made Home Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-grounds-as-material.md) - [Chickpea-Based Ground Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-free-coffee-1.md) - [Sustainable Beanless Cold Brews](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minus-coffee.md)