What is Coffee Extract, Solid?
Coffee Extract, Solid (CAS Number: 977091-26-1) is a processed flavoring ingredient produced by extracting soluble compounds from roasted coffee beans and then concentrating them into a solid or semi-solid form. This extract contains the volatile and non-volatile flavor compounds naturally present in coffee, including organic acids, aldehydes, ketones, and other aromatic compounds that contribute to coffee's characteristic taste and aroma. The extraction and concentration process allows manufacturers to create a shelf-stable, concentrated form of coffee flavor that can be easily incorporated into food products.
Common Uses
Coffee Extract, Solid is primarily used as a flavoring agent in the food industry. Common applications include:
- Confectionery products such as chocolates, candies, and coffee-flavored sweets
- Baked goods including cakes, cookies, pastries, and coffee-flavored breads
- Dairy products such as ice cream, yogurt, and flavored milk beverages
- Beverages including coffee drinks, energy drinks, and flavored waters
- Savory applications in certain sauces and seasonings
- Nutritional and protein bars
As a solid extract, it offers manufacturers advantages in handling, storage, and precise dosing compared to liquid coffee extracts, making it particularly useful in dry mix formulations and solid food products.
Safety Assessment
Coffee Extract, Solid has not been formally approved as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA under its current CAS designation. However, this does not indicate a safety concern. The lack of GRAS status may reflect that the ingredient has not been submitted for formal evaluation or that documentation of historical use was not established through the GRAS notification process.
The FDA's adverse event reporting system shows zero reported adverse events associated with this additive, and there have been no product recalls linked to Coffee Extract, Solid. This absence of reported safety incidents during its use in the marketplace is a positive indicator.
Coffee and coffee-derived products have a long history of consumption and are generally recognized as safe by consumers and regulatory bodies. The solid extract form concentrates naturally occurring coffee compounds without introducing new synthetic chemicals beyond those present in traditional coffee beverages. However, individuals sensitive to caffeine or coffee compounds should note that coffee extracts retain caffeine content and should avoid products containing this ingredient.
Regulatory Status
While not GRAS-approved, Coffee Extract, Solid is permitted for use as a flavoring agent in the United States under FDA regulations for direct food additives (21 CFR Part 182). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) permits coffee-derived flavoring ingredients in food products. Various countries recognize coffee extracts as acceptable food flavoring substances.
The regulatory classification as a "flavoring agent or adjuvant" indicates it is used in small quantities primarily to enhance flavor rather than provide nutritional content. Typical usage levels are well below 1% of final product formulation.
Key Studies
Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses Coffee Extract, Solid as an individual additive. Safety assessments generally rely on the well-established safety profile of coffee and coffee-derived products. Coffee consumption has been extensively studied by nutritional scientists and health organizations, with numerous epidemiological studies demonstrating its safety in typical consumption amounts.
The absence of toxicological studies specific to this additive reflects its derivation from a traditional food source with established safety history. Regulatory agencies typically do not require extensive pre-market testing for flavoring ingredients derived from foods with long histories of safe use, particularly when used at low levels in food products.