Coffee

Coffee is a beverage and food ingredient made from the roasted and ground seeds of the Coffea plant, commonly known as coffee beans. The beans are harvested, processed, roasted to develop their characteristic flavor and aroma, and then ground.

Manufacturers add coffee primarily for its distinct flavor and stimulating properties, which come from its natural caffeine content. It is widely used in beverages, desserts like ice cream and cakes, baked goods, and various confectionery items.

As a food ingredient, coffee is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when consumed in moderation. It contains caffeine, a natural stimulant. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated coffee consumption in 2016 and classified it as 'not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3),' noting that some evidence suggests it may reduce the risk of certain cancers. While JECFA and EFSA have evaluated caffeine, coffee as a whole food ingredient is not typically assessed by these bodies in the same way as food additives.