Coffee

Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from the coffee plant. The plants are cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in the equatorial regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The beans are harvested, processed, and roasted to develop their characteristic aroma and flavour.

Coffee is most commonly consumed as a beverage. In food manufacturing, it is used to impart a coffee flavour and aroma to a wide range of products, including desserts, confectionery, and dairy-based items. It can also act as a colouring agent in some applications.

Coffee is not considered a food additive in the UK and does not have an E-number. The consumption of moderate amounts of coffee is generally considered safe for most adults. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated the safety of caffeine, a primary component of coffee, and found it safe at levels typically consumed. Some research suggests potential benefits associated with moderate coffee consumption, while other studies have explored links to various health outcomes, with evidence often being mixed or requiring further investigation.