Do green coffee beans have caffeine?
By
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro PhD is a Chemist with expertise in Food Technology, extraction of essential oils from food sources, organocatalysis, extraction by supercritical CO2 and organic chemistry. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro’s Highlights:
- PIPE-FAPESP Project Coordinator for the company Bioativos Naturais Ltda involving the extraction of essential oils from food sources, with supercritical CO2.
- PhD in Chemistry with research in supercritical fluid reactivity.
- Bachelor of Environmental Chemistry at University of São Paulo State (UNESP)/Brazil
Professional Experience:
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro’s Experience:
Dr Rafael coordinated a PIPE-FAPESP Project (Company Research and Innovation Project) for the company Bioativos Naturais Ltda, involving the extraction of essential oils with supercritical CO2 from food sources such as turmeric, ginger, hops, orange bagasse, pepper rose, cupuaçu pie, among others.
Dr Rafael has worked on a project, involving studies of the influence of pre-treatment on the recovery of crude food extracts by extraction with supercritical CO2 (Supercritical Fluid Extraction or SFE) and with pressurized liquids (ethanol and water) for food sources, aimed at obtaining oleoresins; determination of global yield and chemical composition of crude extracts. As a postdoctoral fellow for the Food Engineering department at the University of Campinas/Brazil
Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro has worked as a substitute Professor at the University of São Paulo State (UNESP) on General Chemistry and Thermodynamics II disciplines for the Food Engineering course.
Education:
- 2009 Bachelor in Environmental Chemistry at the State University of São Paulo, Brazil
- 2015 PhD in Chemistry with research in supercritical fluid reactivity University of São Paulo, Brazil
- 2017 Post Doctoral in Food Engineering Research: Influence of Biomass Pre-Treatment on Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Preservation of High Added Value Assets and Reduction of Process Costs at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Rafael Frascino Cassaro are:
RC Bazito, RF CASSARO, LC OLIVEIRA, RA Gariani, CAO Nascimento. (2013). Proline derivatives as organocatalysts for the aldol reaction in conventional and non-conventional reaction media. Green Processing and Synthesis 2, 43-50
TS Bastos, SB Rodriguez Reartes, MS Zabaloy, RF Cassaro, RC Bazito. (2019).Phase Behavior for the System Carbon Dioxide plus p-Nitrobenzaldehyde: Experimental and Modeling JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING DATA 64 (5), 2116-2125
GH Sakae, LM Takata, AS Paulino, RC Bazito, RF Cassaro, C Princival, .(2013). A high enantioselective Proline-based helical polymer catalyst for aldol type reaction. Blucher Chemistry Proceedings 1 (2), 214-214
You can view some of Dr Rafael’s work below and links to his professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rafael-Cassaro-2
Fapesp: https://bv.fapesp.br/pt/pesquisador/680718/rafael-frascino-cassaro/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ToO7HIcAAAAJ&hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-frascino-cassaro-4a156a37/?originalSubdomain=br
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3729-2858
Reviewer bio
Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:
- Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
- PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
- Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.
Professional Experience:
Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate,
Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow.
Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed.
Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.
Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity.
In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies.
Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.
Education:
- 2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
- 2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.
Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.
Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..
Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.
Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.
Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..
Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.
Book Chapter
Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.
Conference Papers
Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.
Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.
You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ
Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129
In this article, we will answer the question “Do green coffee beans have caffeine?”, what is green coffee, what does green coffee taste like, what are the potential health benefits and risks of green coffee, and what is the recommended dosage.
Do green coffee beans have caffeine?
Yes, green coffee beans have caffeine. Green coffee beans exhibit composition variations based on species, origins, and analytical approaches.
The primary constituents of green beans are polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins.
Additionally, various minor components such as caffeine, trigonelline, chlorogenic acids, free sugars (predominantly sucrose), free amino acids, and others play a significant role.
Caffeine content in green coffee beans seems to be minimally influenced by environmental and agricultural factors. Remarkably, the process of roasting does not lead to a significant loss of caffeine content. (1)
What is the caffeine content of green coffee?
The caffeine content in green coffee beans is subject to variations based on the coffee species. For instance, robusta coffee typically contains approximately 2.2% to 2.8% caffeine, while arabica coffee ranges from 0.6% to 1.2%.
In terms of a standard serving of regular coffee, the caffeine content can vary between 70 to 140 mg. The exact amount depends on factors such as the brewing method, coffee blend, and the size of the cup. (1)
What is the composition of green coffee beans?
Coffee beans have roughly 43% carbohydrates, 7.5% to 10% proteins, diverse nitrogenous compounds (including 0.6% to 2.8% caffeine), 10% to 15% lipids, 25% melanoidins, 3.7% to 5% minerals, and approximately 6% organic and inorganic acids, along with esters.(3)
Green coffee is abundant in a variety of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, tocopherols, and phytosterols. However, the primary constituents found in green coffee are chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and trigonelline.
In comparison to roasted coffee, green coffee beans contain higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid and trigonelline, while exhibiting lower levels of caffeine.
This difference can be attributed to the elevated temperatures involved in the roasting process, which degrade chlorogenic acid and trigonelline.
While the major components of green coffee beans consist of polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins, the minor constituents such as caffeine, trigonelline, chlorogenic acids, free sugars (particularly sucrose), free amino acids, and others also hold significance. (1, 2, 4)
What are the potential health benefits of green coffee?
Green coffee beans are notably abundant in phenolic acids, particularly chlorogenic acid, and its related compounds that exhibit hypotensive effects.
The primary phenolic compounds in green coffee, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, display antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant activities. These compounds have also been suggested as inhibitors of inflammation and tumor promotion.
Supplementing with green coffee beans offers several advantages. The presence of caffeine positively impacts weight loss by reducing body fat and lowering the body mass index of individuals.
Moreover, chlorogenic acid present in green coffee beans enhances the body’s fat metabolism rate while lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also plays a crucial role in regulating obesity-related hormones, contributing to weight loss.
Furthermore, chlorogenic acid aids in regulating glucose levels by slowing down carbohydrate digestion in the digestive tract, thereby reducing insulin spikes. This characteristic makes green coffee beans a potential preventive or controlling agent for type 2 diabetes.
In hypertensive individuals, the consumption of green coffee beans has been associated with a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Additionally, the positive effects of the extract on blood vessels make it a promising option for blood pressure control. (1-7)
What are the side effects of green coffee?
The contraindications and potential side effects of green coffee are similar to those of regular coffee, and excessive consumption should always be avoided. Like many foods, green coffee can have adverse effects on certain individuals or when consumed excessively.
The use of green coffee is typically contraindicated for individuals with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, chronic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, liver issues, and rheumatic problems.
It is important to note that excessive consumption of green coffee, due to its caffeine content, like regular coffee, can lead to sleep disturbances and hinder the absorption of calcium by the body.
Individuals with existing sleeping difficulties, hypertension, and anxiety may find green coffee unsuitable due to its caffeine content. Furthermore, green coffee is not recommended for pregnant women, lactating women, and individuals with heart problems. (8, 9)
What are the basic precautions to consume green coffee beans?
When consuming green coffee, the caffeine and other chemical components present in the whole bean are only a portion of what you would receive from regular coffee extracts, as they undergo filtration and dilution with water.
The amount of aqueous green coffee extract used depends on the analysis of its caffeine content.
Similarly, the quantity of coffee beans included in the diet is determined based on their caffeine content, as the daily dosage of this compound should not exceed 45 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight. (2)
Other FAQs about Coffee that you may be interested in.
Do I have to brew cold brew coffee at room temperature or in the refrigerator?
Does a coffee bean have carbs in it?
Does black coffee have caffeine?
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Do green coffee beans have caffeine?”, what is green coffee, what does green coffee taste like, what are the potential health benefits and risks of green coffee, and what is the recommended dosage.
References
- Wei, F., & Tanokura, M. Organic Compounds in Green Coffee Beans. Coffee in Health and Disease Prevention, 149–162. 2015.
- Caroline Woelffel Silva, Keila Rodrigues Zanardi, et. al. Green coffee extract (Coffea canephora) improved the intestinal barrier and slowed colorectal cancer progression and its associated inflammation in rats, PharmaNutrition, 22, 2022
- Farah, Adriana. Nutritional and health effects of coffee. 10.19103/AS.2017.0022.14. 2018.
- Dziki, D., Gawlik-Dziki, U., Pecio, L., Różyło, R., Świeca, M., Krzykowski, A., & Rudy, S. Ground green coffee beans as a functional food supplement – Preliminary study. LWT – Food Science and Technology, 63(1), 691–699. 2015.
- Gorji, Z., Nazary-Vannani, A., talaei, S., Varkaneh, H. K., Clark, C. C. T., Fatahi, S., … Zhang, Y. The Effect of Green-Coffee Extract Supplementation on Obesity: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Phytomedicine, 2019.
- Choi, B.-K., Park, S.-B., Lee, D.-R., Lee, H. J., Jin, Y.-Y., Yang, S. H., & Suh, J.-W. Green coffee bean extract improves obesity by decreasing body fat in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 9(7), 635–643. 2016.
- Han, B., Nazary‐Vannani, A., Talaei, S., Clark, C. C. T., Rahmani, J., Rasekhmagham, R., & Kord‐Varkaneh, H. The effect of green coffee extract supplementation on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phytotherapy Research. 2019.
- Bae, J.-H., Park, J.-H., Im, S.-S., & Song, D.-K. Coffee and health. Integrative Medicine Research, 3(4), 189–191. 2014.
- Willson, C. The clinical toxicology of caffeine: A review and case study. Toxicology Reports. 2018.
