Diversity in bean Caffeine content among wild Coffea species: Evidence of a discontinuous distribution

Caffeine is a metabolite of great economic importance, especially in coffee. Previous evaluations have already focussed on wild species of coffee trees, but this assessment included six new taxa from Cameroon and Congo and involved a simplified method that generated more accurate results. Two main results were obtained: (1) Cameroon and Congo were found to be a centre of diversity, encompassing the entire range of caffeine content; (2) four groups of coffee tree species – CAF1, CAF2, CAF3 and CAF4 – were established on the basis of discontinuities in the caffeine content range. The trace levels of caffeine in CAF1 is due to an absence of accumulation in beans – a factor that is controlled by a major gene. The other classes, i.e., CAF2, CAF3 and CAF4, were characterized by the extents of their caffeine accumulation. Caffeine content was found to increase twofold from CAF2 (0.55% dmb) to CAF3 (1.1% dmb) and from CAF3 to CAF4 (2.3% dmb). This discontinuous distribution is discussed from an evolutionary standpoint.     

Caffeine,trigonelline, chlorogenic acids and sucrose diversity in wild Coffea arabica L. and C. canephora P. accessions

Numerous aroma precursor evaluations have been undertaken with green coffee beans of both species of worldwide economic importance: Coffea arabica L. and Coffea canephora P. Efforts have been made to characterise cultivars of these two species. The originality of this study is to present the biochemical diversity of wild accessions originating from Ethiopia and Kenya for C. arabica (38 genotypes) and from five African countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Congo, Cameroon and Central African Republik) for C. canephora (38 genotypes). The biochemical aroma parameters assessed by HPLC analysis were: (1) the two alkaloids, caffeine and trigonelline, (2) chlorogenic acids and (3) sucrose. Results reveal that the two species showed significant accession differences for all compounds. Between-species-average-content comparison confirms that C. arabica showed more trigonelline and sucrose and that C. canephora presented more CGA and caffeine. C. canephora diversity was higher than that of C. arabica, except for trigonelline and sucrose. For C. canephora, results showed that: (1) no differences were highlighted between accessions for countries of origin for the alkaloids and sucrose, and (2) the 3-CQA content allowed to accessions to be pooled into two groups.     

Confirmation that the Maillard reaction is the principle contributor to the antioxidant capacity of coffee brews

Chemical characteristics related to the antioxidant activity of roasted coffee (RC) were evaluated, using non-roasted coffee beans (NRC) and model Maillard reaction products (MRPs) as controls. The formation of MRPs and the degradation of phenolics in RC were characterized by employing a battery of fluorescence, UV-vis spectra and tri-stimulus color parameters measured on NRC, RC and the model MRPs. Total chlorogenic acid (CGA) and caffeine contents in NRC and RC extracts were also quantified using HPLC. Both RC and controls showed high antioxidant activity in three chemical based assays irrespective of caffeine content. Data from this study suggested that natural phenolics present in NRC had higher antioxidant activity compared to MRPs derived from coffee and model MR systems. However, MRPs were the prevailing antioxidants in RC as free CGA was lost (> 90%). The mechanisms of the antioxidant action associated with coffee MRPs involved hydrogen atom transfer and single electron transfer mechanisms.     

Genetic diversity and correlation of bean caffeine content with cup quality and green bean physical characteristics in coffee (Coffea arabica L.)

BACKGROUND: Although people began to consume coffee for its stimulating effect, the demand for decaffeinated coffee is increasing and now accounts for 10% of the total amount of coffee consumed in the world. Forty‐two arabica coffee genotypes originating from Ethiopia were tested to assess caffeine content variability among them, and the correlation of caffeine content with cup quality and green bean physical characteristics. RESULTS: Green bean caffeine content was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography, while cup quality was determined by professional coffee tasters. Caffeine content ranged from 9.1 to 13.2 g kg^?1 on dry mass basis (d.m.b.). Six genotypes—AD0291, AD0591, AD2491, AD2691, AD2791 and AD2891—had a caffeine content of less than 10.0 g kg^?1. Caffeine content showed negative and statistically significant correlations with cup quality attributes. Correlations between caffeine content and green bean physical characteristics were non‐significant. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous selection for low caffeine content and good cup quality is possible. Some accessions had low caffeine content, and may serve as a source of desirable genes for variety development of types with relatively low caffeine content. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effect of processing on chlorogenic acid content of commercially available coffee

Chlorogenic acids (CGA) are a class of polyphenols noted for their health benefits. These compounds were identified and quantified, using LC–MS and HPLC, in commercially available coffees which varied in processing conditions. Analysis of ground and instant coffees indicated the presence of caffeoylquinic acids (CQA), feruloylquinic acids (FQA) and dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQA) in all 18 samples tested. 5-CQA was present at the highest levels, between 25 and 30% of total CGA; subsequent relative quantities were: 4-CQA > 3-CQA > 5-FQA > 4-FQA > diCQA (sum of 3,4, 3,5 and 4,5-diCQA). CGA content varied greatly (27.33–121.25 mg/200 ml coffee brew), driven primarily by the degree of coffee bean roasting (a high amount of roasting had a detrimental effect on CGA content). These results highlight the broad range of CGA quantity in commercial coffee and demonstrate that coffee choice is important in delivering optimum CGA intake to consumers.     

Caffeine metabolism rate influences coffee perception,preferences and intake

Several factors – genetic, demographic and environmental – contribute to individual differences in sensitivity to the pharmacological effects of caffeine. Caffeine metabolism influences coffee consumption, but its effect on bitterness perception in, and preference for, coffee is unknown.This study explores the possible relationship between caffeine metabolism rate and coffee preferences and consumption habits. In addition, the extent to which caffeine metabolism interacted with variations in bitterness perception was investigated. Caffeine metabolism rate was assayed by competitive immuno-enzymatic assay in one-hundred thirty-five coffee consumers who provided saliva samples after 12 h caffeine abstinence and at 30 and 90 min after ingestion of caffeine (100 mg). A caffeine metabolism index (CmI) was computed as the ratio between the amount of residual caffeine in saliva 60 min after the adsorption peak and the amount of caffeine at the adsorption peak corrected with the baseline. Ninety-one subjects were selected to investigate the relationships between inter-individual variation in caffeine metabolism, bitterness perception and coffee preference. Subjects rated liking for, and sourness, bitterness and astringency of, six unsweetened and freely sweetened coffee samples varying in roasting degree, caffeine content and bitterness. They also rated the bitterness of six caffeine and six quinine (equi-intense) solutions. Finally, subjects choose coffee to drink on the basis of a label (strong vs balanced flavor) both after caffeine abstinence and after no restrictions on caffeine intake. The CmI was strongly associated with the frequency of daily coffee consumption. Subjects with lower CmI gave higher bitterness ratings than other subjects for both coffee and caffeine solutions, but not for quinine solutions. They also added more sugar to the coffee samples. Following caffeine abstinence, all subjects chose the “strong flavor” coffee, while without caffeine restrictions, subjects with lower CmI preferentially tended to choose the “balanced flavor” coffee. These results provide the first link between caffeine metabolism and bitterness perception, and to the use of sugar to modify coffee bitterness.     

咖啡碱和绿原酸对高脂饮食小鼠体质量、脂类沉积及肝脏脂质代谢基因表达的影响

研究咖啡主要成分咖啡碱和绿原酸对高脂饮食诱导的肥胖小鼠体质量、脂类沉积及肝脏脂类代谢基因表达的影响。50只雌性ICR小鼠被随机分成5组:对照组、高脂组、咖啡碱、绿原酸、咖啡碱+绿原酸,给药组分别在饮水中添加0.05%咖啡碱、0.2%绿原酸、0.05%咖啡碱+0.2%绿原酸,饲养14周。饲养期间每周测1次体质量。饲养结束后心脏采血,摘取脏器和腹腔内脂肪(intraperitoneal adipose tissues,IPAT)并称质量。测定血糖浓度、血中及肝脏中脂质含量。通过实时定量聚合酶链式反应测定肝脏中脂质代谢相关基因AMPK、HMG-CoAr、FASN、ACO的mRNA表达量。与高脂组相比,咖啡碱+绿原酸能明显抑制小鼠体质量和IPAT质量的增加;咖啡碱、咖啡碱+绿原酸明显降低血糖和总胆固醇浓度;绿原酸投喂小鼠血中低密度脂蛋白胆固醇浓度显著降低,而血中游离脂肪酸浓度上升;咖啡碱、咖啡碱+绿原酸显著降低肝脏中总胆固醇和甘油三酯的含量;咖啡碱和咖啡碱+绿原酸使AMPK基因相对表达量显著上升,FASN基因相对表达量显著下降;3组给药组的ACO基因相对表达量显著上升,HMG-CoAr基因相对表达量显著下降。咖啡碱+绿原酸的减肥作用可能通过调节肝脏脂质代谢相关基因的表达,来降低血中和肝脏中脂类的含量,抑制脂肪沉积,抑制小鼠体质量增加,且它们有协同作用。     

Comparative study of polyphenols and caffeine in different coffee varieties affected by the degree of roasting

The bioactive composition of coffee, as one of the most popular beverages in the world, has attracted interest as a potential source of beneficial bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols and caffeine. Since the content of these compounds is affected by the processing conditions, the objective of this study was to determine the content of polyphenolic compounds and caffeine in four different coffee varieties: Minas and Cioccolatato (Coffea arabica), and Cherry and Vietnam (Coffea canephora syn. Coffea robusta), roasted by three varying degrees (light, medium and dark). The content of the polyphenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity of coffees were determined using UV/Vis spectrophotometric methods, while the content of chlorogenic acid derivatives was determined using HPLC analysis. The caffeine content was determined by means of two spectrophotometric methods, as well as HPLC analysis. Additionally, raw caffeine was also obtained by an isolation procedure with chloroform. Cherry coffee, a variety of C. canephora exhibited the highest overall content of total phenols (42.37 mg GAE/g), followed by Minas coffee, while Cioccolatato contained the lowest TPC (33.12 mg GAE/g). Cherry coffee also exhibited the highest content of individual classes of polyphenols (flavan-3-ols, procyanidins and tannins), while the highest content of chlorogenic acid (CQA) derivatives was determined in Minas and Cioccolatato coffees (C. arabica). The highest content of total and individual polyphenolic compounds was determined in coffees roasted in both light and medium roasting conditions, which was also observed for the content of CQA derivatives and antioxidant capacity of roasted coffees. The highest caffeine content in the coffee samples was determined by employing the HPLC analysis (0.06–2.55%). Light roasted Cherry coffee contained the highest overall content of caffeine among all coffees, which exhibited a decrease with intensified roasting.     

The microbiology of instant coffee

The microbiology of a coffee production line, as well as of the final products was investigated. Lactic acid bacteria were found to be the predominant microflora with lactobacilli as the major group and L. plantarum as the dominant species. Growth kinetics of this species were examined in the presence of pure caffeine solutions and at different concentrations of total solids of instant coffee. Total inhibition of growth was obtained at 15 mg ml^?1 of a pure caffeine solution and at 60% total solids of non-decaffeinated coffee.The growth kinetics of some pathogenic bacterial strains were examined in both decaffeinated and non-decaffeinated coffee; coffee liquor was not a suitable medium for growth of these strains. The spoilage micro-organism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was not inactivated in coffee liquor.     

Fast simultaneous analysis of caffeine, trigonelline, nicotinic acid and sucrose in coffee by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

A rapid liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of caffeine, trigonelline, nicotinic acid and sucrose in coffee was developed and validated. The method involved extraction with hot water, clarification with basic lead acetate and membrane filtration, followed by chromatographic separation using a Spherisorb^® S5 ODS2, 5 μm chromatographic column and gradient elution with 0.3% aqueous formic acid/methanol at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The electrospray ionization source was operated in the negative mode to generate sucrose ions and in the positive mode to generate caffeine, trigonelline and nicotinic acid ions. Ionization suppression of all analytes was found due to matrix effect. Calibrations curves prepared in green and roasted coffee extracts were linear with r² > 0.999. Roasted coffee was spiked and recoveries ranged from 93.0% to 105.1% for caffeine, from 85.2% to 116.2% for trigonelline, from 89.6% to 113.5% for nicotinic acid and from 94.1% to 109.7% for sucrose. Good repeatibilities (RSD < 5%) were found for all analytes in the matrix. The limit of detection (LOD), calculated on the basis of signal-to-noise ratios of 3:1, was 11.9, 36.4, 18.5 and 5.0 ng/mL for caffeine, trigonelline, nicotinic acid and sucrose, respectively. Analysis of 11 coffee samples (regular or decaffeinated green, ground roasted and instant) gave results in agreement with the literature. The method showed to be suitable for different types of coffee available in the market thus appearing as a fast and reliable alternative method to be used for routine coffee analysis.     

Caffeine Content of Retail Market Coffee in Portugal

How much caffeine does one ingest when drinking a simple cup of coffee in Portugal? The study presented herein tried to answer this question through the assessment of caffeine content of commercially available espresso coffee samples, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, using a high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Caffeine was rapidly separated from the sample matrix using a RP-18 column (250?×?4 mm i.d., 5 μm). The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the mobile phase consisted of water acidified with 5% of orthophosphoric acid/methanol (35:65, v/v). Caffeine was detected directly at 273 nm. The assay was validated for linearity, lower limit of quantification and limit of detection, precision, accuracy, and stability. Seventeen different brands of caffeinated coffee and six of decaffeinated coffee were analyzed. As for capsule coffee, eight caffeinated and two decaffeinated blends were analyzed. The caffeine content of caffeinated coffee varied from 53.8?±?5.9 to 141.3?±?5.3 mg/cup, whereas for caffeinated capsule coffee caffeine concentrations ranged from 45.0?±?5.3 to 60.8?±?6.2 mg/cup. As for decaffeinated coffee, caffeine concentrations ranged from 0.96?±?0.04 to 3.9?±?0.1 mg/cup and for decaffeinated capsule coffee from 0.93?±?0.04 to 1.2?±?0.1 mg/cup.     

Comprehensive analysis of major and minor chlorogenic acids and lactones in economically relevant Brazilian coffee cultivars

Coffee is the most consumed beverage in the world and a significant source of phenolic compounds, particularly chlorogenic acids (CGA). During coffee roasting, some CGA are partially transformed into chlorogenic acid lactones (CGL). Both CGA and CGL are important compounds for flavor and potentially beneficial to human health. In the present study, using LC–MS and synthetic standards, we investigated major and minor CGA and CGL isomers in green and roasted samples of economically relevant Brazilian Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora coffee cultivars. For the first time, in addition to nineteen previously identified CGA and CGL, 1-feruloylquinic acid, 1-feruloylquinic lactone and 3,4-diferuloylquinic acid were quantified in C. arabica and C. canephora, the contents of 3- and 4-p-coumaroylquinic lactones were reported in C. canephora and 3,4-di-p-coumaroylquinic acid was identified in C. arabica. Despite their low concentrations, the implications of these findings for flavor, cup quality and the biological properties of coffee merit further investigation.     

Dark roast coffee is more effective than light roast coffee in reducing body weight, and in restoring red blood cell vitamin E and glutathione concentrations in healthy volunteers

Recent results from prospective cohort studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk for diabetes mellitus type II or Alzheimer's disease. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases, antioxidants in coffee might contribute to this risk reduction. We aimed at elucidating whether a dark roast coffee beverage (CB) rich in N‐methylpyridinium ions (NMP: 785 μmol/L) and low in chlorogenic acids (CGA: 523 μmol/L) has stronger antioxidant effects on human erythrocytes than a CB prepared from a light roast with opposite proportions (CGA: 4538 μmol/L; NMP: 56 μmol/L). Following a 2‐wk wash out period, 500 mL of the respective CB was administered to 30 subjects daily for 4‐wk. Blood and spot urine samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of each intervention. Intake of the dark roast CB most effectively improved the antioxidant status of erythrocytes: superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity decreased by 5.8 and 15%, respectively, whereas tocopherol and total glutathione concentrations increased by 41 and 14%, respectively. Furthermore, administration of the NMP‐rich CB led to a significant body weight reduction in pre‐obese subjects, whereas the CGA‐rich CB did not.     

Chemical characterization and antioxidant properties of a new coffee blend with cocoa,coffee silverskin and green coffee minimally processed

The search for new technologies and ingredients with interesting characteristics and potential for incorporation into functional foods emerges in parallel with the demand for alternative sustainable and economically viable blends. Pursuing these aims, the formulation of a new coffee blend with 94% roasted coffee powder (Coffea canephora cv. Robusta and Coffea arabica, 70/30, w/w), 3% cocoa powder, 2% coffee silverskin and 1% golden coffee (green coffee minimally processed) was developed. The influence of the ingredients in the blend was compared with two other commercial coffee blends (in capsule and in a sealed package with a one-way degassing valve), being characterized the formulation, the physicochemical parameters, as its innovation. It is concluded that the developed coffee blend shows an enriched content of bioactive compounds (chlorogenic acids, trigonelline, theobromine and caffeine), displays an important antioxidant capacity and was favorably appreciated due to its sensory characteristics. Moreover, the addition of skin by-product becomes an additional valorization and the processing of green coffee and cocoa was minimized by adding innovation and an optimized extraction.     

Determination of the caffeine contents of various food items within the Austrian market and validation of a caffeine assessment tool (CAT)

The caffeine content of 124 products, including coffee, coffee-based beverages, energy drinks, tea, colas, yoghurt and chocolate, were determined using RP-HPLC with UV detection after solid-phase extraction. Highest concentrations of caffeine were found for coffee prepared from pads (755?mg?l^?1) and regular filtered coffee (659?mg?l^?1). The total caffeine content of coffee and chocolate-based beverages was between 15?mg?l^?1 in chocolate milk and 448?mg?l^?1 in canned ice coffee. For energy drinks the caffeine content varied in a range from 266 to 340?mg?l^?1. Caffeine concentrations in tea and ice teas were between 13 and 183?mg?l^?1. Coffee-flavoured yoghurts ranged from 33 to 48?mg?kg^?1. The caffeine concentration in chocolate and chocolate bars was between 17?mg?kg^?1 in whole milk chocolate and 551?mg?kg^?1 in a chocolate with coffee filling. A caffeine assessment tool was developed and validated by a 3-day dietary record (r ^2?=?0.817, p?<?0.01) using these analytical data and caffeine saliva concentrations (r ^2?=?0.427, p?<?0.01).     

Chlorogenic acid and caffeine contents in various commercial brewed coffees

Twelve commercial brewed coffees (seven regular and five decaffeinated) were analyzed for chlorogenic acids (CGA) and caffeine by HPLC. Their pH and UV–Vis absorbances were also measured. The CGAs identified were three caffeolylquinic acids (3-CQA, 4-CQA, and 5-CQA), three feruloylquinic acids (3-FQA, 4-FQA, and 5-FQA), and three dicaffeoylquinic acids (3,4-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA, and 4,5-diCQA). The total CGAs ranged from 5.26 mg/g to 17.1 mg/g in regular coffees and from 2.10 mg/g to 16.1 mg/g in decaffeinated coffees. Among CGA, 5-CQA was present at the highest level, ranging from 2.13 mg/g to 7.06 mg/g coffee, and comprising 36–42% and 37–39% of the total CGA in the regular and decaffeinated coffees, respectively. CGA isomer contents were, in decreasing order, 5-CQA > 4-CQA > 3-CQA > 5-FQA > 4-FQA > 3-FQA > 3,4-diCQA > 4,5-diCQA, 3,5-diCQA. The caffeine content in regular and decaffeinated coffees ranged from 10.9 mg/g to 16.5 mg/g and from 0.34 mg/g to 0.47 mg/g, respectively. The pH of regular and decaffeinated coffees ranged from 4.95 to 5.99 and from 5.14 to 5.80, respectively. The relationship between the pH and the UV–Vis absorbance at 325 nm was moderately correlated (R² = 0.7829, p < 0.001, n = 12).     

Characterization of Chlorogenic Acids in Coffee by Flow-Through Chronopotentiometry

In this study, flow-through chronopotentiometry (FTCP) has been developed as an electroanalytical method for characterization (identification and quantification) of chlorogenic acids (CGAs) in coffees. The characterization of CGAs in coffee was based on the electrochemical behavior of the main chlorogenic acid (CGAs) isomers presented in coffee (caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs), and feruloylquinic acids (FQAs)) and the spiking of CGAs standards in coffee samples. The FTCP study has shown that electrochemical properties of CGAs strongly depend on their chemical structure and electronic properties, particularly on the presence of electron-donating ?OH, ?CH═CH? and ?OCH₃ groups and strong electron-withdrawing ester (?COOR) group presented in their structure. The FTCP measurements of coffee samples show that their electrochemical behavior is very similar to that of CGAs. Therefore, FTCP can be used for characterization of CGAs and determination of their content in coffees. 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA), prevailed CGAs in coffees, was used as a standard for quantification of total CGA content in coffee. The linear calibration curve of 5-CQA was observed within the concentration range of 5 to 100 μmol L^?1 with the limit of detection 5.7·10^?7 mol L^?1. The total CGA content of coffees has been expressed in 5-CGA equivalents per 100 g of coffee. It was shown that FTCP is a very sensitive, precise, and acurate method for determination of total CGA content in coffee. It should be noted that in presented investigation, FTCP was for the first time used for the study of electrochemical properties of polyphenolic antioxidants (including CGAs) and their characterization in some of the food samples.     

Discrimination between Arabica and Robusta green coffee using visible micro Raman spectroscopy and chemometric analysis

We have applied visible micro Raman spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis (PCA) as a powerful technique for the fast discrimination between the two coffee species, Arabica and Robusta, based on their chlorogenic acid (CGA) and lipid contents. The Raman spectra reveal different CGA and lipid compositions when comparing Arabica and Robusta green coffee. Analysing the whole Raman spectrum, the PCA yielded a clear separation between Arabica and Robusta with 93% of the total spectral variation. Here, the most significant spectral range lies between 1000 and 1750 cm⁻¹ and is dominated by the Raman bands of CGA. Also, by restricting the PCA analysis to the spectral range from 2700 to 3050 cm⁻¹, which is dominated by lipid bands, a reliable discrimination between the two coffee species could be achieved. In this case, the first two principal components of the PCA accounted for 85% of the explained total spectral variation.     

Coffees rich in chlorogenic acid or N-methylpyridinium induce chemopreventive phase II-enzymes via the Nrf2/ARE pathway in vitro and in vivo

Recently, the coffee constituents 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (CGA) and N-methylpyridinium (NMP) were identified as inducers of the Nrf2/antioxidant-response element (ARE) detoxifying pathway under cell-culture condition. To study the impact of CGA and NMP on the Nrf2-activating properties of a complex coffee beverage, two different model coffees were generated by variation of the roasting conditions: a low-roast coffee rich in CGA and a heavy-roast low in CGA but containing high levels of NMP. Activation of the Nrf2/antioxidant-response element pathway was monitored in vitro and in vivo.     

Kinetics of coffee infusion: a comparative study on the extraction kinetics of mineral ions and caffeine from several types of medium roasted coffees

A comparative study of the equilibrium concentrations, rates of infusion and intra‐bean diffusion coefficients of caffeine, P (as H₂PO ), K⁺, Mg²⁺ and Mn²⁺ in Milli‐Q‐Water at 80 °C was carried out. Medium roasted coffees of particle size range 1.70–2.00 mm from six different countries—Special Kenya (Kenya), Santos (Brazil), Blue Mountain Java (Sumatra), Mocha (Ethiopia), Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe) and South African Grown (South Africa)—were used in the investigation. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used for the analyses of caffeine, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry for the chosen elements. The equilibrium concentrations of all the species and the trend were found to be independent of the various coffee beans. The order of the rate of infusion was found to be K⁺ > caffeine > P (as H₂PO) > Mg²⁺ > Mn²⁺. Examination of the rate constants clearly indicated that P (as H₂PO), Mg²⁺ and Mn²⁺ cannot be used for identification of the coffee origin, but the values for caffeine and K⁺ can be used. Diffusion coefficients of caffeine and mineral ions were calculated in two separate ways using rate constants and half‐lives of infusion. These were then compared with known diffusion coefficients of the same species in water for determination of hindrance factors. The hindrance factor for caffeine was found to be much smaller than the corresponding factors recorded at 25.5 °C. In general the hindrance factors in the bean were all of the order of 10, with Mn²⁺ being the most hindered species. This is an indication that the infusion of the various species through the coffee bean is a hindered process. This is because of the association of caffeine and mineral ions with other coffee solubles and the physical restraint within the bean matrix. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry