While I am all for food science innovation, I am extremely cautious to with anything that makes it harder for one to keep track of how much caffeine they’ve consumed. Yes, I know there’s an app for that. But in a world that both loves coffee and loves to talk about the “dangers of energy drinks”, coffee flour warrants some concern.

An article in FWx discusses new caffeinated flour which can provide 100 mg (aka more than an 8 oz Red Bull) per 4 g flour. The innovation implications are enormous, and wonderful — a product developer’s dream come true! For caffeine and carb lovers, this innovation is the greatest thing since sliced bread! HOWEVER, the application can easily cause problems for those who do love all things caffeine (and/or carbs).

What if someone uses the new caffeinated peanut butter on their caffeinated toast? What if they then wash it down with a large cup of coffee or tea (caffeine amounts vary) or even just something made with green tea extract (such as a V8 V-fusion: 80mg caffeine from green tea extract)?

The European Food Safety Authority confirmed that up to 200 mg caffeine can be consumed per sitting, and 400 mg caffeine is the maximum daily dosage that is safe for healthy adults (anyone under 18 should stick to 100 mg, unless you’re Canadian then it’s just anyone under 14). How easy will it be for one too many (caffeinated) bagels or bear-claws to put someone past the point of safe caffeine consumption?

This innovation should be celebrated, with caution. Let us take this opportunity to revisit caffeine safety and how energy drinks aren’t the only “danger” for over-consumption.

~GreenEyedGuide

RELATED READING

• Putting caffeine in gum is a bad idea, here’s why
• Open letter to Time magazine regarding energy drink article in “The Answer Issue”
• Kids and Energy Drinks — 3 Things Every Parent Should Know (on TheScientificParent.org)

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