Rapid quality control method for the determination of caffeine in coffee products

A rapid quality control method for caffeine in coffee products with particular reference to decaffeinated coffee is described. The method relies upon extraction of solubles by boiling with water followed by sorbent extraction of caffeine after removal of chlorogenic acids and other interfering compounds in the matrix. Caffeine is quantified by reverse phase HPLC and the total procedure can be completed in less than 30 minutes for a single determination. Preliminary investigation indicates the procedure to be suitable for part automation using sorbent extraction cassettes coupled to a dedicated HPCL and data processing station