Monday Morning Coffee News

Happy Monday! Here’s what’s been going on with coffee in the news: A study linked caffeine intake in men with a decreased chance of ED, while The European Food Safety Authority released their findings on the safety of caffeine. Also, Starbucks introduces 6 new Frappuccino flavors and a Flav-Off contest to go with them, Dunkin’ Donuts adds new cookie flavored chilled coffee beverages to their menu, and a company launches a Kickstarter for a coffee made with hops (think coffee beer minus the alcohol).

A study done by the University of Texas Health Science Center recently released findings indicating a lower risk of having ED (Erectile Dysfunction) in men who consumed 2-3 cups of coffee (or the caffeine equivalent, 170-375 mg) daily. The study looked at data from 3,724 men, 20 years-old and older, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and assessed ED by a single question in a computer-assisted survey. They found that men who consumed 171-303 mg of caffeine daily were 39% less likely to report ED, while men consuming 85-170 mg (1-2 cups of coffee) were 42% less likely.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) recently released their findings on the safety of caffeine. Using data from The EFSA Food Consumption Database (containing data from 66,531 participants obtained from 39 surveys in 22 European countries), the study found that a single dose of up to 200 mg of caffeine or daily consumption of up to 400 mg of caffeine does not raise safety concerns for a healthy adult. To put this in perspective the organization has a handy-dandy little chart on their FAQs on the Safety of Caffeine webpage showing the caffeine content of espresso (80 mg for 60 ml (2 oz)), cup of filter coffee (90 mg for 200 ml (approx. 6 oz)), and a standard can of “energy drink” (80 mg for 250 ml), among others.

Starting June 8th, six new Frappuccino flavors based on customers’ favorite Frappuccino combinations will be available at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada. From June 19 through June 30, customers can go to Frappuccino.com to vote for their favorite in a Flav-Off contest. On July 3rd, the winner will be announced and from July 3rd through July 6th, the winning Frappuccino® Fan Flavor will be available for purchase at a special price ($3 for a Grande) from 2-5 p.m. at the participating locations. The new flavors to choose from are: Caramel Cocoa Cluster, Cinnamon Roll, Cotton Candy, Cupcake, Lemon Bar, and Red Velvet Cake.

Through the end of summer, Dunkin’ Donuts is adding Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookie flavored iced coffees and Coolatta Frozen Beverages (made with real cookie mix-ins) to thier menu at participating locations. To go along with these cookie themed drinks, Chips Ahoy! Crème Donuts (yeast shell, cookie dough flavored buttercream filling, chocolate icing, dipped in crumbled Chips Ahoy! cookies) and Chips Ahoy! Crunch Donut (yeast ring, chocolate icing, dipped in crumbled Chips Ahoy! cookies) will also be available.

46 and 2 Brewing launched a Kickstarter campaign for their hop infused, cold brewed coffee. It’s similar to coffee beer, but without the alcohol. Apparently, infusing their “rich, full-bodied” coffee with hops gives it a ” unique bouquet and bite”, and by using a nitrogen stout tap for pouring, the coffee comes out with “a creamy head and the tang of light carbonation”. – This sounds delicious! I would drink this, and I think other coffee lovers might too  – especially if they served it at a bar and you’re the designated driver.