The analysis of caffeine in soft drinks

Coffee is one the most important commodities in the global economy, and millions of tonnes of it are produced and consumed every year. Caffeine is an important substance in coffee, responsible for its stimulant effects and bitter taste. Consuming too much caffeine can cause people to experience unpleasant short-term symptoms (such as restlessness, insomnia and tachycardia), and there may be more serious long-term effects such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is a large market for decaffeinated drinks, which allow consumers to avoid some of the problems of caffeine-containing products, and trade organisations and governments regulate the level of caffeine permitted in such drinks. Accurate and reliable methods to monitor and control the caffeine content of decaffeinated drinks are of great importance to industry.