Expensive and Still Contains Caffeine... Consumer Outcry over 'Decaffeinated' Label Prompts Regulatory Action

Ministry Revises Standards for 'Decaffeinated' Coffee
Only Products with 0.1% or Less Residual Caffeine May Be Labeled

As more consumers seek to reduce their caffeine intake, the 'decaffeinated coffee' market is experiencing rapid growth. However, confusion has persisted because a significant number of products labeled as 'decaffeinated' still contain considerable amounts of caffeine. In response, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has decided to strengthen labeling standards, allowing the use of the term 'decaffeinated' only for products with a residual caffeine content of 0.1% or less.

Coffee stock photo. Pixabay

"'Decaffeinated' Label Only for Products with 0.1% or Less Caffeine"…Standards Strengthened to International Level

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on November 6, the agency announced at the '50 Key Food and Drug Safety Initiatives Public Briefing' held the previous day that it will permit the 'decaffeinated' label only for products with a residual caffeine content of 0.1% or less. Currently, products can be labeled as 'decaffeinated' if 90% or more of the caffeine is removed, which has resulted in significant variations in actual residual caffeine content between products.

This move comes in response to ongoing concerns that the current system has created a gap between consumer perception-many believe 'decaffeinated' coffee contains no caffeine at all-and reality. Some consumers have mistakenly consumed decaffeinated products believing them to be completely caffeine-free, later experiencing side effects such as insomnia and heart palpitations. The revised standard aligns with those of major countries such as the United States and Germany and will apply to all decaffeinated products sold at convenience stores, cafes, and other outlets.

"Consumer Confidence and Industry Competitiveness Expected to Improve"

Lee Hodong, Director of Food Labeling and Advertising Policy at the Ministry, explained, "This revision applies to coffee manufactured and processed by food companies, and can also be applied as a guideline to coffee prepared and sold by food service businesses." He added, "By establishing clear standards for decaffeinated coffee, consumers can enjoy decaffeinated coffee with confidence, and the industry can expect enhanced competitiveness in the domestic coffee market." Oh Yu-kyung, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, stated, "Going forward, the Ministry will continue to lead advanced food and drug policies that ensure public safety, drive the growth of the domestic food and drug industry, and set international standards."

Meanwhile, decaffeinated coffee is enjoying significant popularity in Korea. Starbucks Korea reported that sales of its decaffeinated coffee have increased substantially each year over the past three years: 20.2 million cups in 2022, 21 million cups in 2023, and 32.7 million cups in 2024. Decaffeinated coffee reportedly accounts for about one out of every ten cups of Americano sold. At domestic coffee franchise Twosome Place, decaffeinated coffee sales between 5 p.m. and closing from October 1 to 15 increased by 32% compared to the same period in July. Similarly, Ediya Coffee saw sales during the same time frame rise by about 15% compared to three months earlier.