Coffee, the beloved morning ritual for millions of people, is generally safe to drink, but a new investigation has revealed that there are still some contaminants present in popular coffee brands, albeit at minimal levels. 

The research, led by the nonprofit Clean Label Project, suggests that while most toxins found in coffee fall well below European Union safety limits, there is room for improvement.

The Clean Label Project tested coffee from 45 widely recognized brands sourced from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Peru, and Hawaii. More than 7,000 tests were conducted, screening for pesticides, heavy metals, plasticizers, and mold toxins.

According to Molly Hamilton, executive director of the Clean Label Project, "While some contaminants were present, most were found at minimal levels and well below the European Union’s safety limits per 6-ounce serving. This means coffee is generally safe."

Health experts have long highlighted the benefits of moderate coffee consumption, with research showing that drinking about three cups of black coffee daily may lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, stroke, and dementia.

Despite coffee's health benefits, the study found traces of several substances in the tested brands. Glyphosate, a widely used weed killer, was found in the coffee, along with its byproduct, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA). While AMPA can persist in the environment and has been linked to liver inflammation and DNA damage, the levels found in coffee were minimal.

Phthalates, plastic chemicals associated with reproductive issues and several diseases, were detected in some coffee samples, particularly in canned coffee. Phthalate levels were higher in coffee pods compared to bags. 

The study also found varying levels of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, with Hawaiian coffees showing the highest amounts, likely due to volcanic soil. Acrylamide, a chemical that forms during coffee roasting and has been linked to cancer in animal studies, was found in all samples. While it is not considered harmful to humans at low levels, medium roasts had the highest amounts, followed by light and dark roasts.

Organic coffees generally had lower levels of contaminants, though even organic samples contained AMPA, which may be a result of runoff from conventional farming practices nearby. Hamilton emphasized that the Clean Label Project's goal is not to alarm consumers but to provide information that empowers people to make more informed choices about the coffee they drink. "Caffeinated coffee is still one of the cleanest product categories we’ve ever tested," she said.

One of the next steps for the Clean Label Project is to study the potential role of coffee packaging in contaminant levels. David Andrews, acting chief science officer for the Environmental Working Group, pointed out that the higher phthalate levels found in coffee pods and canned coffee suggest packaging might be a source of exposure.

The National Coffee Association (NCA) responded to the study, defending the safety of coffee. "Decades of independent scientific evidence show that coffee drinkers live longer, healthier lives," said William "Bill" Murray, NCA President and CEO, calling the Clean Label Project’s findings misleading.

While the study's results are not a cause for alarm, Hamilton recommends consumers take a few simple steps to limit exposure to contaminants. Choosing darker or very light roasts, which tend to have lower levels of some toxins, and opting for coffee in bags or pods instead of canned coffee, can be helpful.

Additionally, considering where the coffee is grown is important, as soil quality and agricultural practices can affect contaminant levels.

Ultimately, the findings suggest that while coffee may contain trace amounts of harmful substances, the risk to health remains minimal, and coffee still offers significant health benefits. The Clean Label Project aims to provide consumers with the information needed to make safer, more informed choices, ensuring that their daily cup of coffee remains both a comforting ritual and a healthy one.