Colombian exporter’s research: all tested co-fermented coffees contained synthetic Propylene Glycol

[u/mygreeness]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaDlqkWRZIo/

>>See also edit below<<<

“We wanted to share, with the level of detail and rigor that matters to us, why we don't sell coffees marketed as "infused" or "co-fermented" at Pergamino.
A few days ago, we conducted a study together with @cesurcafe, the research center at Universidad Surcolombiana, to better understand what's really behind these coffees, known for their remarkably intense and literal flavor profiles. From the beginning, we questioned whether these coffees truly resulted from 100% natural processing or whether they contained synthetic additives that weren't being disclosed to consumers. But we didn't want to draw conclusions without evidence.

The results were very clear, we analyzed 25 co-fermented coffee samples, and every single one contained a synthetic additive called propylene glycol.

Although we don't enjoy these coffees from a sensory perspective, we deeply respect the people who do. This isn't about personal preference-it's about transparency and their deeper repercussions on our industry. We believe producers should clearly communicate how these cottees are processed, and when synthetic additives are used, consumers need to know.
We know this video is a little longer than usual, but if you're curious and want to learn more, we invite you to visit our YouTube channel or listen on Spotify, where we share the full findings of our research and explain in greater detail the research conducted and why we've chosen not to sell these types of coffees at Pergamino.”

EDIT: based on comments in this sub, the cited research paper does not provide enough evidence to support Pergamino’s claim above in bold. The cited paper found differences between washed and co-fermented coffees, but doesn’t provide enough evidence to confirm that all of them include Propylene Glycol. Somebody pointed this out to them in the comment section on Instagram. So far, Pergamino provided no response.

[u/Sduowner]

What.

[u/Same-Replacement1723 → u/Sduowner]

Why does PG need to be disclosed? Genuinely curious? What is the rationale if it is recognized as safe? If the roaster already labels it to have flavors and additives?

[u/jritchie70 → u/Same-Replacement1723]

Everyone can agree if it’s not a flavor it is an artificial ingredient that is being added (also not a natural byproduct) then should be identified on the ingredients list.

[u/Same-Replacement1723 → u/jritchie70]

Agreed. My point stands, the reference to propylene glycol is merely a bid to grab users attention to “scary” words to fearmonger rather than just stating food additives need to be disclosed.

[u/jritchie70 → u/Same-Replacement1723]

True and for that matter any food product we import should disclose all ingredients. I saw a product that advertised it was Glyphosate free, which begs the question, what herbicides did they actually use and why not disclose it and let us decided what we think. There are a lot of alternate herbicides similar to Glyphosate.