The names and compositions of certain coffee and chicory extracts have been defined. Coffee extract, soluble coffee extract, soluble or instant coffee is a concentrate obtained from roasted coffee beans by extraction with water without acid or base hydrolysis. A minimum limit has been laid down for the coffee-based dry matter content, which varies depending on whether it is a dry, paste or liquid coffee extract. A liquid coffee extract may also contain sugars.
Extracts are also subject to specific labelling requirements; incl. the indication of the minimum content of coffee-based dry matter in paste and liquid coffee extracts. The label “decaffeinated” may be indicated on coffee extracts containing not more than 0.3% by weight of anhydrous caffeine from the coffee-based solids.