For most people, the word "coffee" conjures up the smell of freshly roasted beans, a steaming cup in hand, and the ritual of brewing. However, coffee has another side — one that begins before the roasting process. That's where green coffee extract comes in.
Sometimes called green extract coffee or green bean coffee extract, this infusion of unroasted beans has drawn attention for its natural antioxidants, subtle caffeine content, and potential health benefits. At Terra Coffee & Tea, we've been sourcing green coffee since 1978. When shared transparently, this knowledge helps people not only enjoy their cup but also understand the science, craft, and responsibility behind it.
In this guide, you'll learn:
- What is green coffee extract and why people make it.
- How to prepare it at home step by step.
- Whether it contains caffeine (and how much).
- Safety considerations and tips for responsible use.
- Common green coffee bean extract benefits — what science supports and what to view with caution.
- Practical suggestions for taking green coffee bean extract in daily life.
By the end, you'll know exactly how to make it, how to use it, and how to navigate the buzz around products like Svetol green coffee bean extract.
What Is Green Coffee Extract?
Green coffee extract is made by steeping unroasted coffee beans in hot water, allowing their natural compounds to infuse. Unlike roasted coffee, which highlights flavour and aroma through caramelization, green beans retain higher levels of chlorogenic acids — plant-based antioxidants studied for their potential effects on blood sugar regulation, weight management, and blood pressure.
When roasted, many of these acids break down. That's why green coffee extract is chemically different from the espresso or drip coffee you enjoy daily.
Key differences between roasted coffee and green coffee extract:
- Flavour: Roasted coffee is bold, aromatic, and complex; green extract has a mild, herbal, almost tea-like taste.
- Nutrients: Green beans preserve chlorogenic acids; roasted beans emphasize caramelized sugars and aromatic oils.
- Purpose: Most people drink roasted coffee for taste and ritual; green coffee bean extract is often taken for wellness experiments or supplements.
How to Make Green Coffee Extract (Step-by-Step)
Making your own extract is straightforward and requires no special equipment.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (≈57 g) green coffee beans (available in Terra's green coffee selection)
- 12 oz (≈350 ml) distilled water
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan or teapot with lid
- Spoon or sieve for straining
- Glass container for storage
Instructions:
- Combine beans and water in your pot.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for at least one hour.
- Strain beans with a spoon or sieve.
- Store liquid in the fridge up to 3–4 days, or brew fresh daily for best potency.
Tip: The longer you steep, the stronger the extract. Adjust brewing time to your taste and caffeine comfort.
Does Green Coffee Bean Extract Contain Caffeine?
Yes — caffeine is still present in green beans, but amounts vary.
- Raw green beans contain roughly 1–2.5% caffeine by weight.
- A brewed green coffee extract typically contains less caffeine than a regular 8-oz cup of coffee (~100 mg). Depending on your recipe, a serving may contain 20–50 mg caffeine.
What About Svetol Green Coffee Bean Extract?
Svetol is a branded extract made from decaffeinated green coffee beans. It is:
- Standardized to contain 45–50% chlorogenic acids.
- Naturally low in caffeine (<2%).
- Marketed for weight management, though results vary.
It's a reminder that not all extracts are created equal. Homemade extract is less standardized but offers a natural, whole-bean experience.
So if you're sensitive to caffeine, homemade extracts are usually gentler than a double espresso, but they're not caffeine-free.
Is Green Coffee Bean Extract Safe?
For most healthy adults, short-term use is considered safe. Reported side effects are generally mild and may include:
- Digestive changes (looser stools, stomach upset).
- Slightly increased urination due to natural diuretic effects.
- Mild headaches in caffeine-sensitive individuals.
Precautions:
- Pregnant or nursing individuals should avoid it due to unclear long-term research.
- People with hypertension, heart conditions, or anxiety should consult a doctor first.
- If you're already consuming coffee, tea, or energy drinks, consider your total caffeine intake.
At Terra, our philosophy is one of balance: coffee, in any form, should enhance your life — not complicate it.
What Are the Benefits of Green Coffee Bean Extract?
This is the big question — and the answer is nuanced.
Promising areas of research:
- Antioxidant activity: Chlorogenic acids may reduce oxidative stress.
- Blood sugar support: Some studies suggest improved glucose metabolism.
- Mild weight management support: Early evidence showed modest effects, though some studies were later retracted or criticized for quality.
What to be cautious about:
- Weight loss claims are often overstated. The U.S. FTC has fined companies for misleading marketing.
- Long-term effects are not well studied.
Bottom line: green coffee bean extract benefits exist, but they should complement — not replace — healthy diet, movement, and balanced living.
Creative Ways to Use Green Coffee Extract
Green coffee extract is versatile. Here are ideas beyond simply sipping an ounce in the morning:
- Wellness shots: Mix 1 oz extract with lemon juice and honey.
- Smoothie booster: Add 2–3 tbsp to fruit smoothies for an antioxidant kick.
- Iced infusion: Freeze into ice cubes and drop into sparkling water or herbal tea.
- Cooking base: Incorporate into oatmeal or chia puddings for a subtle herbal lift.
When taking green coffee bean extract, moderation matters. Many people start with 1 oz in the morning and 1 oz in the evening.
Terra's Perspective — Craft, Integrity, and Wellness
At Terra Coffee & Tea, we've worked with green beans for nearly five decades. Carlo Granito founded Terra in 1978 with the belief that quality and fairness matter more than shortcuts. Today, Aimée and our team continue that mission, sourcing green coffee directly from farmers who value sustainability and respect.
When you make green coffee extract at home, you're connecting directly to the raw ingredient — before roasting transforms it. That connection reflects our philosophy: coffee is not just a beverage, but a bridge between people, land, and tradition.
To recap:
- Green coffee extract is a simple infusion of raw beans with unique antioxidant compounds.
- It does contain caffeine — but less than roasted coffee, especially if you use low-caffeine varieties like Svetol.
- It's generally safe in moderation but should be approached thoughtfully, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine or have medical conditions.
- Benefits include antioxidant support and possible metabolic effects, but exaggerated weight-loss claims should be met with skepticism.
- Making it at home is simple, affordable, and connects you directly to the bean's purest form.
Whether you're experimenting with wellness routines, curious about alternatives to your daily brew, or exploring the craftsmanship behind coffee, green coffee extract offers a unique window into the bean before roasting.
At Terra, our invitation is simple: discover coffee in all its forms — roasted, brewed, or raw. And always enjoy it with balance, curiosity, and care.
