Swedish researchers at the state Food Control Authority (Livsmedelsverket) in Uppsala have found that coffee contains significant levels of the carcinogen acrylamide. Drinking a litre of coffee per day can raise the average person’s acrylamide intake nearly 100%.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


The Swedish findings in Uppsala and Stockholm confirmed tests in Switzerland and Germany that measured 20 micrograms per litre of brewed coffee.


After an earlier Swedish study established a link between frying and baking starches and the formation of acrylamide, the Swedish authority calculated the average daily intake at 24 micrograms. This figure did not take coffee drinking into account.


“The results of acrylamide in coffee have up to now been tentative and we have been unsure, that is why we have not presented them before,” said Food Control chemist Karl-Erik Hellenäs. “We are still developing analytical methods.”


Heavy consumers of foods like French fries and potato chips can have a much higher daily intake. The Swedish FCA will soon present a list of average acrylamide intake for a range of common foods.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact