What is PX Coffee and can it reshape the coffee industry?
For many individuals, excessive coffee consumption often leads to undesirable effects such as jittery hands, increased heart rate, and an underlying sense of anxiety—common symptoms attributed to high caffeine intake.
In a bid to sidestep these health concerns, many turn to decaf coffee. However, in recent years, a new player has emerged in the caffeine-free coffee scene: Paraxanthine, or Px, coffee. What exactly is Px, and could it reshape the coffee industry?
To uncover the answers, I engaged in discussions with Jeffrey Dietrich, the CEO of Rarebird Coffee, and Chahan Yeretzian, Professor of Chemistry and Head of the Coffee Excellence Center at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
Exploring the Essence of Px:
In straightforward terms, Px represents the primary product of caffeine metabolism. While coffee plants naturally synthesize caffeine from the organic molecule xanthosine, Px doesn’t occur in the plant itself. Scientists recreate Px in a laboratory setting by enzymatically breaking down caffeine—a process akin to the human liver’s function.
Notably, caffeine and Px function similarly within the body. Clinical trials from 1995 reveal that both substances inhibit adenosine receptors, leading to mental stimulation, adrenaline and dopamine release, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Rarebird Coffee has taken the innovative step of introducing Px coffee to the market. Jeffrey elucidates that Px-infused coffee is practically identical to traditional coffee, brewed in the same manner and retaining the familiar aroma and taste. Px is introduced to high-quality decaffeinated beans during the roasting process.
Unveiling the Taste Profile:
Addressing concerns about flavor alteration, Chahan asserts that Px has minimal impact on coffee sensory profiles. Given the small quantities used, the influence on flavor is negligible. According to Jeffrey, Px is virtually indistinguishable from caffeine in terms of taste, maintaining the expected mouthfeel and organoleptic properties of coffee.
Rarebird collaborates with industry experts to source top-tier decaf options, currently offering a medium roast Colombian coffee with plans to expand their selection.
The Potential Benefits of Px Coffee:
Despite being a novel concept, Px coffee is backed by over a decade of in vitro and clinical trials showcasing various health benefits. These include increased brain dopamine levels, enhanced athletic performance, and improved cognitive measures. Rarebird’s 2023 study suggests Px as a potentially safer alternative to caffeine for similar stimulant effects.
Research indicates that genetics play a pivotal role in caffeine metabolism, affecting individuals’ responses. Px coffee may offer a different experience, particularly for those sensitive to caffeine’s adverse effects.
Navigating Potential Health Effects:
Clinical studies suggest limited negative side effects from Px consumption. However, it’s crucial to note that Px-infused products are synthetically produced. Jeffrey emphasizes that Px is not a foreign substance; our bodies are more acquainted with it than we might realize.
Chahan suggests that faster caffeine metabolizers may need a higher Px dose for similar effects. Px coffee doesn’t induce the same fight-or-flight response as caffeine, offering a distinctive experience.
Future Prospects for Px Coffee:
Given the surge in popularity of functional coffee, Px coffee has the potential for broader availability. Jeffrey reports positive feedback from consumers, with claims of improved sleep quality and the ability to enjoy coffee later in the day. Around 92% of Rarebird’s customers express feeling better with Px coffee compared to caffeinated alternatives.
Chahan anticipates the functional coffee market’s growth as consumers prioritize quality and health. While decaf remains a staple, the rise of half-caf and low-caf options indicates a shift in consumer preferences. As Px coffee unfolds, its impact on the industry may become more pronounced, with other roasters and companies exploring similar offerings. The future of coffee is brewing with exciting possibilities—let’s eagerly await what unfolds.
