Classification
Product TypeByproduct
Product FormDried
Industry PositionFood and Beverage Ingredient (Infusion Material)
Market
Cascara (dried coffee husk) is a niche, imported infusion material in Great Britain, typically positioned as a tea-like drink in specialty coffee and tea channels. Market access can hinge on whether the specific cascara product is considered a novel food and, if so, whether it is authorised for sale in GB under the novel foods regime. EU scientific assessment work exists for dried coffee husk (cascara), but GB operators must verify GB authorisation status before placing products on the market. Availability is therefore driven less by seasonality than by importer compliance, product specification controls (notably caffeine), and buyer acceptance.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer and specialty beverage market (net importer)
Domestic RoleNiche infusion ingredient used by specialty beverage and tea/coffee retail channels (subject to novelty status and authorisation).
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityShelf-stable product; typically available year-round via imports, with supply mainly constrained by regulatory authorisation status and importer inventory.
Specification
Primary VarietyCoffea arabica L. (coffee fruit husk/cascara)
Physical Attributes- Clean, dried coffee husk pieces or cut material suitable for infusion
- Foreign matter control and visible defect screening are typical buyer requirements
Compositional Metrics- Caffeine content control is a key specification point; infusion caffeine can be comparable to coffee depending on product specification and use conditions.
Packaging- Food-grade, moisture-barrier packaging (e.g., sealed pouches) to maintain dryness and aroma
- Retail formats may include loose-fill packs or tea-bag style sachets (where marketed as an infusion product)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin-country coffee cherry processing byproduct collection → drying and sorting → export shipment → GB importer (verification of novelty/authorisation status) → packing/blending (as applicable) → retail and foodservice distribution
Temperature- Ambient storage is typical; protect from moisture, heat, and odour transfer
Shelf Life- Shelf-life performance is primarily driven by moisture control, packaging integrity, and hygienic handling
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNovel food status/authorisation is a potential deal-breaker in Great Britain: if the cascara product is considered novel and is not authorised under the GB novel foods regime, it cannot be legally placed on the GB market.Verify novelty status via the GB Article 4 consultation route where needed, and secure GB authorisation (or ensure coverage under an existing GB authorisation) before importing/marketing.
Food Safety MediumCascara infusions can contribute meaningful caffeine intake, creating heightened sensitivity and consumer-suitability considerations for groups advised to limit caffeine.Control caffeine via specification and routine testing, align use instructions with authorised conditions of use (where applicable), and ensure responsible consumer information in line with applicable labelling rules.
Sustainability MediumCoffee-derived products may face increasing buyer and policy scrutiny on deforestation and legality-of-origin expectations as the UK’s forest risk commodities due diligence framework is implemented and expanded.Maintain origin traceability, supplier legality documentation, and deforestation-risk screening aligned to buyer requirements and evolving UK guidance.
Sustainability- Coffee supply chains can carry land-use and deforestation-risk exposure; GB policy has an Environment Act framework for due diligence on forest risk commodities, with commodity scope implemented through secondary legislation.
Labor & Social- Upstream coffee supply chains in some origin countries have documented child labor and/or forced labor risks; GB buyers may require social compliance and traceability evidence from suppliers.
Standards- BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety
FAQ
Is cascara treated as a novel food in Great Britain?It can be. GB rules treat foods without significant UK/EU consumption history before 15 May 1997 as novel foods that require authorisation before being placed on the market. The Food Standards Agency advises businesses to research novelty status and use the Article 4 consultation route for legal verification where needed.
What is cascara and how is it typically consumed?EFSA describes cascara as dried coffee husk from Coffea arabica L. and notes it is used to make beverages by infusing the dried material in water rather than consuming it as a solid food.
Does an EU novel food decision automatically apply in Great Britain?Not necessarily. The Food Standards Agency notes that EU novel food status decisions made before 1 January 2021 still apply in GB, while EU decisions after that date do not apply in GB, so GB operators need to verify GB authorisation status for their specific product.