Caffeine anhydrous

Caffeine anhydrous suppliers and sourcing guide

Caffeine anhydrous is caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) supplied as a dry white powder with no water of crystallization. Most bulk supply is made by multistep chemical synthesis and purified by crystallization; some is recovered as a by-product of decaffeinating coffee and tea. Because label amounts are in milligrams and the pure powder is potent, brands buy it as USP-grade powder, granular grades for tableting, coated grades, or pre-diluted blends.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Specialty nutrients
Also known as: 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine · Anhydrous caffeine · Caffeine USP · CAS 58-08-2
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of caffeine anhydrous

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

USP/EP powder
Fine crystalline powder meeting the USP or European Pharmacopoeia monograph, the standard grade for capsules and powder blends.
Granular or direct-compression grades
Coarser particles that flow and compress better in tablet presses and dust less during handling.
Coated caffeine
Caffeine encapsulated in a lipid or polymer coating to mask bitterness in chews, gummies and powders, or to change how quickly it dissolves.
Diluted triturations
Caffeine pre-blended onto a carrier at a stated percentage so small amounts can be weighed and mixed evenly.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay: Caffeine content on a dried basis by HPLC or by the titration method in the USP monograph.
Identity and melting point: IR spectrum and melting range matched to a reference standard.
Loss on drying: Water content, which should be low for the anhydrous grade; compare against the pharmacopeial limit on the specification.
Related substances: Other methylxanthines such as theophylline and synthesis impurities by HPLC.
Particle size: Sieve or laser diffraction for granular and fine grades, which affects flow, blending and dust.
Heavy metals: Lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury by ICP-MS, checked against the supplier specification and the buyer's own limits.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from light; caffeine is chemically stable but fine powder can cake if it picks up moisture. Keep it in clearly labeled, controlled storage away from other white powders, because small weighing errors with pure caffeine matter. Shelf life and retest date come from the supplier's specification, with assay and loss on drying repeated at retest.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the assay, particle size grade and whether the lot is synthetic or plant-derived, and keep weighing records for every batch it goes into. Keep lots traceable to finished batches and rotate first-expiry-first-out.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

21 CFR 182.1180 lists caffeine as generally recognized as safe when used in cola-type beverages in accordance with good manufacturing practice, with a tolerance of 0.02 percent.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
FDA's April 2018 guidance on highly concentrated caffeine in dietary supplements states that FDA considers some products consisting only or primarily of pure or highly concentrated caffeine to be adulterated under section 402(f)(1)(A) of the FD&C Act.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists caffeine, including the other name "caffeine, anhydrous", with the technical effect "flavoring agent or adjuvant" and cites 21 CFR 182.1180.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)
Health Canada's caffeine monograph for natural health products does not apply to caffeine added to food; caffeine added to foods is regulated as a food additive.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Caffeine anhydrous suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking caffeine anhydrous suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of caffeine anhydrous can brands buy?

Common forms include uSP/EP powder, granular or direct-compression grades, coated caffeine and diluted triturations. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for caffeine anhydrous include?

Expect assay, identity and melting point, loss on drying, related substances, particle size and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should caffeine anhydrous be stored?

What is the regulatory status of caffeine anhydrous?

21 CFR 182.1180 lists caffeine as generally recognized as safe when used in cola-type beverages in accordance with good manufacturing practice, with a tolerance of 0.02 percent. FDA's April 2018 guidance on highly concentrated caffeine in dietary supplements states that FDA considers some products consisting only or primarily of pure or highly concentrated caffeine to be adulterated under section 402(f)(1)(A) of the FD&C Act. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists caffeine, including the other name "caffeine, anhydrous", with the technical effect "flavoring agent or adjuvant" and cites 21 CFR 182.1180. Health Canada's caffeine monograph for natural health products does not apply to caffeine added to food; caffeine added to foods is regulated as a food additive.

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