ACRYLAMIDE-FREE* COFFEE

OUR MAGIC STARTS AT THE FARM

Coffee plants produce an amino acid called asparagine, which plays a vital role in managing nitrogen, especially under stress or nutrient-limited conditions. Asparagine acts as a mobile nitrogen carrier, helping the plant redistribute nitrogen from older tissues to actively growing leaves, berries, and roots. It’s an essential part of a healthy plant life cycle.

HOWEVER, THERE’S A CATCH

Asparagine is a key precursor to acrylamide, a compound that forms when coffee is roasted at high temperatures. Acrylamide is a natural by-product of the Maillard reaction, the same chemical process responsible for coffee’s rich flavor and aroma. Although acrylamide levels in coffee are significantly lower per serving than in foods like roasted nuts, potato chips, or french fries, the cumulative exposure can be notable, especially for individuals who consume multiple cups daily.

A PROBABLE CARCINOGEN WITH DNA AND MITOCHONDRIA-DAMAGING POTENTIAL

Even though it doesn’t accumulate like heavy metals, acrylamide’s DNA-damaging potential, neurotoxicity, and probable carcinogenicity make it a concern with frequent exposure. Acrylamide triggers the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage mitochondrial DNA, lipids, and proteins. This oxidative stress overwhelms the cell’s defenses and contributes to:

  • Lipid peroxidation
  • Glutathione depletion
  • DNA damage

Acrylamide has been shown to induce mitophagy, the process by which damaged mitochondria are selectively removed. This is mediated by proteins like SARM1 and PINK1, especially in nerve and immune cells3. While mitophagy is protective in moderation, chronic activation can lead to:

  • Mitochondrial depletion
  • Impaired metabolism
  • Neurodegeneration


Because neurons rely heavily on mitochondrial energy, acrylamide-induced mitochondrial damage can have serious neurological consequences. It’s been linked to axon degeneration (the breakdown of nerve fibers that disrupts communication between cells) and to neuropathy, a form of nerve damage that affects the peripheral nervous system, often resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness. Over time, this mitochondrial stress may also contribute to long-term cognitive decline, especially with chronic exposure.

*Truista’s proprietary process reduces acrylamide to non-detectable levels (<10 ppb) in brewed coffee at 1.25% TDS, verified by ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab testing.