Is Powdered Caffeine Regulated By the FDA?

Powdered caffeine is known by other names like caffeine, caffeine anhydrous and synthetic caffeine powder to tell the type of synthetic pharmaceutical grade apart from the natural caffeine which is usually a coffee bean extract.

Powdered caffeine is a very bitter white crystalline powder employed for its psychoactive stimulating properties. Because it functions as a brain stimulant using similar mode of action to those of amphetamines, heroin and cocaine, it is classified as an addicting substance. However, its effects are considered milder than the effects of the more potent drugs it is compared to. Yet, it still tinkers with the same brain conduits, making it addicting. For this reason, people who are dependent on this substance may not be able to perform their daily routine properly without it, and therefore, need to regularly have a daily dose of it through the intake of caffeine by obtaining it from powdered caffeine and other foods and beverages.

Although pure powdered caffeine is available online and in physical health stores, caffeine can also be sourced from coffee, tea, soft drinks, and sports or energy drinks. The Food and Drug Authority controls the use of this drug only when it is used as a food additive. That is why the producers of food and beverages are required by law to label caffeine when used as an ingredient in their products. However, if this substance is intrinsic in other ingredients involved in the manufacture of a foodstuff, such as when chocolate is added to candy, the label is not required.