Novel Insights into Torrefacto and Natural Coffee Silverskin: Composition, Bioactivity, Safety, and Environmental Impact for Sustainable Food Applications

Coffee silverskin (CS), the principal solid by-product from coffee roasting, is a promising raw material for sustainable food applications aligned with circular economy principles. Due to its high flammability at roasting temperatures, effective management of CS is not only an environmental but also a safety concern in coffee processing facilities. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the chemical composition, bioactivity, safety, and environmental impact of torrefacto (CT) and natural (CN) coffee silverskin. CT (from Arabica–Robusta blends subjected to sugar-glazing) and CN (from 100% Arabica) were characterized in terms of composition and function. Oven-dried CT showed higher levels of caffeine (13.2 ± 0.6 mg/g vs. 8.7 ± 0.7 mg/g for CN), chlorogenic acid (1.34 ± 0.08 mg/g vs. 0.92 ± 0.06 mg/g), protein (18.1 ± 0.2% vs. 16.7 ± 0.2%), and melanoidins (14.9 ± 0.3 mg/g vs. 9.6 ± 0.2 mg/g), but CN yielded more total phenolics (13.8 ± 0.6 mg GAE/g). Both types exhibited strong antioxidant capacity (ABTS: 48.9–59.2 µmol TE/g), and all oven-dried samples met food safety criteria (microbial loads below 102 CFU/g, moisture 7.9%). Oven drying was identified as the most industrially viable, ensuring preservation of bioactives and resulting in a 19% lower greenhouse gas emissions impact compared to freeze-drying. Sun drying was less reliable microbiologically. The valorization of oven-dried CT as a clean-label, antioxidant-rich colorant offers clear potential for food reformulation and waste reduction. Renewable energy use during drying is recommended to further enhance sustainability. This study provides scientific evidence to support the safe use of coffee silverskin as a novel food, contributing to regulatory assessment and sustainable food innovation aligned with SDGs 9, 12, and 13.