Caro is a brand of caffeine-free roasted grain beverages. Some consider it a coffee substitute. It is manufactured by Nestlé and was first introduced in West Germany in 1954.
It is available throughout Europe as well as other markets including New Zealand and Australia. It is imported to the United States under the name Pero. The name “Caro” sounds like the French word “Carreau”, which translates to “diamonds” in playing cards, as seen in the Caro logo (which is also used as Pero).
Caro, along with other grain based beverages such as Inka, represent a solution for those who want to avoid caffeine but enjoy the experience of drinking coffee. Examples of people who want to avoid coffee are those who are caffeine sensitive or suffer from acid reflux. Caro can be brewed in a similar way to coffee and is a perfectly satisfactory coffee substitute for many.
Caro is made of roasted barley, malted barley, rye and chicory and is available in instant powder or granule form.
The fact that Caro is made of gluten containing grains such as barley and rye make is unsuitable for those who have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.