Decaf Coffee: Meaning, History, and Why People Drink It
Updated - Team Colipse
Decaf coffee refers to coffee that has had at least 97% of its caffeine removed. Decaf coffee means coffee with most of its caffeine removed, not that it is 100% caffeine-free. The first commercially available decaf coffee was invented in 1903 by Ludwig Roselius. The decaffeination process occurs before roasting and uses water, solvents, or carbon dioxide to extract caffeine while preserving flavor. Decaf coffee still contains small traces of caffeine, usually around 2 to 5 milligrams per cup.
The main point of drinking decaf coffee is to enjoy the taste, warmth, and health benefits of coffee without the stimulant effects of caffeine. Decaf it is best consumed later in the day to limit sleep disruption. To find the best decaf beans, look for freshly roasted, specialty-grade Arabica beans processed with the Swiss Water® Method. Most adults can safely consume decaf coffee at about two to four cups per day. Higher intake beyond five to six cups may trigger side effects in sensitive individuals.
What is Decaf Coffee?
Decaf coffee is a type of coffee made from regular coffee beans that undergo a caffeine removal process during decaffeination. Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee beans, tea, and cacao plants. Caffeine extraction, or decaffeination, is a mass transfer process that removes caffeine from unroasted coffee beans.
Decaf coffee works by removing caffeine from green coffee beans using water, organic solvents like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate, or liquid/supercritical CO₂. The beans are pre-wetted, caffeine is extracted, and then dried. This process also removes aroma precursors like sucrose and chlorogenic acids, leading to a thinner flavor in decaffeinated coffee.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 3509-1989 defines decaffeinated coffee as "coffee from which caffeine has been extracted," though it does not specify exact caffeine levels for labeling. Most commercial decaffeination methods eliminate approximately 97% or more of the original caffeine, though traces remain.
In the UK and EU, "decaf" coffee must contain less than 0.1% caffeine for green beans and less than 0.3% for instant coffee, corresponding to a reduction of approximately 99.7%-99.9%. Brazil enforces similar limits, allowing no more than 0.1% caffeine in decaf coffee. In the United States, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mandates that decaffeinated coffee beans contain no more than 0.10% caffeine on a dry basis.
What are Characteristics of Decaf Coffee Beans?
Characteristics of decaf coffee beans refers to the physical, chemical, and sensory attributes of coffee beans that have undergone a caffeine removal process. These include changes in caffeine content, flavor profile, aroma, mouthfeel, roast level, and antioxidant retention compared to regular coffee. The following table further detail these attributes.
| Decaf Coffee Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Content | Decaf coffee is not completely caffeine-free. Brewed decaf has 2–15 mg caffeine per 8 oz cup. |
| Flavor Profile | Decaffeination slightly changes flavor, making decafs milder and less bitter by removing caffeine. Decaf beans have fewer pyrazines, reducing nutty, chocolate, and earthy notes. |
| Decaffeination Method | Common methods include solvent-based extraction (methylene chloride, ethyl acetate), water processes (e.g., Swiss Water® Process), and supercritical CO₂ extraction. |
| Roast Level | Most decaf coffees are roasted medium and dark, though some specialty roasters achieve balanced flavors with light or medium-light roasts. |
| Origin | Latin America, inlcuding Colombia, Peru, and Mexico grows high-altitude Arabica beans used for producing premium decaf coffee. |
| Aroma | Decaffeination lowers some aroma compounds, like alkylpyrazines, weakening the roasted, nutty smell. Certain methods (e.g., Swiss Water® Process) try to keep more volatile oils for a richer aroma. |
| Mouthfeel | Decaf often feels lighter due to slight oil and fiber loss. Good decafs keep a smooth, balanced feel, especially in crema-focused espresso blends. |
| Processing Method (pre-decaffeination) | Decaf coffee beans are mostly washed before caffeine removal, but natural-processed beans (like Brazilian) are also decaffeinated. Some specialty decaf coffee beans uses honey-process and unique pre-decaf treatments. |
| Antioxidants | Decaf coffee retains over 90% of antioxidants found in regular coffee. Chlorogenic acids (CGAs), the primary polyphenols, experience minimal reduction during decaffeination. A 2006 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found roasted decaf Arabica had only 3–9% lower CGA levels than regular coffee, confirming significant antioxidant retention. |
| Polyphenols | Decaf coffee's total phenolic content is like regular coffee's. Some studies indicate decaf has more of some polyphenols because of chemical changes during caffeine removal. |
| Nutrition Facts (per 8 oz cup) |
|
| Moisture Content | Decaf coffee beans are re-dried to 10–12% moisture for stability. Properly dried decaf coffee beans has similar moisture to regular beans. |
| Tannins | Tannins, polyphenols causing bitterness, exist naturally in coffee, though less than tea or wine. Decaffeination's impact on tannin levels is unclear. Studies indicate water-based methods may remove tannins with caffeine, as both are water-soluble. |
| Oxalates | Decaf coffee has oxalate levels like regular coffee (1–2 mg per cup), safe for low-oxalate diets. |
| Histamine | High-quality decaf coffee is almost histamine-free, with any trace amounts resulting from microbial contamination, not the decaffeination process. |
What Does Decaf Coffee Mean?
Decaf coffee means coffee with most of its caffeine removed. Decaf coffee does not mean is 100% caffeine-free. In the United States, decaffeinated coffee means that at least 97% of the caffeine has been removed from the coffee beans. To be labeled "decaffeinated," the coffee must have a caffeine content of 0.10% or less based on its dry weight.
"Decaffeinated coffee," "decaf coffee concentrate," and "half-decaf coffee" are often used interchangeably, but they differ in meaning. "Decaffeinated coffee" means coffee that has had at least 97% of its caffeine removed through various processes. "Decaf coffee concentrate" is strong, brewed decaf coffee with water removed. "Half-decaf coffee" is a blend of regular and decaffeinated coffee, typically mixed in a 50/50 ratio.
Decaf coffee does not mean the beans are organic, pesticides-free, or mycotoxin-free. Organic coffee grows in a sustainable agro-ecosystem without synthetic chemicals and requires certification. If decaffeinated with synthetic solvents, it is not organic decaf coffee. To be "organic decaf," coffee must meet USDA organic standards and avoid harsh solvents like methylene chloride during decaffeination.
When Was Decaf Coffee Invented?
The first commercially available decaf coffee was invented in 1903 by Ludwig Roselius, a German coffee merchant and founder of the company Kaffee HAG. Roselius experimented with green coffee beans soaked in brine during a storm at sea. He discovered benzene could bond with caffeine, which could then be boiled away. This process was patented in 1906. Roselius’s company, Kaffee HAG, promoted the process and introduced it into the United States. After World War I, Roselius resumed overseas business in 1923 with the trademark Sanka. General Foods Corporation began distributing Sanka in 1928.
How was Decaffeinated Coffee Made Historically?
Historically, decaffeinated coffee was made using solvents like benzene, chloroform, or ethyl acetate to extract caffeine from green coffee beans. Early 20th-century methods soaked the beans in water or steam, then applied these solvents. Other early methods emerged using solvents like trichloroethylene and ether. However, as medical knowledge grew, health concerns about the safety of these chemicals led to their decline.
Early health concerns centered on how these industrial chemicals could cause cancer or organ damage. For example, a 1978 study by S.G. Winslow and H.B. Gerstner published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology showed that chloroform could hurt the liver and kidneys. A 1991 study in the British Journal of Industrial Medicine found that benzene could damage a person's cells and DNA. Because of these findings, many of the original chemicals were banned or replaced due to their specific dangers:
- Benzene: The first solvent used in the commercial “Roselius Process” to extract caffeine from steamed coffee beans.
- Chloroform: A volatile solvent used in early decaffeination extraction tanks due to its ability to bond with caffeine molecules.
- Carbon Tetrachloride: A heavy solvent circulated through batches of raw coffee beans to remove caffeine in early industrial processes.
- Trichloroethylene: An industrial chemical used for decades to strip caffeine before it was later identified as a carcinogen.
- Ether: A highly flammable liquid used in some of the earliest experimental decaffeination trials.
How is Caffeine Removed from Decaf Coffee?
Caffeine is removed from decaf coffee using methods like the Swiss Water Process or solvent-based techniques. The main ways to remove caffeine from coffee beans are by using chemical solvents like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate, water-based extraction, and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction.
The methylene chloride decaf is a solvent-based process where caffeine is removed from green coffee beans using methylene chloride. The ethyl acetate decaf uses ethyl acetate (EA), a naturally occurring solvent, to extract caffeine from green coffee beans. The Swiss Water Process is a decaffeination method that uses only water to remove caffeine from coffee beans. Carbon dioxide decaf refers to a decaffeination process that uses liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide to extract caffeine from coffee beans.
What is the Percentage of Caffeine in Decaf Coffee?
Decaf coffee contains approximately 0.1% to 3% of the original caffeine content. The decaffeination process removes 97% to 99% of caffeine, but trace amounts remain. An 8-ounce cup of decaf coffee averages 2-5 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, while regular coffee averages 95 mg, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It takes about 19 to 48 cups of decaf coffee to match the caffeine in one regular cup of coffee. Residual caffeine in decaf coffee depends on brewing methods, decaffeination processes, and coffee bean types used by the brands.
What is the Point of Decaf Coffee?
The main point of drinking decaf coffee is to enjoy the taste, warmth, and health benefits of coffee without the stimulant effects of caffeine. Decaf allows people with caffeine sensitivity, sleep issues, or certain health conditions to enjoy coffee throughout the day without side effects like jitters, heartburn, or insomnia. Decaf helps reduce anxiety, provides an alternative for nursing mothers, and is safer for people with conditions like high blood pressure or GERD, while still offering antioxidants. The nine main reasons why people drink decaf coffee are listed below.
- Caffeine Sensitivity
- Migraine
- Pregnancy
- High Blood Pressure
- Acid Reflux
- Insomnia
- Medication Interactions
- Anxiety
- Antioxidants
1. Caffeine Sensitivity
Caffeine sensitivity is the heightened reaction some people have to caffeine due to slower metabolism, often caused by genetic factors like variations in the CYP1A2 gene. Symptoms include anxiety, jitters, rapid heart rate, insomnia, and headaches, even at low doses. People choose decaf coffee to avoid caffeine reactions. According to British Heart Foundation dietitian Tracy Parker, decaf is a good choice for those with caffeine sensitivity because it contains about 97% less caffeine than regular coffee while retaining health-promoting antioxidants.
2. Migraine
Migraine is a neurological disorder affecting over 10% of people and is linked to intense, recurring headaches. People with migraines often switch to decaf coffee to avoid caffeine withdrawal symptoms. According to a 2020 clinical trial by Karl B. Alstadhaug titled "Sudden Caffeine Withdrawal Triggers Migraine," decaf may benefit people with migraine by helping avoid abrupt caffeine withdrawal, which was shown to trigger severe migraine attacks in 7 out of 9 participants. Gradual reduction via decaf could reduce dependency and lower migraine risk.
3. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is the period when a fetus develops inside a woman's uterus, typically lasting about 40 weeks from conception to birth. One reason pregnant women drink decaf coffee is to avoid the potential adverse effects of caffeine during pregnancy. According to a 1999 study published in Epidemiology by Eskenazi et al., drinking decaf during pregnancy helps to reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends limiting caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day during pregnancy, which is about one 12-ounce cup of coffee.
4. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as having a systolic reading of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic reading of 80 mmHg or higher. People with high blood pressure choose decaf coffee to avoid caffeine’s stimulating effects. A 2022 study by Maram K. Alhabeeb in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences found no significant blood pressure differences after drinking decaf, suggesting it may be safer for hypertensive individuals than regular coffee with caffeine.
5. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. People with GERD drink decaf coffee because it is less likely to trigger acid reflux. Decaffeination reduces caffeine, which can relax the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and allow acid to rise. Decaf also tends to be lower in acidity, making it gentler on sensitive stomachs. A 1997 study by Christian Pehl from the Department of Gastroenterology at Hospital Bogenhausen showed that decaf coffee largely reduced esophageal acid exposure compared with regular coffee.
6. Insomnia
Insomnia refers to a sleep disorder where a person has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and not being able to fall back asleep. The purpose of drinking decaf coffee if you have insomnia is to enjoy the taste and ritual of coffee without consuming caffeine, which can worsen sleep problems. Decaf contains only trace amounts of caffeine, making it a safer choice for people sensitive to stimulants late in the day.
7. Medication Interactions
Medication interactions refer to how one substance, such as a drug, food, caffeine, or supplement, changes the effect of another drug in the body. People who take certain drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants, and heart medications drink decaf coffee to avoid caffeine interactions. Caffeine can interact with 113 drugs like Levothyroxine, Clomipramine, Alendronate, and more by affecting absorption or increasing side effects, according to American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (AHFS). Switching to decaf helps reduce risk while maintaining a coffee habit.
8. Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural emotional response to stress or perceived danger that triggers feelings of worry, fear, or unease. People with anxiety drink decaf coffee to avoid the arousing effects of caffeine, which can increase tension and worsen anxiety symptoms. A 2008 study by Ana Adan published in Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry found that decaf coffee can produce mild early activation effects without triggering the stronger stimulant response seen with caffeine, especially in women.
9. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances found in foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains that protect cells by neutralizing free radicals. Drinking decaf coffee provides antioxidants without the stimulating effects of caffeine. Decaf retains most of the beneficial polyphenols found in regular coffee, such as chlorogenic acid, which help reduce oxidative stress, support heart health, and lower inflammation while avoiding caffeine-related side effects like insomnia or jitters.
How to Brew Decaf Coffee?
To brew decaf coffee in a French press, start by following these six steps below.
- Grind decaf coffee beans to a coarse consistency.
- Heat water to 195-205°F (90-96°C).
- Add coffee grounds to the French press (1:15 coffee-to-water ratio).
- Pour hot water evenly over the grounds.
- Stir gently and steep for 4 minutes.
- Press the plunger slowly and serve immediately.
What Does Decaf Coffee Taste Like?
Decaf coffee retains a flavor similar to regular coffee but may taste slightly milder depending on the decaffeination method and bean quality. The absence of most caffeine reduces brightness, acidity, and roasted notes, leading to a less robust coffee experience. A 2006 study by Adriana Farah at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine confirmed that decaf coffee tastes smoother, less acidic, and less bitter than regular coffee due to a 3-9% reduction in chlorogenic acid (CGA) and a 5.5-18% increase in chlorogenic acid lactone (CGL) during decaffeination.
When Should You Drink Decaf Coffee?
Drink decaf coffee in the afternoon or evening to relax without ruining your sleep. Decaf has very little caffeine, so it is also good for a gentle start in the morning. However, stop drinking it 2–3 hours before bed if you are sensitive to caffeine. Since decaf still has a small amount of caffeine, it can still wake up people who process caffeine slowly. Most experts suggest stopping by 6 PM, but you should monitor your own body to see what works best for you.
What is the Best Decaf Coffee to Drink?
The best decaf coffee to drink is coffee that is freshly roasted to order, made from specialty-grade Arabica beans, affordable, and processed with the Swiss Water® Method to remove caffeine. When looking for the best tasting decaf coffee, choose one that matches your preferred brewing such as espresso, cold brew, french press, drip, or AeroPress. People choose decaf coffee beans based on coffee makers, budgets, packaging, and health concerns, so no brand is best for everyone.
What is the Best Place to Buy Decaf Coffee Beans?
Colipse Coffee is the best place to buy decaf coffee beans online made using the Swiss Water® Process for clean, chemical-free flavor. At Colipse Coffee, our decaf selection includes medium and dark roast options in whole bean or ground, ideal for espresso, cold brew, or drip, available in sizes up to 5 lb with free U.S. shipping. Colipse Coffee decaf beans start at $21.95 for a 12 oz bag, with prices varying by blend and size.
How Much Decaf Coffee Can You Drink?
Most healthy adults can safely drink 3–6 cups of decaf coffee daily, as it retains antioxidants with minimal caffeine (2–15 mg per cup). However, sensitive individuals should limit intake to 2–3 cups to avoid side effects like jitters or sleep disruption. Excessive consumption may also impact cholesterol levels.
Can you drink too much decaf coffee? Yes, you can. Although decaf has less caffeine, excessive intake, over 6 cups daily, can still cause side effects like sleep disturbances, heartburn, anxiety, and increased LDL cholesterol. Moderation (2–4 cups) and awareness of your body’s response is key.
Is Decaf Coffee Good for You?
Yes, decaf coffee is good for most healthy adults. It provides antioxidants, supports heart and brain health, and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes without the side effects of caffeine. The benefits of decaf coffee include cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved insulin sensitivity. It also helps manage hunger and is ideal for those who are pregnant, sensitive to caffeine, or managing sleep and anxiety, though trace caffeine remains in each cup.
Does Decaf Coffee Have Calories?
Yes, decaf coffee has minimal calories, typically 0 to 5 kcal per 8 oz cup. These calories come from trace amounts of protein and carbohydrates naturally found in coffee beans. The calorie count in coffee stays low unless additives like sugar, milk, or syrups are included.
How Does Decaf Coffee Compare to Other Beverages?
The primary difference between decaf coffee and other beverages is caffeine content. Decaf coffee contains 2–5 mg of caffeine per 8 oz, while matcha has 70 mg, regular coffee 95 mg, espresso 64 mg per shot, black tea 47 mg, and green tea 28 mg. Decaf tea contains even less, around 1–5 mg.
What is the Difference between Decaf Coffee and Tea?
The main difference between decaf coffee and tea is caffeine and antioxidant content. Decaf coffee has minimal caffeine but retains antioxidants like chlorogenic acid. Tea, especially green or black, contains more polyphenols and often less acidity. Tea may be gentler on digestion, while decaf coffee can still support alertness.
What is the Difference between Decaf and Half Caff Coffee?
Decaf and half caff coffee differ in caffeine. Decaf has 2-5 mg per cup, while half caff coffee has 50-60 mg, roughly half of regular coffee. Half caff coffee offers a moderate boost, decaf is nearly caffeine-free.
What is the Difference between Decaf Coffee and Matcha?
The main difference between decaf coffee and matcha is that decaf coffee uses chemical or water-based methods to remove caffeine from coffee beans, while matcha involves stone-grinding shade-grown green tea leaves into powder without caffeine removal. Decaf modifies the bean; matcha preserves the leaf’s natural form.
What is the Opposite of Decaf Coffee?
The opposite of decaf coffee is regular coffee, which contains caffeine. While decaf has most of its caffeine removed, regular coffee retains its natural caffeine content, typically ranging from 70 to 140 mg per 8-ounce cup depending on the bean and brewing method.
Is Decaf Coffee More Expensive?
Yes, decaf coffee is often more expensive than regular coffee due to the additional processing required to remove caffeine. Methods like Swiss Water® Process or CO2 extraction add costs. Additionally, decaf beans are typically sourced separately, increasing production expenses. These factors contribute to the higher price of decaf coffee.
What Are the Facts About Decaf Coffee?
The four facts about decaf coffee are listed below.
- Market Growth: The decaf coffee market is projected to reach $21.45 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 6.9%. Growth is driven by increased awareness of caffeine’s negative effects and rising demand for organic products.
- Methylene Chloride Ban Proposals: The FDA and California are considering banning methylene chloride, a solvent used in some decaffeination processes, due to health concerns. The National Coffee Association opposes these bans, emphasizing the safety of decaf coffee.
- Alternative Decaffeination Methods: Companies are adopting the sugarcane ethyl acetate method for decaffeination, providing a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical solvents.
- Awards and Recognition: A decaf coffee, Los Nogales Typica, won the 2024 US Brewers Cup, highlighting its growing quality in competitive brewing.