Decaf Coffee: Definition, Caffeine, and Pros and Cons

Decaf coffee is made from regular beans that have had most of their caffeine removed. It's not completely caffeine-free, though. Decaf coffee is made using a decaffeination process that begins with green coffee beans before roasting. The four main methods for decaffeinating coffee are the Swiss Water® Process, Methylene Chloride, Ethyl Acetate, and Carbon Dioxide. A cup of decaf coffee has 2-5mg of caffeine, while a decaf espresso shot has 0.3mg, with residual caffeine levels varying. Decaf coffee has a milder, smoother, and less acidic flavor than regular coffee. To find the best decaf coffee, look for is specialty coffee brands like Colipse. Look for chemical-free beans that score well in cupping protocols, preserve natural qualities, and avoid off-flavors from the decaffeination process.

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 green, unroasted coffee beans via solvents, water, or carbon dioxide. Decaffeinated coffee contains small amounts of caffeine. The decaffeination process removes about 97% or more, but traces remain.

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. 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 Does Decaf Coffee Means?

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 is not guaranteed to be 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 around 1900 by Ludwig Roselius, a German coffee merchant and founder of the company Kaffee HAG. In 1903, 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 1905. 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.

Following Roselius's initial benzene process patented in 1905, other decaf coffee methods emerged using solvents like chloroform, ether, and others. Concerns about the safety of these solvents grew over time. For example, a 1978 study by S.G. Winslow and H.B. Gerstner, published in Drug and Chemical Toxicology, confirmed chloroform's potential to damage the liver and kidneys. Eventually, safer methods were adopted, marking a progression in decaffeination technology after the initial invention.

What are Decaf Coffee Beans?

Decaf coffee beans are, like regular coffee beans, the decaffeinated seeds of Coffea arabica or Coffea canephora plants. They undergo a decaffeination process while still in their green, unroasted state. This process usually soaks beans in water or solvents and make them swell. The subsequent soaking or steaming softens and darkens the beans, making their surface rougher and less uniform than regular green coffee beans. Decaf beans lose about 97% of their caffeine and some soluble flavor compounds, depending on the decaffeination method used. Decaf coffee beans are sold as whole beans, ground coffee, and instant coffee.

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.

How Much Caffeine is in Decaf Coffee?

Decaf coffee is not completely caffeine free. An 8-ounce cup of decaf coffee averages 2-5 mg of caffeine, while regular coffee averages 95 mg, according to the USDA. Decaf green coffee beans contain about 1 mg of caffeine per gram, compared to 10-12 mg in regular green coffee beans. 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. For example, a 1-ounce (30 ml) shot of decaf espresso coffee contains 3 to 15 mg of caffeine, while a regular espresso has 63 mg. A 2016 University of Florida study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology found varying caffeine levels in decaf coffee brands. Folgers instant decaf had no caffeine, while Krispy Kreme, Dunkin', and McCafe contained over 10 mg per 16 ounces. Six decaf espresso samples averaged 7.02 mg per serving, ranging from 3.0 to 15.8 mg.

Interestingly, a 2005 investigation by ABC News found that some decaf coffee servings from Starbucks and McDonald's contained as much caffeine as regular espresso. While both Starbucks and McDonald's suggested these results were likely due to human error, it highlights the importance of being aware that the amount of caffeine in decaf coffee can vary.

How is Decaf Coffee Made?

Decaf coffee is made using a decaffeination process that begins with green coffee beans before roasting. Decaffeination is made by specialized third-party companies, such as Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc., Descafemex, Coffein Compagnie, and Delica AG, located in countries like Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and Mexico. These companies remove caffeine from coffee beans using various methods, including solvent-based extraction (direct or indirect, using methylene chloride or ethyl acetate), the carbon dioxide (CO2) method, and water processes like the French Water Process, Mountain Water Process, or the Swiss Water® Process. Most decaf is made from Arabica coffee beans. Historically, harmful chemical solvents like benzene, chloroform, ether, and acetone were used, but these have been largely replaced by safer and more effective techniques.

What are the Methods to Make Decaf Coffee?

There are four different methods used to make decaf coffee: two solvent-based methods, which use chemical solvents to remove caffeine, and two non-solvent-based methods, which use water or carbon dioxide to extract caffeine naturally. The four most common decaf processing methods are listed below.

1. Swiss Water® Process
2. Methylene Chloride
3. Ethyl Acetate
4. Carbon Dioxide

1. Swiss Water® Process Decaf Coffee

Swiss Water® decaf coffee refers to green coffee beans that have undergone a proprietary decaffeination process developed by Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc. Swiss Water® Process removes 99.9% of caffeine without solvents, additives, or chemicals. The Swiss Water® method decaffeinates green coffee beans naturally by soaking them in hot purified water to dissolve caffeine, sugars, and flavor compounds. The resulting green coffee extract, rich in caffeine and flavor, is filtered through activated carbon to remove caffeine. The chemistry behind Swiss Water® decaf coffee allows caffeine removal without methylene chloride.

Swiss Water® decaf coffee costs more due to its time-consuming and expensive decaffeination process, leading to higher prices for consumers. Swiss Water® decaffeinated coffee is available through licensed distributors and retailers authorized by Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc., requiring licensees to purchase directly from Swiss Water or authorized distributors. For example, Colipse use the Swiss Water® Process method in its Decaf Espresso beans, Half Caff coffee beans, and Decaf Cold Brew coffee beans.

2. Methylene Chloride Decaf Coffee

Methylene chloride decaf coffee, or European Method decaf, uses methylene chloride chemical to extract caffeine from green coffee beans. Methylene chloride (dichloromethane) is a volatile, non-flammable, and colorless liquid used since the 1970s to decaffeinate coffee beans. The FDA-approved methylene chloride decaf process requires green coffee beans to be soaked in hot water, then washed with methylene chloride at levels not exceeding 10 ppm (0.001%). Methylene chloride decaf is popular for its efficiency but may leave trace caffeine and health risks. Although the NCA claims all decaf methods are safe, activist groups are pushing for a ban, citing potential chemical risks in certain brands.

3. Ethyl Acetate Decaf Coffee

Ethyl acetate decaf coffee removes caffeine using ethyl acetate, a natural compound found in fruits. The ethyl acetate is a natural, clear, colorless, and flammable ester with a fruity odor and taste. This decaf process effectively removes 97% of caffeine from unroasted coffee beans without significantly altering their flavor, aroma, or chlorogenic acid content. A 2009 study at the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute and Bogor Agricultural University found the ethyl acetate decaf method can remove almost all caffeine (0.3% remaining) under ideal conditions. The ideal brewing method to make Ethyl Acetate decaf coffee depends on your personal preference. You can use automatic drip makers, pour-over, French press, or even espresso machines. Ethyl Acetate decaf coffee costs about the same as other specialty decaf coffees.

4. Carbon Dioxide Decaf Coffee

Carbon dioxide decaf coffee, or CO2 decaf, is a deccafeination method that removes caffeine using pressurized liquid CO2. The CO2 decaf coffee is made by treating unroasted coffee beans with supercritical carbon dioxide to efficiently reduce caffeine while preserving valuable coffee compounds like trigonelline and chlorogenic acid. Decaffeination occurs by recirculating supercritical CO2 until less than 0.08% caffeine remains in beans.

Carbon dioxide decaf coffee is safe and FDA-approved. Researchers from the Central Food Technological Research Institute confirm that carbon dioxide has no known harmful effects as a decaf coffee solvent. The CO2 decaffeination process is usually more expensive than the Swiss Water® Process. Decaf coffee produced using Carbon dioxide extraction is considered environmentally friendly due to the reduced need for harmful organic solvents. The best CO2 decaf coffee is freshly roasted single-origin coffee from a reputable roaster that specializes in decaffeination.

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.

The specific taste differences can vary depending on the method used to decaffeinate the coffee. Swiss Water® Process might remove some of the oils and solids contributing to the coffee's richness and sweetness, resulting in a blander taste. Methylene chloride, or the European decaf method, might give the coffee a slightly weaker or "cooked" flavor. The supercritical CO2 method can sometimes produce a coffee that tastes flat or less nuanced.

Is Decaf Coffee Acidic?

Yes, decaffeinated coffee is acidic but has lower acidity than regular coffee. Regular coffee has a pH of 4.85 to 5.1, while decaf ranges from 5.14 to 5.80, making it less acidic. This can benefit individuals with acid reflux or heartburn. However, both types can still stimulate gastric acid secretion, affecting tolerance.

Is Decaf Coffee Bitter?

No, decaffeinated coffee has a milder, less bitter taste because the decaffeination process removes some bitterness-causing compounds. Some consumers find decaf lacks the robustness of regular coffee. Improved decaffeination techniques enhance flavor retention, creating high-quality decaf options that closely resemble caffeinated coffee.

What are the Health Effects of Decaf Coffee?

Decaf coffee has several health effects, both positive and negative, offering benefits such as potentially reduced risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, improved glucose metabolism, and decreased hunger. However, it may also have downsides, including a potential for slight cortisol and acute blood pressure increases in non-habitual drinkers, triggering acid reflux, inhibiting nonheme iron absorption, and staining teeth similarly to regular coffee.

What are the Health Benefits of Decaf Coffee?

Decaf coffee offers numerous health benefits, including cardiovascular protection, potential blood pressure reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, support for brain health, improved insulin sensitivity, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, possible slight weight gain reduction, and decreased hunger with increased satiety. The studies supporting these benefits are listed below.

• Decaf coffee is associated with cardiovascular benefits. A 2022 observational study of nearly 450,000 people, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, found that those who drank 2–3 cups daily had lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality than non-drinkers. All coffee types, including decaf, were linked to reduced cardiovascular risk. Notably, decaf provided heart benefits comparable to caffeinated coffee for overall cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, while caffeinated coffee reduced arrhythmia risk, decaf showed no significant effect on arrhythmia.
• Decaf coffee may slightly reduce blood pressure. A 2024 study by Fernanda Barboza de Araujo Lima de Castro and her team found no significant blood pressure differences in 16 hypertensive adults after drinking decaf coffee compared to water. Similarly, a 2022 study by Maram K. Alhabeeb in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences found no significant difference in blood pressure after drinking decaf or caffeinated coffee among 40 participants. This suggests decaf may slightly reduce blood pressure without caffeine's stimulating effects.
• Decaf coffee provides anti-inflammatory benefits due to its rich composition of phenolics, chlorogenic acids, cafestol, and kahweol. Phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acids in decaf coffee, act as antioxidants that may reduce inflammation, according to a 2021 review by Raffaella Colombo and Adele Papetti in Antioxidants. A 2022 study by Danijela Šeremet in Molecules confirmed that decaf coffee retains significant antioxidants, primarily from caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs).
• Decaf coffee may support brain health by reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. Decaffeinated filter coffee contains polyphenols, including phenylindanes, which showed neuroprotective effects in cell models of Parkinson’s disease. A 2020 in vitro study in Nutrients by Raffaella Colombo and Adele Papetti found that these compounds may help protect brain cells from Parkinson’s-like damage in laboratory settings. Additionally, A 2013 Behavioural Brain Research study found that decaffeinated coffee may inhibit memory impairment in rodents.
• Decaf coffee positively affects insulin sensitivity. A 2018 study by Caio E G Reis from the University of Brasilia found that decaf coffee acutely improves insulin sensitivity in men without affecting fasting glucose levels. The study, published in the Journal of Nutritional Science, involved 17 healthy men and showed that a single serving of decaf coffee increased insulin sensitivity compared to water, while regular coffee with added sugar had no significant effect.
• Decaf coffee may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. A 2004 meta-analysis in Annals of Internal Medicine found that each daily cup of coffee, including decaf, lowered the relative risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 6–9%. A 2023 Medical Journal of Malaysia study showed decaf green coffee extract reduced fasting blood glucose from 144.7 mg/dL to 92.23 mg/dL in patients already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within three weeks.
• Decaffeinated coffee may be associated with slightly reduced weight gain. Increasing unsweetened decaf coffee intake by one cup per day may slightly reduce long-term weight gain. A 2023 observational study from Harvard by by Matthias Henn and colleagues publihsed in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found an average reduction of 0.12 kg over four years.
• Decaf coffee acutely decreases hunger and increases satiety. A 2012 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that one serving of caffeine-free coffee significantly lowered hunger ratings and increased plasma peptide YY (PYY) levels compared to water. PYY signals fullness and reduces appetite, with decaf coffee increasing its levels for 90 minutes and reducing hunger for 180 minutes.

What are the Reasons People Drink Decaf Coffee?

The four main reasons why people drink decaf coffee are listed below.

• People may choose decaf coffee if they take medications that interact with caffeine. Caffeine amplifies stimulant effects like Adderall and Ritalin, increasing nervousness and blood pressure. Some antidepressants, such as fluvoxamine, raise caffeine levels, intensifying side effects. Caffeine also elevates levels of antipsychotics like clozapine and olanzapine, increasing risks.
• People drink decaf coffee as an alternative when they are sensitive to caffeine or experience negative effects such as insomnia, anxiety, jitters, or digestive issues from regular coffee. Drinking decaf coffee at night offers benefits such as promoting relaxation, providing a comforting ritual, and delivering antioxidants without disrupting sleep.
• People drink decaf coffee during pregnancy and breastfeeding to reduce caffeine intake, which helps minimize potential health risks for the baby. High caffeine intake during pregnancy may cause reduced birth weight, increased miscarriage risk, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and disrupted fetal stress hormones. Decaf coffee provides a safer alternative while still allowing individuals to enjoy the taste of coffee.
• People drink decaf coffee to reduce caffeine withdrawal symptoms. A 2019 study by Sane et al. at MGM Medical College found that decaffeinated coffee improved reaction time and mood in 70 healthy adults experiencing caffeine withdrawal. Published in the Journal of Caffeine and Adenosine Research, the study suggested that decaffeinated coffee could act as a "functional placebo" for regular coffee.

Is Decaf Coffee Safe?

The safety of decaf coffee is a topic of ongoing discussion. Rising concerns over the chemical methylene chloride, which has been linked to cancer, have driven consumer interest about the safety of decaf coffee. This has prompted the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to petition the FDA for a ban on decaf coffee made with methylene chloride, while the Clean Label Project (CLP) reports finding traces of the chemical in some decaf brands.

As a result, more consumers are choosing safer options like the Swiss Water® Process. The National Coffee Association (NCA) asserts that decaf coffee is safe, particularly highlighting the methylene chloride decaffeination method (also known as the European Method). They explain that the high temperatures involved in processing the beans evaporate most, if not all, of the chemical solvent.

What are the Side Effects of Decaf Coffee?

Decaf coffee can cause several negative effects, including reduced iron absorption, increased blood pressure in non-regular coffee drinkers, slightly elevated cortisol levels, acid reflux, stimulated colonic activity, and teeth staining. Studies supporting these claims are listed below.

• Decaffeinated and regular coffee inhibit nonheme iron absorption due to polyphenols, especially chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acids, not caffeine, inhibit iron absorption. A 1983 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found coffee reduces nonheme iron absorption by 60–90%. Observational studies, like the Framingham Heart Study, show minor effects on iron stores, unlikely to impact those with sufficient iron intake. To minimize interference, don't drink decaf coffee with iron-rich meals; drink it between meals instead.
• Decaf coffee can raise blood pressure in people who don't regularly drink coffee. A 2002 study in Hypertension found that decaf espresso increases systolic blood pressure in non-habitual coffee drinkers, similar to regular espresso. Researchers concluded that compounds like chlorogenic acid stimulate the cardiovascular system. Regular coffee drinkers showed no blood pressure spike, suggesting tolerance development.
• Decaf coffee can slightly increase cortisol. A 2006 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that decaffeinated coffee did cause a statistically significant rise in cortisol levels, though less than regular coffee. Researchers in that study suggested that compounds other than caffeine, or trace caffeine, might cause mild stimulation, less intense than caffeinated coffee.
• Decaf coffee can still trigger acid reflux or heartburn because it stimulates gastric acid secretion. Research shows that both caffeinated and decaf coffee significantly increase stomach acid production. A 1986 study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology by Acquaviva et al. found that both regular and decaf coffee are strong stimulants of gastrin, a hormone that signals acid release. This study, titled "Effect of Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee on Serum Gastrin Levels," indicated that decaf coffee increased gastrin levels nearly as much as regular coffee, suggesting non-caffeine compounds like coffee oils and chlorogenic acids play a role in gastrin stimulation and potential acid reflux.
• Decaf coffee can mildly stimulate colonic activity, acting as a laxative within minutes. A 1990 study published in Gut found that about 29% of people reported coffee-induced bowel movements, with both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee increasing rectosigmoid motility. This effect, lasting at least 30 minutes, results from coffee’s acidic components and oils, which trigger digestive hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin. However, caffeine enhances this impact, as caffeinated coffee increases colon activity 23% more than decaf and 60% more than water.
• Decaf coffee stains teeth like regular coffee because it contains tannins and pigments, which stick to enamel and cause discoloration. The staining is due to color compounds, not caffeine, so decaf coffee has the same effect. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing, rinsing after drinking coffee, and using whitening strategies to prevent stains.

How to Brew Decaf Coffee?

To brew decaf coffee in a French press, start by following these six steps below.

1. Grind decaf coffee beans to a coarse consistency.
2. Heat water to 195-205°F (90-96°C).
3. Add coffee grounds to the French press (1:15 coffee-to-water ratio).
4. Pour hot water evenly over the grounds.
5. Stir gently and steep for 4 minutes.
6. Press the plunger slowly and serve immediately.

How to Choose the Best Decaf Coffee?

To choose the best decaf coffee, follow these five steps below.

1. Check Bean Quality: Start with high-quality, specialty-grade decaf coffee beans, as many big coffee companies reserve lower-quality beans for decaf. Look for transparency in the supply chain, including country of origin, producer, altitude, processing methods, and flavor profile.
2. Understand Decaffeination Methods: Choose the Swiss Water® process or CO2 methods for health and sustainability. The Swiss Water® Process and Mountain Water Process use water to remove caffeine. These methods are gentler, healthier, and chemical-free.
3. Choose Your Brewing Method: Choose dark roast decaf beans for espresso to ensure a rich, full-bodied flavor. Use medium to dark roasts with chocolate, nut, or caramel notes for cold brew. Opt for medium to dark roasts for French press to enhance body. Select light to medium roasts for pour-over to highlight acidity and delicate aromas.
4. Ensure Freshness: Buy freshly roasted decaf coffee beans within two weeks of roasting. Allow beans to degas to release CO2 for better extraction and flavor. Dark roasts need 2–4 days, medium roasts 3–7 days, and light roasts up to 14 days for optimal taste.
5. Grind and Store Properly: Grind decaf coffee beans just before brewing and avoid prolonged heat exposure. Store whole and ground beans in an airtight, opaque container to block light and air. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from heat or moisture. Avoid refrigerating grounds to prevent condensation and maintain freshness.

What is the Top Rated Decaf Coffee?

The best decaf coffee is processed using methods that prioritize your health and the environment, such as chemical-free, water-based processes. The top rated decaf coffee scores well in standardized cupping protocols, demonstrating complexity, balance, and minimal defects. The decaffeination process should preserve the coffee's natural qualities, resulting in a clean and aromatic cup with balanced acidity and a pleasant body. It shouldn't have any off-flavors from the decaffeination process.

Look for specialty coffee brands, like Colipse, that use the Swiss Water® Process for their beans. Colipse offers freshly roasted decaf coffee beans and grounds for espresso, French press, and cold brew. Each 12-ounce bag is roasted to order, vacuum-sealed, and shipped at peak freshness to preserve aroma and flavor.

What Are the Best Swiss Water® Processed Decaf Coffee Brands?

These are some of the best Swiss Water decaf coffee brands in the United States.

• Colipse Coffee
• Allegro Coffee
• Tim Hortons
• Jim’s Organic Coffee
• Verve Vancouver Decaf Craft Instant Coffee
• Kicking Horse Decaf Coffee
• Bulletproof Coffee
• San Francisco Bay Coffee
• Caribou Coffee

Other popular coffee brands like Maxwell House, Publix, and New Englad Coffee do not use the Swiss Water® Process for their decaf coffee: instead, they rely on chemical solvents like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate. Krispy Kreme, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Green Mountain Coffee refused to say anything regarding their decaf process.

Where To Buy Freshly Roasted Decaf Coffee Beans?

You can buy freshly roasted decaf coffee beans from specialty coffee roasters, online retailers, or local coffee shops. For the freshest cup, use beans roasted within the last one to two weeks. Colipse, an online coffee store, offers roast-to-order decaf coffee beans for sale in whole bean and ground forms. Order Colipse decaf coffee beans today and enjoy free U.S. shipping – delivered within five business days.

What is the Price of Decaf Coffee Beans?

The price of freshly roasted Swiss Water® processed decaf coffee beans from Colipse starts at $22.50 per 12-ounce bag.

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 is the Difference between Decaf and Regular Coffee?

The main difference between decaf and regular coffee is caffeine content. Decaf coffee contains about 97% less caffeine than regular coffee, typically 2-5 mg per cup, while regular coffee has 70-140 mg. Decaf is processed to remove caffeine, while regular coffee retains its natural caffeine levels.

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 are the Misconceptions about Decaf Coffee?

Misconceptions about decaf coffee often underestimate its potential benefits while overstating potential risks. Some common misconceptions include the belief that decaf coffee can keep you up at night, cause dehydration, act as a diuretic, or harm kidney function.

Does Decaf Coffee Keep You Awake?

No, Decaf coffee is unlikely to keep you awake, making it suitable for those sensitive to caffeine. A 1976 study in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics by Ismet Karacan found that consuming four cups of decaf coffee did not affect sleep, unlike regular coffee or caffeine, which caused dose-related sleep disturbances.

Does Decaf Coffee Dehydrate You?

No, decaf coffee does not dehydrate you. A clinical trial published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2000 found no significant differences in hydration status from various beverages, including caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, in healthy adult males. This adds to the evidence that the common belief about decaf coffee dehydration may be a myth.

Does Decaf Coffee Cause Diuresis?

No, decaf coffee is not a diuretic. A 1990 clinical trial by Jurg Nussberger from Switzerland found that decaffeinated coffee induced no changes in diuresis (urine production) or in urinary sodium, potassium, and osmol excretion, unlike caffeinated coffee which increased these parameters.

Does Decaf Coffee Cause Kidney Stones?

No, decaf coffee does not cause kidney stones, nor is it inherently harmful to your kidneys. Instead, a 2018 study from the Medical University of Gdansk shows that consuming decaffeinated coffee in high amounts may increase adenosine formation in the kidney cortex via the ecto5′-nucleotidase pathway. This is linked to improved kidney excretion function, indicating potential benefits rather than harm.

What Are the Facts About Decaf Coffee?

The four facts about decaf coffee are listed below.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Alternative Decaffeination Methods: Companies are adopting the sugarcane ethyl acetate method for decaffeination, providing a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical solvents.
4. Awards and Recognition: A decaf coffee, Los Nogales Typica, won the 2024 US Brewers Cup, highlighting its growing quality in competitive brewing.