How Much Caffeine is in Decaf Coffee?

An 8 oz (237 ml) cup of decaf coffee contains about 2 to 5 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, compared to 95 mg in regular coffee, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A 1-ounce shot of decaf espresso typically contains between 3 and 15 mg of caffeine, depending on the bean type, decaffeination method, and brewing process. Decaf coffee still contains caffeine because no method fully eliminates it. Common decaffeination techniques—such as the Swiss Water Process, supercritical CO₂, ethyl acetate, and methylene chloride—typically reduce caffeine by 97–99.9%, but trace amounts (2–5 mg per cup) remain. Decaf coffee brands with the least caffeine use the Swiss Water® Process, which removes 99.9% of caffeine. The low caffeine in decaf coffee affects taste because decaffeination removes flavor compounds and produces a flatter profile.

Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine?

Yes, decaf coffee does have caffeine, though in much smaller amounts than regular coffee. An 8 oz (237 ml) cup of decaf coffee contains about 2 to 5 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, compared to 95 mg in regular coffee, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While not caffeine-free, decaf coffee contains much less caffeine and is suitable for people sensitive to it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states decaf coffee can contain up to 15 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. Starbucks decaf ranges from 15 to 25 mg depending on size. Some studies report even wider caffeine ranges in decaf coffee.

The average caffeine content in a 16-ounce cup of decaf coffee was 9.70 mg, based on a 2016 study from University of Florida in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology. The study titled "Caffeine Content of Decaffeinated Coffee" examined caffeine levels in decaffeinated coffee drinks from various supermarkets and coffee shops in Maryland, including Starbucks, McDonald's, and Dunkin. Among 22 samples, Folgers instant decaf had no detectable caffeine, and only two others had less than 10 mg. Decaf from Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, and McCafe exceeded 10 mg per 16-ounce serving.

Caffeine in decaf coffee was found to be 12.0 to 13.4 mg in six grande brewed Starbucks samples, according to University of Florida researchers. This aligns with Starbucks’ website, which lists 15 mg in an 8-ounce cup of Decaf Pike Place Roast.

This table presents the caffeine content of various coffee types and brands from different stores, measured in milligrams per 16 ounces.

The caffeine content in decaf coffee can occasionally match espresso levels, according to a 2005 ABC News investigation that found some Starbucks decaf servings contained as much as 87.33 mg and 95.39 mg of caffeine in single cups, while a McDonald’s decaf cup contained 59.5 mg. While Starbucks and McDonald’s attributed the results to human error, the findings highlight that caffeine levels in decaf coffee can vary and should be monitored.

How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Espresso?

A 1-ounce shot of decaf espresso typically contains between 3 and 15 mg of caffeine, depending on the bean type, decaffeination method, and brewing process. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central, the amount of caffeine in decaf espresso can be as low as 0.3 mg, typically ranging between 0.3 and 7 mg per shot. However, a 2006 study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology found much higher levels. The research analyzed decaf espresso from a Starbucks in Gainesville, where six samples collected over two days averaged 7.02 mg of caffeine per serving, with a range of 3.0 to 15.8 mg.

How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Latte?

The caffeine content in decaf lattes depends on brand, preparation, and drink size. Most 12-ounce decaf lattes contain 2 to 10 mg of caffeine. A decaf latte is a coffee drink made with decaffeinated espresso and steamed milk. Even though it is called “decaf,” it still has a little bit of caffeine. A tall Starbucks decaf latte has about 15 mg, while Dunkin’s 16-ounce version has around 7 mg. Espresso-based decaf lattes may contain up to 15 mg per shot.

How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Americano?

A decaf Americano typically contains 2 to 15 mg of caffeine, depending on bean type, decaffeination method, brewing process, number of espresso shots, and brand. A decaf Americano is a coffee drink made by diluting decaffeinated espresso with hot water, and it still contains small amounts of caffeine. Starbucks decaf Americano contains 12 to 15 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce serving, with variation by store and preparation. Dunkin’ decaf Americano typically contains under 18 mg per 16 ounces.

How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Coffee Pods?

The caffeine content in decaf coffee pods and K-Cups ranges from 2 to 7 mg per 8 oz serving. A decaf coffee pod is a single-serve container filled with decaffeinated ground coffee designed for use in pod-based brewers like Keurig or Nespresso machines. Donut Shop and McCafe decaf K-Cups typically contain about 4 mg. Nespresso decaf pods and espresso capsules contain 2 to 4 mg of caffeine per pod. In contrast, regular coffee K-Cups contain 80 to 100 mg.

The following table compares the caffeine content in various types of decaf coffee pods and brewed coffee, including serving size and key notes.

How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Instant Coffee?

Decaf instant coffee contains 1 to 5 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. Decaf instant coffee is a powdered or granulated coffee product made from beans that have had most of their caffeine removed, depending on the brand. Nescafé Taster’s Choice Decaf is labeled 99.7% caffeine free, meaning its caffeine content is minimal. Folgers decaf contains about 0.04 mg per ounce, or roughly 1 mg per 8-ounce cup. Hills Bros Instant Decaf also ranges from 3 to 5 mg. Starbucks Premium Instant Decaf contains 3 to 7 mg per 8-ounce serving, varying by batch and preparation.

How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Cold Brew?

Decaf cold brew coffee contains 3 to 15 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving, according to National Coffee Association. This range is higher than other decaf methods because cold brew’s long steeping time extracts slightly more caffeine. Decaf cold brew is cold brew coffee made from decaffeinated beans, which means it contains very little caffeine. Stok decaf cold brew and Wandering Bear decaf contains minimal caffeine within the 3–15 mg range, though exact values aren’t disclosed. Bizzy’s decaf cold brew claims 0 mg per serving.

Why Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine?

Decaf coffee has caffeine because no decaffeination process removes all of it. Methods like water processing or solvent extraction reduce caffeine by about 97%, but small amounts, typically 2 to 5 mg per cup, remain in the beans after treatment. The amount of residual caffeine in decaf coffee can vary depending on the type of coffee species, cultivation methods, bean production process, and decaffeination method. Methylene Chloride removes caffeine over several hours, leaving about 1–3% behind. Ethyl Acetate achieves very low caffeine levels, with approximately 0.1–0.3% remaining. Supercritical CO2 recirculates CO2 for 6–12 hours, reducing caffeine to under 0.1%. Swiss Water Process uses continuous filtration for 8–10 hours, reducing caffeine to about 0.1%.

The amount of caffeine in decaf coffee depends on regional regulations, as standards for decaffeination vary by country. In the United States, the FDA requires that at least 97% of caffeine be removed for coffee to be labeled as "decaffeinated." It also regulates the use of methylene chloride in the decaffeination process and advises limiting daily caffeine intake to 400 mg. The USDA sets a maximum caffeine content of 0.10% by weight for decaffeinated coffee beans and instant coffee, according to federal standards.

In Canada, the caffeine content in decaf coffee is regulated by Health Canada, the federal department responsible for public health. It states that decaffeinated roast and ground coffee cannot contain more than 0.1% residual caffeine, and decaffeinated instant coffee cannot exceed 0.3%. The European Union has similar strict limits of 0.1% residual caffeine for unroasted green beans and 0.3% for roasted instant coffee, according to 2002 Guidelines of the European Commission.

Which Decaf Coffee Brands Has the Least Caffeine?

Decaf coffee brands with the least caffeine are those that use Swiss Water® Process, typically leaving no more than 0.1% of the original caffeine content. The Swiss Water® Process is certified to remove 99.9% of caffeine, leaving no more than 0.1% of the original amount. It is chemical-free, eco-friendly, and backed by a Certificate of Analysis for every batch. The following list shows 9 swiss water decaf coffee brands has the least caffeine.

1. Colipse Decaf Espresso
2. Allegro Decaf Coffee
3. Tim Hortons Decaf Ground Coffee
4. Jim’s Organic Coffee Sweet Nothings Decaf
5. Verve Vancouver Decaf Craft Instant Coffee
6. Kicking Horse Decaf Coffee
7. Bulletproof Medium Roast Decaf Ground Coffee
8. San Francisco Bay Coffee Decaf French Roast OneCUP
9. Caribou Medium Roast Decaf K-Cup

Where to Buy Decaf Coffee with Least Caffeine?

You can buy decaf coffee with the least caffeine from specialty coffee roasters or health-focused brands. These sources offer Swiss Water Process decaf that is healthier and tastes cleaner and smoother than other brands. Look for certified decaf brands like Colipse online for best results. Colipse decaf espresso contains 3 to 15 mg of caffeine per 30 ml shot and uses the Swiss Water Process for decaffeination. Our decaf coffee is available in 12 oz to 5 lb bags, with options for whole bean or pre-ground in fine, medium, or coarse grinds. Prices range from $20.50 to $24.95 per bag with free U.S. shipping and discounts for subscribers.

Does Decaf Coffee Taste Different?

Yes, decaf coffee often tastes different from regular coffee. The decaffeination process can strip some flavor compounds, leading to a milder or slightly flatter taste. However, high-quality decaf made with methods like the Swiss Water Process can preserve much of the original flavor.

Does Decaf Mean Zero Caffeine?

No, decaf does not mean zero caffeine. Decaffeination removes most, but not all, of the caffeine. The meaning of decaf is often misunderstood. A typical cup of decaf coffee still contains 2 to 5 mg of caffeine, making it lower than regular coffee but not completely caffeine-free. Experts at Swiss Water® Process estimate that an average cup of decaf has about 10% of the caffeine found in regular coffee, roughly the same amount as an ounce of dark chocolate, and less than half the caffeine in a can of Coke or a cup of black tea.

How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Tea?

Decaf tea typically contains 2 to 5 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. This is less than decaf coffee. Decaf tea is made from true tea leaves like black or green tea and has most caffeine removed through decaffeination. While the decaffeination process removes most caffeine, it does not eliminate it entirely. A 2008 study from the University of Florida College of Medicine, published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, found that decaffeinated teas contained less than 12 mg of caffeine per 6-ounce serving, with an average of 5.1 mg. This table, from a 2008 study titled Caffeine Content of Brewed Teas, compares caffeine in decaf coffee and tea brands, showing decaf coffee generally has more caffeine.

The amount of caffeine in decaf tea is influenced by both the steeping time and the type of tea, with longer steeping times resulting in higher caffeine content.