Decaf Espresso: Definition, Caffeine, and Brewing Guide

Decaf espresso is a coffee drink made from decaffeinated beans, a decaf version of espresso. "Decaf" means the coffee contains decaffeinated beans, not zero caffeine. Decaf espresso contains less caffeine than regular espresso. A 1-ounce (30 ml) decaf shot has 3-15 mg of caffeine, while regular espresso has 63 mg. Decaf espresso tastes milder and sometimes nuttier than regular espresso. The decaffeination process subtly changes the flavor, reducing some original nuances. To choose the best decaf espresso beans, look for those decaffeinated using the Swiss Water® Process from specialty brands, like Colipse. Buy fresh beans roasted within two weeks. Experiment with drinks like decaf lattes, cappuccinos, martinis, and cold brews.

What is Decaf Espresso?

Decaf espresso is a coffee drink made from decaffeinated coffee beans, a decaf version of regular espresso. The beans are processed to remove most caffeine while keeping the flavor. The Swiss Water® Process, Carbon Dioxide Process, and Solvent Process are the most common methods of decaffeination. A decaf espresso shot is a 1-ounce (30 ml) serving of decaffeinated espresso brewed with an espresso machine.

Decaf espresso is made by forcing hot water (88°C) at 9 bars through 7 grams of fine, decaffeinated coffee. Any espresso shot made with decaf coffee beans is decaf espresso. Roast level varies by preference, but medium and dark roasts are common. The lack of caffeine in decaf espresso reduces its stimulant effects and lowers the risk of jitters, insomnia, and increased heart rate.

Decaf espresso retains the flavor and aroma of regular espresso but may taste slightly milder due to the decaffeination process. Decaf espresso allows to create various recipes, including lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas without caffeine. It is ideal for making espresso-based desserts such as tiramisu and affogato.

What Does Decaf Espresso Mean?

Decaf espresso simply means an espresso made from decaf coffee beans. "Decaf" means coffee contains decaffeinated beans, not zero caffeine, as decaf espresso varies. For example, half decaf espresso, or 1/2 decaf espresso, means the drink is made with 50% decaffeinated coffee and 50% regular espresso. 1/3 decaf espresso means the drink contains 33% decaffeinated coffee and 67% regular espresso. 2/3 decaf espresso means the drink consists of 67% decaffeinated coffee and 33% regular espresso.

The terms "decaf espresso," "decaf espresso roast," and "decaf espresso blend" do not mean the same thing, although used interchangeably. "Decaf espresso" refers to an espresso shot made from decaffeinated coffee beans. "Decaf espresso roast" means decaffeinated coffee beans roasted specifically for espresso brewing. "Decaf espresso blend" is a mix of different decaffeinated coffee beans or grounds formulated for balanced flavor in espresso.

Decaf espresso means reduced caffeine but doesn't imply organic or pesticide-free farming, nor absence of mycotoxins or all caffeine. "Decaf" refers only to the caffeine removal process, separate from organic or pesticide-free certifications. Organic decaf espresso is coffee made from organically grown beans that have been decaffeinated using natural processes. Mycotoxin levels depend on bean quality and processing, not decaffeination.

What are Decaf Espresso Beans?

Decaf espresso beans are coffee beans that have undergone decaffeination. These beans come from Coffea arabica or Coffea canephora plants. Decaf espresso beans look nearly identical to regular espresso beans in size, shape, and appearance. The beans change color based on the roasting level, ranging from light to dark, similar to regular beans. Decaf espresso beans lose about 97% of their caffeine and some soluble flavor compounds, depending on the decaffeination method used.

Decaf espresso beans differ from other decaf coffee beans in their roast and blend. Espresso beans are roasted darker to enhance bold flavors and reduce acidity. They are also blended for rich crema and balanced extraction under pressure. Regular decaf beans may have lighter roasts and are designed for drip or other brewing methods. Decaf espresso beans are sold as whole beans, ground coffee, and instant coffee.

How Much Caffeine is in Decaf Espresso?

Decaf espresso is significantly lower in caffeine than regular espresso. A single 1-ounce (30 ml) shot of decaf espresso coffee contains 3 to 15 mg of caffeine, while a regular espresso has 63 mg, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1/3 decaf espresso has 1-5 mg, and 2/3 has 2-10 mg. A double decaf espresso shot contains 6-30 mg of caffeine, while three shots can have up to 45 mg. To match the caffeine of one regular espresso, you need 4 to 21 decaf espresso shots, depending on their caffeine content.

Decaf espresso caffeine content varies based on coffee bean type and the decaffeination process. Decaf green espresso beans have roughly 1 mg of caffeine per gram, while regular green espresso beans contain 10-12 mg. A 2006 study by Rachel R. McCusker from the University of Florida, published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, found caffeine levels in decaf espresso from a Starbucks in Gainesville, FL, ranging from 3.0 to 15.8 milligrams.

What Does Decaf Espresso Taste Like?

Decaf espresso tastes milder and sometimes nuttier than regular espresso. The decaffeination process subtly alters the flavor, occasionally reducing the coffee’s original nuances. Decaf espresso mimics regular espresso but often has a less bright taste. Its flavor depends on bean origin, roast level, and brewing but may have muted acidity and less intensity. Decaf espresso has a light to medium body, similar to regular espresso, but may feel slightly thinner. It is not inherently sweeter, though reduced bitterness can create that perception. Proper roasting and brewing prevent noticeable sourness.

Dark roast decaf espresso has intense, smoky, and bittersweet chocolate notes with a bold body and low acidity. Medium roast decaf espresso offers a balanced flavor with origin characteristics, pleasant sweetness, and a medium body. Blonde roast decaf espresso is the lightest, offering high acidity, bright flavors, delicate floral or citrus notes, and a lighter body. Decaf espresso from Arabica beans has a smoother, sweeter, and more nuanced flavor, while Robusta is bolder, more bitter, and slightly rubbery. Decaf espresso blends balance these characteristics.

Is Decaf Espresso Acidic?

Yes, decaf espresso is acidic but is less acidic than regular espresso, with a pH of approximately 5.1 to 5.4, compared to regular espresso’s pH of 4.9 to 5.2. The decaffeination process reduces acidity, making decaf a milder option for those sensitive to acid. The acidity of decaf espresso depends on coffee bean variety, roasting level, and water quality. Darker roasts reduce acidity, making them a better choice for a smoother espresso. Using low-acid decaf espresso beans further minimizes acidity for a milder taste.

Is Decaf Espresso Bitter?

Yes, decaf espresso is sometimes bitter. This is because the decaffeination process, which removes caffeine but may also strip natural sugars and oils. The bitterness depends on the coffee bean type, roasting method, and extraction process. Darker roasts and over-extraction can increase bitterness. Decaf espresso beans made with the Swiss Water® Process keep more of the coffee's original taste and are less bitter than those made with chemicals.

What are the Health Effects of Decaf Espresso?

Decaf espresso offers a blend of health effects, both good and bad. Benefits include reduced diabetes risk, appetite control, bladder and mental well-being support, and lessened acid reflux versus regular coffee. However, decaf espresso may also inhibit iron absorption, raise blood pressure in some, increase cortisol, trigger reflux/laxative effects, and stain teeth.

What are the Health Benefits of Decaf Espresso?

The health benefits of decaf espresso include reducing risk of type 2 diabetes, promoting bladder comfort, supporting mental well-being by lowering anxiety, contributing to lower blood pressure, and aiding appetite management by curbing sweet cravings. The studies supporting these benefits are listed below.

• Decaf espresso contributes to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. A comprehensive 2004 meta-analysis published in Annals of Internal Medicine established that consuming just one cup of coffee daily, including decaffeinated options, is linked to a significant 6–9% reduction in the relative risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Decaf espresso promotes bladder comfort. A 2017 study titled "Prospective study on the effects of regular and decaffeinated coffee on urinary symptoms in young and healthy volunteers" published in Neurourology and Urodynamics, showed that consuming 12mg of caffeine from decaffeinated coffee does not cause a significant change in urinary urgency and frequency in young, healthy individuals. In contrast, daily consumption of 450mg of caffeine significantly increases urinary urgency and frequency. The effect is stronger in low coffee users, while frequent users show improvement when switching to decaffeinated coffee.
• Decaf espresso supports mental well-being and reduces anxiety concerns. A 2024 meta-analysis by Chen Liu from Xuzhou Medical University found that decaf coffee does not significantly increase anxiety due to its low caffeine content. In contrast, consuming over 400 mg of caffeine daily from regular coffee raises anxiety risk. For those sensitive to caffeine or prone to anxiety, decaf espresso is a better choice.
• Decaf espresso contributes to lower blood pressure. A 1989 study published in the journal Hypertension by Marijke van Dusseldorp and colleagues at the University of Nijmegen found that consuming 5 cups of decaffeinated coffee daily led to a small but significant reduction in systolic (-1.5 mm Hg) and diastolic (-1.0 mm Hg) blood pressure over six weeks. Substituting regular espresso with decaffeinated espresso can lower blood pressure.
• Decaf espresso aids appetite management. A 2023 University of Guadalajara study found that both decaffeinated and regular coffee reduce appetite. Decaffeinated coffee enhanced fullness and significantly decreased cravings for sweet foods more than regular coffee. Incorporating decaf espresso can effectively aid appetite control, particularly in managing sweet cravings.

What are the Side Effects of Decaf Espresso?

Drinking decaf espresso coffee may cause six potential side effects listed below.

• Inhibits iron absorption: Decaf and regular espresso reduce nonheme iron absorption by 60–90% due to polyphenols like chlorogenic acid, as shown in a 1983 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; avoid drinking it with iron-rich meals to minimize interference.
• Raises blood pressure in non-habitual drinkers: A 2002 study in Hypertension found decaf espresso increases systolic blood pressure in non-regular drinkers, likely due to compounds like chlorogenic acid, while regular drinkers develop tolerance.
• Increases cortisol levels: A 2006 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found decaf coffee causes a slight but significant rise in cortisol, likely due to non-caffeine compounds or trace caffeine.
• Triggers acid reflux: Both decaf and regular coffee stimulate gastric acid secretion, as shown in a 1986 study in Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, with decaf increasing gastrin levels nearly as much as regular coffee.
• Acts as a mild laxative: A 1990 study in Gut found decaf coffee stimulates colonic activity, increasing rectosigmoid motility due to acidic components and oils, though caffeine enhances this effect.
• Stains teeth: Decaf coffee stains teeth like regular coffee due to tannins and pigments, as staining is caused by color compounds, not caffeine, per dental research.

How to Brew Decaf Espresso?

To brew decaf espresso, follow the nine steps recipe below.

1. Choose the Best Coffee Beans: Choose decaf coffee beans for espresso based on roast type, origin, and intended drink. Select dark roasts from Brazil or Peru for bold, low-acid espresso suited for milk-based drinks. Opt for lighter roasts from Ethiopia or Colombia for bright, flavorful single-origin espresso.
2. Grind Coffee Beans: Grind coffee beans fresh for the best possible flavor. A fine grind, between 200–300 microns, impacts decaf espresso extraction by controlling the surface area exposed to water. This grind size ensures optimal extraction within 20–30 seconds. Inconsistent grinds (300–1000+ microns) cause channeling, leading to uneven extraction.
3. Warm-up Espresso Machine: The best water temperature for espresso ranges from 90°C (194°F) to 96°C (204°F). Studies suggest 93°C (200°F) optimizes flavor, while the Italian National Espresso Institute recommends 88°C (190°F) to prevent overheating.
4. Dial in the Dose: Dial in decaf espresso by adjusting the coffee dose to optimize flavor extraction. Manage extraction time to achieve a precise liquid volume. Follow the "Golden Rule": use 7-9 grams for a single shot and 14-18 grams for a double, extracting within 20-30 seconds.
5. Distribute Coffee Grounds: Distribute decaf espresso grounds evenly to ensure proper extraction. Uneven distribution causes water channeling, leading to bitter or sour flavors. Automatic WDT tools, recommended by barista Zjevaun Lemar Janga, use fine needles to break up clumps for uniform distribution. Proper puck preparation enhances flavor balance and consistency.
6. Tamp Evenly: Tamp decaf espresso grounds evenly to create a uniform puck for consistent extraction. Apply 20-30 pounds of pressure for optimal results. While makeshift tampers work, a proper tool ensures precision. After tamping, prepare the group head for extraction.
7. Purge the Group Head: Purge the group head by running hot water through the brew head without the portafilter. This removes residual coffee grounds, prevents bitterness, and stabilizes temperature. A 5-second purge before inserting the portafilter ensures consistent extraction and prevents clogging.
8. Insert the Portafilter: Insert the portafilter straight from the tamping station to the brewing group to prevent damage to the coffee puck and avoid channeling. Press the brew button immediately to prevent burnt flavors and optimize extraction.
9. Pull the Shot: Pull a perfect decaf espresso shot by aiming for a 30-gram yield in 20-30 seconds. Shots under 20 seconds taste sour, while those over 30 seconds become bitter. Experts recommend 20-29 seconds based on roast and flavor preference.

What are the Best Decaf Espresso Beans?

The five best decaf espresso beans are listed below.

1. Colipse Decaf Espresso
2. Lavazza Decaf Espresso
3. Starbucks Decaf Espresso
4. Illy Decaf Espresso
5. Nescafe Decaf Espresso

1. Colipse Decaf Espresso

Colipse Decaf Espresso is a specialty-grade dark roast blend of Typica, Bourbon, and Catimor beans from Peru. It is among the best decaf espresso beans due to its rich flavor, freshness, and Swiss Water® Processing. Colipse Decaf Espresso is roasted to order, meaning beans are freshly roasted in small batches, vacuum-sealed, and shipped the same day for peak freshness and flavor. This guarantees top quality, unlike pre-roasted supermarket beans that lose flavor. Colipse Decaf Espresso offers a smooth, balanced flavor with red berry, caramel, and chocolate notes. It has a smooth body and medium to low acidity. Available online in 12-ounce bags, it includes free U.S. shipping, with discounted pricing from $21.50 USD.

2. Lavazza Decaf Espresso

Lavazza Decaf Espresso blends 100% Arabica beans from South America and Africa, offering a full-bodied, long-lasting flavor without caffeine. Lavazza uses carbon dioxide for natural decaffeination to preserve flavor and aroma without harmful chemicals. This is the best medium roast decaf ground espresso blend with a rich flavor and full-bodied, featuring tobacco and woody notes that create a distinct and memorable taste. Lavazza Decaf Espresso comes in whole bean or ground forms and various sizes. Prices differ by retailer; an 8 oz ground package costs $11.40 ($9.46 on sale) on Lavazza USA's website.

3. Starbucks Decaf Espresso

Starbucks Decaf Espresso is a premium dark-roast espresso blend of 100% Arabica beans, retaining a robust, full-bodied flavor after decaffeination. Green Arabica beans are steamed and decaffeinated using the direct solvent method with methylene chloride before roasting. These beans features rich, caramelized notes and a smooth finish similar to the caffeinated version. Starbucks Decaf Espresso is sold in stores, online, and at grocers, costing $27–$32 USD per 16-ounce, with prices varying.

4. Illy Decaf Espresso

Illy Decaf Espresso is a premium, 100% Arabica coffee with a fine pre-ground texture optimized for espresso machines. Illy Decaf Espresso uses top 1% Arabica beans with strict defect control for consistency. It delivers a rich, balanced flavor with caramel, chocolate, and toasted bread notes, ending in a lingering sweetness. It uses a proprietary water processed decaffeination process to keep its rich, balanced flavor and aroma. Illy Decaf Espresso is available online and in specialty retailers worldwide. It costs around $15.99 for an 8.8‑oz package, approximately $1.25 per ounce. Prices vary by region.

5. Nescafe Decaf Espresso

Nescafe Decaf Espresso is an instant espresso coffee made from hand-picked Arabica beans, delivering a robust flavor and velvety crema, making it one of the best instant decaf espresso options. Nescafe Decaf Espresso uses high-quality Arabica beans, responsibly sourced and expertly roasted for a balanced, intense espresso character. These beans are decaffeinated using a gentle water-based process, removing about 97% of the caffeine while preserving the coffee's natural flavor. Nescafe Decaf Espresso is available in major supermarkets and online retailers worldwide.

How to Choose the Best Decaf Espresso Beans?

To choose the best decaf espresso beans, start by following these five steps below.

• Check the Decaffeination Method: Look for Swiss Water® Process or CO₂ method for chemical-free options.
• Examine Bean Origin: Opt for high-quality Arabica beans from reputable coffee growing-regions.
• Assess Roast Level: Choose medium to dark roast for rich espresso flavor.
• Review Freshness: Ensure beans have a recent roast date for peak flavor.
• Read Reviews: Check customer feedback for taste and quality insights.

Where to Buy Decaf Espresso Beans?

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

What is the Difference between Decaf Espresso and Decaf Coffee?

The main difference between decaf espresso and decaf coffee is the brewing method and flavor intensity. Decaf espresso is made using pressurized hot water, resulting in a concentrated, rich taste with crema. Decaf coffee is brewed by drip or immersion methods, producing a milder flavor with more liquid volume.

What is the Difference between Decaf Espresso and Regular Espresso?

Decaf espresso differs from regular espresso primarily in caffeine content. Decaf has at least 97% of its caffeine removed, while regular retains natural levels. Both share similar taste and brewing.

What is the Difference between Decaf Espresso and Blonde Espresso?

The main difference between decaf espresso and blonde espresso is caffeine content and roast level. Decaf espresso has most of its caffeine removed, while blonde espresso is lightly roasted and retains higher caffeine. Blonde espresso has a smoother, slightly sweeter taste, whereas decaf espresso has a more muted flavor.

What Drinks Can you Make from Decaf Espresso?

You can make various drinks from decaf espresso, including decaf lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. It works well in iced coffee, mochas, and affogatos. Decaf espresso martinis and other coffee cocktails are also popular. The top five decaf espresso drinks are listed below.

• Decaf Espresso Martini: Mix decaf espresso with vodka, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup, then shake with ice and strain.
• Decaf Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso: Combine decaf espresso with brown sugar syrup, shake with ice, and top with milk.
• Decaf Iced Shaken Espresso: Shake decaf espresso with ice and simple syrup, then pour over fresh ice and add milk.
• Decaf Cold Brew Espresso: Brew decaf espresso, chill it, and serve over ice for a bold, cold coffee.
• Decaf Latte: Mix steamed milk with decaf espresso for a smooth and creamy drink.