Do you love coffee, but for some reason, you do not want a caffeine overload? Worry not, because there is an excellent alternative, that is decaf coffee.
Table Of Contents
−- The Best Decaf Coffee Beans
- Lifeboost Coffee Medium Swiss Water Decaf Coffee Whole Bean
- Volcanica Coffee House Blend
- Volcanica Coffee Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Decaf Coffee
- Stumptown Trapper Creek Decaf
- Presto Decaf Roast
- Cafe Don Pablo, Colombian Gourmet Coffee Decaffeinated
- Jo Coffee, No Fun Jo Decaf
- Fresh Roasted Coffee, Organic Decaf Sumatra
- Volcanica Coffee, Costa Rica Decaf Tarrazu
- Kicking Horse Coffee, Decaf Blend
- Koffee Kult, Colombian Decaf Coffee
- Eight O’Clock Whole Bean Coffee, The Original Decaf
- Stone Street Coffee Company, Mayan Water Decaf
- Wild Coffee, Lonestar Decaf Coffee
- Why Decaf Coffee Beans
- Removing Caffeine from Coffee Beans
- What Has Changed
- Isn’t it different in taste?
- Is it safe to drink decaffeinated coffee?
- What Is the caffeine content in decaf coffee?
- Decaf doesn’t mean any caffeine.
- What to Look for When Buying Decaf Coffee
- Takeaway
Decaf coffee gives any coffee lover planning to give up caffeine a chance to keep on enjoying coffee every day. You are always guaranteed the same alluring taste and aroma minus the effects of caffeine.
If you pick the right decaf coffee, you are assured of having the best experience. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as there are many brands in the market, some of which contain a high amount of caffeine.
This means you have to be cautious when shopping. We understand how frustrating it can be, especially when trying to give up caffeine only to find you still have more.
So, if you are worried about getting it wrong when buying, worry not because you are not alone. We have handpicked some of the best decaf coffee beans that will not disappoint. But before we take you through them, let’s find out what happens to decaf coffee beans.
The Best Decaf Coffee Beans
Now, look at some of the best decaf coffee we handpicked for you. So keep reading to learn more.
Lifeboost Coffee Medium Swiss Water Decaf Coffee Whole Bean
A product of Lifeboost Company, this swiss water processed, certified organic, shade-grown, and fair-trade specialty decaf beans are exquisite.
When it comes to the flavor, you would never realize this coffee doesn’t have caffeine because it tastes just as good as their regular beans! So the original flavor is not lost.
These Nicaraguan beans are well-rounded, offering notes of chocolate and caramel and a low acidity that helps all the flavors pop. Although expensive, Lifeboost Decaf Coffee is worth it but never disappoints. So, feel free to splash out more to get these beans.
Volcanica Coffee House Blend
Our top selection comes from Volcanica Coffee, a family-run business that supplies some of the highest quality gourmet coffees at great pricing! Volcanica is committed to great quality, paying frequent personal visits to farms to ensure that everyone involved, from the crop to your cup, receives the best treatment possible.
Their beans are acquired from the greatest growing places worldwide, specifically, those distinguished by rich, volcanic growing soil and usually at quite high altitudes — both of which are recognized for producing very high-quality beans.
This Volcanica Decaf House Blend is a delicious blend of Central and South American beans. These beans are medium-roasted after your purchase to ensure maximum freshness.
As a result, they produce a cup of coffee with a very thick, rich body characterized by its robust, bold, and paradoxically sweet flavor profile.
Volcanica Coffee Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Decaf Coffee
Ethiopia is known as the birthplace of coffee. There’s something special about getting coffee from the source.’ Once again, our amazing friends at Volcanica Coffee come to our aid with their Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Decaf Coffee.
The beans are grown in Ethiopia’s Yirgacheffe region. This region is well-known for its classic Arabica coffee plant varietals and the floral and fruity flavored coffees they create.
Most of these beans come from wild coffee trees, which shows. A cup of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Decaf, dry processed and medium roasted, is medium-bodied, intensely nuanced, sweet, and fruity, and offers an ever-so-slightly bitter aspect to the table. Strawberry, cocoa, cedar, lavender, and a “spirits-tinged finish” are among the flavors.
True to their business concept, the beans are Swiss Water Processed and roasted after you place your order, ensuring they arrive fresh and aromatic.
Stumptown Trapper Creek Decaf
If you want organic decaf coffee, look for products that follow the Swiss Water Decaf process, which does not use solvents. Even though alternative organic decaffeination procedures exist, this is the only certified organic.
This is one of the reasons Stumptown utilizes it in their Trapper Creek mix. Because their brand is known for emphasizing the distinct flavor profile of each offer, a decaffeination technique that does not compromise the integrity of the coffee’s flavor is critical.
You can grind this fine enough for espresso or keep it medium for standard drip-brew methods. The roaster describes its flavor as having fruitier overtones, such as raisins, and nuttier components, such as butter and caramel.
Presto Decaf Roast
Presto roasts a range of coffees, each of which is subjected to rigorous testing processes at the hands/lips of their in-house Baristas. Presto’s decaffeinated roast is no different. Tasting notes include chocolate/cocoa with a nutty flavor reminiscent of almonds and peanuts.
It’s one thing to cut back on the caffeine, but it’s another to forego the darker roast strength. Instead, it’s a milder roast, so it’s not ideal if you like a powerful knock-your-socks-off coffee flavor.
Regarding ethics, the Presto people can trace from farm to cup and know each farmer by name. Rest assured that the container is equally environmentally responsible, allowing you to drink with a clear conscience and, in the case of this nutty, light decaf, without a buzzing head! If you like Presto’s coffee, we think it’s worth a one-time buy before committing to a subscription.
Cafe Don Pablo, Colombian Gourmet Coffee Decaffeinated
This family-owned business has a heartwarming backstory that roasts coffee beans in small batches for optimal freshness and quality. Its medium-dark roast has a full-bodied flavor with caramel, cocoa, and citrus notes.
While Cafe Don Pablo beans are not fair trade, the company has its own Sharing Certified program and works closely with Colombian farmers.
Jo Coffee, No Fun Jo Decaf
It is a USDA Organic, and Fair Trade Certified coffee with a full, rich flavor. This chemical-free gourmet coffee is made with Arabica beans and is an excellent choice for organic coffee lovers.
It is a great option for coffee with lower acidity and has notes of blueberry and milk chocolate, and sometimes it is almost possible to confuse it with regular coffee.
Fresh Roasted Coffee, Organic Decaf Sumatra
Yet another excellent decaf coffee in the market proves that coffee can be decaffeinated organically and still have a full body and satisfying taste.
Fresh Roasted Coffee, LLC does everything to ensure its coffee is grown in harmony with nature and with justice to all involved farmers. All these efforts result in a bold medium roast with cupping notes of earthy, creamy, and baker’s chocolate.
Volcanica Coffee, Costa Rica Decaf Tarrazu
A product of Volcanica, this single-origin roast (sourced ethically and sustainably) is bright and well-balanced with chocolate undertones. It is best known for its smooth finish, great taste, and low acidity.
Volcanica offers a pre-ground alternative that can be used with pour-overs or drip coffee makers if you don’t like buying whole beans.
Kicking Horse Coffee, Decaf Blend
A product of one of Canada’s whole bean coffee sellers, Kicking Horse Coffee, this bold decaf coffee never disappoints. The dark roast has a nice aroma of chocolate and nuttiness. It also brews well with various coffee makers and Swiss Water Processed. Besides, the tasting notes for this coffee are roasted hazelnuts and a chocolatey balanced body.
Koffee Kult, Colombian Decaf Coffee
It has a dedicated following of customers enthralled with the gourmet, small-batch roasts prepared from an environmentally-friendly roasting facility located in Florida.
It is a single-origin coffee from Colombia and has a heavy body, a bright, floral finish, and an incredible aroma. Besides, it is a bold coffee with a medium roast.
Eight O’Clock Whole Bean Coffee, The Original Decaf
Among the decaf coffees we discussed, Eight O’Clock Whole Bean Coffee is one of the market’s most affordable and readily available options.
If you grew up in the United, this is one brand you may have noticed often. Its mild flavor comes from the rich, smooth medium roast. As a result, it is an excellent option for a no-frills, everyday brew.
Stone Street Coffee Company, Mayan Water Decaf
This medium roast blend from Central America delivers a smooth, low-acidity, relatively mellow taste. It is a favorite among native New Yorkers.
Based in Brooklyn, Stone Street partners with Sweet Unity to improve the economic livelihoods of rural coffee farmers.
Wild Coffee, Lonestar Decaf Coffee
It is one of the best coffee brands with a higher price tag but delivers on quality and taste. It blends light and dark roasted beans from Central and South America. The resulting coffee beans are fresh, low-acid taste without bitterness. It also prides itself on being “mold-free,” which gives its coffee a fresh flavor.
It is good to note even though Wild Coffee comes with a high price tag, it delivers on quality and taste.
Why Decaf Coffee Beans
There are many reasons why decaf coffee beans are an excellent option. Below are some of the benefits of taking decaf coffee:
The best option for pregnant women
Pregnant women are advised to refrain from caffeine intake. However, for those for that coffee is a must, decaf is the best alternative.
Caffeine has the potential to be harmful.
Caffeine is a substance that occurs naturally in coffee. However, it can be found in other foods and beverages, including tea and chocolate. Caffeine has a lot of health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Caffeine, on the other hand, might have negative side effects if consumed in excess. Some symptoms are anxiety, sleeplessness, diarrhea, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, and muscular tremors. So it’s no surprise that in our hectic society, more and more Americans are turning to decaf.
The FDA states that healthy persons can consume up to 400mg of caffeine daily. That equates to four or five cups.
An average cup of decaf has between 2 and 15mg of caffeine. So even if you only consume one cup of coffee daily, you’ll be well under these limits. However, keep in mind that many people are more sensitive than that. So listen to your body (and your doctor) when determining how much caffeine is too much.
Acid reflux has been reduced.
If you develop an upset stomach after drinking coffee, you could blame it on the oils or the acidity. That could be the case. Caffeine, on the other hand, might cause stomach upset.
Studies show that decaffeinated coffee can considerably lower reflux compared to completely leaded coffee. Therefore, you should try decaf if you consume coffee and suffer from heartburn or acid reflux.
Bitterness has been reduced.
While drinking decaf has no health benefits, many people prefer it because it is less bitter. Caffeine is a white powder that is extremely bitter. You may be hesitant to try new coffees because you dislike the bitterness. If this describes you, trying different decaf types may open up a whole new universe.
Removing Caffeine from Coffee Beans
Caffeine is removed from coffee beans when there are still raw and green using various decaffeination methods. This post will cover four main methods of removing caffeine from beans.
- Natural solvent process: This happens; coffee beans are soaked in water and then directly flushed with a chemical solvent (methylene chloride). Methylene chloride is commonly used for this method, although there are other chemical solvents.
The chemical solvent removes caffeine from raw and green coffee beans. Next, those beans are flushed again to remove or rinse the chemical before roasting.
- Indirect-Solvent Process: This is yet another method that uses chemicals in decaffeination. And like the natural solvent process, coffee beans are first soaked in water, but this time in hot water. Then, those beans are removed, and ethyl acetate removes the caffeine from the water.
The water(decaffeinated flavored) is added back to the coffee beans through another soaking and drying method. Eventually, the beans are rinsed to wash away traces of ethyl acetate.
- Swiss Water Process: Unlike direct and indirect methods, which rely on chemicals in the decaffeination process, this method is chemical-free, resulting in only certified organic decaf coffee.
The Swiss Water Process largely relies on the basic science of equilibrium and Green Coffee Extract (GCE) to draw the caffeine out of the coffee beans and into the GCE during a water-soaking process. GCE, which has been used as a weight loss supplement, is an extract of unroasted green coffee beans.
- Carbon Dioxide Process: This is the most recent yet expensive method, where water-soaked beans are placed in sealed, stainless steel containers and blasted with liquid CO2 at pressures of 1,000 pounds per square inch to extract the caffeine. The CO2 then flows into another chamber, where it is depressurized, returning to its gaseous state. Owing to the cost associated with this method, it is often used for commercial-grade coffee you might find in the grocery shop.
What Has Changed
Coffee lovers, especially those who love decaf coffee, have witnessed decaf coffee improve daily. However, decaf coffee has had a bad reputation for lousy aftertaste and lack of flavor for years.
This was mainly because of the chemical methods of decaffeination. Today, decaffeination methods have advanced enough to result in quality decaf coffee in the market.
Decaffeination processes such as Swiss water and carbon dioxide have contributed significantly to producing quality decaf coffee beans.
Isn’t it different in taste?
It all depends on how the coffee was decaffeinated. Water decaffeination has less of an impact on the flavor profile than solvent-based procedures. Of course, any process that your coffee goes through modifies the flavor to some amount, but, likely, it’s not as evident now as it was years ago (or for poor Ludwig).
Is it safe to drink decaffeinated coffee?
Unless you’re cracking open an antique can of old-fashioned decaf coffee, you’re unlikely to encounter any harmful solvents. Nonetheless, some people prefer to avoid goods that undergo additional processing procedures, such as decaffeination.
What Is the caffeine content in decaf coffee?
There is some caffeine in decaf, but not nearly as much as in normal coffee. The amount of caffeine in decaf coffee varies depending on the size of the serving and how it was processed.
Generally, an eight-ounce cup of brewed decaf has between 2 and 12 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 95 to 200 mg in a serving of regular brewed coffee.
Decaf doesn’t mean any caffeine.
No procedure can remove all of the caffeine from coffee. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration mandates that 97 percent of the stimulant be removed from coffee before it can be labeled decaffeinated.
According to a recent study, most of the brews evaluated had as much as 10% of a standard cup of drop (1). In Europe, the criteria are a little higher, with EU laws mandating that more than 99.7 percent of caffeine be eliminated to be labeled decaffeinated.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, the best brew to choose is one decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Method, which is the most successful method, removing 99.9 percent of the caffeine.
What to Look for When Buying Decaf Coffee
Method of Decaffeination
Not all decaf coffee is produced in the same manner. There are various methods for decaffeinating coffee, each of which results in slight changes when the coffee enters your cup.
Water processing is perhaps the most popular procedure (often referred to as Swiss water decaf). The CO2 technique, in which liquid carbon dioxide is forced into coffee beans, is the newest on the market. Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut optimum strategy but stick with it once you find one you like.
Notes on Taste
When tasting a new coffee, determining your preferred roast—light, medium, or dark—is a good place to start. But it can get even more complicated than that. First, look for a blend’s tasting notes, usually listed somewhere in the bag. For example, you might prefer a dark roast with notes of chocolate but no hints of smokiness, or vice versa.
Price
Although there is a minimal price difference between decaf and normal coffee, it is still an important issue because most coffee lovers enjoy a cup (or three) daily. Therefore, experiment with different brands to discover your price point.
See whether you can tell the difference between a $5 bag of beans and a $20 bag of beans. Just because a coffee is more expensive does not imply that it is the best for your taste buds.
Takeaway
Decaf coffee has continued to get better each day. Long gone are the day when decaf coffee had a bad reputation. Today, the efforts of various companies across the globe can be felt.
There are more decaf coffee beans than ever, and instant decaf coffees like Weka if not ready-to-ground coffee beans. But that does not mean you pick any decaf coffee in the market. Remember, there are also fakes in the market. So, be cautious when shopping.
The above list was handpicked for you. So take your time, repeat it, and remember to share your experience.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
