COFFEE GUIDE
Decaf
Almost all the flavor, almost none of the caffeine. Available in every brewing format.
WHAT IT IS
Decaffeinated coffee is coffee processed to remove 97 to 99% of its original caffeine. Three main methods exist: Swiss Water Process (chemical-free, uses water and carbon filters), CO2 process (high-pressure carbon dioxide), and solvent-based methods (methylene chloride or ethyl acetate). Swiss Water is the most common at specialty shops.
HOW IT IS MADE
Green (unroasted) coffee beans are processed to remove caffeine before roasting. The most common specialty method is the Swiss Water Process: beans are soaked in water that captures caffeine molecules, filtered through carbon, and re-used to remove caffeine from new batches while preserving most flavor compounds.
WHAT IT TASTES LIKE
Similar to caffeinated coffee from the same beans and roast, but often slightly flatter. Modern Swiss Water Process decaf from quality single-origin beans is substantially better than it was 20 years ago. Still recognizably different from caffeinated, but worth ordering at specialty shops.
WHEN TO ORDER IT
When you want coffee flavor without stimulation. After dinner. For people sensitive to caffeine. When you have already had too much caffeine and still want a coffee.
HOW TO ORDER IT
Say "decaf" before your drink order: "decaf latte," "decaf Americano," "decaf pour over." Ask specialty shops if they use Swiss Water Process decaf.
VARIATIONS
Decaf espresso: pulls the same as regular espresso but with decaffeinated beans. Half-caf: half regular, half decaf. Swiss Water decaf: a specific processing method designation.
CAFFEINE
About 5 to 10mg per 8 oz cup. Not zero, but 97 to 99% less than regular coffee.
According to Pulled Coffee data from 462,531 coffee shops worldwide, 15.9% of all coffee shops are classified as specialty — the type most likely to serve a proper Decaf. In cities like Vancouver (4,175 specialty shops) and London (3,621), your chances of finding a great one are significantly higher than the global average.
Find a great Decaf near you
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