Decaffeinated Coffee – The 10 Best Options

One of the reasons coffee is so popular, besides its taste, is its energizing effect. For many, it’s that boost of energy that brings them back to the world of living in the morning. As the saying goes, there’s nothing better than starting the day with a good cup of coffee. 

But where does this energy boost come from? The answer lies in one of its key ingredients, caffeine. It has been proven that consumed in appropriate quantities, it is not harmful to health and gives us energy. However, this is not the case for everyone, because there are people who have an intolerance or allergy to caffeine. 

In this blog, we’ll talk about decaffeinated coffee.

What is decaffeinated coffee? 

It is actually a very simple concept. It is a coffee that has been extracted from much of the natural caffeine it contains in its green state as a bean. 

Added to this, the caffeine content of a cup of coffee varies depending on the type of bean, the roast, the amount of coffee, and the brewing method. In general, a normal cup can contain about 95 mg of caffeine. The idea is that more than 99% is removed, leaving only about 3 mg. 

How is decaffeinated coffee made? 

This process must be carried out when the beans are still green and is a rather industrial one. There are three methods: with water, with methylene chloride, and with carbon dioxide. Let’s see how each procedure is carried out. 

Decaffeination with water

This is the most natural, ecological and recommended method, as no chemicals are used. Moreover, it does not affect the taste and aroma of the coffee. 

To clarify, here is a step-by-step explanation. 

  1. The beans are moistened with water until they become porous. 
  2. Then they are soaked in water containing green coffee extract from which the caffeine has been removed. This water has a higher saturation and concentration of the remaining coffee components (except caffeine) than the beans. 
  3. Now follows a process of osmosis. In order to reach equilibrium, the beans release the caffeine when they come into contact with the water and transfer it to the water containing the extract. 
  4. Since this water has a higher concentration of the other components, the coffee bean only has to release the caffeine to reach equilibrium. 
  5. This takes several hours. During this process, the water is pumped through an activated carbon filter to remove the caffeine as well. 
  6. Therefore, the same water can be used for new beans. So it’s a cycle and an ecological process. 
  7. Finally, when the beans no longer contain caffeine, they are dried with hot air and are ready for roasting. 

Decaffeination with methylene chloride 

This is a similar method to the previous one, but it uses a chemical called methylene chloride. It is clearly not a natural method. It is not recommended for coffee, as it affects its aroma and flavor more. It is also not a method that can be used for organic coffee, nor is it common for quality coffee. 

Let’s take a look at how the process works. 

  1. The beans are moistened with water to make them porous. 
  2. They are soaked in methylene chloride until there is only about 1% caffeine in the beans. 
  3. The beans are dried to evaporate the chloride, and then washed again to make sure no chemical remains. 
  4. Finally, the beans are dried with hot air and are ready for roasting. 

Another option, involving a very similar process, is the use of ethyl acetate. The difference is that it is a naturally occurring substance. The process is really quite similar, and they are often used options because they are cheaper than the process using pure water. Technically, they are safe as long as the components are completely removed from the food. However, the result is not the best coffee. 

Decaffeination with carbon dioxide 

This is another way to remove the caffeine from the beans, and just like with water, one of the most recommended. 

How does it work? 

  1. It involves circulating the coffee beans in a pressurized tank with liquid carbon dioxide. Under these conditions, it can penetrate the beans and absorb the caffeine. 
  2. It is then evaporated and passed through carbon filters. These retain the caffeine, allowing the carbon dioxide to return to the system for further absorption. 
  3. Finally, the beans are dried with hot air.

Top 10 decaffeinated coffees 

Kicking Horse Coffee – Dark Decaffeinated Coffee

Coffee bean variety: Arabica 

Degree of roasting: Dark

Type of coffee: Whole bean

For those who want to buy only coffee beans, this is the perfect solution. Not only is the blend made from high quality Arabica beans grown in Central and South America, but the beans have also been decaffeinated through the water process. Thus, they retain all their flavor and aroma, but are caffeine-free. 

The beans were roasted in Canada just before packaging to ensure their freshness. And to top it off, they come from sustainably grown USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified crops. 

You’ll enjoy a deep, full-bodied cup with notes of hazelnut and chocolate. Depending on the grind, it is ideal for any brewing method (French Press, espresso machine, etc.). 

Seattle’s Best Coffee – Portside Decaffeinated Coffee

Coffee bean variety: Arabica 

Degree of roasting: Medium 

Type of coffee: Ground

Since we don’t always want to buy bean coffee, we present to you this decaffeinated ground coffee. It is a blend of the best-decaffeinated Arabica beans that have undergone a careful roasting process. 

Its medium roast provides a balanced cup with a smooth taste. Brew it preferably with filtered water for a better experience and taste. 

Peet’s Coffee – Major Dickanson’s Blend Ground Coffee

Coffee bean variety: Arabica 

Degree of roasting: Dark 

Type of coffee: Ground

This is the same special Major Dickanson’s Blend that this brand is known for. The blend was made in honor of one of their best customers and is a popular product today. But now you can enjoy it decaffeinated as well. 

You get a dark-roasted cup with a full body and smoky notes. 

Tylers Coffee – Organic and Decaffeinated Coffee

Coffee bean variety: Arabica. 

Type of coffee: Ground

This is another very good option because the coffee is not only decaffeinated but also organic and acid-free. It is made from excellent Arabica beans from Mexico that have been organically grown. Proof of this is its USDA organic certification. It has an almost neutral pH, ideal for coffee lovers who can’t eat an acidic diet. 

Illy – Decaffeinated Ground Coffee 

Coffee bean variety: Arabica

Degree of roasting: Medium

Type of coffee: Ground

Illy offers you the opportunity to enjoy one of its classic coffees, made from 100% Arabica beans but without caffeine. For this purpose, the carbon dioxide decaffeination method was used, that is, one of the best and most natural methods. So you get a cup with full flavor, very balanced and with the best aroma. 

Amazon Fresh – Colombia Decaffeinated Coffee 

Coffee bean variety: Arabica 

Degree of roasting: Dark

Type of coffee: Whole bean

Colombian coffee beans are among the most internationally renowned for their quality. That’s why we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try them, but this time without caffeine. They are made of 100% Arabica beans, medium roasted to improve their features. To better understand the importance of Arabica beans and the degree of roasting, read our article on coffee varieties and the roasting guide. You will get a decaffeinated but full-bodied cup with a smooth finish. It is roasted and packed in the US.

Lion Coffee – Vanilla Macadamia Decaffeinated Coffee

Coffee bean variety: Arabica 

Degree of roasting: Light

Type of coffee: Ground

This time you can enjoy one of the best beans that come from Hawaii. This coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans grown and roasted in Kona. Just because it’s decaffeinated doesn’t mean you can’t taste the full flavor. The process to remove the caffeine is done with water, one of the best methods. 

In addition, it is inspired by vanilla and macadamia flavors, which are more flavorful due to its light degree of roasting.

C&T – Espresso Crema Organic Decaffeinated Coffee 

Coffee bean variety: Arabica 

Degree of roasting: Light roast

Type of coffee: Whole bean

Organic coffee will always be a good choice. In this case, these are 100% Arabica beans, grown sustainably and in natural conditions. They have been decaffeinated with carbon dioxide, so it will definitely be an excellent and healthy cup. It is a coffee with a good body, cream, and a lot of smoothness. 

Cafés Amador – Decaffeinated Ground Coffee 

Coffee bean variety: Arabica 

Type of coffee: Ground

This is a 100% Colombian coffee. It is a combination of excellent Arabica beans of the Caturra and Castillo varieties. So, although it is decaffeinated, you can enjoy a cup with lots of flavor and notes of nuts, dark chocolate and citrus. 

Lavazza – Espresso Decaffeinated Coffee

Coffee bean variety: Arabica

Degree of roasting: Medium

Type of coffee: Ground

Even without caffeine, we can brew delicious, classic espresso. Lavazza offers you a decaffeinated cup of coffee made from 100% Arabica beans from South America. Its medium roast allows you to enjoy a smooth coffee with chocolate notes and a little bitterness.

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