Decaf Coffee: What To Know About It And Is It Safe? – The Ultimate Answer

You want to feel the taste of coffee but don’t want the kick of the caffeine and other substances?

Don’t worry!

Here’s where decaf coffee comes into the picture… 

James Hoffmann made a fantastic video about how decaf coffee works, how they decaffeinate it, and when and how you should drink it:

In this blog post, I’m going to expand this knowledge with other important aspects and wandering onto the territory of science. Because coffee is a serious thing, and so should we treat it! 😉

1. What is decaf coffee?

Decaf coffee, or decaffeinated coffee, is made from beans that have had most of their caffeine removed.

While an 8 oz cup of regular coffee typically contains about 95 mg of caffeine, decaf usually has only around 2 to 5 mg.

The process of making decaf coffee begins with selecting regular coffee beans – most of the time Arabica – known for their rich flavor.

2. Decaffeination process: how to remove caffeine from regular coffee: the

I’d say that the most common method to remove caffeine from regular coffee is the Swiss Water Process.

What is it and how does it work?

First, it starts with soaking the beans in hot water to dissolve the caffeine. The hot water is then filtered with activated carbon – this is how the flavors remain in the water.

Another method uses chemical solvents, where the beans are steamed and then rinsed with a solvent like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate to selectively extract caffeine.

The CO2 process is more modern and involves using carbon dioxide under high pressure to extract caffeine without sacrificing flavor.

And after that, when the caffeine is removed, the beans are dried and roasted like regular coffee. 

Although the process tries to keep the flavor of regular coffee, there might be slight differences and it’s because of the decaffeination process.

BUT… and here comes the trick!

A common misconception is that decaf coffee is entirely caffeine-free; in reality, it still has a small amount of caffeine.

All in all, decaf coffee is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy coffee without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

3. Is decaf coffee safe?

Decaf coffee is generally safe for most people.

The decaffeination process removes most caffeine, reducing its stimulating effects, which benefits those sensitive to caffeine or looking to limit their intake.

Health experts often consider decaf a healthy choice due to its antioxidant content. To translate it simply: decaf coffee still has almost all the benefits that regular coffee has but without the caffeine. (If you’re wondering how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee, check our article on this topic.)

But of course, there are a few considerations.

Some decaf coffees use chemical solvents in the decaffeination process, raising questions about potential residue.

Reputable brands make sure that these solvents are removed completely and are safe for consumption.

I would advise everyone who are sensitive to certain compounds found in coffee to keep an eye out on packages: stomach upset or acid reflux can be a problem without caffeine content.

And one more thing: for those with specific health concerns or conditions (pregnancy, metabolic disorders) it’s good to consult a healthcare professional before fully moving onto decaf coffee.

4. Is your decaffeinated coffee safe for consumption?

Want to make sure your decaf coffee is safe to drink?

Here’s what to do:

1. Check the label: Good brands usually tell you how they decaffeinate their coffee. Look for ones that are open about their methods.
2. Look for certifications: Things like USDA Organic or Fair Trade labels can be a good sign. They mean the coffee meets certain standards.
3. Read reviews: See what other people are saying. They might mention if something seems off about the coffee.
4. Research the brand: Established companies that care about quality are usually a safer bet. Check out their website to learn more.
5. Go organic: If you’re worried about chemicals, organic decaf might be your best choice. They typically use natural methods to remove caffeine.
6. Ask questions: If you’re still unsure, don’t be shy – contact the company directly and ask about their process.
7. Trust your senses: If the coffee looks, smells, or tastes weird, don’t drink it. Your gut feeling is important here.

And then, there’s this really cool website called Check Your Decaf. You can enter your brand and check whether it is chemical free.