Is Decaf Coffee Caffeine Free?
Despite the popularity of coffee and the multiplicity of positive report on its benefits, decaf coffee makes its way simple and brilliant.
It seems to be a salvation for people who suffer from caffeine withdrawal symptoms. And they follow the advice that replaces their daily cup with the decaf one. Still, many coffee lovers sensitive to caffeine or in poor condition tend to drink decaf coffee due to its distinct taste similar to regular coffee. However, you’d better change your mind right now, because decaf coffee is not completely caffeine free. What’s worse is that it may come to another caffeine indulgence, if consumed with an excessive amount.
Why is caffeine still exist
There are generally three methods that get caffeine removed out of coffee beans, and the most popular one is the Swiss Water Process. Fresh coffee beans are poured directly into hot water where all the flavor of beans is extracted completely. Get the liquid filtered by activated carbon, and what remains in the water mixture comprises the Flavor-charged Water without caffeine content. It makes a good convenience for coffee industries to produce coffee in bulk. However, the caffeine is not that easy to be eliminated thoroughly in real practice. Luckily, we are not particular about little caffeine remained in decaf coffee but its aroma and taste.
How much caffeine does decaf coffee exactly remain?
In fact, the caffeine in decaf coffee is much less than that in regular coffee, but it still remains certain amount. Here is a diagram showing you the comparison of caffeine content between decaf coffee and average coffee.
Types |
Caffeine content |
Instant decaf coffee |
2-12 milligrams of caffeine |
Instant coffee |
28-170 milligrams of caffeine |
Decaf brewed coffee |
2-12 milligrams of caffeine |
Brewed coffee |
90-200 milligrams of caffeine |
Espresso shot decaffeinated |
3-15 milligrams of caffeine |
Espresso |
60 milligrams of caffeine |
Swiss Water Decaf |
2 milligrams of caffeine or less |
Note that some types of coffee like latte are made by more than one shot of espresso, thus the caffeine goes higher than the average decaf coffee drinks.
Decaf vs. regular coffee
Many people have mindsets that decaf coffee is bad for their overall health. They hold it that coffee beans have gone through much complex process(actually it’s not), which to large degree damage the flavor and ingredients of coffee beans. However, it is not the truth. Final quality of coffee made in your cup lies mainly in the quality of fresh coffee beans you choose and brewing methods. (how to know if your beans are fresh)Besides, it is healthier and to drink decaf coffee for women during pregnancy or lactation period.
How to choose the best decaf coffee
If you would like to get coffee decaf coffee beans from the top-level coffee shop, the barista may give you some professional recommendation and serve you specialty coffee. If you get it from chain coffee bar or supermarket, things get so much harder. Still, we have ways to get you a cup of decent decaf coffee. First if you’ve ever ordered a nice cup of decaf coffee at restaurant you should ask they which brand they’re using. Also do pay attention to the freshness, it’s best to buy decaf beans and grind your coffee at home. Also, some people convince that decaf blends are taste better than single beans since that decaf process may destruct the balance of coffee beans.
So, now you have the answer, is decaf coffee caffeine free?
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