Many people think that decaffeinated coffee (English: decaf) is flat and tasteless. Sometimes it is, but only with old or poor-quality coffee. In this article, briefly and with figures: how caffeine is removed, how much remains in a cup, and what to choose.
In short
- Decaffeinated coffee does not mean coffee without any caffeine. Very little remains.
- During decaffeination, about 97% or more of the caffeine is usually removed.
- Caffeine is removed from green beans before roasting.
- Good decaf coffee starts with good green coffee and fresh roasting.
How much caffeine remains in a cup
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a regular 8-ounce (about 240 ml) cup of coffee contains about 80–100 mg of caffeine, while decaffeinated coffee contains about 2–15 mg. The figures vary depending on the type, roast, and brewing method, so these are approximate values.
| Beverage (about 240 ml) | Caffeine content, mg (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Decaffeinated coffee | 2–15 |
| Green or black tea | 30–50 |
| Regular filtered coffee | 80–100 |
If you need to avoid caffeine completely (e.g., on a doctor's advice), consult your doctor.
How caffeine is removed from coffee
Caffeine is removed from green, unroasted beans. The beans are soaked, and the caffeine is extracted using one of several methods:
- Water method – caffeine is washed out with water and activated carbon, without chemical solvents.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) method – caffeine is extracted with high-pressure CO₂ gas.
- Solvent methods – a solvent, such as ethyl acetate, is used; the beans are then thoroughly rinsed.
The real challenge is to remove the caffeine while preserving the aroma of the coffee.
Who decaffeinated coffee is suitable for
- In the evening, when you want coffee but want sleep even more.
- For a second or third cup during the day.
- For people who are sensitive to caffeine.
- For those who want to reduce their caffeine intake but do not want to give up the coffee ritual.
How to choose a good decaf
- Choose freshly roasted coffee. Old decaf coffee loses its flavor more quickly.
- Choose beans, not ground coffee. Ground coffee loses its aroma within 15–20 minutes.
- Read the flavor notes. A specific description (flowers, nuts, black tea) is a good sign.
How to brew it so it is not bitter
Decaffeinated coffee extracts more quickly. If the taste turns out bitter, grind it a little coarser or shorten the brewing time. Cold brew coffee is convenient in the evening: prepare it the night before, e.g., with the Hario Mizudashi Cold Brew Coffee Maker, and keep it in the refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions
Is decaffeinated coffee really without caffeine? Not completely. Very little remains (see the table above).
Is decaf coffee less flavorful? Not necessarily. Quality-decaffeinated and freshly roasted coffee retains its aroma.
Can you drink it in the evening? That is exactly why most people choose decaf, as the caffeine content is very low.
Our decaffeinated coffee
Aroma Decaf Blend – a 100% Arabica blend with floral, black tea, and nut notes, medium roast. Roasted in Lithuania. You can buy it as beans or ground, and if you drink coffee every day, try a coffee subscription (you can select "Decaffeinated"). You will find all coffees in the Coffee Beans collection.
