Decaffeinated coffee (decaf for short) is just regular coffee but with most of its caffeine content taken out. They have around 95-200 milligrams of caffeine in an 8 ounce cup, while decaf is made to remove the most — up to nearly all (97–99%)of its original caffeine content, which makes it between only about 2 and15 milligrams per serving. The flavors are rich and complex, while offering a decaf option to all the coffee lovers out there.
Decaffeinating involves removing caffeine from coffee beans before they are roasted, and there are a number of different methods. Both of the methods focus to keep the flavors natural by taking out caffeine in an efficient manner.
Swiss Water Process: A chemical-free, water-based method which works by osmosis and activated carbon filters to deprive beans of caffeine. No chemicals are used, making it one of the best methods for organic coffee.
CO2 Method: This method uses liquid carbon dioxide to dissolve and then remove the caffeine. The beans are saturated using water while liquid CO2 is passed through the beans to contain caffeine. It does this effectively and without compromising much of the flavor profile that is within those beans from the beginning.
Direct Solvent Process: Methylene chloride or ethyl acetate solvents are utilized to solvent caffeine. The beans are now steamed and the solvents attach to caffeine molecules that lift, i.e. eliminate it from coffee beans©Anthimetre The beans are then steamed again to remove solvent completely.
Decaf coffees are typically processed using organic solvents or carbon dioxide and other natural processes like ethyl acetate, which comes from fruits. This is the choice favored as more “natural” albeit it far less frequent and expensive.
Now that we know how decaf coffee is actually created, get ready for the best brands offering some of the tastiest decafs on shelves. Again, the emphasis is on extracting caffeine while maintaining offflavor aroma complexity that characterizes a coffee enthusiast’s experience.
Lifeboost is really for their intentions to produce organic, ethically sourced beans (which are no different when it comes to decaf) Our decaffeinated coffee is a Swiss Water Processed single origin, shade grown bean from the mountains of Nicaragua. Hence, it is a low-acid content coffee that doesn’t hurt the stomach but also poorly removes ancient more gut rich flavors.
Profile: Smooth, medium-bodied notes of caramel and chocolate It has a clean and slightly sweet finish.
The Volcanica House Blend Decaf is a combination of beans from several regions, mainly South and Central America. Volcanica Decaf, which is decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process and manages to be full-flavored despite being a blend. The beans are 100% Arabica and grown in volcanic soil, which imparts greater depth and complexity to the coffee.
Nutty and exotic, chocolatey caramel finish with medium acidity to round out a smooth cup.
Like many Canadians, Kicking Horse makes a dark roast with the intense flavors coffee fiends love and expect from that style. Our decaf blend is just like our standard blends in that it is Swiss Water processed, and comes from an organic, fair trade co-op. Because of the dark, bold flavors from a deep roast, its perfect for those who love that strong coffee kick minus the caffeine.
Taste notes — smoky, earthy and a rich full-bodied punch with chocolate undertones
No Fun Jo CoffeeRead MoreIf you take a look at No Fun Jo, this is an excellent option for anyone wanting both the organic and ethical end of things regarding their decaf. This coffee is Swiss Water Processed, grown by a handful of certified organic farms. Channeling is a medium-dark with all the acidic bite yet smooth mouthfeel for which its notes are known.
Taste: Deep, heavy dark chocolate and nutty flavors with a hint of sweetness.
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend Decaf, for example, is classic Peet’s bold dark roast (it even took the spot in The New York Times 2019 decaf tasting). It is rich with complex flavors, and the decaf. Water Processed Decaf maintains the rich profiles that its regular counterpart has, just without caffeine.
Tasting Profile: Rich, robust earthiness with a hint of smoky spice and easy finish.
Coffee Bros. makes a single-origin Colombian decaf that is medium roasted and Swiss Water processed. This is a company which freshly roasted beans in small batches. Coffee Bros. If you appreciate your coffee with a lighter, more nuanced body then this decaf is the one for its bright and fruity flavor profile.
This coffee has a brightness from the acidity, it tastes like berry linking into chocolate with a slight nutty aftertaste.
Don Pablo Colombian Decaf (family-owned farms from Colombia) Decaf using the Swiss Water Process, medium-dark roast for full flavor and smoothness. The beans are GMO-free and very low in acid, safe for the most sensitive stomachs.
Tastes: Medium-bodied and chocolaty-rich with a walnut finish
SHOP Right in line are the decaf espresso beans from international coffee brand Lavazza, well-known for their top-notch espresso blends with classic bold aromas and flavors — features that can all be found within these same organic whole bean decafs. Its beans are decaffeinated using a natural water process, meaning there will be no chemical solvents used. Pros: If you enjoy espresso-based drinks (like lattes and cappuccinos), Lavazza offers a great decaf espresso.
Flavors: Velvety and full-bodied with a caramel / chocolate profile while maintaining that beautiful crema when pulled as espresso.
Stumptown is brighter, fresher and crisper — exactly what you want out of single-origin coffee decaf such as their Trapper Creek Decaf. Based in Portland, OR this brand is commended for their source quality and responsible practices. Those same flavors carry over to the decaffeinated version, which provides a medium-roasted cup with notes of fruit that are spectacular for fans of regular coffee beans.
Flavor Notes: Nice and fruity, citrusy berry with a well-balanced acidity.
Swiss Water processed decaf coffee by Verena Street which means no chemicals are used. Beans are roasted in small batches and the brand focuses on quality, top-tier beans across all roasts. The way to choose this medium roast is rich, and smooth coffee that has flavor complexity without the sting of a dark-roasted cup.
Profile: Smooth, cocoa and caramel notes with mild sweetness.
Other things that might come into play when selecting the best decaf coffee are your taste and any health or ethical concerns. Things to consider in choosing the Best Decaf Coffee Beans
Decaffeination Method
If you are worried about chemicals, try decaf coffee that has been decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process or CO2 extraction and these methods do not use any chemical solvents in it, making them retain the natural flavor of bean. The solvent technique (methylene chloride or ethyl acetate) works very well, but leaves behind residual chemicals that some frown upon.
Roast Type & Flavor Profile
Light Roasts: Are brighter, fruitier and acidic.
Medium Roasts: These are in the slightly dark brown range and offer a good balance between acidity and body, along with rich character stands out.
Dark Roasts: The body is heavier and lower acidity, notes include chocolate, caramel or smoke.
Select Your Roast Level To Taste For the friends who like it with a little more intensity (that’s French for strong), choose our dark roast decaf. If you prefer some balance and complexity in your life, medium roasted coffee is always a good idea.
Fair Trade, Organic(Note-profit is not the only motivator)
This is why a number of coffee lovers enjoy finding organic, fair-trade certified brands. All coffee on our list of best decaf coffees is organic which guarantees that it was grown without synthetic pesticides and chemicals. This means that farmers get paid a fair price for their work, encouraging ethical practices and growing spin-offs.
Brewing methods are essential in how to properly enjoy decaf coffee. Tips to brew the perfect cup
Optimal Brewing Techniques
Each: Specifically designed to get the best of decaf coffee, whether you enjoy a light roast or dark. · Pour-Over, This way brings out all that bright and nuanced flavor in your type of choice medium roasts from our favorite selections.
French Press , This traditional brewing device is best used for making full-bodied dark roasts, which it accomplishes through its process of allowing the coffee grounds to steep.
Espresso Machine (Decaf Espresso Beans): An espresso machine produces a smooth, rich shot that is ideal for any type of coffee beverage.
How To Grind And Store Decaf Beans
Freshness: Go for whole beans you grind at the last minute before brewing so they have full flavor.
Brew Method: Get the right grind size suited to your preferred brewing method (i.e. coarse for a press, fine for espresso and medium-fine-to-medium-for drippers)
Storage: Keep beans stored in a sealed container and keep them away from light as well. Do not refrigerate this, as you are inviting it to moisture and contaminating your beans with an element rich in other flavors.
Gone are the days decaf coffee is scoffed at as a second-rate type of your regular coffees. Today, decaf can be a rich and complex coffee experience with no caffeine-induced jitters as the price we pay for it. No matter the strength of flavor you like in your morning coffee (bold dark roast, sweet & fruity medium roasts and everything in between), there is a decaf out there for you. Brands such as Lifeboost, Volcanica and Peet’s have great tasting decaf alternatives so you do not need to settle for low quality.
Amazingly, you can still enjoy that coffee without going to bed awake all night or getting caffeine jitters during the day. By selecting some of the finest decaf beans and utilizing ideal brewing techniques, it is possible to experience each one of those pleasures again with your new favorite place!
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