Decaffeinated coffee raises many questions: does it still have caffeine? Is it made with chemicals? Does it taste worse? In this guide, we explain exactly what it is, how coffee is decaffeinated, what methods exist, and the truth behind the most common myths. We'll also tell you about our own.
What is decaffeinated coffee?
There is no commercial variety of coffee that grows without caffeine, so decaf is coffee that has had its caffeine removed before roasting, while the beans are still green. The process eliminates around 97-99% of the caffeine: a cup of decaf contains only a few milligrams, compared to the 80-90 mg in a regular cup of coffee.
How coffee is decaffeinated: the methods
All methods follow the same principle: moisten or steam the green bean to open it up, then extract the caffeine using a solvent, while trying to preserve the other compounds that provide flavor.
With ethyl acetate (sugarcane method)
The beans are treated with steam and washed with ethyl acetate, a compound found naturally in many fruits, which in this case is obtained from the fermentation of sugarcane. They are then washed with water and steamed again to remove any residue. This is a very common method for specialty coffees because it respects the sweetness and character of the bean well.
With water (Swiss Water and similar)
The beans are soaked in hot water, which extracts the caffeine along with other soluble compounds. That water is filtered through activated charcoal to retain the caffeine and is reused—already saturated with flavor—to decaffeinate new batches without them losing their aromas. It does not use solvents.
With supercritical CO₂
Carbon dioxide, under high pressure, acts as a highly selective solvent that removes the caffeine while leaving the rest of the compounds almost intact. It is an effective but expensive method, used mainly on a large scale.
With other solvents
Some industrial decaffeination is done using solvents like dichloromethane, which are subsequently almost completely removed through steaming and roasting. It is the cheapest method and is authorized, but specialty coffee prefers the aforementioned processes.
Myths and truths about decaffeinated coffee
Myth: "Decaf has no caffeine at all"
False. It retains a very small amount, just a few milligrams per cup. For most people, this is irrelevant, but if you need to avoid caffeine completely, keep this in mind.
Myth: "It's made with dangerous chemicals"
False. There are methods that use only water or CO₂, and the ethyl acetate from sugarcane is a natural compound. Methods using solvents are regulated, and the final coffee must meet strict limits.
Myth: "Decaf tastes worse"
It doesn't have to. If you start with a good bean and use a careful method, decaf retains its sweetness, body, and a good portion of its aromas. The problem with many decafs is that they are made with low-quality coffee and very dark roasts.
Truth: "You can drink it at any time"
Since it has so little caffeine, it is the ideal choice for the afternoon or evening, or if you want to reduce your caffeine intake. You can find out how long the effect of regular coffee lasts in how long the coffee effect lasts.
Our decaffeinated coffee from Caldas
Our decaffeinated coffee from Caldas is a washed Caturra from the mountains of Caldas, in the Coffee Axis, decaffeinated using a natural process via the sugarcane method. We roast it for espresso, and it retains a natural sweetness and a mild acidity that make it perfect on its own or with milk. If you want to know more about its region, we introduce it in coffee from Huila, Cauca, and Caldas.
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine does decaffeinated coffee have?
Very little: around 2-5 mg per cup, compared to 80-90 mg in a regular espresso or filter coffee.
Can you drink decaf at night?
Yes. For most people, the amount of caffeine is so low that it does not affect sleep.
How is decaf prepared?
Just like any other coffee: as an espresso, in a moka pot, filter, or with milk. If you buy it as whole beans and grind it right before brewing, it will retain its aromas much better.
