I had my first cup of decaffeinated coffee about ten years ago. This experience was unique and strange to me. Especially since I used to drink caffeinated coffee all the time. The taste of decaffeinated coffee has never been bad. On the contrary, I enjoyed every sip of this coffee.
I wouldn’t say I was lucky and got the best-decaffeinated coffee beans on my first try. I have tried many types of decaffeinated coffee, whether it was whole, ground, or instant coffee until I got the best-decaffeinated coffee beans.
I thought decaffeinated coffee would not be as good as regular coffee. But I found that this is completely incorrect. Whereas, decaffeinated coffee gives the same ritual and feeling as regular coffee. The nice thing is that the decaffeinated coffee options available in the market are few and limited. So it is easy for you to choose.
Table Overview of the 14 Best Decaf Coffee Beans
Learn more about the 14 best-decaffeinated coffees Beans
1- Volcano Coffee Works Decaf Whole Bean Coffee Ethical & Carbon Peruvian Origin
is a coffee that is not only rich in flavor but also ethical and sustainable. The coffee beans are sourced from Peru, and the company works hard to ensure that the farmers who grow them are paid fairly. In addition, coffee is carbon-neutral, meaning that it does not contribute to climate change. If you’re looking for a delicious and socially responsible cup of coffee, Volcano Coffee Works is a great option.
2- Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee Beans
Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee Beans are a great choice if you’re looking for a delicious and smooth cup of coffee. These beans are roasted to perfection, and they provide a rich, dark flavor that’s perfect for any time of day. Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee Beans are also Fairtrade certified, meaning that you can enjoy your coffee with peace of mind knowing that the farmers who grew it were treated fairly.
3- NO FUN JO Decaf Organic Decaf Coffee
No Fun Jo Decaf is a complex, full-bodied coffee with sweet blueberry undertones. It’s made with artisan coffee roasters and has a rich, milk chocolate flavor. This coffee is USDA Certified Organic, Fair Trade Certified, and Kosher Certified. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for an organic decaf coffee that still has a lot of flavors.
4- Don Pablo Colombian Decaf
Looking for a delicious, low-acid coffee? Look no further than the Don Pablo Colombian Decaf. This coffee is artfully roasted in small batches and features a smooth, caramel flavor with hints of cocoa and citrus. It’s perfect for those who are looking for a rich, flavorful cup of coffee without all the acidity. Plus, it comes in a convenient 2 or 5-pound bag, so you can brew plenty of coffee at once.
5- Ethiopian Decaf Coffee, Yirgacheffe
Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Decaf Coffee is a unique and exotic coffee with pleasant acidity. It is dry-processed, meaning the beans are dried inside the fruit before removal. This process gives the coffee a medium-body and brilliantly acidy flavor with rough, fruity, or winy tones. It also has a thick body and an earthy aroma coupled with cinnamon and strawberry undertones.
This coffee is decaffeinated by the Swiss Water Process, which is a 100% chemical-free process that delivers coffee that is 99.9% caffeine-free while protecting the unique origin characteristics of the coffee. The beans are roasted medium, allowing the true flavor characteristic to come through for a remarkable taste.
This coffee is 100% satisfaction guaranteed, so you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality product that you will love. Try Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Decaf Coffee today and experience its unique flavor and delightful acidity for yourself!
6- Sumatra Mandheling Decaf Coffee Beans
Sumatra Mandheling Decaf Coffee Beans are a unique coffee that is prized for its mellow, earthy, and sweet flavors. This coffee is decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process, a 100% chemical-free process that removes caffeine while protecting the unique origin characteristics of this coffee. The beans are medium roasted to allow the true flavor characteristic to come through, making it a remarkable cup of coffee. The beans are then immediately packed and sealed to assure freshness.
7- Koffee Kult – Colombian Decaf Coffee
Koffee Kult’s Colombian Decaf Coffee is a rich and smooth coffee that is perfect for those looking for a decaf option. This coffee is sourced from rich, full-bodied beans and roasted to medium perfection. The coffee has a good body and balanced acidity, with a rich, sweet finish.
8- Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean Hazelnut Coffee
If you’re looking for a delicious, ethically sourced coffee that’s easy on the stomach, look no further than Lifeboost Coffee Whole Bean Hazelnut Coffee. Grown in the mountains of Central America, our hazelnut coffee is a medium roast and has a rich, toasted flavor. What’s more, our coffee beans are certified organic and 3rd party tested for mycotoxins and pesticides. So you can rest assured that you’re getting the best possible quality coffee.
9- San Francisco Bay Coffee Hawaiian Blend Whole Bean
San Francisco Bay Coffee’s Hawaiian Blend Whole Bean Medium Roast is a smooth and delicious coffee that originates from beans grown in Hawaii and Central America. This medium roast is perfect for those who enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee with balanced acidity and a medium body. The rich flavor of this coffee is sure to please any coffee lover!
10- Eight O’Clock Whole Bean Coffee, The Original Decaf
Eight O’Clock Whole Bean Coffee is a great coffee that has been around since 1859. It has a winey note and a rich, elegant aroma with a full-bodied finish. All of the roastings are done at their facility in Maryland, USA, so you can be sure of the quality and taste. The coffee is also Kosher certified.
11- AmazonFresh Decaf Colombia Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Roast
AmazonFresh Decaf Colombia Whole Bean Coffee is a high-quality coffee that is perfect for those who want to enjoy all the flavors of coffee without caffeine. These beans are decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process, which is a 100% chemical-free process that removes caffeine while protecting the unique origin characteristics of this coffee.
The beans are then medium roasted to allow the true flavor characteristic to come through, making it a remarkable cup of coffee. AmazonFresh Decaf Colombia Whole Bean Coffee is also Fair Trade certified and sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, so you can be sure you’re getting an ethically sourced and delicious product.
12- Café Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Gourmet Coffee
Café Don Pablo Subtle Earth Organic Gourmet Coffee is a medium-dark roast coffee that features beans sourced from Honduras. The coffee has a full-bodied, deep, rich, chocolatey flavor with a clean finish and low acidity. This whole bean coffee blend tastes like smooth milk chocolate with notes of honey, caramel, and cocoa. The slight caramelization of the natural sugars in the beans gives this coffee a touch of roastiness, while still retaining its natural flavor character and sweet, pleasant aftertaste. Our coffee is ethically sourced and USDA Organic Certified. Keto and vegan friendly and gluten and nut free.
13- 365 by Whole Foods Market, Coffee Buzz Free Decaf Whole Bean Organic
The 365 Everyday Value Coffee Buzz Free Decaf Whole Bean Organic is a high-quality coffee that is perfect for those who want a smooth, rich taste without caffeine. This coffee is certified organic and certified kosher, making it a great choice for people with dietary restrictions. The full city roast gives the coffee a rich flavor that is perfect for morning or afternoon drinks.
14- illy Decaffeinated Whole Bean Coffee
Illy Decaffeinated Whole Bean Coffee is a great choice for those looking for a decaffeinated coffee that still has a lot of flavors. This coffee is composed of 9 of the finest Arabica coffee sources worldwide and has delicate notes of caramel, orange blossom, and jasmine. illy caffè was named on Ethisphere’s list for the seventh consecutive year, highlighting the company’s achievement of leading with integrity.
This coffee is also 100% Arabica, meaning that it is ethically sourced and sustainably grown. For coffee lovers who want to enjoy a great cup of coffee without having to worry about the ethical implications of their purchase, illy Decaffeinated Whole Bean Coffee is a great choice.
Why do some prefer decaffeinated coffee beans?
Many people want decaffeinated coffee because it is healthy and also to avoid the negative effects of caffeine intake. I will review the most important reasons that motivate us to buy decaffeinated coffee beans:
- High Quality: The quality of decaffeinated coffee beans has recently increased due to the great development that has taken place in decaffeination techniques.
- Pregnant women: Pregnant women should reduce their caffeine intake.
- Sleep problems: To avoid sleep problems, insomnia, or early awakening. As caffeine plays a big role in affecting sleep.
- Taste and flavor: Decaffeinated coffee gives the same taste, flavor, and ritual as regular coffee.
- Timing of intake: Decaffeinated coffee is suitable for consumption at any time of the day.
- Health benefits: When you drink decaffeinated coffee, you will get all the health benefits that regular coffee provides.
- Less acidity: As a result of the process of removing caffeine, the coffee beans will lose some of their acidity during this process. Low acidity is very useful for those who suffer from stomach pain or heartburn.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: Decaffeinated coffee contains all the vitamins and antioxidants found in regular coffee beans.
Warning: Decaffeination using unauthorized chemicals may be harmful in the long run
Unfortunately, some use chemicals to de-caffeine from coffee beans without the supervision of specialists in this field. Because chemical methods are cheaper and faster. These chemicals are often used as solvents, the most famous of which are methylene chloride and ethyl acetate.
The US Food Administration has allowed the use of some chemicals in specific proportions and with certain restrictions in extracting caffeine from coffee beans. Nevertheless, it is better to avoid beans treated by chemical methods, especially from companies and unknown brands. This is due to the availability of organic and natural methods of removing caffeine from coffee beans completely safely.
Is there 100% decaffeinated coffee?
The latest technology available to remove caffeine from coffee beans can remove up to 99% of the caffeine in the coffee bean. The amount of caffeine remaining in the coffee is very little and does not exceed 3% of every 100 milligrams of coffee beans. So decaffeinated coffee beans are not zero percent caffeine.
You should know that the percentage of the caffeine removed from coffee beans varies according to the method of decaffeination and the laws of the country in determining the percentage of caffeine extraction. Decaffeination methods are constantly evolving and updated to be more effective in extracting caffeine from coffee beans properly and correctly. The following table shows some of the research conducted on the amount of caffeine in decaffeinated coffee beans:
How much caffeine is in decaffeinated coffee?
The higher the percentage of the caffeine removed from the coffee beans, the higher the price. The highest percentage you can get is 99.9%. It is not possible to accurately calculate the amount of caffeine removed from coffee beans, because coffee beans vary in size. Therefore, we find that companies usually do not put exact numbers.
The US Food and Drug Administration recommends that the caffeine content of coffee beans should be at least 97 percent. In other words, the amount of caffeine contained in each coffee bean should not exceed three percent. Whereas in Europe in general, the recommended percentage of caffeine is 0.1% for green coffee beans and 0,3 percent for instant coffee.
Factors causing fluctuations in the percentage of the caffeine removed from coffee beans:
You can calculate the percentage of caffeine very accurately when the coffee is liquid. But this method will not help us because we want to get these grains as fresh as possible before buying them. We want to know the exact percentage of caffeine in decaffeinated coffee beans before converting them into a coffee drink. Unfortunately, no cheap and accessible technology allows us to obtain numbers and percentages accurately and quickly. There are two main reasons why it is difficult to calculate the amount of caffeine in a coffee bean.
The first reason is: the type of coffee bean. Each type of coffee bean contains a different percentage of caffeine. For example, Robusta beans contain more caffeine when compared to Arabica beans.
The second reason is: the method used to remove caffeine from coffee beans. Each of the four decaffeination methods differs in quality and speed of decaffeination.
How to choose the best-decaffeinated coffee beans:
Whatever the reason for buying decaffeinated coffee beans, you will not take the risk and get what you want at random. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when buying decaffeinated coffee beans:
- Your taste: choose the appropriate flavor for your taste.
- Decaffeination process: At first, you should try all methods of decaffeination until you get the right method. We always advise staying away from chemical methods.
- Decaffeinated Espresso: Decaffeinated espresso is the best roast you can get. The reason for this is that the very dark espresso does not taste much different. In other words, its taste is not affected by the amount of caffeine.
- Origin: There are decaffeinated coffee beans from one source. There is also a mixture of several sources. It is best to choose the one that comes from one origin, to unify the flavor. But it does not prevent you from trying other options as well.
- Roasting degree: The darker the roast, the better the taste. Because the decaffeination process may remove some of the coffee flavors. Medium roasting is considered fairly acceptable. To know the different degrees of roasting, enter this link.
- Swiss Water Process: The best way to process caffeine from coffee beans is to process it using the Swiss Water Process. What distinguishes this method is that it is chemical-free and removes a large amount of caffeine and helps preserve the flavor and taste of the coffee.
- Ground or whole grain: It is always better to choose whole coffee beans because in this situation they are fresh. Also, to make sure that the beans did not lose much of their flavor as a result of the grinding process or conversion into instant coffee. You can find more information about the difference between whole and ground coffee beans here.
- Proper storage: Make sure that the grains you want to get are stored appropriately. You can get more information about appropriately storing coffee beans from this article.
- Fine grinding: It is always preferable to grind fresh decaffeinated coffee beans to a finer degree. The fine degree enables you to get high-quality espresso.
- Increase the ratio of coffee to water: You need to add more decaffeinated ground coffee to the water. This thing enables you to get a better flavor.
Decaffeinated and regular coffee:
There are fundamental differences between decaffeinated coffee and regular coffee. These differences may not be obvious the first time. It may not even be evident when drinking a cup of decaffeinated coffee and a cup of regular coffee. The main differences are the amount of caffeine, processing method, roasting time, degree of roasting, flavor, and price. The following table will explain these differences and how to distinguish them:
Variation: Decaffeinated Regular:
The amount of caffeine from 0.1 to 3% 100%
Processing method 4 ways to remove caffeine None
Roasting period: a little long because the beans contain more substances for me due to the treatment of decaffeination, the normal duration
Roasting degree: medium or dark all degrees
Taste and flavor: Depend on the quality of the coffee beans, and the decaffeination treatment method depends on the quality of the coffee beans.
Price: high due to normal decaffeination process
4 different types of decaffeinated coffee:
Decaffeinated coffee is available in the market in four different forms. Each of these forms was found to suit how coffee is prepared. You can review the forms of decaffeinated coffee in the following table:
- Decaffeinated coffee beans: The coffee bean is whole and decaffeinated.
- Ground decaffeinated coffee beans: In this form, the coffee beans are ground after removing the caffeine from them and then placed in sealed bags.
- Decaffeinated instant coffee: It is ready-made coffee in the form of granules and is placed in hot water directly. They usually come in different flavors and are decaffeinated.
- Decaffeinated coffee capsules: These capsules are often used to work with advanced coffee makers.
- Decaffeinated coffee bags: This shape is very similar to tea bags as they are placed directly into the cup.
Decaffeination Process – 4 Ways To Remove Caffeine From Coffee Beans
Humanity at this time has reached a remarkable development in various fields. One of these areas is the methods of removing caffeine from coffee beans. The process of decaffeination from coffee beans is not complicated and not difficult, but it requires accuracy. Here I will show you the well-known and common ways to remove caffeine from coffee beans:
using direct solvents:
Caffeine is extracted in this way by mixing some chemicals. Often the chemical chloride or ethyl stearate is used. After the coffee beans are soaked in water for a while, chemicals are added. Over time the caffeine is extracted. Due to the use of chemicals in this way, decaffeinated coffee beans prepared in this way are cheap and often undesirable.
using indirect solvents:
Chemicals such as chemical chloride or ethyl stearate are used, but after soaking the coffee beans in hot water for a long time. One of the most important disadvantages of this method is that it removes caffeine in addition to the flavor of the coffee in a large proportion. Then the coffee beans are soaked in the liquid again to gain the coffee flavor.
Using CO2:
One of the latest methods removes caffeine at a very high rate, up to 99.9 percent. The carbon dioxide in its liquid form is pushed and pressed for some time inside the particles of the coffee beans. Thus, the caffeine is extracted. This method is very expensive, but it has been very successful and popular. Because it extracts caffeine from coffee beans in large quantities and at a high percentage as well. No chemicals are used as direct or indirect solvents.
Swiss Water Process:
One of the most famous and safest ways to remove caffeine. The decaffeination rate of coffee in this way is more than 99 percent. This method is done using the osmosis process. The beauty of this method is that no chemicals are used. Thus, it is considered organic coffee, and this leads to the high prices of decaffeinated coffee in this way.
Note: Benzene was used as a solvent for caffeine, it was later found that benzene is a carcinogen and very dangerous to human health. The World Health Organization and the US Food and Drug Administration have banned the use of benzene in food directly or indirectly.
