What Is Decaf Coffee? And Should You Be Drinking It?

Coffee lovers are increasingly adding a cup of decaf to their daily routine. Here’s why.

Coffee tends to be associated with its energy-boosting properties. You wake up dopey and bleary-eyed, you take a few sips of that first morning cup, and you feel slightly more prepared to face the day. Which might leave you wondering, “Why drink decaf coffee?”

Well, I’m here to tell you that there are many excellent reasons to add a bag of decaffeinated beans to your coffee cupboard. Read on for everything you need to know about decaf coffee.

What Is Decaf Coffee?

Decaf coffee is any coffee that has gone through a process that removes most of its caffeine. Officially, a coffee must have 97% less caffeine than regular coffee to be classified as decaf, but some decaffeination processes do better. The Swiss Water Process, for example, removes 99.9% of caffeine (1).

SEE ALSO: Where Does Caffeine Come From?

Does Decaf Coffee Have Any Caffeine?

Yes, all decaf coffee still contains some caffeine. Decaffeinated is not synonymous with caffeine-free. A typical 8-ounce cup of brewed decaf coffee contains between 2 and 15 mg of caffeine.

Does Decaf Still Give You Energy?

No, decaf doesn’t give you energy. The amount of caffeine in decaf coffee isn’t enough to provide the energy boost or extra alertness afforded by a cup of caffeinated coffee. That said, I’ve always found the simple act of brewing and sipping on a mug of steaming decaf still gives me a nice pick-me-up.

What Is The Point Of Decaf Coffee?

I understand where this question comes from. For many years, decaf coffee simply wasn’t very good. Old-school decaffeination processes removed many flavor compounds along with the caffeine. And because decafs weren’t big sellers, coffee roasters tended to give them less attention.

Times have changed. Decaffeination methods are vastly improved, and the best decaf beans are every bit as compelling as their caffeinated counterparts. Not to mention, they offer many of the same proven health benefits.

Enjoying a decaf coffee, decaf cold brew, or decaf espresso is a great option for anyone looking to limit their caffeine intake. 

Maybe you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Maybe you are sensitive to caffeine – prone to jitters, anxiety, insomnia, or stomach upset. Maybe you already had four caffeinated cups today and are still craving coffee. Maybe you want to drink coffee in the evening without being up all night. 

Is Decaffeinated Coffee Good For You?

Yes, decaffeinated coffee is very good for you. It contains essentially the same nutrient profile as caffeinated coffee. It is rich in antioxidants like hydrocinnamic acids, polyphenols, and chlorogenic acids, which have been shown to protect against diseases like cancer, type-2 diabetes, and heart disease (2). 

Another pro of drinking decaf coffee is that, compared to regular coffee, it isn’t habit-forming. You can enjoy all the benefits of coffee consumption without ever fearing a withdrawal headache.

Does Decaf Coffee Dehydrate You?

Decaf coffee won’t dehydrate you. In fact, a regular cup of coffee won’t dehydrate you either. Even though caffeine is a diuretic, brewed coffee is not because it is mostly water. That said, coffee without caffeine will hydrate you better than regular coffee.

How Is Decaf Coffee Made?

There are four main coffee decaffeination processes: the direct-solvent method, the indirect-solvent method, the Swiss Water Process, and carbon dioxide decaffeination. In all cases, green coffee beans are soaked in a solvent that removes the caffeine from the beans.

There are pros and cons to each method, and you can learn more about all four in my detailed look into how decaf is made.

Is Decaf Coffee Safe?

Decaf coffee is perfectly safe. Recently, some groups have raised concerns about the direct-solvent method, which relies on methylene chloride – a known carcinogen. However, there are no scientific studies linking the trace amounts of methylene chloride in decaf coffee to negative health consequences (3).

Of course, if you are concerned, simply seek out decaffeinated coffee beans prepared by one of the other three processes. Any good coffee roaster will be happy to tell you which method was used.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a coffee drinker who enjoys the taste of coffee but not the jittery consequences of too much caffeine, I highly encourage you to make decaf coffee a part of your routine. When done right, a decaffeinated cup provides the same delicious and full-bodied coffee experience as a regular cup of coffee – minus any unpleasant side effects.