Decaf coffee can be the top alternative for people who still strive to drink coffee but trying to reduce their caffeine intake or for those who are sensitive to caffeine. However, few people know that decaf coffee does not mean zero caffeine. This, of course, leads to a further question of how much caffeine is in decaf coffee.
Let’s look at the following explanation to figure out more – what decaf coffee is, how it is made, how much caffeine it contains, and who should drink it.
What is Decaf Coffee?
Decaf Coffee Meaning – The word decaf itself stands for “decaffeinated” or “decaffeination” and does not have the same meaning as “free of caffeine.” Yes, decaf coffee is, in fact, not 100% caffeine-free. Why can’t decaf coffee eliminate caffeine levels?
According to Nathan Arnold of the Food and Drug Administration, it is impossible to completely remove all caffeine levels from coffee beans since it has to do with the chemical extraction process. Accordingly, drinks with a “decaf” label, like decaf coffee, even after undergoing the caffeine-removing process, still contain about 1 to 2 percent of caffeine.
How is Decaf Coffee Made?
Like its counterpart, regular coffee, decaf coffee comes from unroasted coffee beans. The green beans will undergo one of three decaffeination processes to pull out the caffeine.
Solvent-based Process
This most widely used method soaks the dried green beans in a mixed solution of methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, and water to extract the caffeine from the beans. You can find neither chemical in coffee since they evaporate.
Swiss Water Process
The Swiss water process is probably the only organic method to decaffeinate coffee, this process highly depends on osmosis to remove caffeine and offers a guaranteed 99.9% decaffeinated result or product.
This process will soak the green beans in the water until the water is filled with coffee’s soluble components. A green coffee extract is produced by extracting the caffeine in the water. Added to the green beans that still have caffeine, a caffeine transfer occurs between the green coffee beans and the extract. This process continues until the coffee beans no longer have caffeine levels.
Carbon Dioxide Process
Dubbed the latest method, it uses carbon dioxide, a compound useful in removing caffeine but still maintaining the intact taste of the coffee beans. While efficient, this method is somewhat more costly.
How Much Caffeine is in Decaf Coffee?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to the question, as the amount of caffeine will highly depend on the type of coffee beans or coffee drinks you have. Still, we can generally figure out based on the following:
Caffeine Content in Average Decaf Coffee
A cup of decaf coffee – 236ml or 8 ounces – may have up to 7mg of caffeine, compared to a regular cup of coffee with about 70-140mg of caffeine.
That 7mg might look low. However, this level might be quite alarming for those with certain health conditions – a history of kidney disease, anxiety, or caffeine-sensitive.
Caffeine Content in Known Coffee Chains
The following data is a general estimation. Hence you still need to ask the barista or coffee shop about the caffeine content in every decaf coffee you order.
Starbucks / Pike’s Place Roast:
1. 295 – 354 ml = 20 mg
2. 414 – 473 ml = 25 mg
3. 591 – 709 ml = 30 mg
Dunkin Donuts:
1. 295 – 354 ml = 7 mg
2. 414 – 473 ml = 10 mg
3. 591 – 709 ml = 15 mg
McDonald’s:
1. 295 – 354 ml = 8 mg
2. 414 – 473 ml = 11 mg
3. 591 – 709 ml = 14-18 mg
Average Decaf Brewed Coffee:
1. 295 – 354 ml = 7-8.4 mg
2. 414 – 473 ml = 9.8-11.2 mg
3. 591 – 709 ml = 14-16.8 mg
Average Decaf Instant Coffee:
1. 295 – 354 ml = 3.1-3.8 mg
2. 414 – 473 ml = 4.4-5 mg
3. 591 – 709 ml = 6.3-7.5 mg
Who Should Be Drinking Decaf Coffee?
Is decaf coffee healthy? Decaf coffee still, in fact, offers antioxidants that regular coffee has. Whether it is healthy or not will greatly depend on your health conditions or medical history. So, decaf coffee is advisable for whom?
People with Caffeine Sensitivity
Caffeine-sensitive people are more likely to experience things like insomnia, uneasiness, palpitations, high blood pressure, and anxiety after consuming regular coffee.
People with Caffeine-Induced Health Problems
Caffeine is inherently stimulant, diuretic, and acidic. As a result, some people may suffer from digestive problems, such as stomach pain and ulcers, or even insomnia after drinking regular coffee.
Also Read: Drink Coffee and Stay Healthy, Discover The Kopi Luwak Benefits!
Now you’ve learned almost everything about decaffeinated coffee and how much caffeine is in decaf coffee. Indeed, decaf coffee is the best alternative for people who still want to feel the sensation of drinking coffee and avoid health problems at the same time. If you’re looking for the best quality coffee beans for your decaf coffee, pay a visit to Indonesia Specialty Coffee website to find your favorite green coffee!
