Is There Caffeine in Decaf Coffee? Here’s What You Need to Know

Does decaf coffee have caffeine?  It's one of the deep questions that visits us in the still of the night, or the quiet of the morning, seeking answers. How did they build the pyramids?  Who’s they?  Do Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster know each other?  Does decaf coffee have caffeine?  It goes without saying, caffeine in coffee is the only one of the aforementioned we will address here (though unsubstantiated, I bet Bigfoot would be a coffee drinker).  After all, for many of us, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a ritual, a comfort, a wake-up call, and a daily delight. But what if you love the taste of coffee but not the jittery buzz that comes with it? Enter decaf coffee.

The short answer is yes—decaf coffee does contain some caffeine. But the long answer is far more interesting, especially when you consider how decaffeination works, how much caffeine remains, and what that means for your health and lifestyle. So dear reader, grab a mug of your favorite brew (regular, decaf or half caf of course!) settle in, and allow us to explore everything you need to know about decaf coffee and caffeine.

What Is Decaf Coffee?

So we’re all in the same mug here, lets define what decaf coffee really is -

Decaf (short for decaffeinated; groundbreaking stuff here…) coffee is coffee made from beans that have had at least 97% of their caffeine removed. It’s important to note that decaf isn’t completely caffeine-free—it's simply significantly lower in caffeine than regular coffee.

Decaf coffee goes through a special process during or after harvesting to strip away most of the caffeine while preserving the flavors, oils, and natural compounds that make coffee taste like coffee.

So how does coffee actually become decaffeinated? 

There are several methods used to remove caffeine from coffee beans, each with its own advantages, trade-offs, and environmental impact. Here are the four main decaffeination methods (beans are decaffeinated using only number two, Swiss Water process.  But read on for a little note about that too).

1. Solvent-Based Methods (Not us!)

These are the most common and cost-effective methods used for decaffeination.

• Direct Solvent Method: The green coffee beans are steamed and rinsed with a chemical solvent—usually methylene chloride or ethyl acetate—that selectively bonds with caffeine molecules. The beans are then rinsed, dried, and roasted.
• Indirect Solvent Method: The beans are soaked in hot water, which extracts caffeine and other flavor compounds. The water is separated, treated with solvent to remove only the caffeine, then reintroduced to the beans to reabsorb the flavors.

While these solvents sound industrial, they are FDA-approved and leave behind only trace amounts (well below safe limits).

2. Swiss Water Process (This is us!)

This chemical-free method is a favorite among health-conscious and specialty coffee drinkers.

• Beans are soaked in hot water, releasing caffeine and flavor compounds.
• The water is passed through a carbon filter that traps only caffeine.
• New batches of beans are then soaked in this flavorful, caffeine-free solution, which removes caffeine without stripping taste.
• Note – we also purchase beans decaffeinated via the Mountain Water Process. 
• So what’s the difference in Swiss Water vs Mountain Water process?   The sourcing of the water used; Swiss water process primarily uses water from Canadian coastal mountains, while Mountain Water Process uses water from mountains in Mexico. 

The Swiss Water Process removes 99.9% of caffeine and is often used for organic decaf coffee.  This process was developed in Switzerland, hence the name and nifty looking landscape pic above.

3. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Method (Not us!)

This method uses liquid CO₂ under high pressure to act as a solvent.

• CO₂ is used to extract caffeine from the beans while preserving most other compounds.
• It’s efficient, eco-friendly, and ideal for large-scale commercial decaf production.

4. Triglyceride Process (Natural Decaf) (Not us!)

Used mostly for decaf coffee made from naturally processed beans (like in some Latin American or Southeast Asian regions).

• Beans are soaked in hot water and coffee oils, then left to draw out caffeine via naturally occurring triglycerides.

How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Coffee?

So, let’s get to the big question: How much caffeine is actually in decaf coffee?

Here’s a quick comparison:

The actual amount of caffeine in your decaf depends on several factors:

• The decaffeination process used
• The type of coffee bean
• The brewing method and strength

So, while decaf doesn’t eliminate caffeine completely, it can reduce it by at least 97%, sometimes more.

Does Decaf Coffee Taste Different?

One of the common complaints about decaf coffee is that it doesn’t taste the same (Of course I’m biased, but I think our Decaf’s taste great!) But this largely depends on:

• The quality of the bean (check yes for us!)
• The roasting process (small batches expertly roasted? Another yes for us!)
• The method of decaffeination (see below, another yes!)

Some decaf coffees may have a slightly milder or less complex flavor, especially if they’ve been processed with solvents. But high-quality, small-batch decaf coffee (especially those using the Swiss Water Process) can taste nearly identical to its caffeinated counterpart.  But of course you know someone that utilizes high quality beans, roasted in small batches with beans decaffeinated via Swiss Water Process? (Hint – click here).

Many specialty coffee roasters today take pride in producing great-tasting decaf coffee, recognizing that taste matters to everyone, caffeine or not.  If we’re going to make coffee, we’re going to make good coffee!

Why Do People Choose Decaf?

People opt for decaf coffee for many different reasons, including:

1. Caffeine Sensitivity

Some people experience jitters, anxiety, or disrupted sleep from even small amounts of caffeine. For them, decaf is a gentler option.

2. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant or nursing individuals are often advised to limit caffeine. Decaf allows them to enjoy coffee with peace of mind.

3. Heart and Digestive Health

High caffeine intake may affect heart rate or worsen conditions like acid reflux. Decaf reduces these risks.

4. Evening or Nighttime Drinking

Love a warm cup of coffee at night? Decaf lets you indulge without sabotaging your sleep.  A post dinner sip of decaf as the shadows grow long is a great bookend to a great day).

5. Medical Conditions or Medications

Certain medications or health conditions (e.g., anxiety disorders, high blood pressure) can make caffeine consumption problematic.

Is Decaf Coffee Healthy?

Yes, decaf coffee still has health benefits—and fewer drawbacks for those sensitive to caffeine.

Health Benefits of Decaf:

• Rich in antioxidants: Contains polyphenols and hydrocinnamic acids that fight oxidative stress.
• Liver support: Decaf coffee may help reduce the risk of liver disease and promote liver function.
• Brain health: May reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Heart protection: Linked with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, though slightly less pronounced than regular coffee.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Some studies show decaf still contributes to a reduced diabetes risk.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Solvent residue: Trace amounts of methylene chloride or ethyl acetate may remain in chemically decaffeinated coffee. While safe, many prefer Swiss Water or CO₂-processed decaf for peace of mind (you already know where to find this great Swiss Water Process decaf).

Is Decaf Coffee Safe for Everyone?

In most cases, yes. But here are a few things to consider:

• People with extreme caffeine sensitivity: Even 5 mg might be too much. Check with your healthcare provider.
• Children and teens: Should generally avoid caffeine. Decaf can be a better (but still limited) alternative.
• Pregnant individuals: Decaf is a safer choice, but again, check total daily caffeine from all sources.

FAQs About Decaf Coffee and Caffeine

Is decaf coffee caffeine-free?

No. It still contains small amounts of caffeine, usually between 2–7 mg per cup.

How does decaf compare to other drinks?

• More caffeine than herbal tea or water
• Less caffeine than black tea or green tea
• Much less than regular coffee or energy drinks

Can I drink decaf at night?

That’s up to you; we’re all different.  For some it may be a resounding yes! While for others a hard no.  Sleep matters; as much as we love coffee, caffeine isn’t a substitute for a good night of sleep.

Can I mix decaf and regular coffee?

You can, but we already did it for you with our Mexico Half-Caf!

Final Sips: Should You Switch to Decaf?

Life doesn’t need to be about one or the other.  You can add decaf, switch to decaf or mix and match.  Start the day with regular, end the day with decaf, its dealer’s choice and you’re the dealer.  Any route you choose (regular, decaf, half-caf), we’ve got you covered with a brew to help you have a good day!

So the next time someone asks, “Does decaf coffee have caffeine?”, you can say:
‘Yes—but just a tiny bit. And it still tastes great.  And I know a great place to get some!’

Bonus Sip Tip: How to Choose the Best Decaf Coffee

If you're considering making decaf part of your daily routine, here’s how to pick a good one:

✅ Look for Swiss Water Process
✅ Choose organic to avoid synthetic pesticide residues
✅ Buy whole bean and grind fresh for best flavor
✅ Support ethical roasters who treat decaf with care, not as an afterthought

Still craving a bold cup without the buzz? Try our organic, Fairtrade decaf coffee, carefully decaffeinated and roasted to perfection—so you can sip, relax, and repeat anytime.  It’s a good day to have a good day!