What is decaf coffee?
Swiss Water Process method.

How decaffeinated coffee is made. Best decaf coffee beans. Decaf Coffee: Healthy or Unhealthy? Starbucks Decaf Ground Coffee. How much caffeine is in decaf coffee?
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What is decaf coffee?

Decaf is decaffeinated coffee - coffee from which about 97% of the caffeine has been removed from the beans using water, organic solvents or carbon dioxide. The coffee beans are washed in a solvent until the caffeine is extracted, then the solvent is removed. Caffeine can also be removed with carbon dioxide or a carbon filter, a method known as the "Swiss Water Process."
All decaffeination processes are not created equal. The Swiss Water® Process is certified organic without added chemicals.
The nutritional value of decaffeinated beans is the same as that of regular beans, except for the lack of caffeine. However, the taste and smell may become slightly milder and the color may change depending on the method used. This may make decaffeinated coffee more palatable for those who are sensitive to the bitter taste and smell of regular coffee.

How does the decaffeination process work?

Learn about the chemical-free Swiss Water® Process for decaffeinating coffee.
Decaffeination process infographics

The Science of the Swiss Water® Process

An in-depth look at the Swiss Water® Decaffeination Process.

SWISS WATER® Process animation video

How does SWISS WATER® Process remove caffeine from coffee? This video gets into the science behind this 100% chemical free decaffeination process.

Best DECAF coffee beans

20 Best DECAF whole coffee beans, access to products with descriptions

Decaf Coffee: Healthy or Unhealthy?

Decaf is short for decaffeinated coffee. It's coffee made from beans that have had at least 97% of the caffeine extracted. So it isn't entirely caffeine-free. Caffeine can be removed from raw coffee beans in a number of ways that are both safe and efficient. Water, organic solvents, and carbon dioxide are commonly used. Apart from the caffeine content, the nutritional value of decaf coffee is close to that of regular coffee. So the caffeine removal process isn't problematic, but how does the final product stack up against the health benefits of daily coffee?
Regular coffee contains more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables combined, making it the most important source of antioxidants throughout the Western diet. Antioxidants are compounds that have been shown to protect against a variety of lifestyle disorders, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Decaf coffee normally has the same amount of antioxidants as regular coffee, but some reports have found that levels may be up to 15% lower due to decaffeination losses. Despite this potential small drop in antioxidants, numerous studies have found strong associations between decaf coffee consumption and health benefits. Drinking coffee, both regular and decaf has been linked with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Each daily cup may reduce the risk by up to 7%.

While the effects of decaf on liver function have not been investigated as thoroughly as those of regular coffee, one major observational study linked decaf to lower levels of liver enzymes, suggesting a protective effect.
Decaf consumption has also been linked to a minor but substantial reduction in the risk of premature death, stroke, and heart disease. Standard and decaf coffee both appear to have beneficial effects on age-related mental decline, with human cell studies indicating that decaf can protect brain neurons. This can aid in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Improved capacity, attitude, metabolic rate, and athletic performance are only a few examples. However, if you are caffeine sensitive or have a medical condition that would benefit from a caffeine-free diet, decaf coffee is still a great option. It's completely healthy and has many of the same health benefits as standard coffee, but without the caffeine.

Starbucks Decaf Ground Coffee

The coffee you love, without the caffeine.

Starbucks Variety Decaf Ground Coffee, Variety Pack, 3 bags (12 oz. each)

Pike Place Roast, House Blend, and Caffè Verona are all included in the Starbucks Decaf Ground Variety Pack. Although the packaging has changed, this is still the same great-tasting Starbucks coffee that you've come to expect. How to Brew: Use cold, filtered water and store ground coffee in a cool, dark place for the best flavor.
Starbucks at Home allows you to enjoy your favorite Starbucks coffee without having to leave the building. Three 12-oz. bags of Starbucks Decaf Ground Coffee varieties are included.

Starbucks Decaf Ground Coffee, Decaf Caffè Verona, 100% Arabica, 6 bags (12 oz. each)

Decaf Caffè Verona coffee has a dark cocoa texture and is well-balanced. Although the packaging has changed, this is still the same great-tasting Starbucks coffee that you've come to expect. You don't have to leave your house to get your favorite Starbucks coffee. Use cold, filtered water and keep ground coffee in a cool, dark place for the best flavor. Each pack contains six 12-ounce bags of Starbucks ground coffee.

Starbucks Decaf Ground Coffee, Decaf House Blend, 100% Arabica, 6 bags (12 oz. each)

Decaf House Blend is a decaffeinated blend of medium-roasted coffees with balanced flavors and a touch of nut and cocoa. Although the packaging has changed, this is still the same great-tasting Starbucks coffee that you've come to expect. You don't have to leave your house to get your favorite Starbucks coffee.
Use cold, filtered water and keep ground coffee in a cool, dark place for the best flavor. A 12-ounce bag of Starbucks ground coffee is included in each pack.

Starbucks Decaf Ground Coffee, Pike Place Roast, 100% Arabica, 6 bags (12 oz. each)

Pike Place Market is decaf. The smooth mouthfeel of the roast is balanced by slight notes of cocoa and toasted nuts. Medium-roasted coffees have rich, approachable flavors that are smooth and balanced. You can get your favorite Starbucks coffee without having to leave the building. Use cold, filtered water and keep ground coffee in a cool, dark place for the best flavor. Each pack contains six 12-ounce bags of Starbucks ground coffee.
Written by Elise Mandl, BSc, APD on July 1, 2020 — Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD www.healthline.com

How much caffeine is in decaf coffee?

Decaf" stands for "decaffeinated" and refers to coffee that has had at least 97% of the caffeine removed from the beans during processing. Although most of the caffeine is removed, a very small amount remains. A brewed cup (240 mL) of decaf coffee contains about 2.4 mg of caffeine and a decaf espresso (60 mL) about 0.6 mg. Compare this to the amount of caffeine found in other food and drinks:

Regular espresso: 127 mg per 2-ounce (60-mL) serving
Regular brewed coffee: 96 mg per 8-ounce (240-mL) serving
Dark chocolate: 80 mg per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving
Energy drinks: 72 mg per 8-ounce (240-mL) serving
Brewed black tea: 47 mg per 8-ounce (240-mL) serving
Cola: 33 mg per 12-ounce (355-mL) serving
Hot chocolate: 7 mg per 8-ounce (240-mL) serving

It's clear that the amount of caffeine in decaf coffee is minimal compared with that of other caffeine-containing products.
It's worth noting, however, that some commercial decaffeinated coffees can contain more caffeine than others. One research showed that a 16-ounce (475-mL) serving of commercial decaf coffee contained up to nearly 14 mg of caffeine.
Although these levels are still minimal, if you drink a lot of decaf coffee or other caffeine-containing items, double-check the caffeine level of the form you purchase.

Best Decaf Coffee Brands you can buy on Amazon

This is a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy the flavor of coffee without the boost that caffeine provides. Decaffeinated coffee is safe to drink and could be used in a balanced diet.
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