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Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Contents
By
Ru Chen
Key Takeaways
Decaf and regular coffee drastically differ in caffeine content, but they do share many similarities. They undergo similar roasting and brewing processes, with the decaffeination process resulting in different caffeine levels and tastes. Night owls tend to prefer decaf, whereas early risers prefer a regular cup of joe.
So what are the key differences between the two types of coffee? Let’s dive into the two sides of the same coin – decaf coffee and regular coffee.
Decaffeinated (decaf) coffee only has around 2mg of caffeine. The process of decaffeination removes around 97% of caffeine in the coffee beans.
Process of Decaffeination
The decaffeination process occurs before the beans are roasted. When green beans are placed in solvents, their caffeine will dissolve. Taking advantage of this, coffee makers have developed three main techniques to decaffeinate coffee.
1. The Swiss Water Method
The most popular decaffeination process is known as the Swiss Water method, which was devised in Switzerland during the 1930s. No chemicals are used. First, the beans are steamed. Then, the beans are soaked in water, where the caffeine dissolves. An activated charcoal filter then captures the larger caffeine molecules, allowing the smaller flavor molecules to seep through in order to retain the coffee flavor. Finally, the beans will be dried.
2. Chemical solvents
Chemical solvents like ethyl acetate and methylene chloride may be used to decaffeinate coffee. Steamed coffee beans will be rinsed repeatedly using the chemical solvent in order to get rid of the caffeine from the beans.
3. Carbon dioxide
The CO2 method uses carbon dioxide instead of chemicals. After the coffee beans are soaked in water, they are placed into a steel extraction vessel. Liquid CO2 is forced into the coffee at high pressures to dissolve and draw out the caffeine.
4. Alternative water methods
Other than the Swiss Water method, other techniques have been developed using water as the main solvent for caffeine. Many coffee companies seek to create their own decaffeination process that preserves the aroma and taste of the original coffee.
Common Decaf Coffee Myths and Misconceptions
Myth 1: Decaf coffee has no caffeine
Decaf coffee actually has around 2 to 3 mg of caffeine. The decaffeination process cannot remove 100% of the caffeine content in coffee beans.
Myth 2: Decaf is dangerous
Not anymore. Originally, the decaffeination process involved risky chemical solvents. However, new techniques and technology have been developed, resulting in decaf coffee that is safe to drink just like regular coffee.
Myth 3: Decaf tastes worse
Not necessarily. Most of the time when decaf coffee tastes weird, it’s because the beans are low quality or not freshly roasted. Some coffee enthusiasts find that the decaffeination process leaves decaf coffee tasting less complex. The coffee might instead taste sweeter and simpler.
Myth 4: Decaf tastes the same as regular coffee
Ironically, myth 3 and myth 4 are both common misconceptions. Due to the decaffeination process, decaf coffee will likely taste different from your usual cup of joe. This is why even if you order the same coffee from the same barista at the same café, you can still taste the difference between decaf and caffeinated coffee.
Coffee is brewed from the roasted coffee beans of coffee plants. It is the most popular beverage around the world, with over 2 billion cups consumed every day!
Caffeine Content and Effects
The typical 8 oz cup of coffee contains between 70 to 140 mg of caffeine. This means your average cup of coffee contains 95 mg of caffeine. One shot of espresso contains around 63 mg of caffeine.
Coffee Varieties
There are more than 50 species of coffee that have been discovered. These varieties are found native to the Indian Ocean islands and tropical Africa. Arabica and robusta are the most popular coffee bean types. Arabica is smoother and sweeter, whereas robusta is more bitter and grainy.
Brewing Methods
Brewing coffee is an art and science enjoyed by countless people around the world. Brewing methods include:
* French press
* Espresso
* Pour over
* Cold brew
* Drip
* AeroPress
* Moka pot
The aroma is the first thing most people notice when drinking coffee. The smell that emanates from the coffee can affect the taste of the beverage. Common coffee aromas include: floral, nutty, spicy, and fruity.
The taste of coffee can vary greatly depending on how the coffee beans are processed and roasted. Coffee is often described as rich in flavor, with a distinct bitterness.
The texture determines the mouthfeel and overall enjoyment of the coffee. Coffee can be creamy, oily, watery, and gritty. Most of the texture depends on how the coffee was extracted and the techniques of the barista.
Caffeine offers plenty of benefits, but some people have negative reactions to caffeine. Coffee is a stimulant that provides energy boosts.
Studies have also shown that caffeine consumption is linked to better brain health, lower risk of type 2 diabetes, lower risk of depression, and better weight management. A study found that drinkers of both decaf and regular coffee have a 20% lower risk of developing chronic liver disease, liver cancer, as well as fatty liver.
However, everything should be consumed in moderation. Excessive caffeine can lead to insomnia, nausea, increased heart rate, and other negative side effects. Large doses may cause anxiety and chest pain. An overdose of 40 cups of coffee is considered lethal.
Decaf coffee has almost no caffeine. If you enjoy the taste of coffee but want to stay away from caffeine, a cup of decaf coffee might be the choice for you. Just remember that decaf coffee still has trace amounts of caffeine.
The Swiss Water process and the liquid carbon dioxide decaffeination processes produce safe decaf coffee. Similar to regular coffee, decaf coffee can potentially protect against liver disease, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes when consumed in moderation.
Historically, decaf coffee has been condemned by coffee circles due to some decaf coffee makers using the methylene chloride method instead. While the FDA concluded in 1999 that the trace amounts of methylene chloride in decaf coffee are negligible and do not affect health, this method has left a lasting bad taste in decaf coffee drinkers’ mouths.
Caffeine: Decaf coffee has around 3% of the regular caffeine content. Expect a 100 mg cup of coffee to only have around 3 mg if you choose the decaf option.
Antioxidants: Decaf may have up to 15% less antioxidant content, such as polyphenols. Antioxidants offer many health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory effects. People who drink coffee may have greater protection against neurodegenerative and heart diseases.
Energy levels: Regular coffee is famous for giving a substantial boost to someone’s energy levels. Decaf coffee is not as effective at making the coffee drinker feel more energetic since the caffeine content is drastically reduced.
Jitteriness: Some individuals find themselves feeling jittery and anxious after consuming caffeine. They might want to stay away from regular coffee, opting for decaf instead.
Sleep quality: If you want to have a cup of coffee at night but still get good sleep, decaf is the better choice. Regular coffee can cause an inability to fall asleep, especially in coffee-sensitive individuals.
Many coffee lovers can tell whether the beverage they’re drinking is decaf or regular coffee. Regular coffee has rich and robust flavors, while decaf coffee is discernible for a smoother taste.
Regardless of whether coffee is caffeinated, a vast number of other factors influence the taste perception.
Roast level affects the overall taste of the coffee. The coffee beans should be safely roasted without being burnt. Light roasts are more acidic and have more complex flavors than dark roasts.
Bean quality goes a long way. Cheap coffee only takes one sip before it’s revealed to be poor quality, whereas higher quality beans are freshly roasted and ground. Both the aroma and taste of high quality beans are better.
The brewing method can make the coffee taste stronger or lighter. For example, pour over usually creates lighter coffee with a bright, clean taste. Espresso has a thick and strong flavor, whereas cold brew tastes smooth and rich.
Like with other beverages, the question of whether decaf or regular coffee is better ultimately depends on the individual. Explore different coffee beans and brewing methods. Coffee isn’t just a beverage, but a delicious, aromatic experience to be savored.
Coffee clubs offer subscription-based services for coffee enthusiasts and first-time coffee sippers. Joining a coffee club comes with many benefits. Here are the top reasons to join a coffee club.
Convenience: Coffee clubs save you time, delivering your coffee straight to your doorstep on a regular basis.
Variety: Coffee clubs often offer a wide variety of roasts, letting you choose your preferred flavor, roast type, and price point. Many coffee clubs also offer limited edition specialty roasts that can’t be acquired elsewhere.
Quality: Good coffee clubs send you excellent coffee options from coffee farmers around the world. You can gain access to high quality, freshly roasted beans through a coffee club subscription.
First, take the time to assess your coffee preferences.
Roast level: Optimal coffee roast levels range from light to dark. Do you prefer light roast, dark roast, or medium roast? Dark roasts usually taste nutty and chocolaty, whereas light roasts tend to be more acidic and fruity.
Bean origin: The origin of a coffee bean greatly affects the taste of the coffee. Geographical location, climate, altitude, and soil composition all play important roles.
Flavor profile: If you don’t know your desired flavor profile for coffee, try filling out a few flavor profile tests online. Some coffee clubs even send tasting kits so you can become more attuned to your favorite flavor profile.
Next, it’s time to evaluate the customer reviews and compare different subscription plans. Reviews and ratings can help you better decide what coffee club you want to join. You want to choose a coffee club that cares about the experience of their club members.
Finally, consider additional features and perks of each coffee club. An important aspect to many coffee drinkers is whether a coffee club uses ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Coffee farming can be energy inefficient and leave behind a large carbon footprint.
Atlas Coffee Club makes coffee exciting by bringing you delicious roasts from 50+ countries around the world. You even get gorgeous postcards and interesting tasting notes with each batch.
Looking for a cost-efficient option? Jot Coffee has large batches with 20x concentration, making this coffee club a great choice for the more budget-conscious.
Bean Box gives you a free Coffee Tasting Flight ($24 value) when you join the club, making it a great choice if you aren’t certain what flavor profile you enjoy yet.
Driftaway Coffee prioritizes its eco-friendly mission, which means that its operations are carbon-neutral. It comes with price transparency and eco-friendly packaging, making Driftaway a fantastic choice for those who want to support ethical coffee practices.
Trade Coffee offers high-quality coffee with flexible shipping frequencies. You can get your fresh roast delivered every 7, 10, or 14 days.
Decaf has significantly less caffeine than regular coffee, with only around 2 mg of caffeine in decaf but 95 mg in regular coffee. Decaf coffee tends to taste smoother, sweeter, and simpler.
Both regular coffee and decaf offer potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. Choose the type of coffee that best suits your individual preferences and feel free to experiment with different roast levels and brewing methods. Join a coffee club to find great coffee beans and specialty roasts today!
Ru Chen
Content Writer
Ru Chen is a content writer with several years of experience in creating engaging and well-researched articles. She mostly writes about coffee, business, digital marketing, and law. In her free time, she can be found watching horror movies and playing board games with her partner in Brooklyn.
Ru Chen is a content writer with several years of experience in creating engaging and well-researched articles. She mostly writes about coffee, business, digital marketing, and law. In her free time, she can be found watching horror movies and playing board games with her partner in Brooklyn.
