The Truth about Decaf

The truth about decaf coffee

If you are trying to limit your caffeine you probably stumbled across decaf coffee in the grocery store and figured it doesn’t hurt to give it a try. But did you know that decaf is actually worse for you than regular coffee due to the chemical processing? Or maybe you’ve heard decaf isn’t actually decaf?

Here is the breakdown of truths about decaf coffee:

Decaf coffee isn’t really decaf. Yes, in order for it to be classified as decaf, 97% of the caffeine must be removed and since caffeine varies according to the plant and bean, this is virtually impossible. In fact, when studied various decaf coffee brands, the caffeine varied from 3 -32 mg per cup. While decaf isn’t caffeine-free, it is lower in caffeine but this may not be enough for those needing to eliminate caffeine from their diet.

Decaf coffee is a “processed” drink. There are actually several different methods for removing caffeine from coffee. Each method for how decaf coffee is processed starts with green coffee beans and then can be grouped together into three separate categories: use of a chemical solvent, carbon dioxide, or the Swiss water method.

Chemical Solvent Decaf: The chemical solvent method which is how most decaf coffees in the grocery store are made use ethylene chloride or ethyl acetate. If you prefer to completely avoid chemicals you may wish to avoid this processing.

Carbon Dioxide Decaf: Instead of chemical solvents, the method of carbon dioxide uses liquid carbon dioxide. This method is very efficient at removing caffeine, but is very costly.

Swiss Water Decaf: This method is more common in organic coffee and involves water and osmosis, also known as the Swiss Water Method. Coffee beans soak for many hours and then filter through charcoal, removing the caffeine. Additionally, the Swiss Water Method processes coffee until it is 99.9% caffeine free. Therefore, any decaf coffee labeled “Swiss Water Process” is sure to be very low in caffeine and free of chemicals.

How Does Decaf Weigh Up Health-Wise?

Decaf coffee has not been studied as much as regular coffee. However, while it may certainly be a beneficial choice for those that wish or need to limit caffeine, it can have similar effects as regular coffee including causing heartburn in those that experience it with regular coffee. And interestingly, it can still stimulate the nervous system and briefly raise blood pressure in some people. So, if you have a certain health condition or desire to avoid

caffeine, decaf might be the right choice for you. Just know that all decaf is not created equal!

So, what should I be using?

Swiss water decaf seems like the better choice overall if you are going to be avoiding chemicals. The most important thing is to read labels and research before going to purchase. Unfortunately, most companies do not give much information about their decaf coffees.

Brands that use Swiss water decaf process:

- Kicking Horse Decaf

- Blanchard’s Swiss Water Decaf from Whole Foods

- Caribou Decaf

- Or, ask your local coffee shop!

- Amy Lakits 10/2/25