Decaf Coffee Products

Decaf Coffee: Rich Flavour without the Caffeine

Does decaf coffee have any caffeine? Typically, decaffeinated coffee contains 1–2% caffeine but can sometimes contain as much as 20%? Indeed, decaffeinated coffee is not 100% caffeine-free, but, on the other hand, it does contain substantially less caffeine than that found in regular coffee. This is why decaf coffee can be an excellent option for those trying to reduce their caffeine intake or those with health issues. As a reference, a regular cup of Joe provides roughly 70–140 mg of caffeine, depending on the type of coffee chosen and the brew method used.

From a flavour standpoint, you simply can’t go wrong with decaffeinated coffee! It’s just as rich and creamy as regular coffee, although sometimes it can have a slightly sour note because of how the beans are processed. Most people, however, can't tell regular coffee and decaf apart. Aside from the flavour, decaf coffee, like regular coffee, provides significant health benefits, as it is the most important source of antioxidants in the Western diet - think about that for a minute!

Indeed, both regular and decaf coffee contains a high concentration of antioxidants, though, depending on the decaffeination method used, certain decaf coffees may have a tiny bit fewer antioxidants. As such, consuming coffee daily while keeping your caffeine intake in the recommended range can be a great way to bolster your antioxidant defences and help prevent oxidative damage. Moreover, studies have shown a bevy of other health benefits associated with drinking a moderate amount of coffee. These include promoting liver health and helping to prevent Type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and premature death.

The Decaffeination Process: How Decaf Coffee is Made

Decaffeination is a process that removes at least 97% of the caffeine in coffee beans. Decaffeination occurs before roasting the beans, and the process can be done in a few different ways. Most methods include soaking coffee beans in a mixture of water, organic solvents, or carbon dioxide until the caffeine has been washed out. 

Methods that use organic solvents are referred to as the "Direct Method" or the "Indirect Method," while those using a charcoal filter are called the "Swiss Water Process." Beyond these, you have the "Triglyceride Method," wherein coffee beans are soaked in coffee oils, and the "Supercritical CO2 Process," which involves using carbon dioxide, heated, and pressurized above its critical point, to extract the caffeine content.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decaf Coffee

Is decaf coffee safe?

Decaffeinated coffee, like regular, is not only safe to drink and can be part of a healthy diet but offers significant health benefits. Moreover, the decaffeination process itself is also safe.

Does decaf coffee cause heartburn or acid reflux?

Contrary to what many people think, it isn’t the acidity of coffee which causes heartburn or acid reflux. It's the caffeine content. As such, decaf coffee has far less potential for causing these GI issues. 

Does decaf coffee dehydrate?

There isn’t any evidence that decaf coffee dehydrates you. Indeed, since decaffeinated coffee contains very little caffeine, it does not have the same diuretic effect as regular coffee. 

Does decaf coffee cause hot flashes?

Quite the contrary! The caffeine in regular coffee causes blood vessels to dilate, which can cause hot flashes, whereas decaffeinated coffee does not affect hot flashes.

Does it make you poop?

Research suggests that decaf coffee, like regular coffee, can have a mild laxative effect. 

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