Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine?

When we hear the term ‘decaf’, we automatically think that it means caffeine-free, but is that always the case? Decaf is a term used to describe coffee that has had most of its caffeine removed.

Decaf coffee is a great alternative to regular coffee. In fact, 1 in 5 coffee drinkers opt for decaf, according to a report by Mintel.

Throughout this blog, we will explore whether or not decaf coffee has caffeine in it, the benefits of drinking decaf coffee and the health benefits. For more information, read on.

 

Does Decaf Coffee Contain Caffeine?

There are many methods that you can use to extract caffeine from coffee beans, such as the Swiss water method, Carbon dioxide method and solvent-based method.

All of these methods are effective ways to remove caffeine from coffee, but are they completely caffeine-free or do they contain caffeine?

The simple answer is yes, decaf coffee does contain caffeine. Although decaf coffee is an alternative to regular coffee, it still contains some caffeine. So, how much caffeine is in decaf coffee?

Decaffeination removes around 97% of caffeine from the coffee beans, which means that a typical cup of coffee contains around 2 mg of caffeine.

If you are sensitive to caffeine or are trying to eliminate it from your diet completely, then we would not recommend decaf coffee, as it still contains traces of caffeine. However, if you are looking to decrease your caffeine intake, then decaf coffee is the solution for you.

 

Is Decaf Coffee Healthy?

Many people choose decaf coffee over regular coffee for many reasons, such as to limit their caffeine intake, enjoy coffee without the side effects or as a healthier option. But is decaf coffee healthy?

The short answer is yes. Decaf coffee can be a healthy alternative if you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake while enjoying the taste and benefits of coffee.

What Are the Benefits of Decaf Coffee?

Decaf coffee is rich in antioxidants, a good source of fibre, offers protection against liver and heart disease and much more. Here are some of the many benefits of decaf coffee:

 

1: Decaf Coffee Contains Antioxidants

Regular coffee contains antioxidants, which leaves you to wonder whether or not decaf coffee still contains antioxidants.

Well, there is no need to worry because decaf coffee does contain antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

 

2: Decaf Coffee Lowers the Risk of GI Issues

Regular coffee can worsen symptoms of GI issues, which is why most people who suffer from GI issues opt for decaf coffee.

Decaf coffee has been shown to cause significantly less acid reflux than regular coffee. This is likely due to the lower caffeine content, as caffeine can stimulate acid production in the stomach.

 

3: Enjoy Coffee Without the Side Effects

Regular coffee can cause unwanted side effects, such as headaches, irregular heartbeat, anxiety and restlessness. Although caffeine is a great way to boost your energy levels, especially before a long day at work, it can be the cause of some unwanted side effects.

 

How Much Caffeine is Too Much?

Everyone is different; therefore, the amount of caffeine you can have a day varies massively. For example, healthy adults can have around 400 mg of caffeine per day (4-5 cups of coffee), however, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then you shouldn't exceed 200 mg daily.

This is because too much caffeine can cause birth complications or even miscarriages in the worst case. Make sure to keep on top of your daily caffeine intake because too much caffeine can cause potential problems and side effects, such as:

• Anxiety
• Digestive issues
• Headaches
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate
• Insomnia/ sleep issues
• Muscle breakdown

Some people who drink too much caffeine may become dependent on it because of the effects it has on the brain and body. Caffeine affects neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline and dopamine, which can enhance your mood and alertness.

Over time, people may associate their good moods and alertness to caffeine, which causes them to become reliant on it without realising it. This is why it is important to keep your caffeine intake to a minimum.

 

Who Would Benefit From Decaf Coffee?

As briefly mentioned before, decaf coffee is a great alternative to regular coffee as it contains less caffeine. But who exactly would benefit from decaf coffee?

 

1: Pregnant Women

This is because pregnant women are advised to limit their caffeine consumption to reduce any risks associated with caffeine during their pregnancy.

 

2: People With Caffeine Sensitivity

Those who are sensitive to caffeine may experience negative side effects, such as anxiety, restlessness and headaches. Decaf coffee allows you to enjoy the taste of coffee without suffering from these side effects.

 

3: People Who Suffer From Health Conditions

If you suffer from high blood pressure, migraines or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), decaf coffee can help manage your symptoms by reducing your caffeine intake.

 

4: People looking to Reduce Their Caffeine Intake

Decaf coffee is a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of coffee without consuming as much caffeine. As discussed previously, decaf coffee contains antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer.

So, if you want to enjoy your morning or evening coffee without experiencing any unwanted side effects, decaf coffee is the solution for you.

 

5: People Who Are on Certain Medications

Some medications don’t agree with caffeine, such as antidepressants or some antibiotics (Moxifloxacin). This antibiotic can decrease the metabolism of caffeine, which can increase the risks of side effects.

Make sure if you are on any medications that you double-check with your GP as to whether or not you can continue drinking regular coffee. If not, decaf coffee will be your best option.

 

Key Takeaways

So, to answer your question, decaf coffee does contain some caffeine; however, it is nowhere near the same amount as regular coffee. Here are some key takeaways for you to remember:

• Decaf coffee only contains around 2 mg of caffeine.
• Pregnant women shouldn’t consume any more than 200 mg of caffeine per day.
• People shouldn't consume any more than 400 mg of caffeine daily.
• Too much caffeine can have negative effects.
• Decaf coffee is a healthy alternative if you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake.

Here at Crosby Coffee, we offer workshops, coffee beans available for you to buy and more. We are a cafe located in Crosby that works closely with our partners at origin to ensure the greatest traceability from crop to cup.

We forge lasting relationships with the people behind the coffee we source and look to work only with producers who look after the environment and also reinvest in their communities.

Our decaf coffee has undergone a sugarcane E.A decaffeination process, which maintains the integrity of green flavour coffee. We offer decaf coffee beans, including Decaf Columbia Rainbow and Decaf Colombia Tabi.

For more information on our coffee, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.