Caffeine is what makes coffee addictive for most people. It stimulates the central nervous system, making you alert and awake. However, for some people, caffeine is also the culprit why they cannot enjoy coffee.
Luckily, the best decaf coffee is to the rescue! However, take note that decaf coffee is not necessarily caffeine-free! At the very least, 97% of caffeine is removed.
If you are looking for the best decaf coffee, keep on reading. We’ll let you know how to get your much-needed caffeine fix without caffeine.
How is Coffee Decaffeinated?
Before we start rounding up some of the best products in the market, let’s quickly look at the process that coffee undergoes to remove most of the caffeine.
There are two main ways of decaffeinating coffee. The first one is through solvent-based processes. A chemical solvent is added directly or indirectly to the coffee. A common chemical used in this process is methylene chloride. While this is a chemical, no need to worry about your health. Even the FDA categorizes this as a low-risk solvent.
Another method would be through non-solvent-based processes. One way this is done is through the Swiss Water Process. It relies on solubility and osmosis to remove caffeine. Another method under this category is the carbon dioxide process. Here, water-soaked beans are placed in an extraction vessel and pressure is used to extract caffeine.
Top 6 Picks for the Best Decaf Coffee Reviews
Clueless about the best decaf coffee to buy? Here are some of the products that should be on your list.
1. Keurig Green Mountain Coffee Vermont Country Blend Decaf
One of the best things about this decaf coffee is its ease of preparation. It is a coffee pod. This means that compatibility is limited to the right coffee machine. Nonetheless, it is a snap to prepare. There is no need for guesswork. Every pod guarantees amazing flavor in every cup.
Speaking of flavor, this decaf coffee has the perfect balance of light and dark. It is sweet and aromatic. It is also worth noting that it is made using 100% Arabica coffee, which is already a compelling reason to believe that it has a great flavor.
This is a medium-roast coffee, which means that it won’t be too strong or too light, even if it is decaffeinated. There is a sweet brown sugar finish that will linger in your tongue, making you want to take another sip out of your cup.
The maker of this coffee is known for their exceptional efforts in helping local communities, such as by helping farms have access to clean water and promoting better pay for their farmers.
Pros:
- Good flavor
- Easy to prepare
- Smooth
Cons:
- Works only for Keurig brewers
- Pods can leak
2. Starbucks VIA Instant Decaf Italian Roast Dark Roast Coffee
Are you a fan of Starbucks? If you are, then you have one good reason to choose this product. No more need to head to a nearby coffee shop to have a sip of your favorite drink. You can enjoy the same high quality in the comfort of your home or office.
Convenience is one of the best things about this product. It is packaged in single-serve packets. Tear the packet, add to hot water, and your drink will be ready in an instant. There is no need for grinding beans or a complicated coffee maker. Each packet is good for one serving, so no need to be left guessing on how much coffee is needed in every cup. Because of its convenience, it is also a great choice for those who often travel.
This is a great choice for those who prefer dark roast coffee. It brings out the sweetness from the coffee while also highlighting the intensity of its flavors. The depth of its flavor will surely amaze even sophisticated coffee drinkers.
Pros:
- Consistent flavor
- Great for traveling
- Has a full body
Cons:
- Can have a stale taste
- Packaging can easily break
3. McCafe Decaf Premium Roast Keurig K-Cup Coffee Pods
If you are looking for an affordable option for the best decaf coffee, this is one of the top products to consider. Take note that these are K-cup pods, which means that you will need a K-cup 1.0 and 2.0 brewer. The good thing is that it is easy to prepare. You can expect consistently good flavor in every cup.
Even if it is a decaf coffee, you can expect that it has a rich body. The balanced flavor is also a plus, which we can attribute to the fact that it is a medium roast. Anytime throughout the day, you can enjoy this coffee.
This is 100% Arabica coffee. It is harvested from a region with rich soils, so you can expect premium quality.
To ensure the freshness of this coffee, each pack is individually sealed. This protects the coffee from external factors that can spoil the coffee’s flavor.
Lastly, this is a certified Kosher coffee. This is reflective of the coffee’s responsible preparation in accordance with stringent Kosher laws.
Pros:
- Rich body
- Balanced taste
- Affordable
Cons:
- Requires a K-cup coffee brewer
- Cups are not eco-friendly
4. Café Don Pablo Colombian Decaf Coffee
One of the best things about this coffee is that it is brewed in small batches by a family-owned business. This means that you can expect attention to every detail, assuring the best quality. It is also made using single origin beans.
It is also a good thing that it is 100% organic. That means that there are no added chemicals. To decaffeinate coffee, it uses all-natural Swiss method. This allows the coffee to maintain its true flavor. It is also GMO-free.
In terms of flavor profile, this has a taste reminiscent of natural caramel and cocoa. There is also a hint of citrus. It has a smooth finish and low acidity. This is great if you want a coffee that you can drink easily anytime of the day, not just in the morning.
However, there are some people who did not like how the packaging can affect its freshness. There is a possibility that air can penetrate, and this can make it stale. The coffee is in a two-pound bag, which means that it will take a while before it is emptied.
Pros:
- Brewed in small batches
- Made using single origin beans
- Organic
Cons:
- Freshness can be compromised because of the packaging
- Can have a burnt aftertaste
5. Amazon Brand 100-count Solimo Decaf Breakfast Blend
This is one of the most affordable of the products that are listed in this buying guide, making it a great choice for those who are on a budget. Despite being affordable, we like the quality, although, it is admittedly not as great as its higher-end competitors.
This coffee is using a blend of beans from Latin America and Africa. You can expect a smooth taste, although, there are some who are unhappy over its aroma. This is understandable given the fact that this is a light roast.
The best thing about this product is the satisfaction guarantee that the manufacturer offers. If you are unhappy with the quality of the product, let them know within a year after purchase and they will issue an unconditional refund.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Has a smooth taste
- Comes with a satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- K-cups are made of plastic
- Weak aroma
6. Subtle Earth Organic Honduran Marcala Coffee
If you prefer beans over grounds, this is one product worth considering in your search for the best decaf coffee. It is 100% Arabica beans, which have been decaffeinated through and a water process. You can be confident that this is organic since there are no chemicals that are used in processing the coffee.
In terms of flavor, it is rich and chocolatey. It has a velvety body and low acidity. However, if you prefer a robust flavor in your coffee, this isn’t for you. It is uncommon for some people to complain about how weak the flavor is.
The freshness of the coffee is one more thing worth noting. It is made using carefully selected beans and roasted in small batches.
Pros:
- Has a long shelf life
- 100% organic
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some people find the flavor weak
- Oily beans
How to Choose the Best decaf Coffee
The options for the best decaf coffee will be overwhelming. To help you make the right choice, here are some of the most important considerations.
Beans or Ground?
One of the first things that you need to do is to determine whether you should choose decaf beans or grounds. It is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer beans because they have the freedom to grind it based on their preferences. They are also fresher, but it depends on its overall quality. If you are after convenience, on the other hand, go for ground coffee. This will be ready in an instant since there is no more grinding necessary.
Where is It From?
The origin of the coffee will have a direct impact on its flavor. For instance, coffee from Indonesia, especially in Sumatra and Java, are known for having low acidity but deep body. Brazilian coffee, on the other hand, has nutty or chocolatey flavors. Hawaii or Kona coffee, meanwhile, is mild with a hint of fruitiness. Ethiopian coffee is complex and bright.
Conclusion
Caffeine can make you restless and insomniac. For some people, it can also have a negative impact on their health. However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy coffee. The best decaf coffee is a great alternative, including our recommendations above! Most of the caffeine has been eliminated while remaining full of flavor and aroma.
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