Looking for the best decaf coffee? Try these.
I’m one of those people who can’t drink coffee after 2 pm. I’d stay wide awake until at least 1 am if I snuck in that extra cup of coffee in the afternoon. What do you do then if you can’t live without your afternoon cup of coffee?
Get decaf coffee! Here we’ll discuss what decaf coffee is and suggest a few to try.
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Why decaf coffee?
If you’re like me, you may prefer drinking a cup of decaf coffee in the afternoon because regular coffee will affect your sleep at night. As for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the FDA suggests talking to your doctor before consuming coffee. Here are a few other reasons why some coffee drinkers choose decaf. They may experience:
- Insomnia
- Heartburn
- Palpitation
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Headache
In an article by USA Today titled “Shamers keep coming for pregnant women’s coffee. Science roasts their reasoning,” it highlighted coffee shaming incidents where baristas and customers were giving coffee advice to pregnant women. Read it to find out more and tell us your thoughts on it.
What is decaf coffee?
Decaffeinated or decaf coffee is basically coffee without all the caffeine. There are four main methods used in decaffeinating coffee according to Scientific American:
- Indirect solvent – where water and activated charcoal are used to remove the caffeine from the green coffee beans.
- Direct solvent – coffee oil or ethyl acetate is used to dissolve the caffeine and extract it from the coffee.
- Carbon dioxide decaffeination – similar to direct solvent, but carbon dioxide is used in this method.
- Swiss water process – chemical-free and is able to deliver a 99.9% caffeine-free coffee.
Is decaf coffee really decaf?
About 1-3% of the caffeine is left when the coffee beans go through the decaffeination process.
According to the National Coffee Association (NCA), an 8 oz of brewed coffee consists of an average of 95 mg caffeine and it ranges from 17 to 165 mg. The level of caffeine in coffee varies from farm to farm, tree to tree, roast to roast and of course the type of coffee. However, an 8 oz cup of brewed decaf coffee has 2 mg of caffeine. So note that it has significantly less caffeine, but is not 100% caffeine free.
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7 Best Decaf Coffee to Try
Looking for the best decaf coffee from 100% Arabica coffee beans? We’ve got you covered.
1. Green Mountain Coffee Dark Magic Decaf
Photo Credit: Amazon
Those who prefer using Keurig coffee makers don’t need to worry about drinking crappy decaf coffee because Green Mountain Coffee has Dark Magic Decaf K-cup pods. It’s fairly strong and smooth to taste and without a bitter aftertaste. Green Mountain could be the best alternative and may be agreeable to your stomach and body.
Now you can enjoy your after dinner cup of coffee with your favorite dessert and not have to worry about the caffeine keeping you up at night.
Also available at Walmart
2. Seattle’s Best Decaf Portside Blend
Photo Credit: Amazon
Seattle’s Best’s Decaf Portside Blend, formerly known as Signature Blend #3 is smooth, not weak or too bitter. Seattle’s Best will banish negative stigma attached to decaf coffee because it delivers an outstanding taste and aroma of coffee.
If you try decaf coffee long enough, you’ll notice that most have a weird sharp aftertaste. Seattle’s Best Decaf will awaken all your senses without the caffeine. It’s perfect for brewing in a French press or using an automatic drip brewing machine and Keurig as well. If using a Keurig, just make sure you use a reusable k-pod filter.
3. Gevalia House Blend Decaf Coffee
Photo Credit: Amazon
Want a bag of coffee that is already pre-ground, smells good and doesn’t have caffeine? Gevalia House Blend decaf coffee with smooth caramel notes and a citrus-like finish will be a good option for coffee lovers who can’t cope with caffeine.
Gevalia is a Swedish coffee company that has been delivering exceptional coffee for over 150 years. Each cup contains less than 1% caffeine but is still dark and robust without the nasty aftertaste. A delight to anyone who is hyper-sensitive to caffeine.
Brew a pot using your automatic drip brewing machine or French press today and make it an after dinner drink to enjoy with friends and family.
Also available on Amazon (bulk)
4. Kicking Horse Decaf Coffee
Photo Credit: Amazon
Kicking Horse is another brand that delivers top quality coffee. If you’re searching for a coffee that’s kosher and organic and if you’re searching for a brand that only supports fair-trade coffee, look no further than Kicking Horse. Their decaf dark roast features tasting notes of hazelnut and chocolate and it’s suitable for all coffee brewing methods and cold brew as well.
Also available at Walmart
5. Peet’s Decaf Major Dickason’s Blend
Photo Credit: Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s offers decaf and half-caf (half of the caffeine) options to coffee drinkers that are less tolerant to caffeine. The company offers a wide range of decaf coffee but we recommend Major Dickason’s blend because it has all the complexities of normal coffee, minus the caffeine.
It’s suitable for brewing using a French press, drip machine or an espresso machine. Avoid bland, outright awful decaf coffee and check out Peet’s Decaf Major Dickason’s Blend.
Also available at Walmart
6. Idecaf Kenya AA Decaf
Whether you prefer single-origin or flavored decaf coffee, Idecaf Coffee Co. has you covered. Started by an airline pilot and coffee lover, Idecaf is a leading company in the US for decaf coffee using sustainable coffee beans.
Read More: I Can’t Believe It’s Decaf Coffee! by Idecaf Coffee Co.
They offer many options but if you like single-origin coffee, get the Kenya AA decaf coffee. It’s also available with caffeine. Kenya AA coffee has berry and citrus notes, and an enticing floral aroma. You have further options from Idecaf for decaf coffee. Check out their Maple Bacon and Chocolate Raspberry flavored decaf coffee. Both are great for that afternoon coffee craving.
Idecaf decaf coffee is suitable for all types of brewing methods.
7. Fresh Roasted Coffee Decaf Peruvian Coffee
Photo Credit: Amazon
Fresh Roasted Coffee’s Decaf Peruvian coffee has almond, chocolate and sweet cream notes, which is definitely pleasing to anyone who needs a full-bodied decaf coffee. This single origin Peruvian coffee is mildly acidic. It’s certified kosher, organic and every bag you buy will help the economic and environmental sustainability of Cajamarca, Peru, the region where the coffee is from.
Also available at Walmart
