At zonebestpicks, we’ve meticulously curated a definitive guide to the best decaf coffees available today. Whether you’re a connoisseur seeking robust flavor without the caffeine jolt or simply exploring new options, our comprehensive review covers everything from espresso to organic blends and instant varieties. Dive into our detailed analysis to discover the perfect decaf coffee for your discerning palate.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Counter Culture Coffee Slow Motion Decaf Blend
Pros:
- Bold flavor with bright notes
- Available in multiple sizes
- Organic
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than average
Description:
Counter Culture’s Slow Motion Decaf earned the top spot in our taste test due to its vibrant and complex flavor, surpassing a typical medium roast. It offers a smooth and sweet profile with a notable acidity from stone fruit notes, adding a unique touch without being overly tart. Available in 12, 24, and 80-ounce sizes, this coffee can be found in grocery stores or ordered online. Using the Swiss Water Process, Counter Culture ensures the beans are decaffeinated while maintaining high quality. Although on the pricier side, it aligns with other specialty roasters.
Roast: Medium
Size: 12, 24, or 80 ounces
Available In: Whole bean, ground, and single-serve packets
Decaffeination Process: Swiss Water Process
Best Medium Roast
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Trapper Creek Decaf Blend
Pros:
- Strong, unique flavor
- Widely available
Cons:
- Price varies widely
Description:
Stumptown’s Trapper Creek blend offers a medium roast with a unique flavor profile that appeals to many. Our taste test revealed notes of cherry and milk chocolate with a balanced acidity. Using the Swiss Water Process, this decaf blend is available in 12-ounce or 5-pound bags. While prices vary by retailer, it’s generally more expensive than grocery store brands, reflecting its quality. Note that Trapper Creek is sold only in whole-bean form, so a grinder is necessary.
Roast: Medium
Size: 12 or 80 ounces
Available In: Whole bean
Decaffeination Process: Swiss Water Process
Best Dark Roast
Jo Coffee No Fun Jo Decaf
Pros:
- Smoother than many dark roasts
- Organic and Fair Trade
- Available in K-Cups
Cons:
- Notes of a lighter roast
Description:
Jo Coffee’s No Fun Jo Decaf is ideal for dark roast lovers avoiding caffeine. This blend is smooth with a touch of sweetness, avoiding the typical bitterness of dark roasts. It’s Fair Trade and certified organic. Available in whole bean, ground, and K-Cup formats, and sold in 12-ounce bags or 2-pound bags. The price is slightly higher than grocery store brands but lower than specialty roasters.
Roast: Medium-dark
Size: 12 ounces or 2 pounds
Available In: Whole bean, ground, and K-Cup
Decaffeination Process: Swiss Water Process
Best Light Roast
Cafe Don Pablo Light Roast Decaf
Pros:
- Easy to drink
- Shorter roasting time and temperature
- Large bags available
Cons:
- Flavors are mild
Description:
Cafe Don Pablo’s Colombian Decaf is a light roast, diverging from the typical medium roast of Colombian coffees. While the flavors are mild, subtle notes of citrus and cocoa are present, with a smooth finish. Available in sizes ranging from 12 ounces to 5 pounds, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a lighter, easier-to-drink decaf coffee. For bulk buys, a coffee canister is recommended to maintain freshness.
Roast: Light roast (also available in medium-dark roast)
Size: 12, 32, or 80 ounces
Available In: Whole bean and ground
Decaffeination Process: Swiss Water Process
Best Budget
Kicking Horse Decaf Dark Roast Coffee
Pros:
- Cheaper than most specialty coffee
- Organic and Fair Trade
- Strong flavor
Cons:
- Slightly bitter
Description:
Kicking Horse Coffee strikes a balance between cost and quality. This dark roast is rich, robust, and flavorful, with notes of roasted hazelnuts and milk chocolate. Though slightly bitter, it’s an enjoyable decaf option. Certified organic and Fair Trade, Kicking Horse roasts its beans in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Available in 10-ounce or 2.2-pound bags, it’s easy to find in stores or online.
Roast: Dark
Size: 10 ounces or 2.2 pounds
Available In: Whole bean
Decaffeination Process: Swiss Water Process
Best Espresso
Lavazza Dek Decaf Coffee
Pros:
- Brighter notes than normal espresso beans
- Rich body
Cons:
- Not the most aromatic beans
Description:
Lavazza’s Dek Decaf Espresso provides flavorful, caffeine-free espresso shots. This medium roast blend of Arabica beans from Brazil and Vietnam offers hazelnut and roasted cereal notes, making it smoother than typical dark roasts. It produces a rich crema with the right espresso maker. Sold in 17.5-ounce whole bean bags, 8-ounce pre-ground bags, and pod options. Prices are higher but reasonable given the larger bag sizes.
Roast: Medium
Size: 17.5 ounces
Available In: Whole bean, ground, Blue System pods, and E.S.E. pods
Decaffeination Process: CO2 Process
Best Instant
Mount Hagen Organic Freeze Dried Instant Decaf Coffee
Pros:
- Strong flavor that’s easy to adjust
- Dissolves well
Cons:
- Slightly bitter
Description:
Mount Hagen Decaf Instant Coffee offers a surprisingly rich flavor for an instant coffee, albeit slightly bitter. It dissolves easily, even in cold water, and is available in a 3.53-ounce jar or a box of single-serve sticks, ideal for travel. Note that single-serve packets limit strength adjustment, so choose the jar for more control.
Roast: Medium
Size: 3.53-ounce jar or box of 25 single-serve sticks
Available In: Instant
Decaffeination Process: CO2 Process
Best Half-Caffeinated
Stone Street Coffee Company Mayan Water Half-Caff
Pros:
- Great for quitting caffeine
- Large, cost-effective sizes available
Cons:
- Not all retailers carry whole-bean version
Description:
Stone Street Coffee Company’s Mayan Water Half-Caff is perfect for reducing caffeine intake. This medium roast is suitable for any time of day and comes in sizes from 1 to 5 pounds. Available in whole bean or pre-ground, with grind size options on the company’s website. However, whole-bean versions may not be available at all retailers.
Roast: Medium
Size: 16, 32, or 80 ounces
Available In: Whole bean or ground
Decaffeination Process: Swiss Water Process
Best Single Origin
Bean & Bean Decaf Single Origin Coffee
Pros:
- Smooth and easy to drink
- Organic and Fair Trade
- Consistent across brewing options
Cons:
- Expensive
Description:
Bean & Bean’s single-origin decaf coffee, sourced from Marcala, Honduras, offers a balanced sweetness and acidity. Suitable for various brewing methods, it provides a smooth drinking experience with little bitterness. While more expensive, this 11-ounce bag of whole bean or ground coffee reflects the quality typical of single-origin beans.
Roast: Medium
Size: 11 ounces
Available In: Whole bean and ground
Decaffeination Process: Mountain Water Process
How We Tested Decaf Coffee
We acquired 16 different decaf coffees and conducted a taste test without caffeine. To ensure a precise evaluation, we brewed a cup of each coffee and assessed them based on five criteria: flavor, acidity, body, sweetness, and balance. We then totaled the scores, and the highest-rated decaf coffees are listed below. Additionally, we included descriptions of each coffee’s taste to give a more detailed impression beyond the ratings.
What to Look for in Decaf Coffee
Decaffeination Method
Decaf coffee is produced through various decaffeination methods, each imparting subtle differences to the final product. The most common method is water processing, often known as Swiss-water decaf. A newer technique involves the CO2 process, where liquid carbon dioxide is pressurized into the coffee beans. There isn’t a definitive best method, but once you find a method you prefer, it’s wise to stick with it.
Maryna Gray, Director of Coffee at Bean Box, advises, “I’d avoid decaf that doesn’t specify the decaffeination method used. Specialty roasters like to highlight their process—if a higher quality method is used, it will likely be mentioned on the packaging or description.”
Tasting Notes
When trying a new coffee, identifying your preferred roast type—light, medium, or dark—is a good starting point. Pay attention to a blend’s tasting notes, usually indicated on the bag. For example, with a dark roast, you might prefer chocolate notes over smokiness or vice versa.
Price
Although the price difference between decaf and regular coffee is generally minimal, it’s still an important factor since most people consume coffee daily. Experiment with different brands to find your preferred price range. Compare a $5 bag of beans to a $20 bag to see what suits your taste. Remember, a higher price doesn’t always mean better flavor for your palate.
FAQs About Decaf Coffee
Does decaf coffee have caffeine?
Most decaf coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine, ranging from about 2 milligrams to 18 milligrams per cup. In contrast, a typical cup of regular coffee has around 100 milligrams of caffeine. Because coffee beans naturally contain caffeine, it’s challenging to remove all of it without affecting the taste. Typically, about 97% of the caffeine is removed during the decaffeination process. If you need a completely caffeine-free option, consider alternatives like chicory coffee or turmeric lattes. However, decaf coffees generally have low enough caffeine levels to avoid the jitters while offering a different experience from regular coffee.
How is decaf coffee made?
There are four primary methods for decaffeinating coffee beans:
- Water Process: The most popular modern methods are water-based, such as the Swiss Water Process and the Mountain Water Process. These solvent-free methods remove up to 99.9% of caffeine by soaking raw coffee beans in hot water to create a Green Coffee Extract (GCE). The GCE is filtered to remove caffeine and then recirculated to infuse new beans with flavor but not caffeine. Afterward, the beans are dried, roasted, and ready for brewing. According to Maryna Gray, the Swiss Water Process is common in specialty coffee, while the Mountain Water Process and the EA (Sugarcane) Process, popular in Colombian coffees, are also effective.
- CO2 Process: This solvent-free method involves soaking raw beans in water and then using liquid CO2 to bind with the caffeine molecules. The CO2, along with the caffeine, is then removed through carbon filters. Although less common than the Swiss Water Process, it is another effective method.
- Direct-Solvent Method: In this traditional method, raw beans are treated with solvents like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate, which bind to the caffeine. During roasting, both the solvent and the caffeine burn off. This method, sometimes called the Sugarcane Method, remains widely used.
- Indirect-Solvent Method: Here, raw beans are soaked in hot water to extract caffeine, oils, and flavors. The beans are separated, and the water is treated with solvents to remove the caffeine. The solvent is evaporated, and the beans are re-soaked in the water to reabsorb the oils and flavors.
Do decaf and caffeinated coffee taste different?
The taste difference between decaf and regular coffee can vary. Some decaffeination processes may alter the beans’ oils and flavors, potentially affecting the taste. Specialty roasters might not use their best beans for decaf, which can also contribute to a difference in flavor. Additionally, highly flavorful coffees from regions like Ethiopia or Kenya are rarely decaffeinated, so most decafs come from Central or South America due to proximity to decaf facilities.
However, many trained tasters find it hard to distinguish between decaf and regular coffee. High-quality decaf, when roasted and brewed properly, can match or even surpass the flavor of regular coffee. As Maryna Gray notes, well-crafted decaf can offer a rich and nuanced flavor that rivals any artisan coffee.
Does decaf espresso exist?
Yes, decaf espresso exists and is made the same way as decaf coffee. Any coffee bean can be used for espresso, though some are better suited for it. Decaf espresso beans undergo the same decaffeination processes described above. When prepared by an experienced barista, decaf coffee blends can produce excellent espresso drinks. The fruitier notes often missed in decaf aren’t as essential in milk-based drinks, making decaf espresso a great option. We have included a coffee that’s ideal for decaf espresso on our list.
