10 Best Decaf Coffee – Roasted To The Near Perfection

Since you have landed on this page, there is no doubt that you are a big coffee aficionado. And now that you are here, it means that you are looking for the best options of decaf coffee.

While we agree that nothing compares to the rich and bold taste of a cup of regular coffee, but it doesn’t suit the dietary needs and choices of everyone. 

Some people get jittery after having a strong black coffee while some others feel bloated in stomach, some suffer temporary insomnia after consuming too much caffeine and some others may have heart related concerns. Well, not anymore. 

While for some consuming decaf coffees is just a personal preference and a life choice. Different people, different problems! So, as an alternative to that, there is decaffeinated coffee available in the market which offers the same goody taste with a significantly reduced amount of caffeine. 

Just like the regular roasts, decaf also come in a variety of brands which differ in taste depending on the roasts, grind and other factors.

To help you out with selection of the superior quality beans, here we have listed some salient features of the top brands that you should know before purchasing.

10 Best decaf coffee Brands 2023

1. Fabula Coffee Decaf Medium Roast (Organic & Low acid)

The high-quality beans used in the blends of Fabula Decaf come from one of the world's most renowned coffee-growing farms in Mexico. Climate, soil, and elevation all play a significant effect on the ultimate flavor of your cup of joy.

Despite its low acidity, this coffee had a depth and balance of flavor. Furthermore, whether you have a sensitive stomach or a delicate digestive system, this is a cup of coffee you can drink without any worry.

In terms of taste, there is no bitterness to be found in this coffee at all. Their usage of only organic, specialty-grade beans is likely to be a factor in this.

In addition, the company roasts its beans on a continuous basis, which ensures that each batch of coffee grounds you purchase is both tasty and fresh.

Because this wonderful package has everything you need to give your cup of coffee superior scent and flavor, it is the product that we recommend most highly.

2. Lifeboost Decaf Single Origin

The top most item on our list is Lifeboost Decaf Single origin that is grown in mountain shade, handpicked, spring washed and sun dried to obtain the best flavours and the richest aromas. The coffee is grown in the mountains of Nicaragua without the use of pesticide. The method used to decaffeinate the beans is called Swiss Water Process which is one of the safest and a chemical free method to decaffeinate coffee. 

Boasting of a bold and super rich taste, the prepared coffee has undertones of chocolate and caramel with a tinge of fruitiness. A mug full of Lifeboost decaf is aromatic, delicious, has very low acidity and is extremely easy on the stomach and teeth. The only downside to this coffee is that it is a little expensive on the pocket. But again, a little extra money doesn’t hurt when it means good health and amazing taste. 

Also read: My Review on Lifeboost decaf coffee. 

3. Cafe Don Pablo Decaf

Made from Colombo Supremo beans, Cafe Don pablo Decaf coffee is one of the best decaf available out there and gets to occupy the second place on our list of best decaf coffee.

In addition to the supreme quality Colombo Supremo decaf coffee beans, the coffee is also decaffeinated using the all natural, chemical free Swiss Water Method.

Boasting of natural flavours of cocoa and caramel, you can also taste undertones of citrus in a cup of Cafe Don Pablo. Known to be one of the lighter and mellow tasting coffees, Cafe Don Pablo decaf is best served with desserts or pastries and is suitable at any time of the day.

The 100% Arabica beans are roasted in small batches for better flavours. As a result, the coffee obtained has considerable low acidity and is nearly caffeine-free.

Additionally, it comes in two roasts- Medium Dark roast and light roast (medium- light roast).

4. NO FUN JO: Organic Decaf Coffee

Contrary to its name, No Fun Jo is a lot of fun and one of the best decaf coffee that is available in the market out there. Made with 100% Arabica beans that are roasted for a bold round and smooth taste, the coffee is completely organic and absolutely free of GMOs.

The beans are decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process and the produce obtained is dark roast that is rich and is one of the best tasting regular coffees. No Fun Jo has very little acidity and no flavours added to the blend. 

The coffee comes in a medium dark roast, and boasts of an extremely rich and robust taste with undertones of blueberry and milk chocolate. So if you are looking for something light and sweet then No Fun Jo could be your best pick. It also goes really well with sweets and desserts.

5. Volcanica Coffee Cafe Costa Rica Decaf Tarrazu

Another amazing decaf coffee that you can get for yourself is the Volcanica Coffee Cafe Costa Rica Decaf Tarrazu that is produced from single origin beans and is Swiss Water Processed for decaffeinating. Boasting of being 99.9% free of caffeine, Volcanica is medium roasted to bring out mild flavours without any underlying bitterness. 

Produced in the mountains of San Jose, the coffee offers a clean and a smooth taste regardless of the process of brewing. Besides the wholesome full bodied taste, you can also taste the undertones of subtle chocolate flavor and somes notes of crisp toasted apples.

In addition to its umpteen qualities, Volcanica Coffee Cafe Costa Rica Decaf Tarazzu also comes in several forms which include whole beans, drip, french press, and espresso grind for ease of choice. 

6. Kicking Horse Coffee Decaf

For all the real coffee connoisseurs out there, Kicking Horse Coffee Decaf is definitely one of the best picks which has uncompromising flavours and texture. Let’s not kid ourselves and admit that it is hard to find a decaf coffee brand which has a robust dark flavour.

But here we are with Kicking Horse dark roasts which delivers a truly rich and deep flavour in addition to keeping a check on the caffeine content. The coffee is decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process which means it is chemical free and natural.

The dark roast coffee is sourced from South and Central America and is fair trade certified, kosher certified and 100% organic, so you can put your worries out the window and relish it at ease.

Best suited for those who enjoy a dark roast but prefer less caffeine, Kicking Horse Coffee Decaf is definitely your go to brand.

7. Koffee Kult Columbian Decaf

Another great brand on our list of best decaffeinated coffees is Koffee Kult Columbian Decaf. Most of us know the brand to produce amazing regular varieties of coffee, but what we don’t know is that the brand also makes some unique decaf blends as well.

One of the most unique factors about Koffee Kult decaf is its aromatic fragrance, in addition to the taste. Even during the brewing process, the coffee lets out a rich aroma that is enough to lure one.

Koffee Kult uses supreme quality Colombian decaf coffee beans which are decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process which ensures that the beans are delicately processed in a chemical-free method and the caffeine amount is reduced to a minimum.

It is also organic and results in a full bodied brew. The coffee comes in a medium roast which gives a delicate and rich flavour which is on the bold side of the roast scale. 

8. Koa Coffee Decaf Kona

Koa Coffee Decaf Kona is definitely one of best finds when it comes to best decaf coffee. Produced from the Hawaiin beans, the coffee boasts of a unique taste that is distinctive from the regular coffee blends. 

Roasted to a medium roast, the beans are treated under the Swiss Water Process to decaffeinate them in a chemical free and natural atmosphere. The coffee obtained as a result is rich and is a favorite amongst all coffee lovers.

The beans are roasted just right to bring out the caramel flavours with fruity undertones, without burning off the other organic compounds. On the plus side, the coffee is also economically priced as per the quality range.

9. Eight O’Clock- The Original Decaf

If you are looking for a good quality decaf coffee but also do not want to spend a fortune on the expensive brands out there, then Eight O’Clock is the best pick for you.

The coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans which result in a better and a more smooth flavours than robusta beans, for a decaf option. The coffee is medium roasted for enhanced flavours which results in a rich and deep flavour without any bitterness.

In addition to its several redeeming qualities, Eight O’Clock is Kosher certified which ensures you have an amazing tasting coffee alongside enticing and sweet aroma.

So now your Sunday dinners are sorted when you can relish a decent cup of decaf without a lot of fuss or burning a hole in the pocket either. 

10. Stone Street Coffee Mayan Decaf

Last but not the least, Stone Street Coffee is one of the best options on the list of decaf coffees. Boasting of a truly special blend, the brand is the perfect go-to option if you are looking for excellent flavors in addition to sustainable beans. Treated to a medium roast, Stone Street delivers a rich and smooth flavor with very low acidity.

In addition to the taste and aroma, the coffee brand sources beans from Central America and is one of the very few brands to be certified from the Rain Forest Alliance.

What’s more? The coffee is processed through the Swiss Water Method in a chemical free and neutral atmosphere, and is micro-roasted to ensure outstanding quality. So if you are looking for modest flavor and full body, you know what to get. 

How to choose a decaf coffee - All You Need to Know

Choosing the perfect decaf is a crucial step in brewing the perfect cup of coffee to make your day since the decaffeination process may change the taste a little. The best way to choose the perfect decaf coffee is by looking for blends instead of single origins, as their complementary strengths can easily nullify their deficiencies caused by decaffeination.

1. Decaffeination methods 

Coffee naturally contains caffeine in it, making the whole process of decaffeination an "unnatural" one, according to a fraction of coffee lovers. However, no one can deny the pros of a cup of decaf before sleeping - as yummy as coffee but doesn't keep you up at night. Over the years, people have come up with various methods of decaffeination as per the origin and region of the coffee beans. So, let us understand a few famous ones better:

• Swiss water 

This wonderful process, pioneered in 1933, uses no chemicals whatsoever. The process goes on something like this - the beans are steamed so that they release the caffeine. Then they are soaked in water saturated with caffeine from a previous batch which results in only the caffeine getting soaked into the water. The water then goes through an activated charcoal filter which holds the larger particles. Lastly, the beans are dried slowly. 

• Carbon-di-oxide process

One of the most recent decaffeination processes - this method uses carbon-di-oxide instead of any chemical solvent. The process goes something like this: the beans are first soaked in water and placed in a container which is made up of stainless steel.

This container is sealed while liquid carbon-di-oxide is forced into the beans at the pressure rate per square inch of 1000 pounds to extract the caffeine. This carbon-di-oxide filled with caffeine is then moved to another container where the pressure is released, allowing the carbon-di-oxide to go back to its gaseous state. This caffeine-free carbon-di-oxide is placed in the pressurized tank so that it can be reused. 

• Indirect solvent process 

Here, the beans are first soaked in water for it to absorb all the caffeine and other components before the water is treated with a solvent. The solvent used absorbs only the caffeine. This process is called ‘indirect’ because the solvent touches the skin of the water, and the caffeine-free water is then put with the beans for them to reabsorb the other flavours.

• Direct solvent process 

In this process, the beans are steamed to open their pores and rinsed in methylene chloride or ethyl acetate. While the beans come in contact with the chemicals directly, any leftover traces undoubtedly vanish when they are roasted at 400+ degrees and brewed at around 200 degrees. 

So, what is the best method of decaffeination?

While there is no one method better than the other, the Swiss Water Process sure seems to be the most enticing one. It is the only method of decaffeination which uses no chemicals and only water to decaffeinate the beans. 

While science has come a long way and the chemicals used today don't exactly take away from the coffee beans or are harmful, the Swiss Water Process is a proven classic. Either way, the best decaf coffee is the one which can retain the flavours and essence of the beans even after the decaffeination process.

2. Roast Level 

As you may already know Coffee comes in four main levels of roast - light, medium, dark, and darker. 

The best roast for decaf coffee is a question that has been asked by many people, but the answer is not so simple. Decaffeinated coffee beans are roasted for a shorter period of time than regular coffee beans, and this reduces the amount of caffeine in the final product. 

The best roast for decaf coffee should be light and medium. It should not have any bitterness or odd flavors that might be found in other roasts.

3. Blend Vs. Single-origin 

While coffee blends are a combination of beans from more than one region, single-origin beans come from just one location. Let’s understand the two in more detail:

• Blends

When it comes to decaf coffee, a lot of people opt for blends over a single-origin since the probability of retaining the flavour and essence of coffee is more in blends. Moreover, since the decaffeination process often compromises the flavour of the coffee beans, blending beans from more than one place can often nullify the overall shortcomings.

• Single Origin

Single-origin coffee is usually more expensive compared to blends, as it captures the authentic flavours and unique tasting notes. However, when it comes to decaf - one can never be too cautious. The decaffeination process can affect the authentic flavour of the coffee beans as well, which is why one must always buy single-origin beans from reliable places. Moreover, having a certain level of knowledge about decaffeination processes is only helpful.

Does Decaf Taste Different Than Regular Coffee? 

Have you never come across a brand of coffee you didn’t like as much? We’re sure, you may have! 

Decaf has a reputation of not tasting as well as normal coffee, and it's a false reputation if we're being honest. Decaf, depending upon the method of decaffeination, can taste slightly different. The taste of coffee comes from the beans and the way they are roasted. While decaffeination can affect the beans a little, they don't make a whole lot of difference. 

So if you're a coffee-lover, give decaf a shot with no prejudice. You might just find your next favorite beverage. 

But why drink decaf coffee?

Decaf has a lot of benefits as it is, but here are a few reasons why you can opt for decaf:

• Lowers risk of diabetes: Many studies have shown that the antioxidants present in decaf aid in neutralizing free radicals. This reduces oxidative damage and can prevent diseases such as Type 2 diabetes as well as heart diseases and cancer.
• Detoxification: Decaf contains Vitamin B3 which not only cleanses your body but also helps in fighting free radicals and foreign materials produced due to stress and anxiety.
• Better memory: Decaf coffee has polyphenols, which are compounds known to improve cognitive performance as well as reflexes. 

What are the best decaf coffee beans? 

The Medium Roast Decaf by LifeBoost is one of the best decaf coffee beans there are in the market. 

What is Instant decaf coffee? 

As the name suggests, instant decaf coffee is the kind of coffee you can make immediately without having to roast or brew. Originating from the Tarrazu mountain range, the Costa Rica Tarrazu Decaf Coffee is one of the best Instant Decaf Coffee available out there!

For a lot of people, sipping coffee marks the start of their day and a cuppa can help them get through the worst and the best days. While caffeine addiction is a real thing, decaf coffee is the perfect way to trick your mind into going healthier without compromising on the flavour and happiness coffee gives you!

Is There Any Caffeine in Decaf Coffee?

Decaffeination is the process through which caffeine is removed from coffee. The beans, once decaffeinated, are then washed, steamed, and roasted at temperatures necessary to evaporate all the liquids used in the decaffeination process. However, this decaffeination process is usually successful in removing only about 97% of the caffeine in coffee beans. 

Difference between Regular Coffee and Decaf Coffee

The difference in taste is one of the most distinctive factors when distinguishing between regular coffees and decaf coffee beans. This factor is especially considered by people who are resorting to decaf after relishing regular coffee for a long time and would not want to compromise on the quality of a regular coffee while getting the benefits of a decaf coffee.

The decaf process affects the smell and taste of coffee distinctively. A decaf is much milder and has a much clement smell than that of a regular coffee.
Read this detailed article on difference between regular and decaf coffee. 

So, now that we have listed down the decaf coffee best options available in the market. It’s your turn to pick one, brew it and let us know your feedback in the comments below.

FAQ:

Is decaf coffee acidic?

Decaf coffee is less acidic than normal coffee. It has a pH of about 5.0 to 5.1. In that, anything below 7 is known to be acidic. Caffeine triggers the release of gastric acids and since decaf can't do that, it only increases the chance of causing build-up and acidity. 

Does decaf coffee dehydrate you?

Caffeine is a mild diuretic, causing you to take more bathroom trips, in turn causing you to expel more water than usual. While there is no real evidence to this as you are more or less likely to restore that same amount of water via your coffee itself, if it were to be believed - there is rarely any chance of dehydration occurring due to decaf coffee, to say the least. 

Does decaf coffee raise blood pressure?

Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, i.e. it decreases the diameter of the blood vessels and can hence raise blood pressure. This fear is baseless when it comes to decaf coffee.

Can decaf coffee make you poop?

Much like normal coffee, decaf coffee can also increase bowel movement, making you want to go to poop.

Does decaf coffee give you energy?

If you're someone with no health issues, decaf coffee is going to improve your mood as well as energy in the long run. It will also help tremendously by getting rid of one's need to consume caffeine.