Coffee without caffeine: yes, it's real. Decaffeinated coffee may sound like an oxymoron for some, but it's a reality for many coffee drinkers and lovers out there. Making coffee decaffeinated can be done a variety of ways, and each can have major impacts to the flavour and purity of the coffee bean. Here at Tripod Coffee, flavour and process of coffee making are our two core barometers of success. So whether you're a coffee lover, coffee maker or coffee roaster, here are our three main methods of removing caffeine from coffee beans.
How To Make Decaffeinated Coffee
1. The Direct Method
The direct method involves using solvents like methylene chloride or ethyl acetate to extract caffeine from green coffee beans. After steaming the beans to open their pores, they soak in the solvent for hours. The solvent binds to caffeine molecules, which are then rinsed away through multiple washes, leaving behind decaffeinated beans.
2. The CO2 Method
The CO2 method involves using liquid carbon dioxide under high pressure to extract caffeine from beans. After soaking the beans in water, they're placed in a pressurised chamber where liquid CO2 circulates to remove caffeine. The CO2 evaporates, leaving behind decaffeinated beans.
3. The Indirect Method (Swiss Water Process):
The Swiss Water Process method relies on water to decaffeinate beans. First, the beans are soaked in hot water to release caffeine. Then, the water passes through a carbon filter to remove caffeine. This water is reused to decaffeinate another batch of beans, repeating the process multiple times until the desired caffeine level is reached.
Why Swiss Water Process Reigns Supreme (for Tripod)
This method stands out for preserving the coffee's original flavour profile. It removes caffeine without altering the natural flavour compounds, ensuring a decaf coffee that tastes akin to the original. Swiss Water Process is environmentally friendly too, using only water and a carbon filter, minimising environmental impact and pollution risks.
Our Commitment to Swiss Water Process
At Tripod Coffee, we prioritise the Swiss Water Process for our decaf coffee. Not only does it retain flavour integrity, but it's also organic, non-toxic, and supports sustainable farming practices. Our White Peak Sustainable Nespresso Compatible Coffee Pods are a testament to this commitment.
Benefits of Decaffeinated Coffee
Does decaf coffee contain any hidden health benefits? It is a common question we encounter as coffee makers here at Tripod Coffee. It's a question that can divide opinion, based on the science and source of the advice you are seeking. Overall, and it must be said, caffeinated coffee is not a bad health decision. It is generally considered good for you, so on the surface, decaf coffee isn't any different.
With this, there are still well document benefits of drinking decaf coffee that we agree with here at Tripod Coffee, such as reduced anxiety (should caffeinated coffee make you anxious), improved sleep (in some cases), improved digestion, reduced heartburn. One common suggested benefit of decaf coffee is the high number of antioxidants present. But, this is also a core benefit of coffee intake broadly. Healthline has stated that coffee (caffeinated and decaf) is the Western world's biggest source of antioxidant intake. Digging deeper, in Norwegian and Finnish studies, 64% of surveyed people's total antioxidant intake was from coffee (1, 2). So, there no denying the benefits of decaf coffee, it is well documented. But, caffeinated coffee cannot be left behind.
How Much Caffeine Does Decaffeinated Coffee Have?
Decaffeinated coffee typically contains a small amount of caffeine, but the exact amount can vary depending on factors like the decaffeination process used and the type of coffee bean. According to one study, 180ml of decaf coffee contianed 0-7 mg of caffeine. A second study said a standard cup of coffee can contain about 70–140 mg of caffeine, influenced by coffee type, brew method and size of the cup.
All decaf coffee will contain a little bit of caffeine. It is unavoidable. So, if you're looking for a caffeine free option, you may need to consider chai latte's or chocolate powder's to find what you're looking for.
Is Decaffeinated Coffee A Diuretic?
If there's one thing for certain about caffeinated coffee, it is that it will make you need to run to the toilet at some stage! Coffee drinkers all over the world often bond over this fact, so it begs the question: is decaf coffee a diuretic too?
Decaf coffee is "less of a diuretic" compared to regular coffee due to its lower caffeine content. Caffeine is known to have mild diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and contribute to dehydration. Since decaf coffee contains significantly less caffeine (3% caffeine content), it is less likely to have a diuretic effect compared to regular coffee.
However, it's essential to note that individual responses to caffeine can vary, so some people may still experience mild diuretic effects from decaf coffee, albeit to a lesser extent than with regular coffee.
