Why Choose Decaf Coffee?

At every event, tradeshow, pop-up, etc. we always get the same question, "Do you have Decaf coffee?" While coffee is beloved for its energizing effects, some people prefer to limit their caffeine intake for health reasons or because they are sensitive to caffeine. Decaf coffee offers a solution to these coffee lovers. Decaf coffee is also more commonly consumed later in the day, such as after dinner, or at late-night events

. 
According to a 2019 survey conducted by the National Coffee Association, 18% of coffee consumed in the United States is decaf. Additionally, the survey found that decaf coffee drinkers tend to be older and more health-conscious than regular coffee drinkers, suggesting that decaf coffee may appeal to a specific demographic. 

photo credits: swisswater.com

One of the common ways of decaffeination is known as the Swiss Water Process, which uses only water to remove the caffeine. The beans are soaked in hot water to extract the caffeine, and then the water is passed through a carbon filter to remove the caffeine. The beans are then soaked in caffeine-free water to reabsorb their flavor compounds. See the above infographic, developed by the Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company, this process involves no chemicals.

Once the decaffeination process is complete, the beans are roasted in the same way as regular coffee beans, but for a slightly shorter period. Decaf coffee beans produce a milder flavor and aroma than regular coffee beans, but they still retain much of the distinctive coffee taste and aroma that we all know and love.