What Decaf Coffee Brands Are Available? Where Can You Buy Low-Caffeine Coffee? Characteristics of Decaf Coffee Beans

Understanding Decaf Coffee

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Decaf coffee, as the name suggests, is coffee with minimal caffeine content. Coffee contains many components and substances, among which caffeine has a significant impact on the human body. For many coffee lovers whose physical conditions don't allow caffeine consumption, decaf coffee becomes the optimal choice.

Generally, Arabica coffee beans contain 1.1%–1.7% caffeine, while Robusta coffee beans contain 2%–4.5% caffeine. Decaf coffee is regulated to have caffeine content not exceeding 0.3% when brewed. This means a cup of decaf coffee contains no more than 5 milligrams of caffeine.

The decaffeination process must be performed when the coffee beans are in their raw, green state. Currently, there are three main processing methods to remove caffeine: traditional/European Process, Swiss Water Process (SWP), and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Process (CO₂ Process). These three methods can effectively remove most caffeine, leaving only 2–3% of the original caffeine content in the coffee beans.

Any decaffeination method is not gentle to the raw beans. It would be hard to convince anyone that these processes don't cause damage or affect the flavor of decaf coffee beans. As for the degree of impact, it depends on the skillfulness of the processor and the roaster who handles them.

Starbucks Decaf Series

Let's first look at our most familiar Starbucks. Starting from January 11, 2017, Starbucks Japan began testing sales of its "DECAF" series coffee.

The biggest selling point is the Starbucks latte coffee that is 99% caffeine-free.

This latte looks no different from regular latte, still maintaining the rich, mellow aroma of coffee, with little difference in taste. According to official information, this latte uses the "carbon dioxide extraction method" to remove over 99% of caffeine while preserving the delicious flavor of coffee.

P.S. Carbon dioxide extraction method: Large amounts of carbon dioxide produced during coffee bean roasting become liquid under high pressure, passing through steam-treated coffee beans to remove caffeine without affecting other substances within the coffee beans.

Since it's called the "DECAF" series coffee, of course there's more than just latte. On the menu (Decaf Lineup), I found various flavors to choose from, including iced and hot Americano, latte, caramel macchiato, mocha, white mocha, and cappuccino.

It seems Starbucks intends to make more attempts with the concept of decaf coffee.

MUJI Decaf Series

MUJI, representing quality of life, also has many "low-caffeine" concept products in its coffee product line, such as canned coffee (brown sugar latte) and low-caffeine instant coffee powder as recommended main products.

In the competitive Japanese supermarket landscape, more and more brands are using low caffeine to convey the concept of "health, zero burden," attempting to penetrate into broader consumer groups.

LAWSON MACHI CAFE

Also in 2017, Lawson MACHI Cafe launched 97% caffeine-free products, including four combinations: iced and hot black coffee, and iced and hot latte.

Although the selling price is 50 yen higher than regular coffee in the store, it has been well-received by consumers who drink several cups of coffee a day or want to drink coffee in the evening.

OGAWA Coffee Low-Caffeine Mocha

The famous OGAWA Coffee has always been a main seller in Japan's supermarket coffee line. Its low-caffeine mocha features a mellow, sweet flavor with a long aftertaste, and combined with the low-caffeine concept, it has become very popular.

UCC Sugar-Free Low-Caffeine Series

Another famous brand, UCC, also hasn't missed the decaf concept, emphasizing the reduction of 97% caffeine while maintaining delicious flavor, even promoting the health concept that it can be enjoyed by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Decaf Coffee Drip Bags

Besides those famous brands, in Japanese supermarkets, more and more coffee brands are launching low-caffeine products, primarily in drip bag and powder forms, making it convenient for users to enjoy them anytime, anywhere.

For example: MMC and UNICAFE have also successively launched low-caffeine drip bag products, emphasizing the ability to obtain rich yet mellow flavor while also considering the need to reduce physical burden.

FrontStreet Coffee (FrontStreet Coffee): A roastery in Guangzhou with a small shop but diverse bean varieties, where you can find various famous and lesser-known beans, while also providing online store services. https://shop104210103.taobao.com

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473