Does espresso come in decaf? Yes, it does. In fact, most coffee beverages offer a decaffeinated version. But how much do you know about decaffeinated espresso, and how is it made?
My guess isn’t that much. Frankly, I didn’t even know a lot about it until recently.
That’s why I am posting this article to give coffee drinkers like you valuable information about how much caffeine is in your decaf espresso.
Contents
Defining Decaf
The decaffeination “decaf” process eliminates about 97% of the caffeine in coffee beans.
The coffee beans are first moistened and then washed in water, organic solvents, or carbon dioxide.
The decaffeination process happens during the crashing portion of the coffee beans. Over time, this method draws out the caffeine from the coffee beans.
The type of bean and the decaffeination plays a significant role in removing the caffeine content in coffee.
Soaking the unroasted coffee beans in hot water, or steaming them to open the pores, and then rinsing is the most common treatment to extract the caffeine.
All the methods to dissolve the caffeine from the coffee beans undergo an extended period.
It’s worth to mention that a 12oz decaffeinated coffee contains about 5.4mg of caffeine compared to the same cup of coffee that has 180mg of caffeine.
How Much Caffeine: Decaf Espresso vs. Decaf Coffee
The main concern when looking at decaffeinated products is considering exactly how much caffeine you are cutting out.
Many people don’t realize that even though they are called “decaffeinated,” these coffees are not caffeine-free.
Decaf espresso contains around 3 to 15.8mg of caffeine per shot, while the decaf coffee has 12 to 13.4mg per 16 ounces serving.
The standard 8oz cups of drip-brewed coffee will have anywhere from 95 to 200mg of caffeine.
If you opt for the decaffeinated coffee, you are reducing the content down to 2-12 mg of caffeine.
On the other hand, a single espresso shot (1oz) will contain about 50-75mg of caffeine, while the decaffeinated version may have a much lesser amount.
The difference in caffeine content comes down to the type of bean you intend to brew.
The Arabica beans contain a lower caffeine level compared to Robusta. The Robusta bean has 2.7% caffeine content, almost double the 1.5% of Arabica.
Additionally, Robusta has a bitter and harsh grainy taste, while Arabica beans have a smooth and fruity flavor.
Reasons To Drink Espresso Coffee
Generally, one shot of espresso has less caffeine than a regular size cup of coffee. But most coffee drinkers buy for a double shot espresso, which has a higher bit amount of caffeine.
The main reason a coffee drinker looks for decaf is that they aren’t too keen on consuming much caffeine. That’s why we are finding out why people look for a decaffeinated rather than a regular espresso drink.
Reasons you would want to cut the caffeine in your espresso
- Sensitivity with caffeine – Sensitivity with caffeine can mean several things like an intense adrenalin rush. High amounts of caffeine can irritate stomach and heart problems. Additionally, it may worsen the symptoms of anxiety. But a caffeine sensitivity shouldn’t stop you from enjoying an incredible latte or cappuccino.
- Pregnancy and Baby Safety – Consuming high amounts of caffeine when pregnant can increase the risk of several complications. Caffeine is a stimulant; it increases blood pressure and heart rate, which are not recommended for pregnant women. Caffeine also increases the frequency of urination. Higher caffeine content can also cause changes in your baby’s sleep pattern or regular movement pattern in the later stages of pregnancy.
- Restlessness and Trouble with Sleeping – Excessive caffeine intake can overwhelm the central nervous system, cause restlessness, worsen anxiety, digestive problems, or trouble sleeping in sensitive individuals.
Drinking a decaf espresso under the recommended 200mg/day limit is one solution.
Our Favorite Decaf Espresso Beans And Brands
Here’s a list of the best decaf espresso beans in the market today.
Caribou Coffee Natural Decaf Espresso
Caribou Coffee Natural Decaf Espresso is a robust, fruity flavor and syrupy-bodied espresso.
This decaf espresso bean product offers candied fruit and distinct chocolate in the aroma.
Best served with milk, it creates a creamy and smooth appearance while maintaining a flavorful taste and a unique chocolate fruity character.
Supreme Bean Decaf Organic Caffe Volcan
Supreme Bean Decaf Organic Caffe Volcan delivers a bolder and versatile decaffeinated espresso for its persistent floral top notes.
This decaf espresso beans product produces chocolate and apricot-toned fruit aroma.
Blooms nicely in milk with minty chocolate sweetness while still maintaining the attractive floral and fruit complication.
Fidalgo Bay Coffee Decaf Roastmaster’s Choice Espresso
Fidalgo Bay Coffee Decaf Roastmaster’s Choice Espresso produces an excellent fruity-sweet style espresso in decaffeinated format.
The fruit notes read as blueberry with chocolate and ripe banana tones in both aroma and taste.
A slight salty sensation that often accompanies by a heavenly body and rich chocolate taste in the finish.
Portland Roasting SWP Decaf Espresso
Portland Roasting SWP Decaf Espresso offers a sweet-impression, deep aroma with a chocolatey tone to the espresso.
Gentle and balanced flavor, this decaf espresso produces blooming milk chocolate and flowery aroma and taste.
The decaffeinated espresso product is best served with short-milk drinks like cappuccino and espresso macchiato.
Fieldhead’s Coffee Espresso Decaf
Fieldhead’s Coffee Espresso Decaf features a quiet but complete espresso aroma that is almost flawless in detail.
This decaf espresso product delivers crisp chocolate and buttery flavor that together read much like butterscotch.
This decaf creates a rich espresso finish with a sweet and creamy appearance in milk, and fresh chocolate and cedar notes.
Conclusion
Hopefully, I have satisfied every bit of question you have about ‘does espresso come in decaf.’
Maybe you would take the reasons to drink decaffeinated coffee more seriously, especially for coffee drinkers under such conditions.
Additionally, it would be best if you considered the Earl’s top choice of decaffeinated.