Decaf coffee does have caffeine, but the exact amount can vary, though it is always a significantly smaller amount compared to regular caffeinated coffee. According to the FDA, one cup of decaf coffee can have anywhere from 2 to 15 milligrams, although some variations exist.
So decaf doesn't mean no caffeine. It means that at least 97% of the caffeine has been removed through the decaffeination process, although standards vary: the US requires 97% caffeine reduction, the EU allows 3% for instant and 0.1% for regular decaf, while Brazil mandates less than 0.1%. A typical cup of regular caffeinated coffee contains between 70 to 140 mg of caffeine, depending on preparation, blend, and cup size, so a standard 8-ounce cup of decaf with about 97-percent less caffeine than regular coffee would have around 3 mg of caffeine.
Is there caffeine in store-bought decaf coffee that you buy at the grocery store, restaurant, or coffee shop? Yes, even popular brands such as Nespresso, Nescafé, Green Mountain, or Kirkland still have a small amount of caffeine in their decaf options. While the percentage of caffeine in decaf coffee is typically 3% or less, it doesn't mean it is caffeine-free. For example, a 2006 study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology found that a large (16-ounce) Starbucks decaf coffee contained up to 13.4 milligrams of caffeine, while a single 1-ounce espresso decaf shot had between 3.0 and 15.8 mg—similar to kombucha, but still more than decaffeinated tea.
For those looking for decaf coffee that has the least caffeine, opting for Arabica coffee brands that use the Swiss Water Process removes caffeine until there is no more than 0.1% remaining.
How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Coffee?
Brewed decaf coffee typically contains a small amount of caffeine, though the exact amount can vary. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a small 8-ounce cup of decaf black americano coffee can have anywhere from 2 to 15 milligrams. The National Coffee Association, however, suggests a typical 237 mL decaf cup has closer to 2 milligrams.
But why such a discrepancy in the amount of caffeine in decaf coffee? This variation is due to the different types of coffee beans used, the decaffeination processes employed, and the varying standards adhered to during the decaffeination process, which begins before the green beans are roasted.
Regulations, standards, and the amount of residual caffeine permitted in decaffeinated coffee beans differ by region. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) requires that 97% of caffeine be removed, while Health Canada and the European Union have stricter limits of 0.1% for unroasted green beans and 0.3% for roasted instant coffee. The USDA also mandates a maximum of 0.07% caffeine in decaffeinated coffee drink mixes such as unflavored instant coffee (with and without sugar), flavored cold brew coffee, decaf cappuccino, and decaf latte. Despite these regulations, scientific research has shown mixed results regarding the actual caffeine levels in commercially available decaf coffee.
How Much Caffeine Is in Decaf Coffee According to Research?
Peer-reviewed research suggests that a large 16-ounce (473 mL) cup of brewed decaf coffee contains an average of 9.70 mg of caffeine, with a range of 0 to 13.90 milligrams. A 2006 study by Rachel R. McCusker from the University of Florida College of Medicine found this variability in caffeine levels of decaffeinated coffee drinks from various coffee shops, including Starbucks, McDonald's, and local shops in Maryland. Among 22 samples studied, Folgers instant decaf coffee had no detectable caffeine, while only two others had levels below 10 milligrams. Brewed decaf drinks from Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Dunkin' Donuts, and McCafe all exceeded 10 milligrams per 473 milliliters serving, a significant enough amount to be noticed by those sensitive to caffeine.
This table illustrates the caffeine content in sixteen-ounce decaffeinated coffee from various stores, highlighting the variability in caffeine levels even in decaffeinated options.
| Coffee Shop Brand | Type of Coffee | Country of Origin | Caffeine Dose (mg/16 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Big Bean | Brewed (blended) | 10.1 | |
| The Big Bean | Brewed (Italian) Roast | Columbia | 10.6 |
| Starbucks | Brewed | 8.6 | |
| Royal Farms | Brewed | 8.6 | |
| Dunkin' Donuts | Brewed | 10.1 | |
| Hampden Café | Brewed (Antigua) | Guatemala | 10.6 |
| Krispy Kreme Doughnuts | Brewed | 13.9 | |
| Krystal | Folgers (Instant) | None detected | |
| Gainesville Doughnuts | Brewed | 10.1 | |
| McDonald's | Brewed | 11.5 |
Interestingly, a separate analysis by the same University of Florida College of Medicine researchers found 12.0 to 13.4 mg of caffeine in six brewed grande decaf coffees from Starbucks. This contradicts Starbucks' own website, which states a higher maximum of 25 mg for Decaf Pike Place Roast.
Even within the same batch of decaf espresso shots at the same Starbucks Florida coffee shop, caffeine levels varied. Rachel R. McCusker and her team ordered, tested, and compared six 30mL decaf espresso samples and found levels ranging from 3.0 to 15.8 milligrams per serving, as shown in the table.
| Starbucks Decaf Espresso (Sample) | Caffeine Concentration (mg/shot) |
|---|---|
| Decaf Espresso 1 | 15.8 milligrams |
| Decaf Espresso 2 | 3.3 milligrams |
| Decaf Espresso 3 | 4.1 milligrams |
| Decaf Espresso 4 | 3.0 milligrams |
| Decaf Espresso 5 | 12.7 milligrams |
| Decaf Espresso 6 | 3.2 milligrams |
| Mean | 7.02 milligrams |
| Range | 12.8 milligrams |
Given this range, inconsistency, and variability, it's important to understand why some decaf coffee still has residual caffeine and what causes fluctuations in caffeine levels after it's been decaffeinated.
What Factors Influence Caffeine in Decaf Coffee?
Caffeine amount in decaf coffee is influenced by the decaffeination process itself, including factors like pre-treatment of the green coffee beans, pressure and temperature, solvent ratios, and operational conditions. A 2011 peer-reviewed study published in The Journal of Supercritical Fluids found that the addition of polar cosolvents (solvents with a slight electrical charge) such as water or ethanol can significantly enhance the caffeine extraction process. Additionally, the removal of coextracted compounds (substances extracted alongside caffeine) through water washing and evaporation can achieve high purity (94%) caffeine extracts.
This table outlines how each step of the decaffeination process influences caffeine levels in decaf coffee, from selecting and pre-treating coffee beans, through various decaffeination methods, to post-decaffeination washing, drying, roasting, grinding, and packaging the final product.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Selection of Coffee Beans | Different types of coffee beans (e.g., Arabica, Robusta) are selected based on desired flavor and caffeine content. |
| Pre-treatment | Pre-wetting the beans up to 32% moisture content to prepare them for effective caffeine extraction. |
| Decaffeination Process | Caffeine is removed using one of several methods (e.g., organic solvents, Swiss water process, supercritical CO2 extraction) involving varying pressure, temperature, and solvent ratios. |
| Post-Decaffeination | After caffeine extraction, beans are washed to remove residual solvents and other compounds, followed by drying. |
| Roasting | The decaffeinated beans are then roasted to develop flavor. |
| Grinding and Packaging | Finally, the beans are ground to the desired size and packaged for distribution. |
Similar to the decaffeination of coffee, a 2007 study published in Foods Journal found that using cosolvents in conjunction with supercritical carbon dioxide to decaffeinate green tea allows for the removal of caffeine while aiming to minimize the loss of beneficial compounds like catechins. This results in a healthier, low-caffeine beverage. However, like decaf coffee, decaf tea still contains a small amount of caffeine.
Does Decaf Coffee or Tea Have More Caffeine?
Decaf coffee generally has more caffeine than decaf tea. According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, decaffeinated teas contained less than 12 milligrams of caffeine per 6-ounce serving, with an average caffeine content of approximately 5.1 mg. The amount of caffeine in decaf tea is influenced by both the steeping time and the type of tea, with longer steeping times resulting in higher caffeine content.
This table compares the caffeine content of various decaf coffee and tea brands, showing that decaf coffee generally has a higher caffeine content.
| Brand | Type | Caffeine Content (6 oz serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks Brewed Decaf | Brewed Coffee | 4.5 - 5.0 mg |
| Starbucks Espresso Decaf | Espresso | 2.3 - 11.9 mg per shot |
| Various Outlets | Brewed Coffee | 0 - 5.2 mg |
| Bigelow Constant Comment | Decaf Black | 1.8 mg |
| Lipton Decaf | Decaf Black | 1.8 mg - 3.1 mg |
| Stash Premium Green Decaf | Decaf Green | 5.5 - 10 mg |
The study found that teas with the least amount of caffeine were herbal teas, such as Bigelow Cranberry or Tazo Passion, which had no detectable caffeine. For those who can't give up their instant, brewed, or ground coffee fix, it's important to note that the caffeine content in decaf coffee drinks can vary depending on the brand and decaffeination method they use. So, which decaf coffee has the least caffeine?
Which Decaf Coffee Brands Has the Least Caffeine?
The Swiss Water Process produces decaf coffee with the least caffeine, typically leaving no more than 0.1% of the original caffeine content. This method removes caffeine using only water and a proprietary carbon filter system, avoiding chemical solvents like methylene chloride and ethyl acetate. Therefore, it is considered one of the most effective and natural methods for producing low-caffeine coffee. Some of the decaf coffee brands that use the Swiss Water Process include Nescafe Clasico Decaf, Stumptown Trapper Creek Decaf, and Powerbean Coffee Decaf Espresso.
Does Powerbean Coffee Have Decaf with the Least Caffeine?
Yes, Powerbean Coffee does offer decaf espresso made with the Swiss Water Process, a method known for minimal caffeine residue. Experience the rich flavor without the jitters!
