Does Decaf Taste Different? Delicious or Dud?

Does decaf taste different?

So, you’re a coffee connoisseur like the best of us but you’re looking for a new jitters-free brew. When first starting out in this caffeine-free world, you’d be forgiven for asking the following question: “does decaf taste different?”. The answer, surprisingly enough, is “it depends”. 

Gone are the days when decaf was a dirty word, but that doesn’t mean you can buy just anything. There are tonnes of downright delicious options out there if you know where to look. But, buyer beware – it’s important to wrap your head around which factors are at play. 

If you don’t know which decaffeination process or beans have been used for your grounds, you can end up with a brew that leaves a lot to be desired. 

TLDR – Does Decaf Taste Different? 

Don’t have time to read through a whole article? We get it. The long-and-short of it is that decaf coffee can taste different if certain decaffeination processes have been used. 

However, high-quality decaf coffee that has been treated properly can taste practically indistinguishable from a regular cup. Factors such as the beans you’re using, how they’ve been roasted/ ground, how you extract your coffee, and even the quality of your water can all have orders of magnitude more impact than caffeine content alone.

What Does Decaf Taste Like? The Factors at Play

Does decaf coffee taste different than regular coffee?

When asking “does decaf taste different?” it’s worth reflecting on the myriad other factors that can impact the flavour of your favourite morning ritual. The decaffeination process can indeed impact the end result of your brew, but this can pale in comparison to the variables we discuss below. 

Does Decaf Taste Like Regular Coffee – The Factors Affecting All Coffee 

It’s almost redundant to ask “what does decaf taste like?”. It’s like asking what a sandwich tastes like – what ingredients and cooking methods have gone into it? We explore the important factors below:

The Beans You Use 

So, does decaf taste different? Different from other beans you’ve tried before? Potentially. Different just because it’s decaf? Not necessarily, no. The beans you’re using have a huge impact on the final flavour of your coffee. Coffee around the world is bred and grown with a variety of different preferences in mind. 

Some demographics prefer a sour, tart taste. Others search for mellower pastures. While the roast and brew method are also critical, the actual beans you’re using count for a lot. 

The Roast of Those Beans 

Replace the question “does decaf taste different?” with “what does a steak taste like?” and you start to see why this line of questioning is difficult to answer. A steak will taste wildly different depending on how long you’ve cooked it for, the temperature you cooked it at, and the cut of meat you’re using. 

The same is true for coffee! Darker roasts of coffee usually have a stronger, one-note flavour. They’ve been left on the roasting machine for longer and therefore contain less moisture and often less caffeine. They taste like a quintessential cup of stereotypical coffee – strong, slightly bitter, and without much complexity. 

Lighter roasts tend to have a richer, more nuanced flavour. Thanks to their shorter stint in the roasting machine, they maintain more moisture and are a denser, higher-caffeine option. These coffees often come with tasting notes of toasted nuts, chocolates, summer fruits, and much more. 

Your Extraction Method 

Last but certainly not least is the way you actually brew your coffee. How long have you left it for? If you’re using an espresso machine, how long was the water running through your portafilter? Did you bloom the grounds beforehand? Speaking of your grounds, how finely or coarsely did you grind them? You get the point. 

There’s a dizzyingly long list of factors that can change how your coffee tastes and decaffeination is only one of them. 

So, does decaf taste different? Yes! But not in the way you think. The same flavour-influencing factors that impact the taste of caffeinated cups can change the way you enjoy your decaf brews. A roast being decaf in and of itself isn’t necessarily an issue. That’s determined by the specific decaffeination process used.

Does Decaf Taste Different? The Factors Impacting Decaf Brews 

So when does decaf taste different? If a bag of coffee beans has been decaffeinated using the “wrong” method, they can indeed end up tasting significantly different from a regular cup.

What Does Decaf Taste Like? It Depends on The Decaffeination Process Used

The following decaffeination methods are still used around the world today: 

  • The C02 method (okay for coffee flavour but not perfect)
  • The direct-solvent method (cheap and scalable but not great for flavour preservation) 
  • The indirect-solvent method (tastier than the direct method but unideal)
  • The Swiss Water method and Mountain Water method (much better flavour preservation) 

“Traditional” methods of removing caffeine from a cup of joe involve the use of solvents. While this can be perfectly safe – and for some people perfectly adequate in terms of flavour – it definitely does tarnish the final result.

Coffee is relatively delicate and these solvents can also remove some of the all-important compounds that comprise its remarkable flavour. 

Coffee that’s been decaffeinated using the Swiss Water method can be every bit as delicious as regular coffee. Call us biased, but we’re also right! This method uses just water, heat, carbon filters, and time to delicately remove up to 99.9% of caffeine from your morning cup. 

This way, you get all of the taste with none of the jitters! 

Does Decaf Taste Different Than Regular Coffee? Not if You do Things Right! 

When does decaf taste like regular coffee? When you’ve sourced and brewed it correctly! Our range of high-quality decaf coffee has been brewed with the utmost care and attention. No, really – we take this stuff very seriously. 

Each sip will taste exactly like regular coffee, just without the jitters.

Side Effects of Caffeine – My Morning Cup Turned My Neck Red

Hey, coffee drinker – what do you imagine when you picture the side effects of caffeine? An increased heart rate? A touch more energy, perhaps? A gnarly neck rash that persists like a proverbial red flag? Yeah, that last one was news to me too. As the owner of iDL and an avid coffee drinker myself, realising this unexpected “caffeine red face” was something of a disappointment. 

How do you know when you’re putting too much caffeine into your system? This post serves as my account of my caffeine crashing journey. I’ll cover what I noticed, how I addressed the situation, and some other effects caffeine consumers should probably be looking out for. 

Side Effects of Caffeine – The Backstory 

The first thing to mention is that I’ve been something of a human guinea pig with caffeine and coffee for a good few years now. By around 2018, I’d become very particular with which extravagant and rare coffees I deemed as “good enough.”

Not only did I love the energy kick that caffeine would bring, but I also found immense joy in the ritual of that morning cup (or three). Choice, variety, the flavour – these were what made drinking coffee an essential in my book. 

Just around the corner, however, those unexpected side effects of caffeine were lying in wait. 

Can too Much Caffeine Cause Skin Rash? What I Noticed

Bad skin with coffee and caffeine

Not to sound dramatic, but the culmination of my caffeine craze was a rollercoaster of pain and inconvenience that I hope never to repeat. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. It all started with a skin flare-up that came and went. Some days it would be bugging me constantly, others it would be pretty manageable. 

I was spinning a lot of plates at the time – running this business, raising my children, countless meetings, and dealing with a laundry list of fires that needed putting out each day. I couldn’t commit the time to addressing what amounted to an annoying inconvenience. I picked up a cream that helped fairly well and just got used to sometimes having unhappy skin behind my ears. 

All the while, my caffeine connoisseurship continued and the side effects of caffeine kept bubbling away. 

Remember the hottest day of the year in the summer of 2022? Slathered in my cream and sunblock, I ran six miles that day. The exercise was a cinch, but it contributed to the perfect storm. The next day at the beach, the pain I felt on the skin of my neck can only be described as agony. 

We’re talking eye-watering, excruciating pain here. This happened a second time during a sunny visit to a car show and I finally concluded that enough was enough. I simply had to get to the bottom of this… 

Is caffeine bad for you

Identifying the Effects Caffeine Was Causing 

At the time, I wasn’t sure what the culprit of this pain might be. As mentioned above, I was under a fair bit of stress at the time. Bodies are wonderful, but they’re also weird. Undue pressure, a lack of sleep, nutrition – these could all have been causing what I later realised was “caffeine red face” (or “neck”) for that matter. 

Before pinpointing the effects caffeine was causing, I stripped back anything in my diet that might be causing issues. I addressed my sleep and also monitored / methodically removed anything that I thought might be adding to my woes. 

After a painstaking process of trial and error, all that was left was my excess of coffee drinking in the morning and a high-caffeine tea leaf that I enjoyed each afternoon. 

All it took was five days. After five days of switching to a decaf brew, my skin felt better than it had for ages. The side effects of caffeine had subsided. So, can too much coffee cause skin rash? The answer, in my not-so-ill-informed opinion, is a resounding yes. While I can’t prove to you with a double-blind study that caffeine was the direct cause, I’m very confident that it was the main source of my issues. 

Goodbye Caffeine Red Face, Hello Decaf Glory 

So there we have it, the side effects of caffeine are much more than first meets the eye, at least in my personal experience. I’m not here to give medical advice, but I do think it’s important that I share my story. Reducing my caffeine intake cleared up far more than just a painful rash. 

The other effects caffeine abstinence helped with included: 

  • My energy levels became far more predictable with fewer spikes and crashes. 
  • My irritability improved tonnes. 
  • My sleep quality got a welcome boost too. 
  • I don’t deal with heart palpitations any more.

Side Effects of Caffeine – Final Thoughts 

So, am I saying that everyone everywhere should give up caffeine immediately? Obviously not. All I’m saying is that my excess consumption was causing me way more grief than I ever could have imagined. The side effects of caffeine can be surprising – that’s all I’m saying.

I Love coffee with a capital ‘L’ and whether your brew of choice is caffeinated or not, I think you should enjoy it in whatever way works for you. That said, if the time comes where you feel you might like to cut back, I Love Decaf offers a range that I couldn’t be prouder of. 

There’s one thing I was unwilling to give up with my coffee – the ritual. Choosing different beans, preparing them just how I like them, and savouring every last sip are things that I don’t have to give up anymore. I’m passionate about iLoveDecaf as a brand and have spent countless hours perfecting what we offer here. 

We use the Swiss Water Method to gently remove caffeine without compromising on flavour or quality. 

Try it today; I sincerely believe you’ll be glad you did. 

How is Decaf Coffee Made? The 4 Methods Behind the Magic

One of the things that puts newcomers off decaf coffee blends is the enigma surrounding their creation. What exactly are we dealing with here? Sinister synthesis? Chemical concoctions? Just how is decaf coffee made? 

Call us biased – the name of our brand might be a dead giveaway here – but we think decaf coffee gets a bad rap. When sourced, decaffeinated, and brewed correctly, it can be every bit as delicious as its caffeinated counterpart. Don’t believe us?

In this post, we’ll be diving into the various methods of decaffeination. By cutting through the mystery surrounding decaffeination, our hope is that you’ll leave with a better understanding that the word “decaf” needn’t be a dirty one. 

So, How is Decaf Coffee Made?

How long is a ball of string? (sorry!). There are several methods of decaffeination, each with their own merits and cons. We’ll explore the four primary decaffeination processes further down this page. Suffice it to say, however, that decaf coffee is usually made in one of three ways:

  1. The beans are processed using solvents. 
  2. The beans are processed using carbon dioxide. 
  3. The beans are processed using pure, filtered water.

Which option you spring for as a consumer all comes down to your budget, taste preference, and where you are in the world. It’s worth noting at this juncture that not all methods of decaffeination are created equal. Some harsher approaches can tarnish the flavour of the much-loved bean. We explore this below. 

Your Decaffeination Process for Coffee and its Consequences

So, you’re desperate to ride the decaf wagon and just want to pick up something now. While it can be tempting to just grab the first thing you find, it’s important to remember that there’s plenty of snake (or is it coffee?) oil out there. Even expensive brands can use methods of decaffeination that leave a bitter taste in the mouth, in more ways than one. 

The reality is that this stuff isn’t rocket science, but it’s not basic arithmetic either. Let’s explore why. 

Coffee is Complex 

There’s a lot going on in most coffee beans. Up to 800 volatile and hundreds more non-volatile compounds make up the composition, aroma, and flavour of the world’s morning ritual. If you’re asking “how is decaf coffee made?”, it’s  just as important to ask “which method did this company use to decaffeinate these beans?”.

Not as catchy, we get that, but we’re right. You want as few of these compounds to be affected by the decaffeination process as possible. 

Decaffeinating Gently is a Challenge

It should come as no surprise that removing just one compound, caffeine, from a cacophony of thousands isn’t exactly a simple process. Imagine searching for a needle in a haystack… in a field of haystacks. While science has come a long way from the coffee shops of yore, it’s still harder than we might like to preserve coffee’s greatest asset – its taste. 

Coffee is, Well, Delicious 

Coffee’s caffeine kick is certainly one of its most popular features, but we think it’s trumped by its flavour. Call us snobs, but once you’ve tasted coffee that’s truly delicious, it’s very hard to go back. 

It’s Frustratingly Subjective 

What sends your tastebuds soaring might have someone else doubling over. While a harsher decaffeination process for coffee is likely to yield less palatable results, there’s no guarantee that you’ll like the taste of a ground just because other people have positive things to say about it.

It might take some trial and error before you know which kind of decaf coffee is right for you. 

How is Decaf Coffee Made – The Methods of Decaffeination 

We’ve waxed lyrical about why the method you choose matters. Let’s now explore the main options that exist today. So, how is decaf coffee made? 

The C02 Method 

Developed by the German chemist, Kurt Zosel, the C02 method of decaffeinating coffee beans is very popular. This is largely down to the fact that it’s cheap and very easy to scale. Zosel favoured carbon dioxide over solvents to eliminate caffeine from his coffee.

The result is a process that’s still widely used today. Got a huge volume of coffee that you need to decaffeinate for supermarket shelves? Simply pump in some liquid C02 and you’re sorted. 

The larger compounds of coffee are mostly left behind by this impressive process, but some of the more delicate molecules can also be picked up by the injected C02. Once the liquid C02 returns to its gaseous state in this method, it can then be repressurised and used again countless times – not bad when it comes to sustainability and environmental impact! 

Some consumers find that C02 coffee has an overly bitter taste that isn’t always desirable.

The C02 Method at a Glance: 

  • Cheap.
  • Used to decaffeinate large quantities of coffee for supermarkets.
  • Effective, but not great for gourmet or exotic coffee.
  • Coffee beans are soaked in water before treatment.
  • They’re then sealed in a stainless steel container called an extraction vessel.
  • Liquid C02 is then injected into the vessel at very high pressures, absorbing the caffeine molecules.
  • The “caffeinated” C02 is now transferred to an “absorption chamber” where the pressure and caffeine are released.

The Direct-Solvent Process 

Germany deserves props for being a huge pioneer of decaf developments; the German merchant, Ludwig Roselius, first used the direct-solvent decaffeination method in 1905. At the time, Roselius used a chemical called benzine to achieve his jitters-free brew. With hindsight, it’s easy to see why this wasn’t the best move – benzene is now known to be pretty toxic to humans. 

These days, ethyl acetate and methylene chloride are used as alternatives. Both compounds are currently considered to be safe to humans. The direct-solvent method involves first steaming green beans and then soaking them in a solvent solution. 

This absorbs the majority of the coffee’s caffeine content. Unfortunately, this all-too-heavy-handed approach also eliminates a bunch of the compounds that make coffee so delicious in the first place. After their soak, beans are steamed, dried, and roasted to eliminate any signs of the solvent. 

The Direct-Solvent Method at a Glance:

  • Relatively cheap and effective. 
  • Once used the solvent benzene which is now a known carcinogen.
  • Green coffee beans are steamed to open their pores.
  • They’re then soaked in a solvent which absorbs the caffeine. 
  • However, this also absorbs a number of other delicious coffee compounds. 

The Indirect-Solvent Process

Café HAG, a coffee brand developed by the very same Ludwig Roselius we discussed above, later developed a solvent decaffeination process that was indirect. Instead of soaking the beans directly in a solvent, the caffeine (and other compounds) are released into hot water and the beans are removed. The solvent is then added to work its magic on the caffeine within.

Once the solvent has been safely removed from this solution, the beans are added back to reabsorb some of their vital flavour compounds. While the results of this method can be hit and miss for some, it’s certainly a better option than a direct method if the flavour of your coffee matters to you.

The Indirect-Solvent Method at a Glance:

  • Preserves more coffee flavour.
  • Similarly cheap and effective.
  • Similar to the direct-solvent process, except the green beans are soaked in hot water first.
  • The beans are then removed from the water and the solvent is added.
  • The solvent is then removed and the beans added back, helping them reabsorb some flavour.

4th Time’s the Charm – The Swiss Water Method 

No bonus points for guessing where this method of decaffeination was invented! The Swiss Water method or the Mountain Water method involves steps that are similar to some of the approaches described above. The difference here, however, is that significantly more flavour compounds are reabsorbed into the coffee beans. 

When done properly, Swiss Water decaffeinated beans can be near indistinguishable from “normal” coffee. To us, it’s one of the best answers to the question “how is decaf coffee made?”

The process looks a little something like this:

  1. Take high-quality green coffee beans and soak them in hot water.
  2. Allow the caffeine and other compounds to release into the water. 
  3. Pass this water through an ultra-fine filter that removes caffeine and little else (small amounts of other compounds will inevitably be captured too but at much smaller quantities).
  4. You now have a concentrated coffee extract that’s full to the brim with flavour and low on caffeine (0.01%).
  5. Use this delicious coffee extract to decaffeinate a new batch of green coffee beans. 
  6. Because your water is already concentrated with flavour compounds, only caffeine is removed from these new beans.

This last step is so important in Swiss water decaffeination. Significantly more flavour is preserved in every single bean. It’s chemical-free, super safe, and has been producing jaw-droppingly delicious coffee for years.  

The Swiss Water Method at a Glance:

  • More time-consuming. 
  • Can be more expensive. 
  • Preserves the flavour of coffee much more effectively. 
  • Uses just water, heat, carbon filters, and time. 

Your Answer to “How is Decaf Coffee Made?”

How is decaf coffee made
How is decaf coffee made?

Some of the I Love Decaf range uses only the finest beans and the Swiss water or the Mountain Water method to gently decaffeinate your morning brew. We appreciate that we’re not the only decaf option out there, but we truly believe we’re head and shoulders above the rest. 

We take the time needed to ensure that every single batch maintains the same standards and delicious flavour. Try it for yourself today – you won’t regret it.

What is Decaf Coffee? We Separate Fact from Snobbish Fiction

What is decaf coffee
What is decaf coffee?

The rich, warm aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee is the stuff of legend. We’ve been drinking it in some form or another since as far back as the 15th century. Humanity seems to have reached a consensus – coffee is one of life’s simple joys. Why, then, does this rosy atmosphere vanish as soon as you mention a word most reviled by coffee snobs everywhere – “decaf”. What is decaf coffee and why do so many people turn their noses up at it? 

On this page, we’ll be diving into the decaf coffee question. We’ll cover what it is, why it’s brilliant, and how to get the perfect brew at home. 

So, What is Decaf Coffee Anyway?

So what are you sipping when you raise a warm cup of decaf to your lips? Denatured sludge? Some sort of chemically constructed concoction? On the contrary – things are far less gruesome than first meet the eye. 

Decaf coffee is made from regular coffee beans that have been through a process that removes the majority of its caffeine, the adenosine receptor antagonist that gives coffee its characteristic “energy kick”. 

“How is decaf coffee made?” we hear you ask. Frustratingly enough, the answer is “it depends”. A handful of huge coffee companies own genetically modified plants that naturally grow without caffeine. For many decaf providers, however, regular coffee beans are taken through a process that: 

  1. Soaks the beans when green to make their caffeine content soluble. 
  2. Washes or otherwise filters the caffeine from the resulting solution. 

This can be with carbon filters, natural compounds, or other methods. Some brewers also use a CO2 method which naturally removes the majority of caffeine from the beans. Depending on the specific method used, some subtle-yet-unwanted flavours can be left behind.

The Swiss Water Method is used by more premium brands to remove just the caffeine, leaving every other aspect of the coffee untouched.  The result is a coffee that’s practically indistinguishable in terms of taste and texture from its more jitters-inducing counterpart. 

Ignore the snobs – decaf can be absolutely delicious. 

How Much Caffeine is Decaf Coffee?

How much caffeine is decaf coffee
What is decaf coffee?

People are often pleasantly surprised when they learn just how delicious decaf coffee can be. One thing to note, though, is that there’s still a small amount of caffeine left behind, even with super decaffeinated varieties.

You’re unlikely to get heart palpitations here, don’t worry – it’s just worth keeping in mind. Most decaffeination processes remove between 97 and 99% of active caffeine. 

This means a decaf cup of coffee contains between 1-2 mg of caffeine VS coffee’s typical 95-110 mg.

Is Decaf Coffee Good for You? 

So, we’ve asked ‘what is decaf coffee’, but is decaf coffee healthy? In short, yes! The science behind coffee’s health profile is much like the world’s rich cafe culture – it’s evolving all the time. Suffice it to say, however, that decaf coffee contains most of the same compounds that make “regular” coffee so revered.

These include: 

  • Chlorogenic acids. 
  • Trigonelline. 
  • Melanoidins. 
  • Diterpenes.
  • Other antioxidants. 

These compounds are well established as offering a wealth of different health benefits. 

If you want the antioxidant effects without the jitters, decaf can be a great way to go. 

Decaf Coffee Pros 

We’re not here to demonise caffeine. For many, it can be a great way to kickstart the day and feel a little more energised. It would be disingenuous, however, to overlook the negative impacts that caffeine consumption can have. 

Especially to those of us who are sensitive to the compound, caffeine can spell anxiety, palpitations, stomach issues, and even sleep disorders if we’re not careful. 

Many of us are familiar with coffee’s delicious flavour but no longer want to deal with the kick that it can bring (who decided that being kicked was nice, anyway?). It’s a great way to unwind and there’s no shame in that. 

Decaf coffee’s benefits include: 

  • A similar antioxidant profile to caffeinated coffee.
  • An excellent “transitioning tool” for those looking to reduce caffeine intake. 
  • Much kinder to the stomach – caffeine stimulates the gut in ways that many people find unpleasant. 
  • A great way to unwind. 
  • Fewer jitters. 
  • Helps you improve your sleep. 
  • Delicious if you find the right brand. 

Try Decaf the Right Way Today 

We’re not just decaf aficionados – we’re absolutely fanatical about the perfect decaf brew. We only ever use the Swiss Water Method for an untarnished, perfect brew every single time.  

Shop our range of premium grounds today. 

Decaf Coffee: Stop! It’s Espresso Crema Time

I Love Decaf’s amazing frothy espresso coffee

If you believe all the moodily lit ads – the hessian sacks, mountain scenery and middle-aged men in white suits sieving beans through their hands – coffee is about so much more than roasted and ground beans soaked in hot water and served in a cup. You would be right, but not in the way those ads would have you believe.

So how does proper coffee differ from the insipid gack peddled by multinationals with big ad budgets? The taste? Yes. The aroma? Of course. The absence of pretention? Naturellement.

And with espresso, there’s the crema.

Orizaba mountain water decaf espresso ground coffee

With espresso – the doyen of coffee – a lot rides on the crema. Italian for ‘cream’, the crema is a layer of dense foam that forms on top of espresso coffee. This velvety layer – actually a suspension of microscopic particles of coffee oils – tells you that the coffee has real body and texture for the flavour to emerge from. It’s a sign of espresso quality.

A joke. How can you tell when a plane full of coffee snobs lands at an airport? It’s when you can still hear the whining when they turn off the engines.

There is a lot of whining from caffeine snobs about decaf, so we thought we’d put it to the test. Can we get a full-bodied, tasty espresso from our Orizaba Mountain Water Decaf? Will it have the full aroma and a healthy crema?

Who could we ask? 

To say our photographer, Yu-Kuang Chou, is serious about his coffee is a bit under-brewed, he is more of a coffee nut who doesn’t mess around, but we knew he had an open mind. So, we lured him to the studio to take some shots of our, errrr, shots and before we knew it, the aroma overcame him, and he was carrying a bag back to his coffee lab. 

His verdict?

“The beans gave a lot of crema during the extraction in my Oracle espresso machine. 

The flavour palate is quite full bodied and dark. It had an unexpected deep richness to it, which I didn’t expect from a decaf coffee.

I could tell it didn’t have caffeine but I didn’t mind as the flavour was right.”

Yu-Kuang Chou – I Love Decaf Photographer

Like Yu-Kuang Chou, challenge the idea that you can’t get flavour, aroma and crema from a decaf espresso like you challenge the idea that all the world’s coffee is traded by middle-aged men in white suits and Panama hats on remote mountain tops. All of that is a fairy tale; you’ll find your fantasy favourite at I Love Decaf.

Celebrate October 31 with Our Luxurious Halloween Tea

October 31st.. Teatime is almost upon us. 

An icy wind cuts through the ragged net curtains of Madame Vlatzski’s tumbledown shack on the edge of the graveyard. Standing with her palms flat on the counter, her head rolls back as evil-smelling orange ectoplasm spills from the spout of the steaming vessel. Her white eyes gaze at an imagined abyss as a rough voice tumbles with a name from the ether. An infestation of cluster flies spell out the name on the wall – that of the supermarket rooibos tea that stains the veil between this world and Paradise. 

A bolt of lightning backlights a figure that stands in the doorway.

“Begone foul brew! Thine name is repellent; thine tea is coarse and profane.” 

There is a clap of thunder, and sunshine suddenly permeates the gloom. Madame Vlatzski regains her composure as the figure enters the premises.

Dressed in a dark twill suit and carrying a doctor’s bag, he takes his seat at the table and throws Madame Vlatzski a small bag labelled Luxury Halloween Punch Tea.

“No milk, no sugar, please”, he calls, “and may I have a biscuit and a small exorcism with that, thank you.”

Madame Vlatzski opens the bag and takes in the heady aroma of red bush and blackberry leaves, cinnamon, orange blossom, safflower petals, clove buds, cardamom seed and ginger.

“Madame, this mesmerising blend of intriguing charm and irresistible warmth will imbue your soul with eternal contentment – or at least until Blankety Blank comes on. There are some things that can never be put right. Stick that in your brewing vessels and allow to steep.“

The stranger was never seen again after that night. Madame Vlatzski still makes her Luxury Halloween Punch Tea to this day, but only during the month of October until the night of All Souls’ Eve – Halloween.

Why the Top 3 Decaf Teas at I Love Decaf are the Best You Can Get Anywhere

Introduction

When you’re looking for a great cup of decaf tea, there are many to choose from. We’ve sipped all sorts of decaf tea in our time, but it’s hard to find one that will refresh and energize without compromising on the taste.

In this article, we will take a look at three of our favourites, and give you tips on how to choose the perfect one for your needs. 

It turns out that choosing our favourite top 3 I Love Decaf decaf teas wasn’t as difficult as it could have been. Choosing the best three is simple when we only do the best three you can get.

1. Sheba’s Small and Large Leaf Best Decaf Tea

If you’re looking for a quality decaf tea that with excellent, malty notes that make it perfect for a refined breakfast tea experience, Sheba Large and Small Leaf Teas are the perfect option for you.

We offer our rich, powerful and golden brews in small and large leaf styles. And like all our decaf tea, we use only the finest quality leaves.

Our decaf teas are perfect for people who want to reduce their caffeine intake or for those who are trying to avoid caffeine altogether. Not only that, but we always insist that taste is the most important consideration with decaf tea.

Our teas are delicious and will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

If you’re looking for the perfect decaf tea, look no further than Sheba’s Best. Choose from large leaf and small leaf variations.

2. Lancashire Black Decaf Tea

Lancashire Black Decaf Tea is a delicious black tea that is perfect for those who are looking for a decaf option. Its name is a nod to a famous brand from the county next door, but our decaf is better than theirs.

Lancashire Black Decaf Tea is a straight Ceylon Leaf  – the finest black tea from Sri Lanka and is decaffeinated using the high quality CO2 process. This decaf tea is great for those who want to enjoy a delicious cup of strong tea but don’t want the caffeine.

It is also perfect for people who are looking for an alternative to regular black tea.

If you are looking for a delicious decaf tea option, try our Lancashire Black.

3. New English Breakfast Brew Decaf Tea

If you’re looking for an excellent decaf tea, look no further than I Love Decaf. Our English Breakfast Brew Decaf Tea is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a delicious and healthy cup of decaf tea.

This decaf tea is sourced from a single Kilkotagiri estate Nilgiri black tea in Tamil Nadu, its healthy leaves, with their smoky and oak notes, are perfectly captured in this decaffeinated black tea using a chemical-free method.

It’s also ethically and sustainably sourced. It delivers the same great flavour and health benefits as a regular English Breakfast Brew, but it’s also much lower in caffeine so is therefore ideal for those who are concerned about their caffeine intake.

Our decaf teas are available in a variety of weights, so you can choose the perfect option for your needs. We also offer a variety of other great teas, so be sure to check out our website for more information.

I Love Decaf Tea Promise

At I Love Decaf, we know that decaf is a popular choice for many people. That’s why we make sure that our teas are top quality and the best decaf around. We like to think we put the Love into Decaf.

Our promise to you is this: If you’re not happy with the taste of your brew, get in touch and we will refund you or send you another tea to taste.

Every tea we sell at I Love Decaf is decaffeinated using the most advanced technology available. We take great care in ensuring that our teas are free from caffeine, not just as a health choice but also because it’s the right thing to do.

We hope you enjoy our selection of our top three decaf teas!

Decaf for Health: The 5 Science Lessons that Prove the Decaf Claims

Coffee is a very popular drink. It has an air of sophistication, a modish and fashionable image and has even been on the leading edge of a few cultural phenomena over the years. 

Decaf coffee, less so.

Decaf’s reputation is a negative one. In part that’s down to its history as a less-than satisfying drink, a reputation forged in the coffee marketing of yore, when the most significant standout property of coffee was its caffeine content. Even though coffee is now celebrated in terms of its subtleties of taste and aroma, the perceived disappointment of not getting ‘a fix’ of brain jolt still seems to cast a long shadow over decaf. 

The negativity around decaf also has its roots in long-gone decaffeination processes that often included some fairly dodgy chemicals. Decaffeination is now a safe process – some of the methods have even achieved organic standards – but the reputational damage lingers. Even now that doctors are recommending some of their patients to switch to decaf for health benefits, it’s still seen as a loss, or worse, a kind of medical punishment.

The biggest obstacle to decaf’s healthy redemption is that some stuck-in-the-past coffee purists and anti-decaf snobs seem to think that the well-known benefits of coffee drinking are all down to the caffeine. That’s simply not true. The same helpful compounds are found in both regular and decaf coffee.

By going decaf, you get all the benefits (and can drink more) of your favourite flavours without shaking or shuddering like a malfunctioning, off-balance spin dryer.

Decaf for Health: Learn the science that proves the decaf claims

1. Decaf coffee may reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes

It has long been believed that coffee can cause a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes, and many people advocate for coffee over decaf because of this. However, recent studies show that there are other explanations for the positive effects of coffee than the caffeine. Decaf coffee can have positive effects on Type 2 Diabetes as well, without experiencing the negative results of caffeine. It is now known that decaf coffee can be just as beneficial as regular coffee without all the risks that go with it.

2. Going decaf can have positive effects on sleep, health and mood

The first thing you might reach for in the morning is coffee to wake you up. However, this can have a negative effect on your sleep schedule because caffeine is a powerful stimulant. By introducing it into your body as soon as you wake up just reinforces dependency. Cutting back or eliminating caffeine altogether will improve sleep – and that’s really the only sustainable way of improving your morning energy levels.

Caffeine may also exacerbate symptoms of those who suffer from panic attacks or long-term anxiety disorders.

3. Decaf has nearly the same antioxidant levels as regular

Decaf has almost the same amount of antioxidant compounds, but with virtually none of the caffeine remaining. If you have been drinking caffeine for health reasons, you can switch to decaf without any consequence.

4. Decaf is less acidic and can reduce heartburn and reflux

Coffee is both acidic and often caffeinated, making it irritating for sufferers of chronic heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease – or GERD. A major benefit of decaffeinated coffee is its lower acidity, thanks to the decaffeination process. For those who suffer from chronic heartburn, switching to decaf can be a way of lowering their daily intake of acidic foods and limiting their reflux and other symptoms.

5. Going Decaf Can Lower your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Decaf coffee can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease if you have a family history of heart or circulation issues. Decaf has fewer stimulant components than that mug of regular Joe and appears to reduce the risk of developing these sorts of conditions.

Decaffeinated coffee has many health benefits

People who drink decaf coffee are often marginalized for doing so, with caffeine snobs saying it has no point or is full of chemicals. The world’s infatuation with caffeine means that there’s much less decaf coffee and tea sold, so you don’t get much of a choice of the good decaf in the shops or supermarket. (And that’s why we started I Love Decaf.) 

Coffee is an amazing and healthy drink – caffeinated or not, but only by removing the caffeine does it become even healthier. Decaf coffee is healthy. It has many benefits, and for those with conditions triggered or worsened by caffeine intake (e.g. headaches, sleep disorders, anxiety), it has fewer drawbacks.

Even if you do not suffer from the effects of caffeine, you are likely to improve your health, mood and energy levels by canning the caffeine. If only because – without all those drawbacks – you will be free to drink much more of it.

Decaf Coffee: The 3 Reasons Why You’ll Love Decaf Too.

Why Decaf Coffee is exactly what you need

We all know that coffee is packed with antioxidants and can help improve focus and concentration. But what about decaf coffee? Is it worth drinking, or is it just a waste of time and energy?

Introduction

In this article, we’ll explore 5 reasons why decaf coffee is exactly the drink you need. From its health benefits to its great taste and aroma and its ability to improve focus and concentration, decaf coffee has a lot to offer!

1. Decaf coffee is lower in acidity.

Decaf coffee is often thought of as being less tasty and weaker than regular coffee. But decaf coffee actually has a lower acidity than regular coffee. This makes it easier on the stomach for you if you have a sensitive stomach or want to try to avoid heartburn.

That’s a plus one for decaf coffee, but doesn’t regular coffee have quite a few health benefits? Does decaffeination take any of those away? The good news is that decaf coffee still has those self-same health benefits as a cup of regular coffee. Decaf is still a great source of antioxidants and can also help to improve brain function. 

I Love Decaf’s decaf coffees are roasted with the same skill and ground with the same care you’d exercise for regular beans, so our decaf coffee can be just as tasty and enjoyable as regular coffee. So, if you are looking for a way to enjoy the benefits of coffee without the caffeine, decaf coffee is a great option.

2. Decaf coffee has the same health benefits as regular coffee.

There are many reasons to switch to decaf coffee, even if you’re not trying to cut down on caffeine. As we already mentioned, decaf coffee has the same health benefits as regular coffee, including a reduced risk of diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Decaf coffee is also just as effective as regular coffee at improving mood and reducing stress levels. So if you’re looking for a way to relax and improve your mood, decaf coffee is a great choice.

And if you’re worried about the taste of decaf coffee, there’s no need to worry. With I Love Decaf’s brewing methods, decaf coffee can be just as full of flavour as regular coffee. So if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy beverage, decaf coffee, again, is the perfect choice.

3. Decaf coffee is a good source of antioxidants.

I Love Decaf’s decaf coffee is a brilliant source of antioxidants, which are important for many reasons. Antioxidants help to protect your cells from damage, and they also have been linked to lower risks of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Decaf coffee also contains other beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.

Decaf coffee is available in many different roasts and grinds

There are many different types of decaf coffee available on I Love Decaf. You can find decaf coffee as whole beans or a variety of grinds tailor-made to different kinds of coffee-masking equipment and in medium, and dark roasts. This means that you can find a decaf coffee that suits your taste preferences.

If you find that regular coffee makes you feel jittery or anxious, decaf coffee is the way to go. It has the same flavour and aroma as regular coffee, but without the caffeine. This means that you can enjoy your coffee without having to worry about the side effects of caffeine.

Decaf coffee is available in many different roasts and grinds, so there’s bound to be one that suits your taste. If you’re looking for a decaf coffee that tastes great and doesn’t sacrifice flavour, try one of these.

Orizaba Mountain Coffee (Swiss Water Style)

A full bodied with well-developed texture and sweetness, this exceptional Mexican coffee uses the crystal-clear spring water from the country’s highest mountain – Pico de Orizaba – to first steam the green coffee beans, then wash them free of caffeine. 

Luxe Organic Swiss Water Honduran Decaf Coffee

Medium sweet, nutty roast with a fuller body, this brew from the Central American home of beautiful coffee is organic, Fairtrade and decaffeinated usibng the chemical-free Swiss Water decaf method. The coffee itself is grown at high altitude in the rain forests of Honduras. 

Happy Medium Roasted Decaf Coffee and Everyday Italiana Decaf Coffee

Our two great everyday decaf coffee blends are perfect brews from first thing to late night (remember: they won’t keep you awake).

Brasilia Swiss Water Decaf Coffee

Our Swiss Water Brazilian is made from the best arabica beans grown in the perfect climate. A bold and satisfyingly smooth coffee with notes of rich dark chocolate.

Conclusion

While some people might think decaf coffee is a waste of time and energy, there are actually quite a few reasons to give it a try. For one, decaf coffee still has many of the same health benefits as regular coffee, so you can enjoy those without having to worry about the caffeine jitters. Additionally, decaf coffee is more forgiving on your stomach and won’t keep you up at night the way regular coffee can. And lastly, with the right preparation, decaf coffee can be just as delicious as its caffeinated counterpart. So if you’re looking to cut back on your caffeine intake or simply want to mix things up, be sure to give I Love Decaf’s decaf coffee a chance!

Why Organic Decaf Coffee Beans are Number 1.

Most people don’t know that organic decaf coffee beans are the best to grind and brew with. If you are not convinced, then buckle-up as we will be exploring why they are so good and what makes them different from other coffee beans.

Why Organic Decaf Coffee Beans Are The Best

Caffeine is one of the most consumed drugs in the world. It’s responsible for giving us that quick burst of energy we need to get through the morning, and for keeping us alert during the afternoon slump. But what are the ramifications of caffeine consumption?

One of the most common side effects of caffeine consumption is anxiety. In fact, research has shown that people who consume caffeine regularly are at a greater risk of developing anxiety disorders than those who don’t. And while it’s not clear why this is, it may have to do with the fact that caffeine disrupts the normal balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Another downside to caffeine is its impact on sleep. Too much caffeine can keep you up at night, leading to restless nights and a lack of quality sleep. And if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it’s not only going to affect your health – it’ll also affect your mood and productivity.

So why are organic decaf coffee beans better than regular decaf?

Organic decaf coffee beans are made from beans that have been organically grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides. This means that they’re free from chemicals that are harmful to human health. By comparison, regular decaf beans are grown in massive quantities where the beans are sprayed with herbicides and pesticides.

These chemicals can be harmful, impacting the immune, nervous and endocrine systems. These chemicals have also been linked to cancers and organ damage (such as liver damage).

Organic decaf coffee beans are decaffeinated without the use of chemical solvents such as ethylene glycol or methylene chloride. This means that it’s free from harsh chemicals that can cause inflammation and damage cell membranes – which is why organic decaf may taste better than regular decaf. Now you know all of these benefits of buying organic coffee, there’s just one thing left: how to find great brands (fortunately, you are in the right place).

The Benefits of Organic Decaf Coffee Beans 

The health benefits of organic decaf coffee beans are undeniable. Not only are organic beans more environmentally friendly, but they also tend to have higher levels of antioxidants, which can improve overall health. Additionally, organic coffee is often lower in caffeine than conventionally grown coffee. This means that you can enjoy a cup of joe without feeling jittery or overwhelmed. Finally, organic coffee often has a more complex flavor profile than regular coffee, making it the perfect choice for those who are looking for a unique and pleasing cup of java. 

Organic Decaf Coffee Beans vs Organic Ground

As soon as you grind your organic decaf coffee beans – like all beans – you start the clock on losing flavour. Buying the beans and a grinder makes your coffee even fresher,

Tips On Buying and Brewing the Perfect Cup

  • Brewing organic decaf coffee beans can be tricky, but it’s well worth it. Here are a few tips to help you get the perfect cup: 
  • Choose beans that are light and mild. Acidity is key in making a good cup of coffee.
  • Be sure to grind your beans just before brewing. Too much ground coffee will make your drink bitter and over-caffeinated.
  • Try using a French press or pour-over method to get the most flavor out of your beans. Both methods allow more contact with the coffee grounds, which results in a more intense flavour.
  • Finally, remember that temperature is key when brewing organic decaf. Brewing at too high or low of a temperature can result in poor taste or sourness. Experiment to find the perfect temperature for your taste preference.

Alternatives to Organic Decaf Coffee Beans

If you’re looking for organic decaf coffee beans, you should consider opting for beans that are certified organic. According to The Organic Trade Association, certified organic coffees are made from beans that have been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. In addition, certified organic coffees are not processed with irradiation, which is a process that uses high levels of radiation to kill bacteria. An end-to-end organic product will not have been decaffeinated with solvents or come into contact with other chemicals either. Swiss Water Process and Mountain Water process are likely to have been used in proper organic decaf coffee beans. Consequently, certified organic decaf coffee is likely to be much more environmentally friendly than non-organic decaf coffee.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a better cup of coffee, organic decaf coffee beans are the way to go. Not only do they have lower levels of harmful chemicals, but they also taste better than conventionally processed beans. If you’re on the lookout for an environmentally friendly option, organic decaf coffee beans are the way to go.