So, you’ve quit caffeine. Congratulations. You’ve just made one of the most un-British decisions imaginable. But after the initial glow of clearer sleep and fewer panic attacks fades, reality sets in: what do you actually drink now?
Let’s be honest—giving up caffeine can feel like you’ve accidentally left the cult, and now you’re standing outside the café window watching everyone else sip triple-shot lattes with dead eyes and racing hearts.
But here’s the good news: decaf isn’t the downgrade it used to be. If you play it right, your new routine can be richer, calmer, and far more delicious than you ever expected.
Step 1: Stop buying decaf like it’s a punishment
Supermarket decaf is where hope goes to die. Most of what’s on the shelf was roasted in a previous tax year and tastes like disappointment in liquid form.
Instead, look for fresh-roasted, small-batch decaf. Stuff that lists its origin, roast date, and decaffeination method—like Swiss Water or chemical-free EA process—the same ones we use at I Love Decaf.
Because no matter how clean your conscience, bad coffee is still bad coffee.
Step 2: Keep the ritual
You didn’t just quit caffeine. You quit the buzz. The ritual stays.
That means:
- Grinding beans
- Brewing mindfully
- Sniffing the cup like a weirdo
- Taking your time instead of panic-chugging something beige before a Teams call
You can still have your morning calm, your afternoon break, your post-dinner wind-down. Just without the tremors.
Step 3: Upgrade your tools
You don’t need a barista qualification, but a cafetière, V60, or Aeropress will make your decaf 100% less sad. Pod person? No judgement. We do pods too—proper ones, with proper flavour.
And please: bin the kettle that boils like a jet engine. You’re living a more peaceful life now.
Step 4: Rewire your brain (just a bit)
Caffeine isn’t the reason you liked coffee.
You liked the smell. The taste. The warm cup in your hands. The ritual of it all. What you don’t like is caffeine hangovers, sleep deprivation, and arguing with printers at 3pm while your pulse thumps in your ears.
Remind yourself that this new version is still coffee. Just better for your nervous system.
Step 5: Find the good stuff and stick with it
Brands like I Love Decaf exist specifically to make this easier—we roast fresh, never use chemicals, and our coffee just won a Great Taste Award. Not to brag. (OK, a little.)
Once you find a bean that works for you, treat it like a new member of the family. Keep it close. Brew it right. Don’t let anyone slag it off in your presence.
Final sip
Caffeine-free doesn’t mean joy-free. It means you’re doing coffee on your terms.
Build a routine that makes your brain happy, your body calm, and your cup worth looking forward to. Every single day.
We’ll roast. You relax.