5 Solid Reasons for Choosing Decaf Coffee
For many people, the caffeine buzz they get from coffee is a big part of why they drink it. It’s a beverage that is synonymous with morning routines, starting the day and generally staying awake. It’s such a big part of the coffee drinking experience for some people that they can’t even see the point in drinking coffee without it. Why even bother with decaf? They may ask…
Well, simply put, decaffeinated coffees have come a long way! While in the past it may have been true that decaf coffees failed to match the rich and complex flavour profiles of their caffeinated counterparts, these days there are fortunately a good number of decaf offerings of exceptional quality and complexity of flavour.
Let’s take a further look into why decaf can be very appealing to some coffee drinkers and why they may choose it over typical caffeinated options.
Aroma & Taste
As mentioned, it is indeed possible these days to find decaf coffee options that match the flavour and quality of traditional caffeinated varieties. The taste, aroma and overall flavour profile of many decaf coffees are arguably indistinguishable to traditional coffee, so drinkers are still able to enjoy the taste they love, without that caffeine buzz. But why might one want to avoid that buzz in the first place? Isn’t it one of the good things about coffee? Well, one obvious thing that comes to mind is…
Health Reasons
For some people, caffeine may unfortunately trigger things like heart palpitations, anxiety, and migraines, even in relatively small amounts. For various health reasons, some people may have been advised by their doctors to avoid or limit their caffeine intake. In these cases, if the wonderful flavours and aromas of coffee are still enjoyed and sought after, decaf becomes the obvious choice.
Sensitivities to Caffeine
Like above, decaf coffee is also ideal for those who may experience sensitivities to caffeine, such as nausea or maybe the “jitters”. For example, if you need to keep a steady hand for some reason, and caffeine gives you the jitters (even in small amounts) regular caffeinated coffee might not be for you.
Ritual & Routine
A cross between Art & Science… this is how the process of coffee making can feel for some people, and the ritual of making their daily coffee can be just as important and appealing to them as the drinking of the coffee itself! The weighing of the beans, the grinding, the tamping, extraction, inhaling the delicate aromas… it’s all part of it. If you can’t have caffeine for whatever reason, decaf coffee options (which now come in a variety of forms, from fresh beans, to ground to pods) can still satisfy that feeling of comfort one gets from their personally chosen coffee ritual or routine.
Decaf also lends itself well to the ritual of having a coffee after dinner with dessert, without the possibility of a disrupted sleep.
Quality Improvements & Chemical Free Processes
This final point is a big one. While it is true that coffee can be decaffeinated with the use of chemicals, such as the synthetic methylene chloride, which has given decaf a bad reputation, there are also many coffees that are decaffeinated through a 100% natural and organic process, while still maintaining exceptional quality and flavour.
Of particular note is the Swiss Water® Process.
It works by soaking the beans in water, which dissolves many compounds within the coffee, including caffeine. This water is then separated from the beans and passed through a special filter.
As the caffeine molecules are too large to fit through the filter, they are left behind whilst the rest of the components pass through. After this, the water is returned to the beans where they reabsorb it, along with any sugars and proteins that were taken out with the caffeine.
So basically, the Swiss Water® Process decaffeinates using only time, temperature, water, and coffee itself.
The end result is a coffee that's 99.9% caffeine free, while still preserving its origin flavours, taste, and unique characteristics. Keep an eye out for the blue
The following are some fantastic decaf options from the Bean Alliance Roastery that all adhere to the natural Swiss Water® Process, and that maintain their full flavour profile. If you’ve not really tried decaf in the past, are concerned about chemical processes or are even the least bit curious, we strongly encourage you to give some of these a try… we’re confident you’ll be pleasantly surprised and impressed by how well they hold up next to traditional varieties of the coffee you know and love.
Bean Ground & Drunk Decaff
Our award winning organic decaffeinated roast injects subtle nutty flavours with a full-bodied toffee finish using the pure Swiss Water Process, perfect for preserving the natural aromas and essence of unadulterated coffee.
As a black coffee it’s long on the palate with bold nutty flavours, fragrant maple syrup and a full bodied toffee finish. It’s drunk beautifully with milk; a nutty start – characteristic to the Peru region – followed by a pleasing long, smooth finish.
Available in 250g Ground, 250g Beans and Capsules (10pk).
Fair: Peru Decaf Ground
Oxfam Fair’s decaffeinated Peru Coffee is made up of 100% Fairtrade ACO Certified Organic Arabica Beans.
It is prepared using water processing using the latest natural technologies. The result is a delicious and full flavoured caffeine free coffee.
Retaining rich flavours, residual sweetness and excellent balance of body.
Available in 250g Ground
Monte Organic Decaf
This medium bodied Arabica roast from South America has all the attributes of a caffeinated coffee, minus the caffeine. It delivers a rustic orange crema and brightness on the palate. The finish features mild, clean and sweet fruitiness.
Available in 250g Ground & 250g Beans
Gravity Espresso Decaf
Dark and sweet with a luscious, creamy mouth feel. This blend has rich, deep complexity with chocolate notes and a smooth, malty, persistent aftertaste.
Available in 500g Beans
Coffex No Caf
Our premium decaffeinated beans are sourced with careful attention to flavour and quality. Delicious coffee without the caffeine buzz. Medium Roast. Delicious chocolaty flavour with hints of sweet plums and currant notes.
Available in 250g Ground, 250g Beans & E.S.E Pods (50 pk)
Global Cafe Direct Organic Decaffeinated
This Decaffeinated blend uses Fairtrade Organic certified beans, along with the Swiss Water decaffeination process. It is as pure as it gets. Medium Roast. Delicious chocolaty flavour with hints of sweet plums and currant notes.
Available in 250g Ground
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