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How much caffeine is in decaf coffee?

Mon, 2006-01-16 21:34 — Daniel

In the United States federal regulations require that in order to label coffee as "decaffeinated" that coffee must have had its caffeine level reduced by no less than 97.5 percent.

Example: Panamanian coffee is about 1.36% caffeine by weight normally. This and many other arabica coffees are about 98.64% caffeine free even before anything is done to lower the caffeine content..

When 97% of the caffeine has been removed only .0408 % of the coffee weight is caffeine. About 4/100ths of 1%. At this level it is labeled "decaffeinated. How roasters label their products is another matter. Suppose two roasters roast Panama coffee that originally came from the same lot, and were decaffeinated together in the same vat. One roaster labels his decaf. "97.5% Caffeine Removed." The other says his is "99+% Caffeine Free." Which roaster is not telling the truth?

The answer is: They are both right. They are both essentially saying the same thing.

Decaf should range somewhere in the 2-4 milligrams of caffeine per cup range.

Currently used solvents for decaffeinating coffee include, H2O (water), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), Meth. Chloride, Ethyl Acetate. Note: A relatively new method called Swiss Water Decaffeinated uses "flavor-charged" water in the decaffeinating process.

Comments

Mon, 2009-10-12 20:14 — Anonymous (not verified)

Yes, congratulations indeed.

Yes, congratulations indeed. I quit 2 years ago. I have not had good consistency with exercise and it shows. I am trying to learn to live with the fat me. I hope you have better results with your efforts.

Mon, 2007-06-18 11:06 — Brenda L. Fillbrandt (not verified)

Decaffeinated Coffee

I have been reading how caffeine is damaging to your skin, would about four 6oz cups a day of decaffinated coffee have the same effect or not enough to worry about? I am just wanting an opinion. Thank you.

Thu, 2007-09-06 09:29 — Chelsea (not verified)

caffiene

I have a heart condition and my doctor has told me to cut back all together on caffeine. For your responce, he has also asked that i not drink decaff coffee for the reason that there still is a percentage of caffeine in decaff coffee. I kinda seem to think that even at that amount and haveing 6 cups, might not be a good thing?

C

Thu, 2008-01-03 17:32 — Julia (not verified)

Decaf vs Real Caf

Let's do the math. 6 cups (8oz each) of Decaf coffee would yield about 30mg of total caffeine. The same 6 cups (8oz each) of Real Caf coffee might yield about 900mg of total caffeine. The FDA recommends less than 100mg per day for Adults and even less for children. Now, that is just regular home brewed coffee, Consumer Stores (Starbucks, Seattle, QT, etc) might have higher doses depending on the coffee beans and realistically, who drinks an 8oz cup of coffee anymore!
Decaf Coffee and Caffeine-Free Sodas and Teas are much better if you are looking for the taste and not the jolt of alertness.

Sun, 2008-04-20 18:46 — Revive (not verified)

Interesting comments..

In reality, ALL Arabica contains approx. 1.2% to 1.9% caffeine, by weight... which is NOT the standard most people look at for caffeine consumption. They look at the grams per cup of caffeine intake. There are new hybrid Arabica breads, Daterra, a Brazilian Farm, has successfully bred an Arabica Hybrid that naturally contains less than 1% of caffeine. Is it caffeine free? No. To be quite honest, MOST coffee roasters - who ultimately sell to the coffeehouses, cafes, etc that we enjoy each day - blend regular beans with decaf. beans to cut costs!! I know, I am a roaster. And I think this practice is dishonest and unacceptable. As for grams per cup of caffeine.. Bottom line, true Decaf has less than 5 grams of caffeine per cup, whereas the avg. caffeinated cup has 100 to 150mg (for a 6 oz. serving) about 40 times as much..

Here is a quote from a recent study, "University of Nebraska-Omaha chemistry professor Dana Richter-Egger tested the samples. He found that Bruegger's decaf had the least caffeine of the five brands tested at 0.9 milligrams. Next was Crane Coffee at 2.4 milligrams per 12 ounces. Third place was Scooters at 3.8 milligrams. McDonald's came in fourth at 4.4 milligrams. Starbucks decaf has the most caffeine of those tested at 9.5 milligrams per 12 ounces. Even with a margin of error at plus or minus two milligrams, Starbucks slightly exceeds the decaf minimum." Obviously, we can see the green giant is cheating, and not offering 'true' decaf coffee! - excerpt from KETV.com

I think another aspect to be concerned with is the method in which the coffee is decaffeinated. Using Methylene or Ethyl processes leaves undeniably leaves trace amounts of these harmful chemicals behind! I would NEVER roast, nor sell, anything other than water processed decaf beans. So, if you're into decaf. make sure it's ALL decaf,.. and ask how it is processed. If they don't know, best find a knowledgeable, reputable replacement for that location... because their ignorance could effect your health.

Bottom line. Find an honest, local coffee shop.. support those that support your community and only buy from places that KNOW their beans.. and you'll be in good hands.

Enjoy!

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