10 Best Decaffeinated Coffees [Updated 2023]

Decaffeinated coffees is becoming increasingly popular. It is thought that its popularity has soared amongst the Millenial generation, as the caffeinated version is doing too good a job at keeping people awake.

Researchers at Kantar Worldpanel found that sales of instant decaf were up 20% in 2020 compared with two years previously. A lot of people now care about the taste of their coffee over the wakening effect, and in response, decaffeinated coffee is no longer the disgusting brown cup of off-water it once was.

There are therefore dozens to choose from, and the decision can be tricky, so we have picked out some of our favourites below. Whether you’re looking for that traditional coffee flavour or something specialist, we have something for everyone below.

Taylors of Harrogate Decaffé Ground Coffee

Overview

Taylor’s needs no introduction, with their coffee bags and beans always making a feature in our Top 10’s.

These beans have been decaffeinated using a natural water method and then roasted to produce a smooth taste with a hint of caramel, toffee and nut. Roast 4 makes it nice and strong for use in a cafetiere where the strong flavours emerge – just without the buzz afterwards.

They are also Rainforest Alliance Certified, so you know the environment they have been grown in is protected.

San Francisco Bay Coffee DECAF Gourmet Blend

Overview

If you love the taste of coffee, but not the jitters, this is the one for you.

San Francisco Bay Coffee DECAF Gourmet Blend Whole Bean 2LB (32 Ounce) Medium Roast Swiss Water Processed Decaffeinated is a medium roast that strikes a balance between rich flavor and smoothness. Its beans are decaffeinated using Swiss Water Process technology, which means that they retain all of their natural flavor and aroma while removing caffeine.

This blend has been described as “smooth as silk” by our customers. We think it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee without feeling like they’ve just slammed down an espresso shot!

Kenco Freeze Dried Decaffeinated Coffee 

Overview

The legendary taste of Kenco Freeze Dried Decaffeinated Coffee, now in an even more portable size!

Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just need a quick pick-me-up to get through the day, this is the perfect coffee for you. With 500g of freeze dried goodness, you’ll never run out of your favorite decaf blend again—and it couldn’t be easier to get. Just add hot water and stir!

Our freeze dried coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans and comes in a re-sealable pouch that makes it easy to store in your car or backpack. Whether you’re on vacation or just want to have a cup of coffee with breakfast before work, this product is sure to please.

Peet’s Decaffeinated Ground Coffee

Overview

Peet’s Decaf House Blend Dark Roast Coffee is the perfect introduction to our signature style. First crafted by Mr. Peet, this blend of carefully selected, choice beans from our favorite Latin American origins brews a quality cup that’s uniquely rich and approachable, with a pleasant spiciness and without the caffeine. It’s deep-roasted by hand in small batches to impart the most flavor and aroma. And like all our coffees, it’s delivered unimaginably fresh. The bright, balanced flavors and medium body make Decaf House Blend so inviting and easy to love.

With its rich flavor profile, this blend will appeal to any coffee drinker looking for a reliable dark roast with just a touch of spice.

Maxwell House Decaf Ground Coffee

Overview

Maxwell House medium roast original roast decaf ground coffee makes a great cup of coffee any time of day. Our medium original roast decaf ground coffee has a classic, rich taste and is perfect for brewing in your drip coffee maker. Whether you choose to brew it black or with cream and sugar, our decaf coffee is made with Arabica and Robusta coffee beans and packaged in a resealable canister that locks in flavor and freshness between uses.

For over 125 years, Maxwell House has been creating signature taste through the careful execution of a process that doesn’t cut corners but does it the right way. We’ve crafted this delicious blend from only the finest ingredients so you can enjoy an exceptional cup every morning—or whenever your mood strikes!

Nescafé Azera Decaffeinated Americano Instant Coffee

Overview

Instant decaffeinated coffee is the most popular and widely available. A lot of people feel that if you’re going to pick a coffee with low caffeine in, then instant (which usually contains less caffeine anyway) isn’t an issue.

This Nescafe is made from 100% coffee beans, all carefully selected to ensure the proper coffee flavour comes through. It’s easy to make, as you just pour boiling water onto the grounds and allow to dissolve.

It can be used to make a longer Americano drink, with milk and sugar added, as the flavour still shines through. You still get a velvety crema and full-bodied flavour.

We love how it comes in a dedicated tin too, which keeps air and other nasties away from the coffee. Nescafe has purely used water to remove the caffeine too, so no chemicals have touched the beans.

Folgers Classic Instant Coffee Crystals

Overview

This Folgers decaf coffee delivers delicious flavor and rich aroma without giving you the jitters. With Folgers instant crystals, you can make your own instantly-made coffee any time, without a coffee maker. Just combine and stir. A single jar makes up to 120 six fluid ounce servings. Prefer your coffee a little stronger or want more at once? It’s easy to add more crystals by opening the flip-top lid—just go back and give it another stir. Keep a jar on hand for any morning that needs an instant pick-me-up!

Lavazza Decaffeinated Ground Coffee

Overview

Pre-ground ready for use in any coffee maker, this roast level 3 coffee is perfect for that authentic Italian coffee flavour without the buzz.

The mix of arabica and robusta beans creates that ideal cream, warm colour with a hint of dried fruit in the flavour profile. The grind is the best size for use in a Moka pot or cafetiere but is on the finer side, so also great if you also have pour-over or an espresso machine.

Clipper Medium Roast Decaf

Overview

One of the most popular speciality tea and coffee brands in the UK, Clipper has created an instant coffee packed with flavours here.

It is organic arabica, and the traditional intense toasty coffee taste shines through, but there is also an intense aftertaste which is a bit nutty. Clipper is also certified with the Organic Soil Association.

Sanka Decaf Instant Coffee Jar

Overview

If you’re not into caffeine, Sanka Decaf Instant Coffee is a tasty alternative. This 99.7% caffeine-free coffee has a smooth, rich taste—without the jitters. Just add one teaspoon of the powder to 6 fluid ounces boiling water and stir. You can also make it in your microwave: Mix the decaf coffee with 3/4 cup cold water in a large microwave-safe cup or mug, then heat for two minutes or until boiling hot. Add more or less coffee to suit your taste.

This product is perfect for those who want to enjoy their morning cup of joe without worrying about feeling jittery or having an energy crash later on in the day. Our decaf instant coffee is made from premium beans that are carefully roasted to eliminate any bitterness and give you full flavor without any caffeine side effects like jitteriness or sleeplessness!

Decaf Coffee Buying Guide

Type

This is how the coffee comes and arrives on your doorstep.

It was once only common to see decaf coffee come as instant, which already naturally contains less caffeine. But now, with its popularity, specialty coffee makers have decaf available in whole bean and ground varieties.

Think about what you’d need with your coffee machine or method, and which is easiest for you as well. Instant is really simple to make anywhere for instance, but you don’t get that traditional coffee preparation.

Flavour

If you use instant coffee, the most likely flavour will be the traditional coffee taste (although this won’t be as strong as when using caffeinated coffee).

But if you want hints of speciality coffee, with flavours such as chocolate and fruit, you will be best opting for whole beans or ground coffee. This is because the method of decaffeinating the beans can still keep the flavour there, but making instant coffee often loses the natural flavour of the beans unless it is artificially re-added.

Benefits Of Decaf

It is worth bearing in mind that decaf coffee still contains small doses of caffeine – removing it all would mean no flavour is left behind. But less caffeine has been shown to also curb the issues which often come with drinking caffeine, such as heart palpitations, acid reflux and stomach issues.

FAQs

How much caffeine is in decaf coffee?

This can depend on a lot of different factors, from the size of the drink to the method used to remove the caffeine.

Check out our guide on caffeine in coffee for how you can work out how much caffeine you will be having.

And if you’re concerned about its impacts on your health, you can learn more about how long caffeine stays in our systems.

How is caffeine removed from coffee beans?

There are various methods, but a lot of high-end coffee companies will use a water method to ensure the taste remains but caffeine is removed. We have written a guide on how this can be done.

How do I make decaf coffee?

Just the same as ordinary coffee! Whether it be instant, whole beans in a bean to cup machine or ground coffee in a french press, there are no other steps or things to consider.

Is decaffeinated coffee acidic?

Caffeine can cause your stomach to produce more coffee, so cutting down on this is already a big step towards cutting down on acid.

Decaf is considered safe for those who wish to be on the GERD diet, as it’s less likely to cause issues in your stomach. Just watch out for flavours such as fruits, however. We would still recommend keeping your intake low, too.