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Decaf coffee gets a bad rap. It’s often seen as the coffee equivalent of a participation trophy, a consolation prize for people who can’t handle the real thing. But here’s the thing: decaf coffee isn’t just for people sensitive to caffeine. It’s a legitimate choice for coffee drinkers who want to enjoy the taste of coffee without the side effects. So why do people drink decaf coffee?
☕ Fast Fact: 18% of Americans exclusively drink decaf while 68% don’t at all
The Defacto, No Depresso Reasons to Drink Decaf Coffee
Decaf coffee makes up a significant portion of the coffee market. It is enjoyed by many people who want to limit their caffeine intake or avoid it altogether.
Overall, the point of decaf coffee is to provide an option for people who want to enjoy the taste of coffee without the caffeine content or its side effects. Here’s why you may want to drink caffeine-free coffee.
You’re Sensitive to Caffeine
For some, caffeine can have adverse effects such as jitters or anxiety or keep them up at night. Decaf coffee is a great option for those who want to enjoy the flavor of coffee without experiencing these side effects.
Decaf coffee does contain minimal amounts of caffeine, usually around 2 milligrams per cup, compared to 95 mg in a regular cup of coffee, so it still provides a tiny caffeine boost without going overboard.
☕ Fast Fact: 69% of Americans drink coffee for the taste
You Want to Limit Your Caffeine Intake
Consuming too much caffeine can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and anxiety. Decaf coffee is a viable option for those seeking to decrease their caffeine intake.
It’s also a favored choice among pregnant women at an increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight with high caffeine consumption.
☕ Fast Fact: 62% of Americans drink coffee daily, on average 2.7 to 3 cups per day
You Want to Drink Coffee Later in the Day
For those who like having coffee before bed, decaf coffee is a good option to avoid caffeine’s sleep-disrupting effects while still enjoying the taste of coffee.
☕ Fast Fact: 17% of coffee drinkers switch to decaf between 12 PM and 4 PM
You’re Religious or Have Other Cultural Reasons
Some religious or cultural practices prohibit caffeine consumption, so decaf coffee provides an alternative for people who still want to enjoy the taste of coffee.
It’s Not Bad, Actually
Decaf coffee has an undeservedly bad reputation. It’s often considered a lesser substitute for real coffee, but that’s not necessarily true.
In fact, decaf coffee is a legitimate choice for coffee drinkers who want to enjoy the taste of coffee without the side effects of caffeine. The process of decaffeinating coffee can even alter the taste and aroma of the coffee, making it a popular choice for many coffee roasters and manufacturers.
And it’s not just for people sensitive to caffeine. A lot of people enjoy decaf coffee just as much as the real thing.
So, feel free to order a decaf next time you’re at the coffee shop. It’s a perfectly legitimate choice for coffee drinkers who want to enjoy the taste of coffee without the side effects.
Decaf coffee can still be acidic, depending on the type of beans and the brewing method.
FAQs
Who do people drink decaf coffee?
People may choose to drink decaf coffee for various reasons, such as sensitivity to caffeine, a desire to limit caffeine intake, wanting to drink coffee later in the day, religious or cultural reasons, or simply to enjoy the flavor of coffee without the caffeine.
Is decaf coffee 100% caffeine-free?
Decaf coffee can still contain small amounts of caffeine. Still, it’s typically around 2 mg per cup, compared to 95 mg in a regular cup of coffee, or 97% caffeine free.
Some decaf coffee drinkers report experiencing headaches after drinking decaf coffee, possibly due to the trace amounts of caffeine or other compounds in the coffee.
How is caffeine removed from decaf coffee?
Decaf coffee was first produced in the early 1900s using a chemical solvent called benzene, which has since been replaced with safer solvents.
Decaf coffee can be made using various methods, including liquid carbon dioxide, water, or even Swiss water.
Additionally, there are even coffee plant varietals that produce naturally low levels of caffeine!
Does decaf coffee taste different than regular coffee?
Decaffeinating coffee can alter the taste and aroma, so many coffee roasters and manufacturers put extra effort into creating high-quality decaf coffee.
Is decaf coffee less acidic than regular coffee?
While you’re here, check out our roundup of desk space upgrades. We found some awesome desk upgrades like coffee warmers and mug holders perfect for your cup of coffee — whether that’s decaf or regular.
Additional sources:
33+ Buzzing Coffee Industry Statistics [2023]: Cafes, Consumption, And Market Trends
2022 Coffee Statistics: Consumption, Purchases, and Preferences
