Decaf Myths Busted #5: "Even Decaf Contains A Significant Amount Of Caffeine, Right?"

This is often the final concern for skeptics: even if decaf tastes good and is made cleanly, does it still contain enough caffeine to cause sleep issues or jitters? That question leads to Myth 5, the idea that decaf still contains a significant amount of caffeine. While it is true that no process removes 100 percent of the caffeine, health experts generally consider the remaining caffeine in decaf to be negligible. For most people, it is probably not enough to cause noticeable effects.

What does it mean to be “decaf?”

The term “decaffeinated” is not just a marketing label; it is a regulated standard. In the United States, the FDA says decaf coffee must meet strict limits for how much caffeine can remain in the unroasted beans after processing, only about 3%. These rules ensure that only a very small amount of caffeine is left behind. Similar standards are used in many parts of the world, including the European Union. In simple terms, if a coffee is labeled decaf, it meets clear legal limits for low caffeine, which amounts to a minimum of 97 percent caffeine reduction.

The Swiss Water® Process sets a far higher bar. Our process ensures the final unroasted bean product is 99.9% caffeine-free.

·       Caffeine in Decaf: A 2006 study from the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville found caffeine content in a cup of brewed decaf landed somewhere between 3-15mg, depending on size of coffee and method (shot of espresso or 16oz brewed).

Putting Negligible Caffeine Into Perspective 

To understand how insignificant that trace amount is, consider this:

• You would need to drink over 30 cups of Swiss Water® decaf to consume the caffeine found in a single regular cup of coffee.
• A small piece of milk chocolate often contains more caffeine (around 9-15 mg) than an entire mug of high-quality decaf. 
• Your body responds more to the caffeine from other everyday drinks, like a standard cola or cup of tea, far more significantly than the low amounts in decaf.

For most people, the residual caffeine found in 99.9% caffeine-free coffee is too minimal to trigger jitters, anxiety, or sleep disturbances; however, please check with your doctor for guidance if you are caffeine sensitive.

Key Takeaways

·       The Swiss Water® Process removes 99.9% of the caffeine, placing residual levels far below any "significant" amount.

·       Choosing Swiss Water® decaf is your assurance of a clean, 99.9% caffeine-free cup without compromising on flavor or peace of mind.

·       Check with your healthcare provider for guidance if you are caffeine sensitive.