Decaf coffee is a drink or food that has had most of the caffeine removed. It's perfect for people who want to cut down on caffeine or who want to enjoy coffee before bed.
In this article, we will explain the characteristics and flavor of decaf coffee, how it differs from decaffeinated coffee, and how to make it taste delicious. We will also introduce some recommended decaf coffees, so please take a look.

Click here for Sarutahiko Coffee decaf

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📖Table of Contents

• What is a decaf drink?
• What is the difference between decaf and caffeine-free?
• What does decaf taste like?
• How caffeine is removed in decaffeinated coffee
• When is the best time to enjoy decaf?
• Delicious and fun ways to arrange decaf coffee
• Sarutahiko Coffee's recommended decaf coffee
• My Feelings, Then and Now

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What is a decaf drink?

Decaf drinks have had most of the caffeine removed. The word "decaf" comes from the English word "decaffeinated." Decaf drinks are ideal for those who want to enjoy coffee without consuming too much caffeine.
Although decaffeinated coffee may be the first thing that comes to mind, there are actually decaffeinated tea products available for black tea and green tea as well.

💡Characteristics and effects of caffeine

Caffeine is a natural alkaloid found in plants and has a stimulating effect. Caffeine is found not only in coffee but also in tea leaves such as green tea and black tea.
Caffeine helps improve concentration and reduces drowsiness.
However, if you consume too much, it can reduce the quality of your sleep and affect your physical condition, so it is important to be aware of the amount you consume.
Caffeine is also said to have fever-reducing and pain-relieving effects.
※reference:Excessive intake of caffeine in food | Consumer Affairs Agency
※reference:Caffeine and Sleep | NCNP Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry

💡How to brew decaf coffee

The brewing method for decaf coffee is basically the same as for regular coffee.
However, since decaffeinated coffee has had most of the caffeine removed, the trick to making it taste better is to brew it a little stronger.

The origins and development of decaf

The history of decaffeinated coffee dates back to 19th century Germany.
At that time, a chemist succeeded in removing the caffeine from coffee beans, and decaffeination technology was developed in the early 20th century.
Then, in the 20th century, the world's first decaffeinated coffee appeared in America.
Decaf coffee has become popular in Japan since around 2018.

What is the difference between decaf and caffeine-free?

We will explain the differences between decaffeinated, caffeine-free, and non-caffeinated coffee, which are often thought to be difficult to distinguish.

🔍Caffeine-free and decaf

According to the All Japan Coffee Fair Trade Council, coffee that has had 90% or more of the caffeine removed can be labeled as "decaffeinated coffee" or "decaffeinated coffee."
Generally, decaffeinated coffee is made by removing components from caffeine-containing beans, and contains very little caffeine.
On the other hand, "decaffeinated" coffee is made using ingredients that naturally have a low caffeine content, and the manufacturing process is different.

※reference:Fair Competition Guidelines for Labeling Regular Coffee and Instant Coffee | All Japan Coffee Fair Trade Council

🔍Caffeine-free

Decaffeinated refers to drinks and foods made using ingredients that contain no caffeine at all.
It may also be labeled as "caffeine-free," and the characteristic of decaffeinated coffee is that it does not contain any caffeine.
If you want to avoid caffeine completely, choose decaffeinated options.

What does decaf taste like?

Decaf coffee has a slightly cleaner taste than caffeinated coffee.
Caffeine is the source of bitterness, so decaffeinated coffee, which contains very little caffeine, tastes smoother than caffeinated coffee.
Decaf coffee, which has fewer sources of bitterness, is also recommended for those who want to fully enjoy the flavors of milk and sugar.
Even in small amounts, the milk and sugar are noticeable, making it suitable for those who are concerned about calories.

🔍Factors that affect the taste

Details of the extraction method will be explained later, but the taste of decaffeinated coffee will vary depending on how the caffeine is removed.
Also, just like regular coffee, the quality and freshness of the beans, as well as the brewing method, are important factors that affect the flavor of decaffeinated coffee.

How caffeine is removed in decaffeinated coffee

There are several methods for removing caffeine from decaffeinated coffee, but in Japan, the most commonly used method is "extraction by water treatment."
The typical removal methods are as follows:

・Extraction using organic solvents
・Extraction by water treatment
・Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction
・Extraction using liquid carbon dioxide

The taste of decaffeinated coffee varies depending on how the caffeine is removed.
For example, the method using liquid carbon dioxide allows for the retention of many of the aroma and flavor components, making it possible to maintain a taste close to the original coffee flavor.
Dichloromethane, which is often used in extractions using organic solvents, is prohibited for use in Japan.

🔍 Extracting caffeine at home is difficult

You cannot remove the caffeine from caffeinated coffee beans yourself.
Special equipment is required to remove the caffeine.
In addition, harmful substances may be produced during the removal process, which can lead to poisoning.
To be on the safe side, enjoy decaf coffee using commercially available products.

When is the best time to enjoy decaf?

Here are some recommended times to drink decaf coffee.
You can still enjoy the flavor of coffee even when you don't want to worry about caffeine.

☕ For waking up in the morning and relaxing at night

Decaf coffee is recommended when you wake up in the morning or when you want to take a break before going to sleep.
Decaf coffee contains very little caffeine, so it won't irritate your stomach even if you drink it first thing in the morning.
Decaf coffee also reduces the stimulating effects of caffeine, making it less likely to interfere with sleep and ideal for relaxing before bed.

☕ When you are concerned about excessive caffeine intake

If you love coffee and tend to drink multiple cups, you can reduce your caffeine intake by replacing some of it with decaffeinated coffee.
There are no clear standards in Japan, but some countries overseas have set daily caffeine intake guidelines.
If you're health conscious but still want to enjoy coffee without any worries, we recommend trying decaf.

☕ When you want to enjoy coffee safely while pregnant or breastfeeding

It is recommended to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Because caffeine can affect your baby.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting coffee consumption to three to four cups a day during pregnancy, while the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends around two cups.
Enjoy it at a pace that suits your physical condition.
※reference:Q&A about excessive intake of caffeine contained in food - Be careful not to consume too much caffeine -

Delicious and fun ways to arrange decaf coffee

We'd like to introduce you to iced cafe au lait and coffee jelly as delicious and fun ways to enjoy decaf coffee.

🥃Iced cafe au lait

1. Add cold milk and ice to a glass.
2. Slowly pour the decaf iced coffee over the top.
The two-tone iced cafe au lait is complete.
This is an arrangement that is easy to make and visually appealing.

🍮Coffee jelly

1. Dissolve honey and gelatin in decaf coffee and chill in the refrigerator until solidified.
2. We also recommend adding milk or whipped cream to your liking.
This coffee jelly is perfect for people with a sweet tooth and for children to enjoy together.

Sarutahiko Coffee's recommended decaf coffee

We will introduce four recommended decaffeinated products from Sarutahiko Coffee.
Enjoy delicious decaf coffee when you want to cut down on caffeine.

[Dark roast] Decaf/Ethiopia Sidamo

Coffee harvested in Ethiopia's famous coffee-producing regions has been carefully processed to make it decaffeinated.
It has a rich flavor with the roundness of milk chocolate and the refreshing flavor of blueberries.

Decaf drip bag 5 pieces

The conveniently portable drip bag type is perfect for use at home, in the office, or while traveling.
Enjoy authentic decaf coffee anytime, anywhere you like.

Decaf/Cafe au lait by Sarutahiko

The decaf cafe au lait base is available in a slightly sweetened form.
Dilute with milk 4 to 5 times and enjoy.
It is decaf and slightly sweet, so it is safe for children to enjoy.

Decaf cafe au lait source/decaf drip bag set

A gift set containing 10 decaf drip bags and cafe au lait mix.
It is also popular as a wedding or baby gift for coffee-loving friends and family.

My Feelings, Then and Now

Decaf refers to drinks and foods that are almost caffeine-free.
Compared to regular coffee, decaffeinated coffee has a clean, smooth taste.
Decaf coffee is also suitable as a cup before bed or in the morning, and is recommended for those who are concerned about excessive caffeine intake, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Also, if you like coffee and drink multiple cups, you can control your caffeine intake by replacing some of it with decaffeinated coffee.
Sarutahiko Coffee is known for using the highest quality raw beans delivered directly from the source.
Our specialty roasting team carefully roasts our coffee beans, from light to dark roasts, to produce a high-quality finish.
At our stores, you can choose to have your coffee decaf for free.
We offer two types to suit your needs: a fragrant light roast decaf for lattes, and a rich dark roast decaf for drip coffee.
Our online shop offers dark roast decaf coffee that can be enjoyed as drip coffee.
If you want to enjoy delicious decaf coffee, be sure to check out the link below.
Click here for Sarutahiko Coffee decaf