The first question that pops into the minds of decaf aficionados is “what is the best decaffeinated coffee?” Nevertheless, in order to answer that question, one has to consider different a number of different points of view, as decaf coffees vary so much. The different angles to be taken into consideration are the method of decaffeination, the preparation method, and finally the blends and brands.

Coffee decaffeination methods for best decaffeinated coffee

Coffee decaffeination can be performed by means of six main methods, which are the Roselius process, the Swiss Water process, the direct method, the indirect method, the carbon dioxide process, and the triglyceride process. From this point of view, many consumers seem to think that the best decaffeinated coffee is the one obtained through the Swiss Water process, as it uses an activated charcoal filter to pull the caffeine molecules away from the organic coffee bean during a steam process. This method is the most natural way of removing caffeine from coffee and is safe because it uses no chemical solvents. Since the decaf obtained through the Swiss Water process is considered to be organic, it is a good candidate for the title of best decaffeinated coffee.

Organic category for best decaffeinated coffee

Also in the organic category falls the Decaffito, which comes from a naturally decaffeinated coffee plant discovered in 2004 by a group of researchers. This can compete with the Swiss Water decaf for the rank of best decaffeinated coffee from the decaffeination point of view.

From the preparation angle, it is very hard to decide which one is the best decaffeinated coffee, as preferences vary quite much among decaf drinkers. Espresso decaf is among the most popular, but there are many people who prefer to brew it the traditional way on the stove, and also many who opt for the instant kind of decaf. So this point of view is somehow not useful in establishing the best decaffeinated coffee.

The issue is even more complicated when it comes to blends and brands because of their multitude. There are a whole lot of blends of decaf, including a wide range of flavored decaf coffees, among which the hazelnut decaf, definitely the most popular flavor in the world for decaf. Also, decaffeinated beans are notoriously difficult to roast, so even the best decaffeinated beans may produce a thin-bodied, half-burned cup once they are roasted.

From the brand point of view, the decision is also hard to make, but there are some companies that prevail over lesser ones, such as Folgers, with its many blends of decaf, Nescafe with its instant decaf, or Lavazza with Dek, considered by many as the best decaffeinated coffee they have ever tried.

So, which one is the best decaffeinated coffee?

As it can be seen above, it’s hard to establish for sure the best decaffeinated coffee, all criteria being subjective, but decaf consumers can follow some simple rules in deciding which is the best decaffeinated coffee for them. First, their coffee roaster/retailer must start with the very best quality un-roasted decaffeinated coffee beans obtainable. Then, they must know what their favorite decaf coffees are, and these must be purchased fresh roasted and whole bean from a reputable roasting company. Finally, the coffee must be properly stored, properly ground, and properly brewed in order to achieve the perfect taste of the best decaffeinated coffee.