10 Best Decaf Coffee Beans in 2022 (Coffee Shop Owner-Reviewed)

Even decaf coffee beans aren't completely free of caffeine. But depending on the decaffeination method, the coffee beans can have approximately 97 to 99.9 percent of the caffeine content removed. 

There are four different methods to remove caffeine, including direct-solvent process, indirect-solvent process, carbon dioxide process, and Swiss water process. In essence, they are quite similar to each other. 

First, the green, unroasted coffee beans are soaked in water and then washed in a solvent. This solvent helps gradually draw out the caffeine from the beans. 

In the direct and indirect solvent methods, the solvents used are those such as methylene chloride and ethyl acetate. They are approved by the FDA as being safe for your health.

The carbon dioxide process and Swiss water process are considered solvent-free. While the former uses liquid carbon dioxide, the latter simply uses water. Generally, a water process will give you the most flavorful coffee as it can strip away the caffeine while preserving the antioxidants and natural oils of the beans.

There are various water processes and all of them have similar results, but the Swiss method specifically can usually remove up to 99.9 percent of the caffeine. So if you're looking for great-tasting, super-low-caffeine coffee beans, the Swiss water process is the best choice. 

While there are a plethora of coffee species, the two types that are widely sold include arabica and robusta. Currently, arabica beans make up from 65 to 75 percent of the market share of coffee. Their superb taste makes them the more desirable beans, but they are quite expensive.

Arabica beans are cultivated mostly in Asia, eastern Africa, and Latin America. Compared to robusta beans, arabica has a lower caffeine content and boasts a smoother, sweeter flavor with hints of chocolate, berries, and fruit. The high acidity level further gives the beans a wine-like taste that most coffee drinkers love.

Robusta beans are cultivated mostly in central Africa, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, and contain about 25 percent more caffeine than arabica. They have a lower acidity level than arabica, and have a stronger and more bitter taste with rubbery or grain-like overtones and a peanutty aftertaste. 

The flavor and quality of a cup of coffee depend largely on the climate, altitude, and soil of the region where the beans are grown. For both robusta and arabica, the ideal growing conditions include moderate rainfall, ample sunshine, and deep fertile soils. 

One of the regions that meet all of the above requirements is Central and South America. In fact, most of the coffees in the world are produced there, with Colombia and Brazil leading the way. 

Colombia grows coffee at high altitudes and in volcanic soil, so the coffee exhibits a full-bodied flavor with mellow acidity and caramel sweetness. Coffee in Brazil is grown at low altitudes and has a nutty sweet taste with a low level of acidity. 

African countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Kenya are known for producing some of the best coffee beans as well. African coffee possesses a sophisticated and wide flavor profile that can be characterized by strong fruit and wine notes, a rich floral fragrance, and bright acidity. 

The tropical climate and fertile soil conditions in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia are also ideal for growing coffee. Specifically, coffee beans from Indonesia are known for their smooth and clean flavor with earthy notes and medium acidity. 

Vietnam is the second largest coffee exporter in the world, and the coffee beans there often have a medium-bodied and delicate flavor profile. 

When searching for decaf coffee beans, you're likely to encounter two kinds: coffee blends and single origin coffees. Both types have different flavor characteristics and will provide you with different coffee-drinking experiences.

A single origin coffee comes from just one specific region and will showcase its characteristics. It has a unique taste and is bolder and more robust than a coffee blend. If you're searching for a pure, high-quality coffee that tells a story about its origin, go for a single origin coffee. 

A coffee blend is crafted from coffees grown in different countries or regions around the world to bring you a harmonious flavor profile. For instance, a coffee blend combining beans from Colombia and from Kenya will have a balanced bittersweet flavor with bright acidity.

For those who want a well-balanced coffee that's great for everyday drinking, a coffee blend might be a great choice.

When it comes to coffee beans, there are three main roast levels: light, medium, and dark. Light roast coffee has a light brown color and isn't oily. It has a bright flavor profile, mellow body, and crisp acidity. It preserves the unique aromas and flavors of the beans and can accentuate the characteristics of the coffee's origin. 

A medium roast is brown in color and doesn't have an oily surface. It still retains a coffee bean's unique characteristics but has a more rounded flavor profile with medium acidity due to the longer roast time. With a medium roast, you'll also get a slightly sweet caramel taste. 

If you're a fan of bold coffee flavors, consider a dark roast. The long roasting time replaces the coffee bean's natural flavors and aromas, and the coffee turns out to be quite strong with low acidity. A dark roast coffee has an oily surface and a dark brown appearance. 

Many coffee farmers aren't earning a livable wage that can support themselves and their families. To improve their working and living conditions, many brands are dedicated to fair trade practices. By purchasing a certified fair trade product, you are supporting the lives of farmers and helping them achieve financial stability.

Products with Rainforest Alliance certification are also a great option. They are sourced carefully in a sustainable manner, and the suppliers have to comply with the strict guidelines set out by the certification program to protect the environment and ensure the working conditions of farmers. 

There are many manufacturers that organize their own campaigns to support farmers. They work in partnership with farmers to improve the quality of the coffee and also the livelihoods of farmers.