Are you looking for the best decaf coffee beans? These options can help you get the full, rich flavor of coffee without worrying about too much caffeine.
I’ve been there before. You’re on your fourth cup of coffee, and you don’t want to stay up all night but still want that oh-so-delicious cup of Joe. Thankfully, there are decaf coffee beans available that can provide the same bold flavor as regular coffee without any of the consequences that come with overindulging in caffeine.
Instead of dealing with jitters and insomnia, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee without worrying about mounting anxiety. Plus, there is no need to sacrifice taste or quality either. Here are the 12 best decaf coffee beans for coffee lovers and what to look for when choosing the right beans for your homemade cup of coffee.
- What To Look For In the Best Decaf Coffee Beans
- How To Pick The Best Decaf Coffee Beans
- 1. Kicking Horse Coffee Dark Roast
- 2. Blue Bottle Medium Roast
- 3. Lifeboost Coffee Medium Whole Bean
- 4. Lavazza Dek Dark Espresso Roast
- 5. 365 By Whole Foods Market Buzz Free Decaf
- 6. San Francisco Bay Decaf French Roast
- 7. Lola Savannah Hawaiian Hazelnut
- 8. illy Italian Whole Bean Decaffeinated Coffee
- 9. Olde Brooklyn Coffee French Roast
- 10. The Organic Coffee Co. Gorilla Decaf
- 11. Fara Coffee Dark Decaf
- 12. Allegro Coffee Espresso Bel Canto
- Testing Criteria
- Why You Can Trust Me
What To Look For In the Best Decaf Coffee Beans
Most of the best decaf coffee beans have one thing in common – a clean process to remove caffeine without sacrificing flavor. The Swiss water process is the most popular way to decaffeinate coffee, as it uses natural substances like water and carbon filters to remove 99.9% of the caffeine. This process leaves the beans with their original flavors intact, providing you with a delicious cup of Joe every time.
Other methods to look out for include ethyl acetate, carbon dioxide, and methylene chloride decaffeination, which might sound scary, but are just as safe. However, the decaffeination process is just one aspect to look for when shopping for your next delectable cup of coffee. Learn more in our explainer on how is decaf coffee made.
You also want to look for beans based on their origin and roast profile. Medium roasts usually have a brighter and full-bodied flavor, while darker roasts bring out a richer flavor with notes of chocolate and caramel. You can find decaf whole bean and ground coffee in just about any roast, although medium-dark roasts are more popular.
Single-origin coffees are great for learning about their unique flavors, whereas blends are ideal if you’re looking for a well-rounded cup of Joe.
How To Pick The Best Decaf Coffee Beans
First, read up on the roasting and decaffeination processes used for each type of bean. You want to make sure that the process won’t strip away any of the flavor and aroma. Second, look at the origin of each type of bean; this will help you determine if it is a single-origin or a blend and if you’ll have a mix of flavors or a bold, intensely flavored cup.
Third, find out what roast profile the beans have; light roasts tend to be brighter and more acidic, while darker roasts are usually more decadent with notes of chocolate and caramel. Finally, look for organic and Fair Trade Certification; this way, you know that the beans were ethically sourced.
1. Kicking Horse Coffee Dark Roast
Kicking Horse Coffee made a name for itself as one of the best, most powerful coffee brands. However, the company has also produced one of the best decaf coffee blends with a dark roast decaffeinated by the Swiss water process.
This roast has hints of chocolate and hazelnut, providing a long-lasting finish and a full-bodied flavor. As mentioned earlier, the Swiss water method is the most popular process for decaffeinating coffee. This blend will provide you with a delicious cup of flavorful coffee.
Pros
- Flavorful
- Inexpensive
- Fair Trade
- USDA Organic
- Low caffeine content
Cons
- Packaging is not as bold
- Bit of an aftertaste
- Somewhat bitter for some
- Decaf
- Swiss Water Process
- Dark Roast
- Whole Bean
- 10 Oz
- Certified Organic
- Fairtrade
- Kosher Coffee
2. Blue Bottle Medium Roast
Die-hard coffee drinkers might recognize Blue Bottle for their several cafés across the U.S., but the company also has a line of organic and ethically sourced coffee beans.
The decaf blend is made with coffee beans from Central and South America, featuring tasting notes of vanilla, almond, and key lime. It’s a sweet coffee flavor that’s a great way to get the taste from the café to your doorstep, and the medium roast is perfect for those who want a flavorful cup without the boldness of a dark roast.
The coffee is roasted in small batches, meaning freshness from the start. It’s nitrogen-washed for freshness and uses the Swiss water process too.
Pros
- Organic & Fair Trade
- Climate-Pledge friendly
- Clean packaging
Cons
- A bit more expensive
- Might be a bit bland for some
- Goes stale a bit quicker
3. Lifeboost Coffee Medium Whole Bean
Lifeboost is known for its rigorous testing of mycotoxins in its coffee and its low-acidic roasts. The medium roast decaf is no different from the brand’s other great coffees, with a smooth finish and no bitterness or acidity. It is USDA-certified organic, Fair Trade certified, and carbon-neutral for an eco-friendly roast.
Not to mention, it uses single-origin coffee from Central America in Nicaragua. This is the perfect option for those with a queasy stomach that values a clean cup of coffee.
Pros
- No bitterness and low acidity
- Low mycotoxin content
- USDA Organic & Fair Trade Certified
- Single-origin from Nicaragua
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as flavorful as some other brands’ decaf coffee
- Can leave a bitter aftertaste for some
A medium roast selection that is full bodied with round flavors, creating a perfect balance of aroma, flavors and acidity from start to finish.
4. Lavazza Dek Dark Espresso Roast
Bold, roasted in Italy, and ready to bring out the flavor on your taste buds, the Lavazza Dek decaf coffee blend is an unrivaled choice. This espresso blend makes any espresso-based cup of coffee you make an indulgent experience.
Its natural decaffeination process makes it easy to enjoy, while the dark roast gives it a deep, full-bodied flavor. It’s perfect for those who need their coffee in the morning but don’t want to crash later. This coffee is made using the carbon dioxide process, making it one of the more eco-friendly decaf roasts out there.
Pros
- Rich flavor and aroma
- Processed with carbon dioxide
- Inexpensive
- Imported from and roasted in Italy
Cons
- Bit of an aftertaste
- Packaging is not as bold
- Some customers claim to have found rocks
5. 365 By Whole Foods Market Buzz Free Decaf
Whole Foods is a trusted name for organic food; this organic decaf coffee blend is no different. It’s got a medium-dark roast that is fairly full-bodied and can be an excellent replacement for your average cup of Joe. It’s USDA-certified organic, meaning rigorous standards were met to ensure it’s of the best quality.
It uses 100% Arabica beans that have been handpicked and grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or other chemicals. The brand uses the Swiss water process for decaffeination to ensure there’s no taste of chemicals in the coffee.
Pros
- USDA-certified organic
- Fair Trade certified
- Full-bodied flavor and aroma
- Uses Swiss water process for decaffeination
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands
- No distinct notes
- Not single-origin
6. San Francisco Bay Decaf French Roast
Bold with a smoky finish, San Francisco Bay’s Decaf French Roast is perfect for those who want to indulge in a rich flavor without caffeine. Its oily surface gives it a strong, aromatic flavor that can be enjoyed in the morning or at night.
The brew is made from responsibly sourced coffee beans and is 100% certified Kosher. It uses the Swiss water process to ensure no chemicals are added during decaffeination.
Pros
- Made using the Swiss water process
- Smoky, bold flavor
- 100% certified Kosher
- Responsibly-sourced coffee beans
Cons
- Oily beans can be tough to brew
- Can be too strong for some
- Not as flavorful as other brands’ decaf
7. Lola Savannah Hawaiian Hazelnut
This is one of the sweetest decaf coffees on the list and a sure treat for some. This coffee tastes like buttery hazelnut, brown sugar, and coconut milk. You can even find real coconut flakes with the beans.
Lola Savannah uses the chemical solvent-based KVVW method for decaffeination, which means that it is safe from any kind of chemical residue. The beans are also slow-roasted to keep their flavor.
Pros
- Sweet and nutty taste
- Real coconut flakes with beans
- KVVW method used for decaffeination
- Can be a great choice for cold brew
Cons
- Lesser known brand
- Beans can be too sweet for some
- Might block the espresso grinder due to coconut fat
8. illy Italian Whole Bean Decaffeinated Coffee
Illy is known for its high-quality, Italian-roasted coffee blends, and the decaf blend is no different. This blend combines Arabica beans roasted to perfection in small batches.
The brand uses the methylene chloride process to decaffeinate its beans, giving them a smooth, full-bodied flavor. It’s perfect for those who want coffee without the jitters.
Pros
- Recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies
- Trusted Italian brand
- Methylene chloride process used for decaffeination
- Smooth and full-bodied flavor
Cons
- Dented cans can be a pain to open
- Slightly pricer than other brands
- Can be a bit bland for some
9. Olde Brooklyn Coffee French Roast
Olde Brooklyn Coffee is known for its high-quality coffee, and its decaf French roast blend is quickly becoming a fan favorite. This blend has a dark roast that translates to a smoky, earthy flavor in your cup.
The beans are 100% Arabica and have been decaffeinated with the Swiss water process. They hail from Colombia, Brazil, and Guatemala, giving you a bold flavor in each cup.
Pros
- Bold smoky flavor
- Uses 100% Arabica beans
- Swiss water process used for decaffeination
Cons
- Oily surface of the beans can be hard to ground
- Color varies per bag
- Can be too strong for some tastes
- Bit pricey
10. The Organic Coffee Co. Gorilla Decaf
With notes of chocolate, cream, and spices, The Organic Coffee Co.’s Gorilla Decaf is sure to delight coffee lovers. This decaf blend combines beans sourced from Central and South America and uses only Fair Trade and ethical practices for these 100% Arabica beans. It’s USDA-certified organic and utilizes the Swiss water process to ensure that no chemicals are added during decaffeination.
Pros
- Chocolate, cream, and spicey notes
- Fair Trade and Ethical Practices
- USDA-certified organic
- Swiss water process used for decaffeination
Cons
- Beans may be slightly damaged due to packaging
- Roasted in small batches, tough to keep fresh
- A bit pricier
11. Fara Coffee Dark Decaf
Hailing from Austin, Texas, Fara Coffee is quickly becoming recognized thanks to its high-quality beans that come from one place – the mountainous regions of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. The coffee beans are harvested using farmer-direct methods.
This dark-roasted blend has been decaffeinated via the methyl chloride process. Fara Coffee uses its roasting expertise to bring out the beans’ natural sweetness, giving you a cup of coffee that is smooth and flavorful, all while giving back to communities in Nicaragua!
Pros
- Funds projects in Nicaragua
- Directly sourced beans from the Matagalpa region
- Smooth and flavorful taste
Cons
- Used to be decaffeinated using Swiss water, packaging inaccurate on some
- Might be too bitter for some
- Takes time to ship
- Newer coffee brand
12. Allegro Coffee Espresso Bel Canto
Allegro Coffee has been a staple in coffee culture since 1977. The medium roast decaf blend is a must-try, combining high-quality beans from Ethiopia and Latin America.
You can use these beans for just about any brewing method, from a French press, pour-over, or Aeropress, and get great flavor in every cup. Allegro uses the Swiss water process to decaffeinate the beans, ensuring that they are free from any chemical residue.
Pros
- High-quality beans from Ethiopia and Latin America
- 100% Arabica
- Swiss water process decaffeination method
- Fair Trade certified
- USDA Organic
Cons
- Not single-origin beans
- Bit pricey
- Beans may be too acidic for some tastes
Testing Criteria
These coffees have at least a 4-star rating on Amazon, making them all excellent decaffeinated beans. This list includes fairly priced, organic, and different flavor profile options, so you can find one that works for you. In addition, I also included information on roasting, decaffeination processes, and origin to give you more peace of mind.
Why You Can Trust Me
Coffee lovers, I’ve been in your shoes before, depending on the next cup to reach my daily goals. I’m here to help you find that perfect decaf cup without sacrificing great taste or quality! I’ve done the research and made sure these brands meet up with my high standards.
Like many people reading this, I have also suffered from anxiety due to too much caffeine. I’ve also been pregnant and needed to reduce my caffeine intake. You might also be wondering, can you get addicted to decaf coffee?
