Decaffeinated coffee: how it’s made

Our customers, both business and private, often ask us for information about our decaffeinated coffee, particularly about the decaffeination method. So let's start with the answer.

Manaresi decaffeinated coffee

Our decaffeinated coffee uses water and carbon dioxide, that is, natural solvents, to extract the caffeine from the green bean. This is not a process we carry out directly, but we purchase already decaffeinated green beans.

Why decaffeinated coffee?

That said, let's now try to understand why decaffeinated coffee, which might seem contradictory, but is not, because coffee is not just caffeine (just as tea is not just theine), but it is also aroma, body, and an entire universe of compounds that provide us not only with "waking up" in the morning but also with a suggestive tasting experience.

Coffee is one of the most loved beverages in the world, and if you're reading this, you already know that. But for many people, caffeine can cause unwanted effects such as insomnia, anxiety, or nervousness, or even tachycardia.

Caffeine allergy: rare, if not extremely rare

In some cases, there is talk of caffeine allergy, although it is rare, if not extremely rare. In this case, it is necessary to avoid foods and beverages containing caffeine, and if they are decaffeinated, they must be completely so.

Caffeine intolerance or sensitivity

More often, people may have a form of intolerance or particular sensitivity to caffeine.
In these cases, to avoid giving up the pleasure of coffee, the solution is decaffeinated coffee, which allows you to enjoy the aroma and taste of coffee without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

What is decaffeination?

Decaffeination is the process by which a significant portion of the caffeine is removed from coffee beans. Although it is not possible to obtain a coffee completely free of caffeine, the process can reduce caffeine content to very low levels, reducing it to traces, allowing even those who are sensitive to this substance to enjoy coffee without side effects.

Natural decaffeination methods

There are several methods for decaffeinating coffee, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most common ones are as follows:

Water decaffeination

The water process, also known as the Swiss Water Process, is one of the most natural and effective methods for decaffeination.
The coffee beans are immersed in hot water, which dissolves the caffeine. Then, the water passes through a charcoal filter that captures the caffeine, leaving the other aromatic compounds intact. The beans are then re-soaked in the water to reabsorb the flavors without the caffeine. This method is particularly appreciated by those seeking a product without the use of chemical solvents.

Decaffeination with Carbon Dioxide

Another popular method is carbon dioxide extraction (CO₂). The coffee beans are treated with high-pressure CO₂, which acts as a natural solvent for caffeine. This process has the advantage of being selective, as CO₂ removes almost exclusively caffeine without compromising essential oils and other aromatic compounds.
Furthermore, no chemical solvents are used, making this method particularly eco-friendly.

Decaffeination with chemical solvents

Decaffeination with methylene chloride (dichloromethane) or ethyl acetate (ethyl acetate)

In some cases, a chemical solvent such as methylene chloride or dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) or ethyl acetate or ethyl acetate (C₄H₈O₂) is used to extract caffeine from the beans.
The beans are immersed in the solvent, which dissolves the caffeine. After a treatment period, the solvent is removed from the beans, and they are then subjected to a drying process.

While this method is inexpensive and fast, it is less natural compared to the others, and some consumers prefer to avoid coffee treated with chemical solvents.

The quality of decaffeinated coffee

A common concern among consumers is that decaffeination could compromise the taste of coffee. In fact, decaffeination methods, although effective in removing caffeine, can affect the aromatic profile. However, more advanced methods, such as CO₂ extraction or the water process, can maintain a coffee quality very similar to that of regular coffee, preserving delicate flavors and aromatic characteristics.

Why choose decaffeinated coffee?

There are several reasons why many people choose decaffeinated coffee:

Health

Caffeine can cause side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, and tachycardia. Decaffeinated coffee is ideal for those who are sensitive to caffeine or want to limit their consumption for health reasons.

Coffee in the evening

Some people prefer not to consume caffeine in the afternoon or evening to avoid disrupting their sleep. Decaffeinated coffee allows you to enjoy a good coffee even in the evening.

Enjoy coffee freely

Without caffeine, decaffeinated coffee can be consumed in larger quantities without fearing side effects.

The Manaresi decaffeinated coffee

Of course, also due to our history and tradition, our signature coffee, in its Red, Brown, and Gold variations (our historic blends - to which the Gourmet blend created by our roaster Leonardo for the 100th anniversary of our company is added), is whole and contains caffeine.

Our search for the perfect decaffeinated coffee

But to meet the demand for very low-caffeine coffee, over the years we have sought a blend that guarantees the aroma and body of classic Italian coffee, of which we feel we are the interpreters, if not the "guardians." And we are proud to offer our decaffeinated coffee, roasted, of course, in our roastery, often challenging our customers to distinguish it from regular, non-decaffeinated coffee.
In short, coffee is undoubtedly more authentic when whole, but when it is not possible to consume it with caffeine, our decaffeinated coffee will not make you miss the original. At least, not too much.