The Ultimate Guide to Decaffeinated Coffee

While many love the subtle buzz of energy a delicious cup of coffee brings, others just crave the warming taste without worrying about being kept awake. 

Decaffeinated coffee is a brilliant choice whether you’re looking to cut back on caffeine, sleep more soundly, or simply enjoy a soothing cup. Decaf doesn’t mean it has to be dull; every decaffeinated cup should delight the senses. 

So, if you’ve been wondering whether decaf can deliver on flavour – spoiler alert: it absolutely can. Let’s explore the world of decaf and discover what makes it so special.

What Exactly Is Decaf Coffee?

In the simplest terms, decaffeinated coffee (or ‘decaf’, as it’s commonly known) is coffee made from beans that have had most of their caffeine removed – at least 97%, to be precise. What remains? The delicious flavour, aroma, and character you expect from high-quality coffee.

At Stokes, our Decaf Coffee is anything but second best. We treat our decaf beans with the same love and dedication as all our coffee, ensuring every sip is smooth and deeply satisfying.

How is Stokes’ Decaf Coffee Made?

Not all decaffeination methods are created equal. That’s why we’ve chosen a gentle, natural approach that removes the caffeine while preserving the flavour. There are no harsh chemicals or shortcuts, just a carefully controlled process that maintains the bean’s essential qualities. 

Decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process, a method that's as natural as it is effective. The Swiss Water method uses only pure water, temperature, and time to gently remove caffeine from the beans. There are no chemicals or additives, just science and patience working together to preserve what matters most: the flavour.

The beans are first soaked in hot water to dissolve the caffeine. Now full of coffee solubles (flavour compounds and caffeine), the water is filtered through a special carbon filter that traps only the caffeine molecules. The remaining solution, called "Green Coffee Extract," is used to soak the next batch of beans. Because this extract is already saturated with flavour compounds, it draws out only the caffeine and leaves the taste intact.

Because of this method, you get all the delicious taste of real coffee without the side effects that caffeine can sometimes bring. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy proper coffee flavour, any time of day.

We take things a step further by roasting our decaf slightly darker than a medium roast. This brings out deeper notes in the cup, particularly a lovely cocoa character that adds warmth and depth to every brew. Versatile and well-balanced, it works beautifully across a variety of brewing methods, from cafetières to espresso machines.

The result? A cup of coffee that’s mellow on the mind but bold on the palate. Whether you’re brewing at home or sipping in one of our cafés, Stokes Decaf is smooth, aromatic, and never lacking depth.

Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine in It?

Ah, the big question: How much caffeine in decaf coffee? It’s a common misconception that decaf means completely caffeine-free. The truth? Yes, decaf coffee has caffeine – but only a tiny trace. For comparison:

• Regular coffee: ~95mg of caffeine per cup

• Decaf coffee: usually just 2–5mg per cup

That’s less than a square of dark chocolate! So, if you’ve ever pondered, “Does decaf coffee have caffeine in it?” – now you know. It does, but not enough to keep you awake.

Why Choose Stokes Swiss Water Decaf Coffee?

Not all decaf is created equal, atStokes, we wouldn’t dream of offering anything that didn’t meet our gold standard. Here’s what sets our Decaffeinated Coffee apart:

• Flavour-first roasting – Because taste always comes first.

• Sustainably sourced – Ethical partnerships with growers worldwide.

• A legacy of excellence – With over 120 years of roasting heritage.

So whether you're skipping caffeine for health reasons, pregnancy, better sleep, or just personal preference, you won’t have to compromise on quality.

Brewing Tips: How to Make the Perfect Cup of Stokes Decaf Coffee

Stokes Decaf is a versatile all-rounder and works beautifully with:

• Cafetière (French Press) – for a bold, full-bodied brew

• Espresso machine – for silky smooth shots without the spike

• Filter or pour-over – clean and delicate flavour profiles

• AeroPress – quick, clean, and great for travel

Pro tip: Use freshly ground coffee and filtered water, and don’t rush it. The ritual is half the joy.

When’s the Best Time for Decaf Coffee?

Anytime, really – but especially:

• Evenings when you want comfort without compromising sleep

• Midday, for a pick-me-up without the jitters

• With dessert, for that perfect after-dinner moment

• During pregnancy or on reduced caffeine diets, when balance matters

Stokes Decaf is your go-to cup for calm moments, thoughtful sips, and joyful routines. Decaf coffee has shaken off its old reputation of being dull and tasteless. Stokes Decaf is proof that you don’t need a caffeine kick to enjoy a brilliant cup. Whether it’s your mainstay or your mellow alternative, our decaf is crafted to deliver pure coffee pleasure.

For more information, contact a member of our team on 01522 523 548, who will be more than happy to answer any of your coffee-related queries.