Espresso is illustrious for its bold and strong taste, crafted by forcing hot water under high pressure to create a concentrated”shot.” Yet, what makes espresso unique is its brewing method, which differs significantly from making coffee with an automatic drip coffee maker. Espresso’s rich, concentrated taste is not dependent on its caffeine content but rather results from its small serving size and quick, pressurized brewing process.
Ultimately, the difference is not in the beans themselves but in how they are brewed. Both espresso and coffee begin with the same coffee beans. However, many are shocked to find decaf espresso on a coffee shop menu. Like decaf coffee, a decaf espresso shot begins with coffee beans stripped of their caffeine.
What is decaf espresso?
Decaf espresso is an espresso shot made with decaffeinated coffee beans. Typically, dark roast coffees make espresso shots, so decaf espresso is typically crafted from dark roast decaf beans. However, medium or light roasts may also be used. Selecting decaf espresso over traditional allows coffee drinkers to enjoy espresso’s bold, concentrated deliciousness without the caffeine kick.
The buzz and hype around espresso shots often leave many questioning whether decaf espresso exists. This questioning is warranted, especially since decaf espresso is not an option that coffee shops and roasteries frequently market. However, the beans used to brew decaf espresso are no different than those used to brew regular decaf coffee. The difference is only in how the coffee beans are brewed. Understanding this fundamental difference opens up a whole new world of possibilities, allowing you to opt for decaf espresso over decaf coffee to enjoy a bolder, more concentrated drink.
Is decaf espresso caffeine-free?
Just like regular decaf coffee is not 100% caffeine-free, decaf espresso also contains small amounts of caffeine. The decaffeination process of coffee beans removes about 97% of the caffeine from the beans, leaving trace amounts behind. While a small amount of caffeine will remain in your decaf espresso order, chances are you won’t notice.
A standard espresso shot contains about 63 milligrams of caffeine, whereas a decaf espresso shot may have between 2 and 5 mg. This negligible amount of caffeine is unlikely to produce side effects or interact with any medications. However, some ultra-sensitive coffee drinkers might still need to limit the amount of decaf espresso they consume.
Why do people drink decaf espresso?
In the mind of a caffeine addict, choosing decaf espresso can seem questionable. After all, isn’t the whole point of drinking espresso for a quick caffeine boost? While some may drink espresso to get a fast jolt of energy, others enjoy espresso for its rich, concentrated taste.
Drinking decaf espresso allows coffee drinkers who love the taste to enjoy espresso beverages, such as an Americano, in a decaf variety. This is a good option for afternoon coffee drinkers who don’t want to consume too much caffeine late in the day. It’s also a good option for coffee drinkers sensitive to caffeine’s side effects (such as caffeine jitters or anxiety) or individuals taking medicine that cannot be combined with caffeine.
Finding decaf espresso at coffee shops
Despite the many reasons to opt for decaf espresso, finding it at coffee shops is often more challenging than you’d think. Decaf espresso is popular, yet not popular enough to be listed on menu boards at coffee shops. When ordering at large coffee shop chains such as Dunkin’ or Starbucks, you’ll find “decaf espresso” listed on the mobile app when customizing your drink. This customization makes it easy to order either straight shots of decaf espresso or espresso beverages, such as a latte, in a decaf variety. If you find yourself at smaller, local coffee shops, you may need to ask if decaf espresso is an option for your order. Any coffee shop that has decaf beans should be able to brew decaf espresso.
Does decaf espresso taste different?
All coffee beans begin with caffeine in their natural state. To make decaf coffee beans, they must undergo a decaffeination process, which is commonly done either through the Swiss Coffee method or a direct-contact decaffeination method. These processes help the coffee beans retain as much flavor as possible. However, some coffee connoisseurs may notice slight differences in taste between regular coffee beans and decaf coffee beans.
For the average espresso drinker, decaf espresso shots will mostly resemble a regular espresso shot. There’s a good chance you may not even be able to taste any difference. However, the flavor of decaf espresso shots can vary depending on the type of decaf coffee beans used. Decaf beans that have undergone a decaffeination process using chemical components may have been slightly stripped of their flavor. Choosing high-quality coffee beans will help make decaf espresso more closely resemble regular espresso.
