The 6 best decaf espresso beans for midafternoon brewing
This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, Digital Trends and Yahoo Inc. may earn a commission.
Rich, dark, bold, and most importantly, decaf — decaf espresso beans are the perfect bean to have on hand when you want to a flavorful brew without the caffeine. I love having a bag of decaf espresso beans in my pantry at all times. As a coffee lover, I find myself needing to limit my caffeine intake or else I can quickly get carried away..
One thing is important to remember, however, as you shop for the best decaf coffee beans is that there's no such thing as "espresso beans,"as decaf espresso beans are just decaffeinated coffee beans that are roasted longer and at higher temperatures than regular coffee. The longer roasting process is crucial to the process, however, which allows the oils to be extracted from the beans and for the beans to develop a dark color and rich flavor. Check out these best decaf espresso beans for your midafternoon coffee break.
Pros
Environment-friendly option
Easy to order from Amazon
Features the richest taste for decaf beans
Uses a CO2 method to remove caffeine
Cons
Not available in bulk
Specification:
Dried fruit
Tasting notes
Lavazza Decaf Espresso Roast surprised me immediately after the first taste. While I can't say I'm a huge fan of the packaging, let this be your lesson not to judge a book by it's cover. This best decaf espresso beans have a rich and full-bodied taste, creating the perfect crema when brewed with an espresso machine. Each cup I brewed had just the right flavor and was delicious when enjoying plain or using in espresso-based drinks like an Americano. I love making a decaf Americano using with these Lavazza beans.
Lavazza's Decaf Espresso Roast contains a mixture of Arabica and Robusta beans. I'd describe the notes as slightly cereal with a hint of fruity sweetness. Lavazza uses a CO2 method of removing caffeine from these coffee beans, which is a better option for the environment than using chemical solvents. Overall, this decaf espresso bean product earns my top pick for consistency and flavor. As an Amazon fanatic, I like that I can quickly order this product right from Amazon, too.
Lavazza Decaf Espresso Roast
Best overall pick
Pros
USDA organic
Brews a great espresso shot with crema
Available on subscribe and save for a better value
Roasted to order
Cons
Only available online
Not as bold as some extra-dark roasts
Specification:
Cinnamon and nuts
Tasting notes
Swiss Water method
Decaf method
Klatch Coffee is one of my favorite coffee brands that offers exceptional value. For the price, you get quality decaf espresso beans that are USDA-certified organic and contain a blend of Indonesian, African, Central American, and South American coffees. Not only do I appreciate that this coffee is organic, but I like that it is also decaffeinated using the Swiss Water process (a decaf process that doesn't use any chemicals).
The flavor of Klatch Coffee's Organic Decaf Espresso is exactly what I'm looking for when I brew a decaf shot of espresso. It's not quite as bold as some other espresso roasts, but has the perfect balanced medium-dark roast flavor. The freshness of these decaf espresso beans is also apparent, as Klatch Coffee's products are all "roasted to order" to preserve freshness. I also like that the bag is available in multiple sizes, giving you control to order just what you can reasonably use within the optimal freshness window.
Klatch Coffee's decaf espresso bean earns "best value pick" for me, as it has everything I'm looking for when shopping for coffee, offering a solid value and reliable beans that taste delicious every time I brew them.
Klatch Coffee Organic Decaf Espresso
Best value pick
Pros
Available in 3 bag sizes
Low-acid (pH 5.3)
Comes in four ground sizes, including whole bean
Cons
Not as bold tasting as some other decaf espresso beans
Available online only
Specification:
Spice and sweet caramel
Tasting notes
pH of 5.3
Low pH
Finding decaf espresso beans can be challenging, as many brands on the market don't offer decaffeinated versions of espresso beans. If you're shopping for one that is also Kosher certified, options may be limited. Volcanica's Espresso Decaf Coffee is a great option for any shopper, especially those searching for a kosher option. These perfectly balanced decaf espresso beans have caramel-like notes and a low acid pH that's ideal for those with sensitive stomachs.
Volcanica's Espresso Decaf Coffee uses the Swiss Water process to decaffeinate beans without the use of chemical solvents, such as methylene chloride or ethyl acetate. If whole beans aren't of interest, shoppers can also purchase these decaf espresso beans in pre-ground form in drip grounds, espresso grounds, or ground for French press coffee makers.
Volcanica Espresso Decaf Coffee
Best kosher certified
Pros
Swiss Water decaffeination method
Coffee grown at 1,400 to 1,500 meters
Roasted to order
Offered in plenty of ground sizes
Specification:
Colombia and Uganda
Source
Swiss Water method
Decaf method
If you're looking for decaf espresso beans that are on the milder side, Verve Coffee Roasters Vancouver Decaf is your answer. Blended with beans sourced from Colombia and Uganda, these decaf espresso beans have slightly "sweet" notes of chocolate and candied almonds. The Vancouver Decaf blend, like all of Verve Coffee's roasts, are roasted to order to maintain optimal freshness.
Vancouver Decaf delivers a dessert-like complexity that's awesome for brewing espresso to use when making drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The Swiss Water process is a key feature of this blend. Verve Coffee Roasters ensures that coffee is decaffeinated using water only.
Verve Coffee Roasters Vancouver Decaf
Best fair trade
Pros
Lux packaging in a box instead of a bag (12-ounce size only)
Available in large bag sizes such as 2 and 5 pounds
Discounted subscription available
Cons
Not available in specific ground sizes
Not roasted to order
Doesn't specify decaffeination method, likely chemical based
Specification:
Hazelnut and sweet grain
Tasting notes
La Colombe Decaf Monte Carlo Dark Roast is great option for purchasing decaf espresso beans in bulk. If you live in a household that runs through a lot of decaf, you'll want to purchase the 2- or 5-pound bag option. This roast features a rich, full flavor with notes of hazelnut and sweet grain. Beans are sourced from Colombia for the perfect balance without the caffeine.
La Colombe doesn't note the decaffeination method for this product, so it's likely to use chemical solvents. I like that this option is available on subscription with pre-paid options available, too.
La Colombe Decaf Monte Carlo Dark Roast
Best bulk
Pros
Customizable subscription available
2 bag sizes, 12 ounces or 5 pounds
Cons
No medium-size bags available
May be too mild for those who prefer a stronger espresso flavor
Specification:
Dried fruit, graham, and cocoa
Tasting notes
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is well known as a top brand that offers a really great selection of various coffee beans. Its decaf espresso variety, called Trapper Creek, delivers the same quality I've experienced in other roasts. The brand describes this roast as "limited in caffeine, but not in flavor."
This roast has a sweet and full-bodied flavor with notes of cocoa, graham, and dried fruit. Decaf coffee beans like the Trapper Creek roast can be put on a customizable subscription, allowing beans to be delivered right to your door.
Stumptown Trapper Creek Decaf
Best Swiss Water decaf
More
What to consider
When I shop for decaf espresso beans, I like to focus on the roast and decaffeination method to help make a selection. You might also wish to purchase from brands that maintain fair trade practices or those that offer decaf espresso beans in bulk sizes (depending on how many coffee drinkers are in your household.)
Decaffeination method
Coffee beans can be decaffeinated through various indirect and direct methods. Some methods use chemical solvents to remove caffeine from beans, whereas others use the Swiss Water process. I prefer the flavor and chemical-free nature of Swiss Water process beans, however, these often have a higher price point than those made with chemical solvents. I find that the Swiss Water process preserves more of the coffee's true flavor.
Preferred roast
Roasts can vary with decaf espresso beans, ranging from a blend of medium to medium-dark to extra-dark roasts. Which you'll choose depends on your desired flavor preferences. The darker the coffee roast, the bolder the flavor. A medium-dark option such as Klatch Coffee Organic Decaf Espresso may be better if you prefer a slightly more mild brew.
How we tested
After grinding these whole decaf espresso beans, I tried each tested option four times to make a final decision about flavor and to monitor consistency. Brands that made this list deliver consistent flavor and quality. In addition to brewing as straight espresso shots, I tried each espresso in an espresso drink, such as a cappuccino, to see how the flavor of the decaf espresso came through when mixed with milk.
Why trust us
I love espresso and I love making espresso drinks. Over the years, I've learned that high-quality espresso beans are a must when trying to make cafe-level quality drinks at home. Decaf coffee often gets a bad reputation for lacking flavor, but even as a coffee fanatic, I can't tell the difference between these decaf espresso beans and caffeinated beans.
The post The 6 best decaf espresso beans for midafternoon brewing appeared first on The Manual.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
I Swear By This Product For My Bathroom And Hallways — And It's Not Just For Kids
Few things ruin a night of sleep faster than waking up to pee in the middle of the night and turning on the blinding overhead light in your bathroom, jolting you awake and making it nearly impossible to fall back asleep once you're done. The same can be said for having to turn on the hallway light so you don't fall down the stairs in the dark when all you want is a midnight snack. Frankly, I had always assumed nightlights were for children who struggled with a fear of the dark. But when a previous roommate wordlessly put a nightlight in our apartment's shared bathroom, I quickly realized how subtly revolutionary these practical little gadgets are. I absolutely loved never having to turn on the overhead light late at night, so I could actually fall back asleep after a bathroom trip. I now swear by my GE rotational LED nightlights for my bathroom, kitchen and dark staircases, so much so that once I moved into a new place, I, too, wordlessly bought and plugged in nightlights of my own. I'm now on a self-proclaimed mission to convert everyone I know, because I'm truly convinced that they're a life hack. These nightlights come in a welcome two-pack (since once you realize how useful these are, one won't be enough anyway) and are light-sensing, so they stay off during the daytime and light up at dusk when a room grows dark. This style gives off 40 lumens of soft illumination so you can easily see and get around without hurting your eyes. I love how they rotate a full 360-degrees so you can direct their light directly to where you want it (I like to concentrate the light above my sink), plus they're sleek enough that you'll have room to utilize the outlets above or beneath them. These little home upgrades are so practical and affordable, I'm convinced they'd make great small gifts, too. While my rotating nightlights are my ride-or-dies, I've also compiled a few other great nightlight styles, including one with an extra-bright light and a dimmable, motion-sensing version. Read on for more standout options. Amazon These light-sensing plug-in nightlights are a bestseller on Amazon and give off warm white light to help illuminate bathrooms, nurseries, hallways, kitchens and more. They're also available in styles that give off cool white light or that cycle through the colors of the rainbow, a cool feature that's sure to be a hit among kids. $11.34 at Amazon $11.86 at Walmart Amazon This nightlight is dimmable, so you can adjust it from 0 lumens all the way up to 100 lumens. It's also light-sensing, so it'll turn off during the day and on during dusk. $11.44 at Amazon $11.44 at Walmart Amazon Life editor Kristen Aiken spotted these minimal amber-colored LED light on Eva Chen's Instagram and grabbed them up for a family member who just moved into a new home. The light-sensitive device will automatically illuminate when it senses darkness and has an ultra-slim profile. $11.97 at Amazon Amazon This motion-sensing option handily turns on its soft white light when it detects motion in the dark, and turns off again after 60 seconds of inactivity (you can also opt to turn this function off, keeping the nightlight either always on or always off). You can adjust its light from a softer 30 lumens to a bright 60 lumens. Its motion-sensing function makes it a great choice for dark areas like garages or even closets, plus helps cut down on your electricity bill. It's also available in a number of colorful lighting options (including blue, purple, green and more) as well as in a daylight white color. $12.99+ at Amazon This Affordable Grout Cleaner Has Jaw-Dropping Results This Surprisingly Chic $7 Pill Case Is The Most Important Item In My Bag Under-$30 Upgrades Your Bathroom Is Probably Missing
New York Times
13 hours ago
- New York Times
The Book Nearly Died With Him in the Amazon. But the Story Endured.
In 2018, the British journalist Dom Phillips joined a 17-day expedition into the Javari Valley, a vast, nearly inaccessible Indigenous land on the western edge of the Brazilian Amazon, tracking signs of an isolated group increasingly threatened by illegal activity. It was a grueling journey: 650 miles by boat and foot, crossing treacherous log bridges, dodging snakes and pushing through suffocating forest. The river, when it reappeared, offered both relief and what Phillips later called moments of 'exquisite loveliness.' He was struck by the Indigenous guides' command of the 'forest's secrets,' but even more so by Bruno Pereira, the expedition leader and a seasoned official at Funai, Brazil's Indigenous protection agency. Phillips saw him as a public servant deeply committed to protecting Indigenous peoples (though he was not himself Indigenous), and able to navigate the Javari with unmatched ease. When he returned to the region to work on a book, he set out to document how an Indigenous patrol was protecting the largely ungoverned territory — an effort then led by Pereira. The two men ran afoul of an illegal fishing gang and were killed in June 2022. But the story did not die with them. Journalist friends and family have brought Dom Phillips's work to life with the release of 'How to Save the Amazon: A Journalist's Fatal Quest for Answers.' Over three years, they completed the half-finished manuscript thanks to crowdfunding, grants and, finally, a willing publisher. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
These Drugstore Products Are Better Than Luxury Ones
As a beauty reporter, it's not just my personal obsession but also my job to research and test my way through skincare and makeup products at every price point. What I've found is that, in many cases, you do get what you pay for. But other times, I learned that drugstore formulas outperform their luxury competition for a fraction of the price. Always the advocate for a good bargain, I've curated the upcoming list of beauty products that I've not just tried, but use regularly, for their capacity to enhance my beauty routine at drugstore prices. It's an affordable collection that includes lush body oils, high-powered eye liners, wrinkle-fighting facial lotions and tons more. A makeup artist-endorsed definition mascara This was the tube of mascara that, for me, solidified the potential of drugstore formulas. The L'Oreal Voluminous mascara line was previously recommended to us by professional makeup artists as a good budget option for anyone looking to experiment with mascara shades that go beyond just black or brown. There's something about the product consistency of this mascara and the fluffy barrel brush that makes my lashes look longer and noticeably volumized, without looking weighed down or spidery. It also never flakes or smudges, even when the tube is a little older. I've even opted to try a few other colors, including the deep violet shade that I like so much, I find myself grabbing for it more than my go-to black. You'll want to opt for this if you're after a set of lashes that look fanned, wispy and not overly unnatural. Though I haven't tried it out for myself, some online discourse suggests that this formula is very comparable to the Lancôme High Definition mascara, which is also known for weightlessly lengthening it from Amazon for $8.24+ (available in nine shades). A magical loose powder with an old school formula This silky soft Airspun loose powder by Coty, a product that hails all the way back from 1935, is the only facial powder I will ever use. The talc-free formula, which can be purchased in three shades, including translucent, never feels cakey on my skin, nor does it settle into fine lines. Instead, it helps to smooth and blur texture, absorb excess oil and set my makeup — all without leaving an overly matte finish or a weird cast like other setting powders I've tried. It's also super affordable and lasts though I consider this vintage icon in a league of its own, I have heard this formula compared to the likes of Laura Mercier's well-known loose setting powder, which contains botanicals and skin conditioners to blur and soften the skin, but costs $43 for just one ounce of product (the Airspun is 1.2 ounces). Get it from Amazon for $6.74 (available in three shades). A "glass skin" highlighter stick that doesn't feel drugstore I'll admit it, I was influenced by TikTok to try out these new highlighter sticks from L'Oréal that promise to offer a more elevated kind of glow (unlike those chalky strobe highlighters of 2012). The finish is very unique and, like the brand claims, makes skin look glass-like, reflective, and very healthy. It comes in three "glassy formula" shades, though I have both the pearl and pink, and they are both virtually translucent, which I actually prefer. The texture is also not creamy at all, but instead feels lightweight and second-skin-like when applied to areas like the high points of my cheeks, inner corners of the eyes and cupid's bow. Even though this conveniently comes in the form of a stick, I like rubbing it on my fingers first before dabbing it onto my skin to avoid any disruption of my liquid and cream products my opinion, this formula seems strikingly similar to Merit's Day Glow highlighting balm, which promises that same dewy sheen without any sparkle. If you want a more robust glow, the L'Oréal Lumi Le Glass comes in three "glowy" formulas that are advertised to have a slightly more opaque it from Amazon for $9.97+ (available in six colors). A ceramide-filled lotion that doubles as the perfect makeup base I have been using the CeraVe daily lotion as my go-to day facial moisturizer (though it can be used for both the face and body) for several years now, and for a few different reasons. In my opinion, it's the ideal mid-weight texture that soaks completely into the skin and layers seamlessly over my other daytime skincare products, without any kind of contradictions. Something about the slight velvet finish that this lotion leaves behind serves as the perfect base for makeup to layer on top of — no pilling or unsightly foundation separating. In fact, it works better as a base than some other expensive primers that I've tried. Plus, the fact that I can procure a value-sized bottle of this for less than $20 keeps me coming back time and time again.I hesitate to make this comparison, since I'm such a huge fan of the slightly pricier version, but this reminds me of the cult-favorite Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, a magical French facial cream that also doubles as a makeup primer. Get it from Amazon for $13.68+ (available in two sizes). A velvety liner that rivals Charlotte Tilbury's famous "Pillow Talk" Everyone is most likely familiar with the iconic "Pillow Talk" lip liner by Charlotte Tilbury, which I'm also a devotee of, but cringe at the $26 price tag. Milani is the maker behind tons of notable drugstore cosmetics, including this retractable lip liner that comes in nearly identical shades to the luxury version (Cinammon Statement or Nude Entrance). It's creamy, long-lasting and doesn't feather along or above the lip line when I want to accentuate my lips.I'm equally obsessed with the Milani Color Fetish line of matte lipsticks, which are ultra-pigmented and very soft on the lips. Get it from Amazon for $7.97 (available in 12 colors). A flexible and imperceptible concealer The Maybelline Age Rewind concealer has been my exclusive concealer of choice for nearly a decade and I have yet to find a formula that manages to be so imperceptible on the skin, yet so effective at brightening my under eye. The formula blends easily and because it's so thin, it does a really great job of not settling into my fine lines or creasing throughout the day and I don't even need to use powder to set it. It easily disperses from the built-in sponge applicator and comes in 28 shades, including a redness-canceling green shade and a brightening pink tone.I personally can't speak to this comparison, but the Age Rewind is often cited as an affordable alternative to the Nars Radiant Creamy concealer, a medium-coverage product that promises to be good for dark it from Amazon for $8.98. A fine-line liquid eyebrow pen that looks like real brow hairs I have some sparse patches on my left eyebrow from previous scarring, and I adore how NYX's Lift & Snatch eyebrow pen manages to fill in the gap, without making it look like I just have a solid block of color on my skin. The flexible tip is ultra-fine to help mimic the look of brow hairs, while the ink-like formula is instantly drying and completely budge-proof. Available in 10 shades, this product is strikingly similar to my beloved micro-stroke pen by Anastasia Beverly Hills, a brand known for its incredible brow products. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+. Latex-free makeup sponges that perform exactly like the Beauty Blender For the longest time, I only used a Beautyblender to apply my makeup, a $20 tool that is so revered it can even be considered the industry standard for makeup sponges. Then, about three years ago, I discovered these latex-free lookalikes that cost around $5 for a colorful carton of five and have never looked back. Like the Blender, this delightfully squishy sponge makes my foundation look airbrushed and mimics the original's exact shape: a round body and a pointed precision tip. I use this damp for the perfect dispersion of products and bounce it along the skin in a stippling motion to apply my foundation, blend cream products and even a five-piece set from Amazon for $5.38+ (available in five color combos). The most hydrating and cushiony lip oil I've ever used If you're not familiar with lip oils, think of them as a grown-up version of those sticky glosses from the '90s that promise the same coveted shine, but with the feel of a hydrating balm. Colour Pop's Lux lip oils were the first I ever tried and ultimately the reason I fell in love with this type of formulation. Available in four sheer shades, this lip oil has a unique gel-like texture that melts down to a lightweight and cushiony gloss that's incredibly comfortable and smooth to wear. It uses a blend of antioxidant-rich chamomile and calendula oils to help nourish lips and keep them feeling hydrated. In my opinion, the feel and longevity of this gloss even beats the cult-favorite Tower 28 high-shine lip jelly, which costs $6 more. Get it from Amazon for $9.97. A milky skin conditioner that reminds me of Laniege Although this isn't a product that you could grab from your local Target or Walmart, it does have a drugstore price and a list of ingredients that is strikingly similar to the Laneige Cream Skin milky toner, a formula that's also Korean and costs over twice as much. The PDRN pink milky toner is a recent find from buzzy Korean skin care brand, Medicube, and so far, I'm loving it. The hydrating skin conditioner contains both ceramides and peptides (just like Laneige's Cream Skin product) for brightening and plumping power, but it also contains the addition of salmon-derived PDRN, an anti-aging ingredient that's risen in popularity this past year for its potential to improve skin texture and collagen production. Even after just a few months of use, I've already noticed increased softness and better bounce-back to my it from Amazon for $16.16. A nourishing body oil that's not greasy My skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improved skin texture and stave off my chronic eczema. This was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is. As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and you want to go a step further, I also use Saltair's SPF-infused version of this body oil because I prefer it significantly more than rubbing on regular SPF lotions that feel suffocating on my it from Amazon for $22.
