10 Best Decaf Coffees | UK Coffee Barista Reviewed
Decaf tends not to enjoy as cool an image as regular coffee, which sadly may have been bolstered by a few weak or bitter decaf lattes or americanos along the way. But much like with plant-based "mylks" or gluten-free pastries, times are changing. In this article, we rank the top 10 best decaf whole beans, grounds, pods and instant coffees in the UK!
Whether it's a medical or a lifestyle choice, many of us are choosing to reduce our caffeine intake, or even cut it out altogether. Luckily, this handy buying guide is here to help you to find a top-notch everyday decaf without having to go to your local coffee shop to get your fix.
Quick List - Top Decaf Coffees
Celeste Wong: Actress & Top Coffee Barista. Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Celeste is has held top positions in leading artisan cafes all over the world for over a decade. Since migrating to the UK, she has been listed as one of London’s top five Baristas in The Financial Times and noted for her excellence in a plethora of other publications.
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Table of Contents
- With Specialist Advice From Coffee Barista Celeste Wong
- How to Choose a Decaf Coffee in the UK
- Consider How You Prepare Your Coffee? Beans Provide a Fresher Cup, Instant Is Convenient on Busy Mornings1
- Go For Decaf Coffee From Indonesia, Africa and Latin America if You Are Looking to Sample Complex Flavour Profiles2
- Choose Single Origin to Get the Most Flavour From Your Filter Coffee, or a Blend for a Balanced Espresso3
- For the Highest Quality Coffee Without Caffeine, Look For 100% Arabica Beans4
- Opt For a Chemical-Free Decaf That’s Processed Using Water for a Healthier Cup With More Flavour5
- Consider Your Stance on the Ethical Sourcing of Your Coffee and Look Into the Transparency of the Roaster6
With Specialist Advice From Coffee Barista Celeste Wong
An actress & Top Coffee Barista. Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Celeste has held top positions in leading artisan cafes all over the world for over a decade. Since migrating to the UK, she has been listed as one of London’s top five Baristas in The Financial Times and noted for her excellence in a plethora of other publications.
Keep up-to-date with The Girl in the Cafe and all things coffee on her Instagram and YouTube channel, and you might discover some hidden gems along the way!
- Disclaimer: Celeste does not endorse, nor is she affiliated with any of the brands in our top 10 list. The products recommended have been independently selected by our team at mybest UK.
How to Choose a Decaf Coffee in the UK
- Consider Whether You Prefer the Fresh Taste of Beans or Instant Convenience
- Choose Coffee From Indonesia, Africa and Latin America for Complex Flavour Profiles
- Opt for a Single Origin for Flavour or a Blend for a Balanced Espresso
- Look For 100% Arabica Beans For the Highest Quality Coffee Without Caffeine
- For a Healthier Cup, Opt For a Chemical-Free Decaf
- Look Into the Transparency of the Roaster
Consider How You Prepare Your Coffee? Beans Provide a Fresher Cup, Instant Is Convenient on Busy Mornings
Choose Whole Beans if You Want to Avoid Fast Oxidisation and to Enjoy the Freshest Cup Possible
If you see yourself as a bit of a coffee aficionado, it's likely you'll want your decaf coffee as whole beans. This is the best way to get the absolute freshest cup of java possible, but you will need a grinder to create that precious dust we all love.
There are many ways to grind whole beans - with a handheld grinder, an electric grinder or with a pestle and mortar if you're desperate! As long as you can achieve a uniform grind that suits the coffee device you're using, you're all good my friend.
This is the principle for coffee in general. As soon as coffee beans are roasted, they start to oxidise and lose their 'freshness'. So once the coffee bean is ground it means that it oxidises faster and there is more surface area exposed. Coffee can go stale faster if it is ground in advance and left for too long.
Ground Coffee Has the Perfect Grind Size for Coffee Machines and Cafetières, and Stays at Its Best for 1-2 Weeks After Opening
Ground decaf coffee, depending on which one you go for, is an excellent alternative to buying whole beans. Vaccum-sealed containers are amazing at keeping the freshness in, and as long as you use a clip or container to protect the coffee once opened, it will stay at its best for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to store it at room temperature.
A great option for real coffee lovers, who would prefer to skip the hassle of a grinder, ground decaf coffee can recreate that coffee shop taste. Another bonus of buying decaf ready-ground is that it will have been produced using a specialist grinder to achieve the perfect grind for your coffee machine, moka pot or cafetiere.
Why not take a look at some of our top-ranked cafetires and french-presses?
It is important to have a good grinder for your coffee. If your grounds are uniform it should help your coffee extract more evenly. If you go through a lot of coffee daily, then having your coffee pre-ground does make sense and can save you some time, especially as it won't be sitting around for long!
If You Own a Coffee Pod Machine, Capsules Are Convenient and Will Guarantee a Uniform Taste
Coffee capsules have become extremely popular over the last few years, mainly due to their consistent taste. As they are individually sealed you always get the same flavour, whether you prefer a latte, americano or espresso. As soon as you open a bag of ground coffee, its aromas and oils slowly start to disintegrate, unlike coffee capsules which are always fresh.
Coffee capsules may be popular, but they are also controversial. They are sometimes seen as spelling the death of barista artistry, or producing excess waste as some capsules cannot be recycled easily.
Coffee capsules may be seen as a slight step up from buying ground coffee, but can fall short of the expectations set by grinding your own beans. If you decide that capsules are right for you, make sure to choose ones that can be recycled with your household waste to help protect the environment.
Check out mybest UK's top-ranked Coffee Pod Machines!
Capsules are a very convenient way to get your caffeine hit - although often capsule doses are quite small. A difference of 5 grams and 15-20 grams for an espresso used in a cafe, so you may want to have two! Be aware of their environmental impact too - try to choose capsules that are recyclable or compostable.
Instant Decaf Coffee Is Perfect For Those Who Are in a Rush and Need a Quick and Easy Fix
When it comes to instant decaf coffee, it's not as respected as the ground stuff or the whole bean but is an excellent choice in many situations. Want an easy work coffee without bringing lots of equipment in? Busy and need something quick but satisfying? Instant decaf might just be the one.
Instant decaf coffee doesn't have to be second-rate, providing you choose the right one. In fact, many people like its comforting, malty flavour that goes well with both milk and plant-based alternatives. Just as there's a perfect time for a barista level brew, instant decaf coffee definitely has its place too!
I know people who love to drink coffee all day every day; it can be part of a ritual, taking some time out of your day to relax. However, some people are more affected than others when it comes to caffeine and it can sometimes affect sleep as it can stay in your system for 12 hours, so decaf is a great alternative for a quick afternoon moment.
Go For Decaf Coffee From Indonesia, Africa and Latin America if You Are Looking to Sample Complex Flavour Profiles
If You Like Coffee That Tastes Nutty and Sweet, Choose Beans Grown in Latin America
Most of the coffees worldwide are produced in Latin America, due to its ideal growing environment of moderate sunshine and rain, high temperatures and porous soil.
Coffees grown in low altitudes like brazil produce nutty, sweet and less acidic coffees, whereas higher altitude coffees, such as in Columbia are full-bodied with medium acidity and caramel sweetness.
Decaffeinated coffee won't necessarily taste as complex as well processed and roasted speciality coffee, but if the coffee is good quality and the decaffeinating process is gentle and done well, then there's no reason why you can't still find decaf coffees relatively complex. In my experience coffee that has been decaffeinated with a Swiss Water System still tastes really good!
Coffees From Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda Are Best for Those Who Like Floral and Fruity Notes
Some of the best coffees in the world come from African countries like Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda. Characteristically fruity, floral and complex, this coffee boasts high levels of acidity and a clean flavour.
A good decaf coffee blend is extremely likely to include coffee from African regions. And if it does, that's pretty much a seal of approval in itself!
If you get a chance, do try some coffees side by side, from different origins from around the world. That will be a better way to taste different characteristics more easily - you will start to develop your own senses. Coffees from Ethiopia and Kenya are some of my favourites and often a flavour many people note of an Ethiopian coffee is blueberries.
Indonesian Coffee Provides a Smooth Flavour and Is Less Acidic Making It a Better Option for Those With More Sensitive Stomachs
With rich, fertile soil and a tropical climate, this region is known for having ideal coffee growing conditions. Coffees from Indonesia and the Pacific are known for having smooth flavours and medium acidity, often with earthy elements.
It's also worth noting that coffee with a lower acidity is less likely to upset a sensitive stomach making it a great choice for those who suffer from acid reflux and similar issues.
In the past Indonesian and Pacific speciality coffees haven't been that readily available in the UK but are now becoming increasingly popular and accessible which is great if you're interested in broadening your coffee palate.
Choose Single Origin to Get the Most Flavour From Your Filter Coffee, or a Blend for a Balanced Espresso
Contrary to popular belief, single-origin coffee is not always better than a blend. They both have pros and cons and provide slightly different coffee-drinking experiences.
Single-origin simply means that the coffee has come from just one farm or region. These are perfect for showing off that region's characteristics. Their exotic flavours are loved for their purity, but might taste a little too bold for everyday drinking.
A blend is made from beans from different regions around the world that are specifically chosen to balance out and complement each other. For example, a blend of coffees from Latin America, Africa and the Pacific would likely create the most ideal day to day decaf.
Personally, I would, as a general rule, stick to single origins for filter coffees - however, if the blend is not too complex (i.e. only 2-3 different origins) and it isn't roasted too darkly then I would drink it as a filter coffee - it can make the flavour more three dimensional.
Because all these different coffee origins lend it's self to different flavours, blending them together can make for a really interesting espresso. Espresso beans are often roasted slightly longer and when extracted in a machine, the coffee undergoes higher temperatures and pressure. So it can afford to have some really bold coffee origins as well as some softer tasting coffees to balance the shot.
For the Highest Quality Coffee Without Caffeine, Look For 100% Arabica Beans
Robusta beans are grown throughout Africa, Southeast Asia, India and Indonesia and contain around 25% more caffeine than arabica beans. However, robusta has lower acidity levels than arabica, making it taste much less sweet. Due to its simpler make up robusta can produce flavours of burnt wood or rubber, making it the less desirable bean.
Despite the lower caffeine content, arabica is considered to be superior, making up around 70% of the share of coffee drinking. Arabica tends to have a sweeter, softer taste with tones of chocolate, fruit and berries. This combined with a higher acidity creates that winey taste we know and love.
The highest quality coffee will always be made with 100% arabica, which will be generally be reflected by the price. Cheaper, lower quality coffees will usually be made with a blend of arabica and robusta, or sometimes just robusta beans.
If you've read any of the other coffee articles, you'll know that Arabica beans are generally higher quality than robusta beans. So if I had a choice, I would definitely choose 100% Arabica wherever possible. Not only for taste but there is such an amazing variety of Arabica speciality coffee beans available now, it's much easier to find.
Opt For a Chemical-Free Decaf That’s Processed Using Water for a Healthier Cup With More Flavour
The Swiss water process uses water, temperature and time to create totally chemical-free decaffeinated coffee. Using small batches of green coffee and water local to the area, the time and temperature is monitored until the coffee is 99.9% caffeine-free, naturally.
This process and other similar natural water processes have become the most popular methods in creating decaf coffee without solvents or chemicals. It also preserves the coffee's subtle flavour characteristics for a complex and gorgeous decaf!
As previously mentioned the water decaffeination process is by far the most optimal process because it minimises the flavour and goodness that's taken out of the beans and is better for you!
Consider Your Stance on the Ethical Sourcing of Your Coffee and Look Into the Transparency of the Roaster
More and more of us are becoming concerned with how ethical our purchases are. For example, organic decaf coffee can mean it's environmentally friendly but doesn't guarantee a high standard and a large amount of high-grade speciality decaf coffees are not organically certified.
Often, both regular and decaf coffee will boast fairtrade or UTZ certification, but in truth, these schemes often provide such a low baseline price for the producers that it's debatable how fair they really are. In short, fairtrade and organic labels are not a sign of quality.
If possible, opt for a decaf that's fully traceable, or one in which the coffee company has worked directly with the farms. Union Direct Trade is a brilliant example of a scheme that strives for good working conditions and prices for farmers, ensuring livelihoods and sustainability.
Most speciality coffee roasters are transparent about where and how they source their coffee - free trade and organic coffee aren't always the best. Many coffee farms can't afford to have the "Organic" certification, but it doesn't mean that their coffee isn't at that high standard.
Also, there are some coffee farms that now work closely with coffee roasters who ensure that they get paid the highest possible for the best crops and can help with the funding of machinery and sanitation too. So look out for companies who help the supply chain to bring you the best quality coffee possible.
10 Best Decaf Coffees in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Union Decaf Blend Cafetière Grind | | Speciality Decaf Coffee From a British Roasting Company | |
2 | Decadent Decaf Signature Espresso Ground Coffee | | An Award Winning Decaf for Cafetières | |
3 | Cafédirect Fairtrade Decaffeinated Machu Picchu | | Great Value Ethical Coffee at a Low Price | |
4 | Clipper Fairtrade Decaf Arabica Coffee | | Organic Instant Decaf Coffee | |
5 | Raw Bean Definitely Decaf Ground Coffee | | A Smooth and Creamy Single Origin Decaf | |
6 | Suma Fairtrade Organic Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Beans | | Organic and Fairtrade Whole Beans for Cafetières and Filter Coffee | |
7 | AROMISTICO Swiss Water Medium Roast Decaf | | Full Bodied Blend With Notes of Cocoa and Spice | |
8 | CRU Kafe Organic Decaf Coffee Capsules | | Soil Association Certified Coffee in 100% Recyclable Nespresso Pods | |
9 | Rounton Coffee Roasters Sparkling Water Decaf Coffee Beans | | Chemical Free Beans From Peru That Taste Great in an Aeropress | |
10 | Taylors of Harrogate Decaffé Ground Coffee | | Smooth and Malty Arabica Blend With a Hint of Caramel |
Speciality Decaf Coffee From a British Roasting Company
In at number one is this uncompromising Decaf Blend from Union. Made with 100% arabica beans from smallholder farmers in Rwanda and Sumatra, the caffeine has been removed naturally without chemicals, as it should be!
Indulgent and rich it has hints of caramel, ginger and dark chocolate. Union hand roast their coffee in small batches, to get that specialty grade taste and aroma. They have also set up Union Direct Trade, making their coffee fully traceable and pay a higher, more sustainable price to the farmers. Brilliant!
Decadent DecafSignature Espresso Ground Coffee
An Award Winning Decaf for Cafetières
Combining beans from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia and Rwanda, Decadent Decaf provides a full and creamy cup. Specialising in the Swiss water decaffeination process, this coffee has won multiple Great Taste Awards and has been selected as The Telegraph's 'Best Buy'.
It's ground for cafetières, which makes it super easy for home use, and roasted in the UK for that coffee shop freshness! The rounded taste and gorgeous crema really sets it apart from some other options out there.
Great Value Ethical Coffee at a Low Price
If you want great coffee, but ethics are important to you, we recommend the Machu Picchu from Cafédirect. Far from just settling at fairtrade, Cafédirect has invested over 50% of their profits back into the farmer communities they work with.
This specialty grade coffee is grown high on the Andean mountainsides of Peru, then roasted in small batches in their East London roaster y, guaranteeing freshness with every cup. Smooth and rich with gorgeous chocolate overtones, you'll hardly be able to tell it's decaf!
Organic Instant Decaf Coffee
Clipper does a gorgeous range of teas, and as it turns out their coffee is pretty great too. Toasty and intense, with a clean finish and rich aroma, Super Special Organic Decaf is decaffeinated using the CO2 and spring water method.
Clipper only uses natural high-quality ingredients and each jar contains freeze-dried organic instant decaffeinated coffee, 0.1% coffee oil and nothing else. Oh, and did we mention? Not only are Clipper products fairtrade, but the company actively strives for sustainability and better conditions for farmers.
A Smooth and Creamy Single Origin Decaf
Definitely Decaf is a single-origin coffee from Columbia, decaffeinated using the Swiss water process. With a smooth and creamy body, hints of dark cocoa and walnuts and a clean finish- you're sure to fall in love!
The founder of Raw Bean is less of a coffee enthusiast and more of a coffee obsessive, resulting in a full-bodied, slightly malty and rich-tasting decaf. Amazingly like the real thing, without the associated jitters.
SumaFairtrade Organic Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Beans
Organic and Fairtrade Whole Beans for Cafetières and Filter Coffee
Here we have another ethically-minded coffee, this time from Suma, a wholefoods cooperative who responsibly source and create sustainable products in the UK. Organic, fairtrade and made using the Swiss water method, this pack of whole beans ticks lots of boxes.
A dark roast, this coffee boasts a well rounded, smooth and chocolatey flavour. Suited to all grind levels, this decaf works particularly well for cafetières and filter coffee. Our only criticism is that Suma hasn't specified which regions the coffee in this blend come from, which would be good to know regarding taste preferences.
Full Bodied Blend With Notes of Cocoa and Spice
The Swiss Water Medium Decaf from AROMISTICO is full-bodied and aromatic with hints of cocoa and spice. Although part of the 'Made in Italy' range on Amazon, coffees from the rainforests of Honduras, Central America and in high altitudes in Vietnam make up this blend.
It may be ground for use in a cafetière, but it's also suitable for use with a moka pot, filter, pour-over or Aeropress. We love that the blend is roasted in small batches in Lake Garda. However, it doesn't look like AROMISTICO have any ethical certification in place for producers or environmental standards.
Soil Association Certified Coffee in 100% Recyclable Nespresso Pods
There are so many great things about this Organic Decaf from CRU Kafe that we don't know where to start! One of the best things has to be the fact that every part of the packaging, including the capsules is 100% recyclable - in your household recycling no less.
It's also fairtrade, Soil Association Certified as organic, totally Nespresso compatible and fully traceable. These Peruvian beans are roasted medium-dark and give flavours of chocolate and cashews. However, the serving can be ever so slightly watery, so you may find yourself using two capsules, which isn't ideal.
Rounton Coffee RoastersSparkling Water Decaf Coffee Beans
Chemical Free Beans From Peru That Taste Great in an Aeropress
Roasted in Yorkshire, Rounton Coffee Roasters are a small operation that is focused on bringing the best out of each bean through innovative, ethical, and environmentally friendly techniques. These beans are chemical-free thanks to a sparkling water decaffeinating process.
As beans, this coffee can be ground for any number of espresso-based drinks thanks to its slightly darker roast but works best when enjoyed as an Aeropress or cafetiere for a full-bodied cup.
Smooth and Malty Arabica Blend With a Hint of Caramel
This ground coffee from Taylors is decaffeinated using a natural water method. Suitable for filter and cafetière, it's roasted to a "4", aka a medium roast, and has a malty taste with a hint of caramel.
The coffee smells great right from when you open the bag. That said, while not a bad cup, it's not quite as rich and complex as others on the list. We would also love to know where the coffees in this blend are from, and it would be good to see fairtrade, or some sort of coffee certification on the bag too.
Written and researched by Melanie McPhail
Top 5 Decaf Coffees
No. 1: Union｜Decaf Blend Cafetière Grind
No. 2: Decadent Decaf｜Signature Espresso Ground Coffee
No. 3: Cafédirect｜Fairtrade Decaffeinated Machu Picchu
No. 4: Clipper｜Fairtrade Decaf Arabica Coffee
No. 5: Raw Bean｜Definitely Decaf Ground Coffee
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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