Caffeine and Coffee

Caffeine is a natural substance that is present in the leaves, seeds and fruits of more than sixty plant species worldwide.  Many food and beverage products made with these ingredients inherently contain caffeine.  In addition, caffeine is sometimes added to foods and beverages during the manufacturing process in order to enhance flavor, or in the case of medications, to enhance efficacy.

Factors that Affect the Caffeine Level in Coffee

Each of the following can slightly alter the level of caffeine in decaffeinated coffee so that it is above or below the typical caffeine level. 

Higher extraction rates, warmer water, a finer grind, and a lighter roast all affect the final caffeine level in decaf coffee. Potentially, the caffeine level could vary from approximately 2 mg to 6 mg per cup. This is a negligible amount relative to a caffeinated cup of coffee, which contains between 120 mg to 180 mg of caffeine per cup (12 oz).

Caffeine and Espresso

An espresso beverage has a specific grind size and relatively low level of water used in its preparation. Espresso has a similar caffeine content on a volume basis to brewed coffee. Therefore decaf espresso will have only trace amounts of caffeine - similar to the caffeine content of brewed decaf.


Equipment Maintenance

Proper precautions need to be taken in cleaning machines prior to grinding decaffeinated beans or brewing decaf, to avoid a contamination with regular caffeinated coffee.  However, the potential always exists for human error.

Caffeine Content in Common Foods and Beverages

 Source:  US Food and Drug Administration and National Soft Drink Association

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