Many people are choosing to drink decaffeinated coffee for a variety of personal reasons. However, not all decaffeination processes are the same. In most decaffeination methods, chemical solvents such as methylene chloride or ethyl acetate are used to strip caffeine molecules from the green coffee bean.
Alternatively, the unique SWISS WATER® Process uses pure water from British Columbia, Canada to gently remove the caffeine until the coffee beans are 99.9% caffeine-free, while maintaining the bean's distinctive origin and flavour characteristics.
A typical 12oz cup of caffeinated coffee contains between 120 mg to 180 mg of caffeine while a decaffeinated cup of coffee the same size has caffeine levels anywhere between 2 mg and 6 mg. The blend composition, extraction rates, water temperature, grind and roast can all minutely affect the final caffeine levels found in decaf coffee and accounts for the difference.
With respect to an espresso beverage, it should be noted that 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.
History of the SWISS WATER® Process
1930's In the early 1930's, a chemical free decaffeination method was discovered in Switzerland. The breakthrough - using water! The decaffeination process was introduced to the marketplace almost 50 years later when technology was able to effectively and efficiently replicate the concepts and ideas first developed in the 30's.
1988 In 1988, the SWISS WATER® Process was introduced to the market. This came about as a new facility located near Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - a region prized for its pure water - was completed.
Today SWISS WATER® Process remains the world's only consumer branded decaffeinator - 100% chemical free, never using methylene chloride or ethyl acetate to decaffeinate coffee. We are certified organic by the OCIA in accordance with standards developed by the US National Organic Program.
We decaffeinate green coffee to 99.9% caffeine free. In effect there are only trace amounts of caffeine left in the green bean. It takes about 18 cups of decaf to equal one cup of regular caffeinated coffee.
We are widely recognized in the specialty coffee industry by discerning roasters and retailers as the leading taste-driven, chemical free decaffeination process committed to strengthening brand value with the decaf drinker.
