Swiss Water Processed Decaf Coffee Vs Chemically Decaffeinated Coffee: Which One is Better

 Caffeine free coffee has become immensely popular these days. It is not just a buzzword used by millennials, in fact switching to decaf has plenty of health benefits. If you are a coffee lover and excessive caffeine intake is causing jitters, anxiety, sleeplessness or heartburn then switch to decaf.

Decaf is similar to your regular coffee minus the harmful effects of caffeine. Some coffee lovers agree to the health benefits of decaf but they argue over the bitter aftertaste of decaf. You would not find your preferred flavor unless you get the right decaf brand. Swiss water processed decaf coffee brands are beneficial over chemical decaf coffees. Let’s compare different decaf processes and find out which one is better.

Swiss water decaf coffee vs chemically processed decaf

Decaf is the process of removing caffeine from regular coffee beans. The decaffeination process can be divided into two main categories, water processed or chemically processed. Let’s discuss more and find out which one is better.

Decaffeination process

A precise combination of water, heat and time is used to strip off caffeine from coffee beans in the Swiss water processed decaf coffee. It is a chemical free process, which means the natural flavor and aroma remain intact.

On the other hand, some brands even use chemical solvents like ethyl acetate or methylene chloride to wash caffeine content from coffee beans. In this process, coffee beans are soaked in chemical solvents and then washed to remove caffeine.

Caffeine content

The Swiss water decaf process uses smaller batches which offer better control over the decaffeination process. It is studied that water processed beans become 99.99% free from caffeine. Whereas chemically processed decaf involves larger batch sizes and only 97% caffeine can be removed in this process.

Taste

Using only water to wash off the caffeine results in better taste, texture and aroma. On the other hand, chemically processed decaf is reported to be dull and unappealing in taste. Chemicals can alter the taste and this is the reason many complain that decaf has a bitter aftertaste. Water processed decaf preserves the natural oils and flavor of coffee beans which keeps the taste intact.

Health benefits

Chemically processed decaf beans may have some chemical residue that can be harmful to your health. Chemical solvents like methylene chloride and ethyl acetate are even linked with cancer and respiratory problems. Therefore, the chemical-free process of water processed decaf is healthier.

Price range

Swiss water processed decaf is prepared in smaller batches and compared to chemical soaking, it is a labor-intensive process. Therefore, the cost of Swiss water processed decaf can be slightly higher compared to chemically processed decaf. Chemical decaf process requires cheaper chemicals and is done in larger batches, which is why it is cheaper.

Availability

Chemical decaf is cheaper and widely available across supermarkets. On the other hand, you need to research and find specialty coffee shops or trusted brands online to get your hands on the best water processed decaf.

Environmental impact

Chemical usage during the manufacturing process is indeed harmful to the environment. Therefore, the water processed decaf brands are considered environmentally friendly.

Final verdict

Based on the flavor profile and health impacts, it can be said that decaf coffee swiss water process is better than the chemically processed decaf. Chemically processed decaf may sound cheaper but the altered flavor and health hazards of chemicals must not be ignored. If you really want to reduce your caffeine intake, spending on Swiss water processed decaf is totally worth it. Shop for organic and delicious blends of Swiss water processed decaf at Blue Spruce Decaf Co. Their top-rated coffee bags even come with a free 30-day trial.