Decaf Coffee – A Guide for Expectant Mothers

If you’ve read my previous article on the effects of caffeine during pregnancy, you already know that our beloved lattes are, unfortunately, too energizing for moms-to-be. But don’t worry! Decaf coffee during pregnancy is a fantastic alternative, allowing you to keep enjoying your coffee pleasures. Today, I’m excited to share a wonderful solution with you – organic decaf coffee, perfect for pregnancy! You can enjoy it on its own or mix it with regular coffee in a 50/50 ratio without worrying about caffeine overload.

Before you grab your first bag of decaf, it’s important to understand that not all decaf coffee is created equal. Some varieties undergo chemical processes, while others are more natural. In this article, I’ll guide you in finding the perfect decaf coffee!

How Is Caffeine Removed from Coffee? Three Main Methods:

Removing caffeine from green, unroasted coffee beans is no small feat. Here are the three most popular decaffeination methods:

1.Chemical Method – Beware of Chemicals!
This is the cheapest and most common method, involving chemical solvents like methylene chloride. While these solvents effectively remove caffeine, they may raise health concerns. Methylene chloride is also used in products like paint and nail polish removers. While these solvents effectively strip caffeine from coffee beans, their use may raise safety questions.

If the packaging of your coffee doesn’t specify how the caffeine was removed, it’s safe to assume that the chemical method was used.

2. CO2 Method – A Modern Solution

This method uses liquid carbon dioxide, which binds to the caffeine in the coffee beans under high pressure. The caffeine is then removed. This innovative process is more eco-friendly. In the UK, decaf coffee is widely available, even in smaller stores. My favourite is No.1 Waitrose Organic Fairtrade Peru, which offers excellent value and is my go-to decaf coffee.

For instant coffee enthusiasts, Clipper’s Organic Decaf is a great option. It features a roasted and intense blend with a clean finish and rich aroma, and is organically decaffeinated using the CO2 and spring water method to ensure full flavor without caffeine. In Poland, you can find Mount Hagen’s organic decaf instant coffee.

3. Swiss Water Method – An Eco-Friendly Choice
The Swiss Water method uses water to remove caffeine. Coffee beans are soaked in hot water, extracting both caffeine and flavor. A carbon filter then traps the caffeine, while the remaining flavor is reintroduced to the beans. This process preserves the coffee’s full aroma while removing the caffeine.

In the UK, you can choose from brands like Suma Organic Decaf, Marley Coffee, or Grumpy Mule. Most UK supermarkets also stock Taylors coffee, which is processed using the water method, although it does not have an organic certification.

Choose Organic Coffee!

Remember that coffee is one of the crops most exposed to pesticides, and coffee beans may contain harmful residues. To protect your health, it’s best to choose organic coffee.

Feel free to visit my Facebook page or X to stay updated with my latest posts!

Source:

How is decaf coffee made? And is it really caffeine-free? – School of Public Health – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au