Decaf

Decaf

Explore our premium range of decaffeinated green coffee beans, crafted using sustainable methods like Swiss Water, CO₂, and sugarcane processing. Our decaf coffees deliver exceptional flavour without compromise and with a variety of sizes on offer, from wholesale quantities to smaller packs perfect for sampling, we have options to suit every roaster.

  • How do you decaffeinate green coffee beans?

    Decaffeinating green coffee beans is a fascinating process with several methods designed to remove caffeine while preserving flavour. Here are the most popular techniques:

    CO₂ Processing

    This method immerses green coffee beans in warm, pressurised water, causing them to expand and become more porous. Carbon dioxide is then introduced, binding with the caffeine molecules. The water and CO₂ are removed, and the beans are dried.

    What makes this method appealing is that it preserves the coffee's natural flavour—none of the carbohydrates or proteins responsible for taste are extracted. The process is eco-friendly too; the by-products are recycled, with water filtered and reused. However, the downside is that this method can be expensive due to the sheer amount of CO₂ required for commercial use.

    Sugarcane (Ethyl Acetate) Processing

    Sometimes called "natural decaffeination," this process starts with steaming the coffee beans to open their pores. They’re then rinsed in ethyl acetate—a compound that binds to caffeine molecules—effectively removing caffeine. Ethyl acetate can be naturally derived from sugarcane, making this process seem more “natural,” but commercial-scale production often requires synthetic ethyl acetate.

    While it’s effective, this method can subtly change the coffee’s flavour profile, adding a fruity note that some might find appealing, while others prefer a purer flavour.

    Swiss Water Method

    The Swiss Water Method is a chemical-free, organically certified process centred on Green Coffee Extract (GCE). Green coffee beans are soaked in hot water to dissolve the caffeine. To ensure flavour isn’t lost, this water is passed through a charcoal filter that traps only the caffeine molecules while retaining the sugars, oils, and minerals.

    The resulting GCE is used to soak new batches of beans, removing caffeine while leaving flavour compounds intact. The Swiss Water Method is praised for being environmentally friendly, maintaining the coffee's original taste, and producing minimal waste.

    To find out more about decaf processes, visit our blog post ‘Definitive Guide for Roasting Decaf Coffee’.

  • What is the best way to decaffeinate coffee?

    The "best" method depends on your priorities. If you're seeking the purest flavour, the Swiss Water Method is often considered superior because it’s chemical-free, organically certified, and retains the coffee's natural profile. From an environmental perspective, it’s also highly sustainable since the process reuses materials and minimises waste.

    For those who prioritise a "natural" label, sugarcane processing might be a favourite, especially when ethyl acetate is derived naturally. However, it can alter the flavour slightly, which is a trade-off for some.

    CO₂ processing is ideal for preserving flavour without introducing additional notes, but it’s less practical for large-scale production due to its cost. Each method has its unique benefits, so the "best" choice often depends on the balance between flavour, cost, and environmental impact.

  • How do you roast decaf coffee beans?

    Roasting decaf coffee requires extra care due to the structural changes green beans undergo during decaffeination. Here’s what you need to know:

    1. Lower Charge Temperature: Start with a lower charge temperature—around 10–15°F below the standard for regular coffee. Decaf beans are more porous and absorb heat faster, so starting cooler helps prevent scorching.
    2. Extended Development Time: Decaf beans benefit from a longer development phase after the first crack to build sweetness and complexity. However, don’t overdo it, as this can flatten the flavour or introduce bitterness.
    3. Monitor First Crack Carefully: The first crack in decaf coffee can be softer and harder to hear. Rely on visual cues and temperature readings rather than just auditory signs.
    4. Avoid Second Crack: Decaf coffee rarely benefits from reaching the second crack. Stopping the roast just after the first crack typically yields the best results, preserving sweetness and complexity without bitterness.

    With decaf coffee, it’s all about balance—careful adjustments to temperature, timing, and sensory observation ensure a roast that highlights the beans' unique characteristics without overemphasising their differences from regular coffee. To find out more - visit our blog post ‘Expert Tips for Perfectly Roasting Decaf Coffee’.

Your questions, answered

What is the Green Coffee Collective?

We’re a community of coffee producers and sourcing experts, all working together to make green coffee easy to access—whether you’re a hobby roaster at home or a professional roasting hundreds of tonnes a year. Our platform is designed to simplify buying green coffee, just like any other online shopping experience. No fuss, just great coffee at your fingertips.

Do you offer support for direct trade relationships with producers?

Yes, we’re always happy to make introductions! If you’re interested in working directly with one of our producers, just send us an email (hello@greencoffeecollective.com) and we’ll gladly help facilitate the connection. For larger volumes, we can also assist with logistics and any complexities involved in sourcing directly from producers.

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our coffees. If you need a larger sample than what’s typically available, we recommend trying one of the smaller quantity options listed on our site. That way, you can test the coffee before committing to a larger order.

Can I arrange a visit to origin or participate in harvest season visits?

We’re working on coordinating trips in the future! In the meantime, if there’s a specific origin you’d like to visit, just get in touch with us, and we’ll do our best to help arrange something.

What’s your pricing structure, and are there discounts or benefits for bulk purchases?

Our pricing is straightforward. For quantities smaller than 60kg, we add a small premium to cover warehousing, picking, packaging, handling, and shipping—this helps make smaller orders possible. For full sacks, we take a commission from our sourcing partners, so the price you pay with us is the same as if you purchased directly from them. Discounts for larger volumes are listed on our site, and we calculate these based on consultations with producers and sourcing partners, reflecting the benefits of buying in bulk and committing to ongoing orders.