What is methylene chloride decaffeination?

Methylene chloride (MC) - also called dichloromethane - is a chemical solvent used in one of the most widely used commercial decaffeination methods. Steamed beans are washed with the solvent, which bonds selectively with caffeine molecules. A second steaming removes residual solvent before drying.

Residue levels in the finished coffee are typically under 1 part per million - well within EU and US regulatory limits, and reduced further during roasting since MC evaporates well below roasting temperatures. The safety profile is well-established and scientifically robust.

Some roasters avoid it for clean-label positioning, preferring Swiss Water or CO₂. That's a legitimate commercial choice. But if you're buying MC decaf from a reputable producer and someone questions it on safety grounds, the science supports you. Cup quality from well-executed MC decaf is typically good - often better than water-process alternatives at the same price.