Fans of decaffeinated coffee are always on the hunt for more flavorful options when it comes to that first cup of the day. Regardless of method, the process of decaffeination results in a significant loss of flavor, aroma, and acidity. However, there is a solution that is experiencing a surge in popularity – a blended beverage that may get everyone on board.

Many people know very little about the process and benefits of “half-caff” coffee, but CoffeeCow hopes to change that. We pride ourselves on providing useful information to our customers, so you can brew at home with confidence and peace of mind knowing how your coffee is sourced. Continue reading to learn more!

What Exactly Is “Half-Caff” Coffee?

“Half-caff” refers to a coffee that is perfectly blended with regular and decaffeinated beans. Specialty coffee blends comprise only the top two percent of Arabica beans in the world, and beans in that green state naturally contain half the caffeine found in Robusta beans. When producers pair regular coffee beans with decaffeinated beans to create a versatile blend, half-caffeinated coffee provides all the same flavor, aroma, and acidity that we crave from coffee in the first place.

In the past, decaffeination methods were considered detrimental to the final flavor and aroma. With advances in technology and ongoing inquiry, decaffeination processes have improved to supersaturate green coffee beans without losing their original essences. Coffee may be the widely popular choice when it comes to the first cup of the day, but it may not be for everyone. There are many factors involved when determining whether your coffee consumption should be restricted, including age, body mass, genetics, medication use, and more. Should you find wanting to moderate your caffeine intake, “half-caff” coffee could be your saving grace.

Health Benefits of Limiting Caffeine

Cutting down on caffeine has several underlying health benefits. According to the Food and Drug Administration, an average adult can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of coffee per day. Because an eight-ounce cup of coffee contains approximately 75 milligrams of caffeine, you should consume no more than two to four cups per day. If you find yourself above that threshold, you may want to start thinking about monitoring your caffeine consumption.

Although caffeine has been known to boost adrenaline as well as brain activity, consuming too much of it can lead to caffeine addiction, high blood pressure, insomnia, and other negative side effects. With only half the caffeine, you still reap the benefits in a smaller dosage. Caffeine consumption can increase plasma free fatty acid counts and fat oxidation as well as provide a reliable source of fiber. Beyond weight loss, coffee has also been found to reduce asthma attacks, the risk of certain cancers, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Brew Your Own “Half-Caff” at Home

The key to blending your own half-caffeinated coffee at home is to find the right Arabica beans. Usually, name brands will include a little note right on the bag or package. Be careful of buying low-quality blends, because they often contain Robusta beans as a filler to keep production costs low. Once you have found your Arabica beans, blend them with decaffeinated beans to create a custom blend. We recommend that you blend complementary coffees to achieve the best possible flavor. Full-bodied Arabicas go best with mild decaf coffees. You can even dress your cup up with a little bit of cream, sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa nibs.

Coffee experimentation can be fun for anyone. With the right beans and a little bit of trial and error, you can come up with the perfect “half-caff” blend to satisfy your cravings. If you have any questions about this article, please contact a member of our team for additional information.