How Does Decaffeination Work?
Methods and Options for Your Decaffeinated Coffee

You love the taste of coffee but want to reduce your caffeine intake or avoid caffeine altogether? Decaffeinated coffee offers an excellent alternative without compromising on flavor and quality. With the decaffeinated capsules for Nespresso, you can enjoy the full aroma and unparalleled quality without any trade-offs.

Table of Content

1. From Bean to Enjoyment: A Brief History of Decaffeinated Coffee
2. Caffeine: Energy and Relaxation – Why Reduce It?
3. Does Decaffeinated Coffee Contain Caffeine?
4. Methods for Decaffeinating Coffee
5. The Nespresso Decaffeinato World: Find Your Perfect Decaffeinated Coffee
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Decaffeinated Coffee

From Bean to Enjoyment: A Brief History of Decaffeinated Coffee

The history of decaffeinated coffee begins in the early 19th century. In 1820, Friedlieb Runge, inspired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, was the first to isolate caffeine from coffee beans. While this was a major step, the true breakthrough for caffeine-free coffee came in 1906 with Ludwig Roselius.

He developed the first commercial decaffeination process, which included a preprocessing step: moistening and swelling the beans with water or steam before extracting the caffeine using an organic solvent.

Roselius founded the company Kaffee HAG and initially used benzene as a solvent for his patented process. Benzene, a liquid hydrocarbon, was later replaced by other substances due to its harmful health effects. The development of new decaffeination methods spanned decades, ultimately leading to the modern techniques we use today. (Source: Max Planck Society)

Caffeine: Energy and Relaxation – Why Reduce It?

Caffeine, a naturally occurring molecule found in over 60 plant species (e.g., coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa beans), appears as a white crystalline substance in its pure form. It's well-known for its stimulating effects: moderate consumption can enhance alertness, boost concentration, and reduce fatigue.

However, some individuals are sensitive to caffeine and may experience side effects from non-decaffeinated coffee, such as sleep disturbances, nervousness, or heart palpitations. Decaffeinated coffee offers an excellent alternative, suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine, want to reduce their caffeine intake, or wish to avoid it entirely (e.g., for a more restful sleep).

Nespresso offers a variety of Decaffeinato coffee blends that provide the full coffee flavor without the caffeine effect—perfect for your usual coffee enjoyment at any time of the day, even in the evening.

Does Decaffeinated Coffee Contain Caffeine?

Every coffee bean naturally contains caffeine. The decaffeination process takes place after the raw beans have been processed and quality-sorted, but before roasting. Even decaffeinated coffee is not entirely caffeine-free. Similar to alcohol-free beer, a minimal residual amount remains. However, strict regulations apply within the EU: only coffee with a caffeine content below 0.1 percent may be labeled as "decaffeinated."

Methods for Decaffeinating Coffee

In general, decaffeination methods are divided into chemical and natural processes, with the water and carbon dioxide methods being among the most common natural techniques.

At Nespresso, only natural methods are used to ensure the full flavor and intense aroma of the coffee beans—chemical methods are deliberately avoided. For the coffee beans sourced from various countries included in the blend, the type of decaffeination is individually tailored to achieve the best possible flavor. Great attention to detail is given to ensure the optimal development of aromas.

Nespresso decaffeinates its coffee in Germany and Spain, with Germany being recognized as a global leader in decaffeination.

Vienna Lungo Decaffeinato: Round and smooth, with malty and aromatic notes inspired by Vienna's coffeehouse tradition.

Ristretto Decaffeinato: Powerful and contrasting, with roasted aromas and a hint of fruit.

Volluto Decaffeinato: Sweet and light, with balanced cereal and fruity notes.

Arpeggio Decaffeinato: Intense and creamy, with hints of cocoa and roasted aromas.

Altissio Decaffeinato: Full-bodied and creamy, with cocoa notes and roasted aromas – an intense espresso experience.

Fortado Decaffeinato: Intense and full-bodied, with cocoa and oakwood notes – the robust Decaffeinato Gran Lungo.

Melozio Decaffeinato: Smooth and balanced, with cereal and honey notes – a harmoniously sweet coffee.

No matter which Nespresso machine or flavor you choose – the Decaffeinato capsules offer coffee in its most refined form, completely caffeine-free.