Less than you think. More than you'd expect.

Same beans. Same farms. The only real difference comes before roasting: decaffeination removes most of the caffeine. After that, roasters adjust their approach — because decaf beans respond differently to heat. Done well, the flavour compounds, antioxidants, and depth remain largely intact.

How much caffeine does decaf actually have?

Not zero, but close enough that it rarely matters. A cup of decaf contains between 2 and 7mg of caffeine, compared to 80 to 120mg in a standard filter coffee or 150mg-plus in a double espresso. A can of Nolo has around 2mg — you'd need to drink about 40 of them to approach the recommended daily caffeine limit. Functionally caffeine-free.

Does decaf taste the same as regular coffee?

It depends entirely on how it's made. A lot of decaf on the market is, frankly, disappointing — flat and papery, the result of cheap beans processed aggressively. That's what gave decaf its reputation. But good decaf, made from quality Arabica beans with a water-based process and cold-brewed for depth, tastes like great coffee. The difference between good and bad decaf is much larger than the difference between good decaf and regular coffee. That's the thing nobody tells you.

@louis.getbetter:"Swapped my afternoon coffee for decaf cold brew. Didn't notice the difference in taste. Did notice I stopped lying awake at midnight wondering why."

Is decaf weaker than regular coffee?

In caffeine, yes. In flavour, not if it's made well. Cold brew draws out different compounds than hot extraction — less acidity, more depth, a smoother finish. Nolo cold brews for longer to maximise that. The result doesn't taste like a compromise, because it isn't one.

Are the health benefits the same?

Mostly. The antioxidants and polyphenols in coffee come from the beans, not the caffeine, so most of the protective associations found in coffee research apply to decaf drinkers too. What decaf removes is the stimulant — and for anyone whose sleep, anxiety, or heart rate runs hotter than they'd like, that's not a loss. It's a genuine win.

So which should you choose?

Regular coffee, if caffeine works for you. Decaf, if it doesn't. And if every decaf you've tried has been disappointing, you haven't tried a good one yet.

Try Nolo. Classic and Caramel Swirl at wearenolo.com.

The Nolo Team