Should you be worried about consuming decaf coffee?

Is decaf coffee really safe to drink? It’s a question that’s sparked some concern lately, with claims floating around on social media about potential health risks lurking in our favourite caffeine-free brew. 

Content creator Lexi Natoli recently sounded the alarm, warning decaf drinkers about hidden chemicals that could pose dangers to our health. “Apparently it’s not safe for human consumption,” she says. 

She adds that during the decaffeination process, harmful chemicals such as methylene chloride are added to “strip the caffeine content out of the coffee.” What is even more concerning is that this chemical is a known carcinogen and several health advocacy groups are pushing for its ban. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lexi Natoli (@yolkfatherr) 

But, before we panic and ditch our decaf habit, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator says, “There is no strong scientific evidence that decaf coffee contains harmful chemicals that pose significant health risks to consumers. Studies haven’t shown any adverse effects from trace amounts of solvents used in decaffeination. Research focusing on potential health risks is ongoing, but current evidence suggests no significant concerns.”

Specific chemicals are involved in the decaffeination process

There are three main decaffeination processes, and each uses different chemicals says Malhotra: 

Swiss Water Process: This method is considered entirely safe because it uses only water and charcoal filters. No solvents are involved.

Direct Solvent Extraction: This process uses solvents including: 

*Methylene chloride: This has raised some safety concerns in the past due to potential links to cancer in high doses. However, residual levels allowed in decaf coffee are strictly regulated by agencies like the FDA (US) and FSSAI (India). 

*Ethyl acetate: This is a naturally occurring compound found in some fruits and vegetables. It’s generally recognised as safe (GRAS) for human consumption by the FDA, and residual levels in decaf coffee are considered safe. 

CO2 Decaffeination: This method utilises carbon dioxide (CO2) under high pressure and temperature. CO2 acts like both a gas and a liquid in this state, dissolving caffeine without introducing any additional chemicals. 

Overall,  she says that while some concerns exist regarding the chemicals used in decaffeination, the strict regulations and trace amounts present in decaf coffee mean the health risks are considered minimal by most scientific bodies. 

Regulatory bodies like the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority have established safety standards and guidelines to ensure the safety of decaffeinated coffee (Source: Freepik)

Potential risk associated with decaf coffee compared to regular coffee

According to Malhotra, decaf coffee offers a good alternative for those sensitive to caffeine. With minimal caffeine (2 mg per cup versus 95 mg in regular), decaf avoids jitters and sleep issues. While a decaf process once used methylene chloride, regulations ensure safe levels. Both decaf and regular coffee boast antioxidants linked to health benefits. Overall, decaf carries fewer risks and provides a similar coffee experience for those seeking to cut back on caffeine.

Regulatory bodies or guidelines in place to ensure the safety of decaffeinated coffee

“Regulatory bodies like the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority have established safety standards and guidelines to ensure the safety of decaffeinated coffee, with specific measures in place to monitor and regulate the levels of potentially harmful substances in decaf products, such as methylene chloride residues, to safeguard consumer health and well-being,” informs Malhotra. 

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.