The weather is warming up, so it’s time for icy cold drinks! If you’re looking for an iced coffee alternative that doesn’t have any of the caffeine, then decaf iced coffee is perfect for you.
In this article, I’ll show you what decaf iced coffee is, how to make it at home using a few simple ingredients, and how you can customize it to your taste.
Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!
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What is decaf iced coffee?
Decaf iced coffee is coffee that has been brewed with decaffeinated coffee beans. It typically contains less caffeine than regular iced coffee, making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or who want to avoid its effects.

Decaf iced coffee can be just as delicious as its caffeinated counterpart, as it doesn’t taste very different from regular coffee beans, but more on this later.
You can make decaf iced coffee the same way you’d with regular coffee beans. If you haven’t made iced coffee before, I suggest reading this article first.
Over there, I’ll show you all the ways you can make iced coffee at home using different techniques.
What does decaf iced coffee taste like?
Decaf iced coffee tastes like regular iced coffee but without the caffeine kick. Many people enjoy decaf iced coffee because it still has the rich flavor of coffee but without the side effects of caffeine.
Some say that decaf iced coffee tastes a bit sweeter and more acidic than regular iced coffee, but this is generally due to the way the coffee beans are processed.
Overall, decaf iced coffee is a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the taste of iced coffee without the jitters.
Plus, if you do not like the taste of your decaf iced coffee, you can add some delicious add-ins to cover up the taste (such as vanilla syrup), but more on this later on in the article.
Which ingredients are needed to make decaf iced coffee?
Decaf iced coffee is really easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients:
- Decaf brewed coffee
- Ice cubes

You can use any coffee brewer you have at home to make the decaf coffee. I’ll go over some of the best options below.
There are also many ways that you can sweeten your iced coffee once it’s finished. This will allow you to customize the coffee to your taste completely.
What are decaf coffee beans?
Decaf coffee beans have gone through a decaffeination process to remove most of the caffeine. Decaffeination is typically done by one of two methods: chemical or Swiss water process. (Source)

Decaf coffee beans still contain a small amount of caffeine, usuallyaround 2 mg per cup, much less than traditional caffeinated coffee.
Many people choose to drink decaf coffee for the taste without the worry of consuming too much caffeine.
What is the coffee to water ratio for decaf iced coffee?
I always brew iced coffee with a higher coffee-to-water ratio, like 1:14, which comes out to 18 grams of coffee for one cup of water (250 ml).
Because you will dilute the coffee with the ice cubes once it’s served, it’s best to brew with more coffee to keep most strength intact.
If you like adding a sweetener to your coffee, I’d still suggest brewing your coffee with a higher ratio for the most enjoyable iced coffee.
Tip: Make a few decaf coffee ice cubes if you want to keep the most strength possible. Check out this complete guide to learn how to make them.
What is the best brewing technique for iced coffee?
The flavor profile of your iced coffee will change depending on the technique used. You can have a look below at the flavor profiles:
- Chemex coffeewill make a well-balanced and refreshing iced coffee.
- French press coffeewill make the most robust version.
- The Hario V60is perfect for one-cup recipes and also makes a well-balanced iced coffee.
You can choose a coffee brewer that you like most for this recipe. Most of the time, I’ll use a pour over technique for its ease of use.
You’d be better off with French press coffee for the most strength.

I recommend using the higher coffee-to-water ratio for the above-listed coffee brewers. You’ll get the most delicious decaf iced coffee that way.
Can you also make cold brew with decaf coffee beans?
Yes, you can make cold brew with decaf coffee beans. However, it’s important to note that the flavor of cold brew made with decaf coffee beans will be different than that of cold brew made with caffeinated coffee beans.

Decaf coffee beans tend to produce a milder and slightly sweeter flavor than caffeinated coffee beans, so your resulting cold brew may have a slightly different flavor profile than if you used caffeinated coffee beans.
To counteract this, I use a higher coffee-to-water ratio for cold brew coffee the same way for this decaf iced coffee. You can check out this article to learn more about making decaf cold brew at home!
Different ways you can customize your iced coffee
There are so many ways you can customize your decaf iced coffee. This means that you could drink a different-flavored iced coffee for the upcoming days.
You can check out some of my favorites below to give you some inspiration. Each of the add-ins will have a link so that you can check out the homemade recipe for it:
- Add different syrups (such as chocolate, vanilla, or blueberry.)
- Whipped cream
- Add a flavored creamer (such as French vanilla, caramel, or mocha.)
- Alternatively, you could add cinnamon or vanilla extract to your iced coffee.
The possibilities are endless!

Now that you know about the best way to make decaf iced coffee and how you can customize it once it’s ready, you can put it to the test by following the recipe listed below:
Decaf Iced Coffee
This decaf iced coffee is the perfect refreshment for any time of the day on a hot summer day or whenever you feel like it!
Prep Time3 minutes
Additional Time2 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (0.24 l) of decaf brewed coffee
- Ice cubes
- A sweetener of choice
Instructions
- If you haven't done so already, start by brewing your decaf coffee using your favorite coffee brewer.
- For the most refreshing and least diluted drink, it's best to let the brewed coffee cool completely.
- After the coffee has cooled, fill a glass to about halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour the decaf coffee into the glass and give it a quick stir. Add some more ice cubes to make it extra icy.
- Top with your favorite toppings and add-ins if you prefer, and enjoy!
Notes
You can brew the decaf coffee before heading to bed and let it cool overnight in the fridge. That way, you can quickly make a decaf iced coffee in the morning.
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Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 1
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a quick, delicious way to make decaf iced coffee at home. It’s easy, and if you follow the tips in this article, your drink will be just as good (if not better) as what you’d get from your local coffee shop.
Plus, you get to customize it with your favorite add-ins for that perfect homemade version.
If you like making decaf iced coffee, you can have a look below for some great iced coffee recipes that you can try with decaf coffee beans:
More iced coffee recipes
- Coconut Iced Coffee: Easy 4 Ingredient Recipe to Try
FAQs
How to make a good decaf coffee at home? ›
Use fresh water for boiling. Once boiled, let the kettle cool for a few minutes, since boiling water burns the coffee (best to pour the water at between 90°C to 96°C). It is always best to put too much coffee in than too little. You can always dilute the coffee if it is too strong.
How is decaf coffee made at home? ›You first soak the beans in hot water to remove the caffeine (and flavours and oils as a by-product). The caffeine bean-water is then treated with the solvent to remove caffeine and the remaining solution is then reintroduced to the beans to reabsorb the flavours and oils.
Is there such a thing as decaf iced coffee? ›Decaf iced coffee is coffee that has been brewed with decaffeinated coffee beans. It typically contains less caffeine than regular iced coffee, making it a good choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or who want to avoid its effects.
Is decaf iced coffee healthy? ›You gain the benefits of antioxidants.
Plus, small quantities of vitamin B3, magnesium, and potassium are also present when you drink decaf coffee, all of which add wellness, balance, and health to our lifestyles.
- Green Coffee Beans. Start with organic unroasted green beans.
- Soak These Beans In Hot Water. This hot water draws out the flavor essences of the beans just the way hot water does with ground coffee in a coffee press. ...
- Remove the Caffeine. ...
- Immerse New Beans. ...
- Great Decaf.
Swiss Water Decaf. A breed of decaf that's free of chemicals and retains most of the coffee's original flavor. A decaf that stands the test of health without losing the battle for taste. This is what makes the Swiss Water Decaf the world's healthiest decaffeinated coffee.
What is the best ratio for decaf coffee? ›We generally recommend starting with a 1:2 brewing ratio, within a time of over 20 seconds and under 30 seconds. This equates to roughly 18g of ground coffee to 36g of espresso.
How do baristas make decaf coffee? ›Steam or water is used to swell the green coffee beans and ready them for caffeine extraction. The caffeine is often extracted from the plumped beans with a solvent and then this is repeated until the desired level of decaffeination is reached. The beans are steamed again to remove any residual solvent.
What are the ingredients of decaf coffee? ›Most of them include water, organic solvents, or carbon dioxide ( 1 ). Coffee beans are washed in the solvent until the caffeine has been extracted from it, then the solvent is removed. Caffeine can also be removed using carbon dioxide or a charcoal filter — a method known as the Swiss Water Process.
Is decaf the same as no coffee? ›Decaffeinated coffee is the same as regular coffee, but with almost all of the caffeine removed. As mentioned above, decaf coffee still contains a very small amount of caffeine (around 3 percent compared to regular coffee) since there is no way to remove 100% of the caffeine.
Does decaf coffee keep you awake? ›
Consuming decaf coffee before bed, for many, is no different. However, it can cause the same sleep issues as its caffeine counterpart, so we recommend avoiding caffeine consumption completely before bedtime to ensure your body and mind are ready for a full night of sleep.
Does decaf iced coffee count as water? ›We then moved on to addressing the query, “Does Coffee count as water intake?”, to which we concluded that yes, it does. While these coffee beans have a diuretic effect, it has little negative influence on hydration. In fact, it is almost all positive, Decaf Coffee or not.
Is Dunkin Donuts iced coffee decaf? ›The answer is, yes! Dunkin's franchise stores have decaf iced coffee in addition to their regular brew. In fact, most of their iced coffee beverages, including lattes, can be ordered decaf. However, decaf espresso can also run out quickly, so always double-check with the barista.
Can decaf coffee raise blood pressure? ›Our results indicate that chronic consumption of 5 cups decaffeinated coffee/day in comparison with regular coffee causes a significant but small fall in mean ambulant blood pressure and a rise in heart rate in normotensive men and women.
Is decaf coffee good for your kidneys? ›Depending on the type of kidney disease, coffee in moderation (1 - 2 cups) or decaf should be acceptable for chronic kidney disease. People with kidney stones should avoid or limit coffee due to the oxalate content.
Why do people drink decaf coffee? ›It Has Less Caffeine
One of the biggest reasons people choose to drink a decaf beverage is to avoid the effects of caffeine. While caffeine can provide a subtle energy and mood increase, there are some adverse side effects. People who are sensitive to caffeine can drink decaf coffee without having to worry.
In short, a cup of decaf coffee per day is unlikely to have any impact on your hydration and can serve as a substitute for water.
How do you remove caffeine from your body? ›Besides waiting it out and avoiding caffeine, there isn't any effective home remedy to clear caffeine from your system. All the same, you can reduce its side effects by staying hydrated, going for a walk, and eating fiber-rich foods.
How long does it take to make decaf coffee? ›2) The Direct–Solvent Based Process
In this method of decaffeination, the beans are steamed for about 30 minutes in order to open their pores. Once the coffee beans are receptive to a solvent, they are repeatedly rinsed with either methylene chloride or ethyl acetate for about 10 hours to remove the caffeine.
Talk to your doctor if you're having negative reactions to caffeine. They may recommend decaf coffee as an alternative. Even if you don't need to give up caffeine, decaf coffee is a good option in the afternoon and evening.
Is there anything unhealthy about decaf coffee? ›
Is decaf coffee bad for you? Like all coffee, decaffeinated coffee is safe for consumption and can be part of a healthy diet. If you are wondering whether the decaffeination process itself is safe, the answer is yes.
Which decaf coffee has no caffeine? ›Lowest Caffeine Level Decaf Process: The Swiss Water Decaf Process is certified 99.9% caffeine free and uses only water (no chemicals) to decaffeinate the beans.
How many cups of decaf coffee is OK per day? ›It is suggested that people shouldn't drink any more than three cups of coffee per day — which roughly equates to around 300 milligrams of caffeine per day. To compare, you'd have to drink five to 10 cups of decaf coffee to consume the same amount of caffeine as is contained in two cups of regular coffee.
How many cups of decaf coffee can I have a day? ›How Much Decaf Coffee You Should Drink. Up to 400mg of caffeine per day is safe for most adults. That's roughly four cups of caffeinated coffee or approximately 57 cups of decaf.
What time of day do you start drinking decaffeinated? ›Reduce caffeine as the day progresses. Start your day with your most highly caffeinated beverage and taper down on caffeine as the morning goes on. Perhaps, switch to herbal tea or decaffeinated coffee as the morning continues so as to be caffeine-free by mid-afternoon.
How is Mcdonald's decaf coffee made? ›The unique Swiss Water process is 100% chemical free and uses B.C. coast mountain water to naturally remove the caffeine to preserve the perfectly balanced flavour of our Premium Roast.
Is decaf coffee good for your heart? ›According to a new study published September 27, 2022, in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, drinking two to three cups of coffee daily—instant, ground or even decaf—is associated with lower risk of heart disease and early death among adults aged 40 to 69.
Does decaf coffee give you energy? ›Energy boost: whereas regular coffee gives you a strong energy boost, decaf coffee doesn't. This is because decaf coffee contains a lot less caffeine than regular coffee.
Which coffee is naturally decaffeinated? ›We have discovered a naturally decaffeinated Coffea arabica plant from Ethiopia, a species normally recognized for the high quality of its beans.
How to drink coffee without caffeine? ›Golden milk is a rich, caffeine-free substitute for coffee. This warm beverage incorporates invigorating spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and black pepper. Other common additions include cardamom, vanilla and honey.
Is decaf coffee bad for acid reflux? ›
So, for those who struggle with symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), decaf may be a healthier option for your body. Decaf that goes through a mountain water process is best for low acidity as it removes the caffeine thoroughly and safely, without the use of harsh chemicals.
What can I drink instead of decaf? ›- Dandy Blend. Dandy Blend is a gluten-free and caffeine-free coffee alternative that contains five ingredients: barley, rye, dandelion, chicory and beet roots. ...
- Herbal Tea. ...
- Golden Milk. ...
- Adaptogen Latte. ...
- Roobios Tea. ...
- Spicy Ginger Tea. ...
- Herbal Chai. ...
- Decaf Coffee.
Increase Metabolism Rate:
Decaf coffee has ability to increase the metabolism rate. Higher metabolism means that food is absorbed more slowly, so you don't gain weight even if you eat more. Caffeine has been shown in studies to increase metabolism by 3-6 percent with significant effects.
And studies have found that decaf coffee (which some people drink for some reason, I guess) can have a laxative effect, too. Scientists have observed -- by way of some very invasive studies -- that coffee of any sort can stimulate the distal colon, which helps push waste out of the body more quickly.
How long does decaf stay in your system? ›This has a lot to do with the time of day you drink it. The effects of caffeine generally peak within an hour and can linger in the body for four to six hours, per the U.S. National Library of Medicine. For example, drinking decaf at a 10 a.m. meeting likely won't affect a person's sleep 12 hours later.
Can decaf coffee cause anxiety? ›Decaf coffee can also trigger anxiety when it is combined with other factors. Decaf coffee can cause anxiety when you are in stressful situations. If caffeine reacts with certain substances in other medications, even the smallest amount may cause these symptoms.
How do you make iced coffee fast? ›Sometimes referred to as the “Japanese iced coffee” method, the secret to having tasty iced coffee fast is brewing with hot water over ice. Brewing the coffee with hot water allows the chilled brew to retain some brightness and acidity while also being immediately consumable.
Do you just put ice in coffee to make iced coffee? ›Iced coffee is brewed hot coffee, that's cooled then simply poured over ice. You can brew it any way you like (and make it as strong as you like), but you'll have to plan in advance.
Do I make iced coffee with cold water? ›The most obvious way is to cut it with cold water and ice to make iced coffee, but you can also add hot water, milk, soda water, or any other liquid you'd like to blend it with. Thanks to its smooth flavor, it's quite adaptable.
What can I drink instead of water? ›- Water with an effervescent tablet. Water with an effervescent tablet. ...
- Fruit-infused water or soda water. Fruit-infused water or soda water. ...
- Coconut water. Coconut water. ...
- Iced fresh fruit juice. Fresh fruit juice. ...
- Kombucha. Kombucha.
What hydrates better than water? ›
Research shows that milk is one of the best beverages for hydration, even better than water or sports drinks. Researchers credit milk's natural electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein for its effectiveness.
How much caffeine is in decaf iced coffee? ›Decaf coffee is a popular alternative for those looking to cut their caffeine intake. However, it is not completely caffeine-free. While the decaffeination process removes at least 97% of caffeine, virtually all decaf coffees still contain around 7 mg per 8-ounce (236-ml) cup.
Can you make a decaf iced coffee? ›To make decaf iced coffee, mix decaffeinated coffee granules with warm water until they dissolve. Add sugar, cold water and vanilla (if using) and stir or blend until combined. Put ice cubes in a tall glass, pour coffee mixture over it.
Does anyone make a decaf iced coffee? ›Yes, you can get decaf iced coffee at most coffee shops. The process is generally the same as making regular iced coffee, but with decaf coffee beans. The term 'decaf' was coined by the French coffee company in reference to its French coffee flavor. Ice cream is then added to iced beverages like lattes and Americanos.
How is decaf coffee made? ›The most-common methods of decaffeination involve chemical solvents, usually ethyl acetate or methylene chloride. In the direct method, the coffee beans are steamed and then rinsed repeatedly with the chemical solvent to flush away the caffeine.
Is decaf coffee OK in pregnancy? ›During pregnancy, all drinks with significant levels of caffeine such as coffee, cola and energy drinks should be avoided. It is best to switch to decaffeinated drinks or drinks without caffeine There is no known safe level of caffeine whilst you are pregnant.
Does decaf iced coffee dehydrate you? ›However, in the 100 years since, there's been a lot of scientific research conducted proving that it has a very minimal effect on hydration levels. Although a point that by now, may seem obvious- decaf coffee will not cause dehydration.
Who should not drink decaf coffee? ›It may cause heart complications by increasing bad cholesterol levels, aggravate rheumatoid arthritis and acidity, interfere with iron absorption, and cause headaches and drowsiness. If you are extremely sensitive to caffeine, drinking decaf coffee is also not recommended.
Can you drink decaf coffee with high blood pressure? ›Health Conditions That Can Affect Caffeine Intake
If you struggle with controlling your blood pressure, you might be advised to try decaf coffee. That way, you can still get your routine morning coffee without the negative side effects.
How Much Decaf Coffee You Should Drink. Up to 400mg of caffeine per day is safe for most adults. That's roughly four cups of caffeinated coffee or approximately 57 cups of decaf.
What is the point of drinking decaf coffee? ›
It Has Less Caffeine
One of the biggest reasons people choose to drink a decaf beverage is to avoid the effects of caffeine. While caffeine can provide a subtle energy and mood increase, there are some adverse side effects. People who are sensitive to caffeine can drink decaf coffee without having to worry.
The hard beans are warmed and soaked in liquid to dissolve and remove the caffeine in one of four ways: using water alone, using a mixture of water and solvents (most commonly methylene chloride or ethyl acetate) applied either directly or indirectly, or using water and “supercritical carbon dioxide.”
Does decaf coffee raise blood sugar? ›For example, 60 min after beverage ingestion, decaffeinated coffee yielded significantly lower GIP than placebo and caffeine but no significant changes in insulin or glucose.
Is decaf coffee good for your liver? ›People who drink coffee regularly have a reduced risk of developing chronic liver disease. The type of coffee doesn't matter because caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee both seem to offer the same benefits.
Does decaf coffee make you sleepy? ›Consuming decaf coffee before bed, for many, is no different. However, it can cause the same sleep issues as its caffeine counterpart, so we recommend avoiding caffeine consumption completely before bedtime to ensure your body and mind are ready for a full night of sleep.