My friend enjoys coffee but doesn’t enjoy caffeinated versions. Does anyone know of a good decaf brand that tastes similar to regular coffee?

Decaffeinated coffees that stand out are usually produced in small batches to preserve natural flavors while eliminating chemical interference during decaffeination. A great decaf should have great body, acidity and sweetness as well as organic certifications and Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance certifications as these provide evidence that farming was carried out using sustainable practices at fair prices for farmers.

When selecting the ideal decaf, it is also essential that it is chemical-free. Methylene chloride (an active ingredient found in paint stripper) and ethyl acetate are often used as solvents to decaffeinate coffee; however, brands do not need to disclose this fact on their labels. Look out for claims on packaging that state it uses Swiss Water Process decaffeination or organic certification as alternative decaffeination processes.

Counter Culture’s Slow Motion decaf coffee stands out as our top pick, made from an all-water processed blend of Central and South American beans with medium dark roast level and full body. Additionally, this Kosher Parve organic product provides an ideal option for people with dietary restrictions.