Your Guide to Ordering Decaf at Dutch Bros
Yes, you can absolutely get a decaf coffee at Dutch Bros. The key lies in understanding their options and knowing how to communicate your order to the 'broistas' at the window. The vast majority of their espresso-based beverages can be made with a shot of decaf espresso, offering the full Dutch Bros flavor experience without the caffeine jolt.
How to Order a Dutch Bros Decaf Coffee
Ordering your favorite coffee drink decaf is a straightforward process. The most important thing is to specify that you want 'decaf' at the beginning of your order, or at least before the drink is being prepared. Since many drinks are built from the ground up, the adjustment is easily made.
- Specify Decaf: Start your order by saying "Can I get a decaf..." followed by your drink of choice. Alternatively, you can list the customization at the end, such as "...and can you make that decaf?".
- Choose an Espresso-Based Drink: Any drink that uses Dutch Bros' espresso can be swapped for decaf. This includes lattes, mochas, breves, and americanos. For instance, a decaf Golden Eagle is a popular option.
- Remember the Exceptions: There are a few key exceptions to the decaf rule. The highly caffeinated Rebel energy drinks and the pre-mixed Freezes cannot be made decaf because the caffeine is already in the mix. Additionally, Dutch Bros Cold Brew does not have a decaf option.
Popular Drinks You Can Get Decaf
- Decaf Golden Eagle: A fan-favorite blend of vanilla, caramel, and espresso, made with decaf shots.
- Decaf Annihilator: For those who love the classic chocolate macadamia nut flavor without the buzz.
- Decaf Kicker: A delicious Irish cream-flavored breve that's just as good decaf as it is with caffeine.
- Decaf Cocomo: Enjoy the smooth, rich taste of chocolate and coconut with decaf espresso.
Exploring Naturally Caffeine-Free Options
For those who need to avoid caffeine entirely, Dutch Bros has an extensive menu of naturally caffeine-free beverages that are just as flavorful and fun. These options require no special ordering instructions and provide total peace of mind for caffeine-sensitive customers.
A List of Dutch Bros' Caffeine-Free Beverages
- Dutch Frosts: Dutch Bros' version of a milkshake, these are blended with a mix of ice cream and flavorings. Flavors like Strawberry, Cotton Candy, and White Chocolate are popular choices.
- Smoothies: Made with real fruit puree and ice, these are a refreshing and naturally caffeine-free option. Flavor options include Strawberry, Mango, and Peach.
- Dutch Sodas: Also known as Italian sodas, these are sparkling water mixed with your favorite flavorings. You can customize the flavor and add soft top or cream for extra richness.
- Steamers: These are hot, steamed milk drinks with added flavor syrups, essentially a latte without the espresso. They are a comforting and caffeine-free treat.
- Hot Cocoa: A classic option, Dutch Bros' hot cocoa is made with creamy chocolate milk and topped with whipped cream.
- Decaf Ceylon Tea: While most teas contain some caffeine, Dutch Bros offers a decaf Ceylon tea option for those who still want a warm, tea-based drink.
Decaf and Caffeine-Free Dutch Bros Drinks Comparison
This table provides a quick reference for the main differences between ordering a decaf espresso drink and choosing a naturally caffeine-free beverage.
| Drink Type | Caffeine Content | How to Order | Example Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decaf Espresso Drinks | 99.9% caffeine-free | Request 'decaf' version of any espresso beverage. | Decaf Golden Eagle, Decaf Kicker |
| Naturally Caffeine-Free | 100% caffeine-free | Order directly from the menu. | Dutch Frost, Dutch Soda, Smoothie |
| Decaf Tea | Very low caffeine (2-3 mg) | Order 'decaf Ceylon tea'. | Decaf Ceylon Tea |
| Cold Brew / Freeze | Full caffeine content | These drinks cannot be made decaf. | Caramelizer Freeze, Cold Brew |
The Dutch Bros Decaffeination Process
For those who are curious about how the decaf espresso is made, Dutch Bros uses a high-quality process that ensures a flavorful, low-caffeine product. Their Decaf coffee is 99.9% caffeine-free and undergoes a chemical-free decaffeination process using the Swiss Water® Process. This method uses water to gently remove caffeine from the coffee beans, preserving the complex flavors and aromas that would otherwise be lost with harsher chemical processes.
Finding Your Perfect Decaf Fix: Expert Tips
- Be Specific: Always clarify your decaf request with your broista to ensure there are no mix-ups, especially for espresso-based drinks.
- Ask for Suggestions: If you're new to the decaf game, ask your broista for their favorite flavor combinations for frosts, sodas, or steamers.
- Think Outside the Box: If your usual drink is a caffeinated Rebel, consider a blended Dutch Soda with the same fruit flavors for a similar slushy-like experience.
- Explore Secret Menu Options: The world of Dutch Bros is all about customization. You can often find decaf recommendations on social media or by asking a seasoned broista.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Dutch Bros Decaf Fix
Whether you're looking for a warm, comforting beverage or a cool, fruity treat, Dutch Bros offers a surprisingly robust selection of low-caffeine and no-caffeine drinks. By leveraging their decaf espresso and exploring the many naturally caffeine-free options like frosts, sodas, and smoothies, you can enjoy all the delicious flavor Dutch Bros is known for without the caffeine. The next time you pull up to the drive-thru, you'll know exactly how to order your perfect, decaf creation. For more information on their official offerings, you can visit the Dutch Bros website.
Your Decaf Dutch Bros Guide
Decaf Espresso Availability: Yes, most espresso-based drinks, like lattes and mochas, can be ordered with decaf espresso.
Naturally Caffeine-Free Drinks: Options like Frosts, Smoothies, Dutch Sodas, Steamers, and Hot Cocoa are naturally caffeine-free.
Decaf Tea: Dutch Bros also offers a decaf Ceylon tea, which contains a minimal amount of caffeine.
Ordering Exception: Cold Brew and pre-mixed Freeze beverages cannot be made decaf.
Swiss Water Process: Dutch Bros uses the chemical-free Swiss Water Process for its decaf coffee, ensuring a great flavor.
Full Flavor: Ordering decaf at Dutch Bros doesn't mean sacrificing taste, as they use high-quality decaf espresso and a wide variety of syrups.
FAQs
Is Dutch Bros decaf completely caffeine-free?
No, Dutch Bros' decaf coffee is 99.9% caffeine-free, meaning it still contains a trivial amount of caffeine. For a completely caffeine-free option, you should choose a non-coffee drink like a Frost or a Smoothie.
Can I order a decaf Cold Brew at Dutch Bros?
No, Dutch Bros does not offer a decaf version of their Cold Brew. You can, however, order a decaf Americano with flavors and cream for a similar experience.
Are Dutch Bros' flavored syrups caffeine-free?
Yes, the flavored syrups used at Dutch Bros are caffeine-free. This allows you to add any flavor combination to a decaf espresso, smoothie, or soda without adding caffeine.
What is a Dutch Frost and is it caffeine-free?
A Dutch Frost is Dutch Bros' version of a milkshake, blended with ice cream and flavored syrups. They are completely caffeine-free and come in a variety of dessert-like flavors.
Can I get a decaf Freeze?
No, the Freezes contain a pre-mixed, caffeinated powder that cannot be substituted. For a decaf alternative, order a blended Dutch Soda or a flavored Frost.
What is the best decaf option for a chocolate lover?
A chocolate lover could order a decaf Cocomo (chocolate and coconut) or a decaf Double Chocolate Mocha. For a caffeine-free option, a Dutch Cocoa or a Chocolate Frost is a great choice.
What are some refreshing, caffeine-free drinks at Dutch Bros?
Refreshing, caffeine-free options include Dutch Sodas (customized sparkling water), Lemonades (still or blended), and Smoothies in various fruit flavors like strawberry, mango, or peach.
Are Dutch Bros' chai drinks decaf?
Typically, no. The chai concentrate used at Dutch Bros is tea-based and contains caffeine. You can, however, order a steamer with chai flavors for a caffeine-free version.
What if I'm extremely sensitive to caffeine?
If you are extremely sensitive to caffeine, you should avoid decaf espresso and opt for one of the many naturally caffeine-free drinks like frosts, sodas, or smoothies to ensure no trace caffeine is present.
