How Much Caffeine Is In Dutch Bros Decaf Coffee?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

Dutch Bros’ decaf coffee is advertised as 99.9% caffeine-free, a significant distinction from standard decaf, which is typically only 97% caffeine-removed. This trace amount means that, while not entirely without caffeine, the levels in Dutch Bros decaf are remarkably low and often negligible for most people.

Quick Summary

Dutch Bros decaf contains only trace amounts of caffeine, as the coffee beans undergo the chemical-free Swiss Water Process, which removes 99.9% of the stimulant.

Key Points

99.9% Caffeine-Free: Dutch Bros advertises its decaf coffee as 99.9% caffeine-free, meaning only trace amounts remain.
Swiss Water Process: The decaf beans are processed using the Swiss Water Method, a chemical-free process that effectively removes caffeine while preserving flavor.
Minimal Caffeine Content: The residual caffeine is in the low single-digit milligram range per drink, far less than regular coffee.
Great for Sensitivity: It's an ideal choice for people with caffeine sensitivity who still want to enjoy coffee flavors without the jitters.
Not Completely Caffeine-Free: Despite being mostly decaffeinated, a small, non-zero amount of caffeine is still present, a universal truth for all decaf products.
Size Affects Content: Larger drinks with more decaf espresso shots will have slightly more trace caffeine than smaller versions.

Understanding the Dutch Bros Decaf Process

Dutch Bros stands out by utilizing the Swiss Water Process for its decaffeinated beans, a method that is both chemical-free and highly effective. This approach is a key differentiator from many other decaf options on the market, which may use chemical solvents like methylene chloride. The Swiss Water Process relies on water, temperature, and time to remove caffeine while preserving the coffee's flavor profile.

The Swiss Water Method Explained

The process begins by soaking green (unroasted) coffee beans in hot water to create Green Coffee Extract (GCE). This liquid is full of the coffee's flavor solids but is later run through a charcoal filter to remove the caffeine molecules, which are larger than the flavor molecules. The filtered, caffeine-free GCE is then used to soak the next batch of green coffee beans. Since the water is already saturated with flavor compounds, it can only absorb the caffeine from the new batch of beans, effectively drawing out the stimulant and leaving the flavor intact. This certified method ensures a consistently clean, great-tasting, and nearly caffeine-free cup of coffee.

The Real Caffeine Count in Dutch Bros Decaf

While Dutch Bros can boast that their decaf is 99.9% caffeine-free, it's important to understand what this means for the caffeine content of your final drink. For a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee, the amount of caffeine remaining would be significantly less than 1 milligram. For espresso-based drinks, the caffeine concentration per shot is also extremely low. As studies on other Swiss Water Processed decaf coffees suggest, a typical decaf shot contains between 3 and 15mg of caffeine, though the Dutch Bros claim of 99.9% removal suggests levels may be even lower. The final amount will depend on the drink's size and the number of decaf espresso shots added.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels

Several variables can influence the final, trace amount of caffeine in your cup, even with a highly effective process like Swiss Water:

Drink Size: A larger drink with more decaf espresso shots, like a large decaf Americano, will contain slightly more caffeine than a small one with fewer shots.
Brewing Method: While Dutch Bros primarily uses espresso for decaf drinks, variations in how the shot is pulled can lead to minor differences in caffeine extraction.
Individual Sensitivity: A person highly sensitive to caffeine might feel the effects of even these minimal amounts, while others will not notice any stimulant effect at all.

Decaf vs. Regular Dutch Bros Coffee: A Comparison

To put the small amount of caffeine in Dutch Bros decaf into perspective, consider the average caffeine content of their regular drinks.


Drink Type	Average Caffeine (mg)	Notes
Regular Espresso Shot (Dutch Bros)	~47 mg per single shot	A 20-ounce drink can have 3+ shots, totaling over 140mg.
Dutch Bros Rebel (Energy Drink)	80 mg	This is the base amount per can or in-shop Rebel.
Dutch Bros Decaf Espresso Shot	Trace amounts (<1-2 mg)	Removes 99.9% of caffeine, resulting in minimal residual caffeine.

Who Is Dutch Bros Decaf Best For?

Dutch Bros decaf coffee is an excellent option for a variety of individuals and situations, given its very low caffeine content:

Individuals with Caffeine Sensitivity: Those who experience jitters, anxiety, or an increased heart rate from regular coffee can enjoy the flavor without the side effects.
Late-Night Coffee Drinkers: For people who want to enjoy a warm or cold coffee beverage in the evening without disrupting their sleep schedule, decaf is the perfect choice.
Expectant Mothers: While pregnant women should still consult their doctor about caffeine consumption, Dutch Bros decaf offers a way to safely enjoy coffee in moderation, within recommended daily limits.
Health-Conscious Individuals: For those looking to reduce their overall caffeine intake for health reasons, switching to Dutch Bros decaf is a simple and effective step.

Conclusion

In summary, Dutch Bros decaf coffee contains only trace amounts of caffeine, a result of its effective and chemical-free Swiss Water Process. The typical decaf drink will contain just a few milligrams at most, a minuscule fraction of the caffeine found in a standard regular coffee. This makes it a fantastic option for coffee lovers who are sensitive to caffeine, watching their intake, or simply prefer to enjoy their favorite flavors without the stimulating effects. For anyone needing to avoid caffeine entirely, it's worth noting that no decaffeination process can remove 100% of the stimulant, but Dutch Bros offers one of the lowest-caffeine options available. For more information on the processing method, see the Swiss Water Process website: https://www.swisswater.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not completely caffeine-free. Dutch Bros decaf is produced using the Swiss Water Process, which removes 99.9% of the caffeine, leaving a very small, trace amount.

Dutch Bros uses the Swiss Water Process, a 100% chemical-free method that removes caffeine by soaking beans in water saturated with coffee flavor compounds, leaving the flavor intact.

The caffeine content is drastically lower. While a regular coffee can contain 95 to 200+ mg of caffeine, a decaf drink from Dutch Bros contains only a few milligrams at most, a minuscule fraction of the regular amount.

Most coffee-based drinks, like the Golden Eagle or Caramelizer, can be made with decaf espresso. However, certain drinks like the Freeze or Cold Brew cannot be decaf due to their base ingredients.

Due to its very low caffeine content, Dutch Bros decaf is a suitable option for those moderating caffeine intake. However, pregnant women should always consult their doctor for personalized medical advice.

The Swiss Water Process is designed to preserve the coffee's original flavor profile. While some subtle differences in intensity may be noticeable to a trained palate, most people will find the flavor very comparable to the caffeinated version.

For an espresso-based drink, the total caffeine will depend on the number of shots. The residual caffeine per decaf shot is extremely low, likely under a couple of milligrams, contributing to a minimal total amount even in larger sizes.