Is Caribou Coffee Decaffeinated? Answering the Top Questions

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

For over 15 years, Caribou Coffee has used a chemical-free, water-based process to produce its decaf coffee, a method considered safer and more flavor-preserving than traditional solvent-based approaches. So, is Caribou Coffee decaffeinated? The short answer is yes, and they offer several high-quality decaf options for their customers.

Quick Summary

Caribou Coffee provides decaf options made using a chemical-free water decaffeination process that preserves flavor and aroma. The company offers several decaf blends, which can also be used in espresso-based drinks.

Key Points

Water Process Decaf: Caribou Coffee uses a chemical-free, water-based decaffeination process for its decaf offerings, prioritizing taste and purity.
Flavor Preservation: The water process gently removes caffeine while keeping the coffee's original flavor and aroma compounds intact.
Decaf Options: Several decaf blends are available for purchase, including Daybreak Blend Decaf and Caribou Blend Decaf.
Espresso Drinks: Most espresso-based beverages, like lattes and cappuccinos, can be ordered with decaf shots.
No Decaf Cold Brew: The company has discontinued decaf cold brew and certain decaf coolers, though some blended drinks can be customized.
Nutritionally Light: A standard cup of Caribou's brewed decaf is very low in calories and free of sugar and fat.
Safe for Sensitive Consumers: The water process makes Caribou's decaf a safe choice for those sensitive to chemicals used in traditional decaffeination.
Gluten-Free Friendly: The brewed coffee itself is gluten-free, although cross-contamination warnings exist for blended drinks and food items.
Positive Reviews: Customer feedback consistently praises Caribou's decaf for its smooth and robust flavor, often noting it tastes like 'real' coffee.

What Sets Caribou Coffee's Decaf Apart?

Caribou Coffee has long committed to providing a high-quality decaffeinated product. Unlike many conventional decaf coffees that rely on chemical solvents like methylene chloride, Caribou employs a 100% natural, water-based process. This method focuses on removing the caffeine while leaving the bean's natural flavors and nuances intact, ensuring a rich and robust taste that rivals its caffeinated counterparts.

The Water Decaffeination Process Explained

The water decaffeination method is a multistep procedure that prioritizes purity and taste. Here is a breakdown of how it works:

Preparation: The process begins by soaking green (unroasted) coffee beans in hot water. This step draws out both caffeine and the coffee's flavor compounds.
Decaffeination: The flavor-stripped beans are then discarded. The water, which now contains both caffeine and flavor, is passed through an activated carbon filter. This filter traps the larger caffeine molecules, while the smaller flavor compounds pass through, creating 'flavor-charged' water.
Flavor-Charge Soak: A new batch of caffeinated green beans is immersed in this flavor-charged water. Because the water is already saturated with flavor molecules, it only draws the caffeine out of the new beans. The beans absorb the delicious flavors from the initial batch, preserving the coffee's original taste profile.
Ready to Roast: The caffeine-free beans are then dried, cleaned, and sent to the roastery to be roasted into the finished product enjoyed by customers.

Which Caribou Coffee Drinks Can Be Made Decaf?

Beyond just brewed coffee, Caribou offers a range of ways to enjoy decaf. Most, if not all, espresso-based drinks can be made with decaf espresso shots. This includes popular choices like lattes, mochas, and Americanos. For blended options, a user noted that some blended drinks, like a frozen cookies and cream cooler, could be customized with decaf shots, although they pointed out that some decaf blended options like decaf coolers and cold brews have been discontinued.

Decaf Options and Quality Comparison

Caribou offers several specific decaffeinated products, including the popular Decaf Caribou Blend and Daybreak Blend Decaf. Customer reviews for these products often highlight a rich, smooth flavor that doesn't compromise on taste, a direct benefit of the water process.

Decaf Process Comparison: Water vs. Solvent


Feature	Caribou Water Process	Common Solvent Process
Method	Uses only water and activated charcoal filters.	Uses chemical solvents like methylene chloride.
Flavor Impact	Retains natural flavor and nuance, preventing a loss of taste.	Can strip away some natural flavors and alter the taste profile.
Safety	Considered a safer, chemical-free option.	Chemicals are removed, but some consumers may have concerns.
Environmental Impact	More environmentally friendly, relying on water and carbon filters.	Can potentially have a larger environmental footprint depending on waste disposal.
Cost	Typically more expensive due to the careful, multi-step process.	Generally a more cost-effective method.

Nutritional Information

For those monitoring their intake, a standard cup of brewed decaf coffee from Caribou is typically very low in calories, fats, and carbohydrates. For example, an 8 fl oz serving of the ground decaf blend contains only about 2 calories and is free from fat and sugar. This makes it a great choice for those on various diets who want to enjoy the flavor of coffee without the stimulating effects of caffeine.

Conclusion: The Best of Both Worlds

Caribou Coffee's commitment to using a chemical-free water decaffeination process for its products means customers can enjoy flavorful decaf coffee without compromising on quality or taste. With several delicious blends and the option to make espresso-based drinks decaf, Caribou ensures there's a satisfying option for every preference. Their dedication to a more natural process demonstrates that high-quality, full-flavored decaf is not only possible but a priority. For anyone needing to reduce their caffeine intake, Caribou provides a reliable and tasty solution.

For more information on the process, visit the official Caribou Coffee page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Caribou Coffee’s decaf is not made with chemicals. The company uses a chemical-free, natural water decaffeination process that relies solely on water and activated charcoal filters.

Yes, many customer reviews praise Caribou's decaf for its excellent flavor. Because it uses a water decaffeination process, the beans retain their natural taste and aroma, resulting in a rich, smooth, and full-bodied coffee.

Yes. Most espresso-based drinks, such as lattes and Americanos, can be made decaf by substituting with decaf espresso shots. You can also find their decaf blends available as whole beans or K-Cup® pods.

No, according to a former employee, Caribou Coffee has discontinued its decaf cold brew and decaf coolers. Some blended drinks may be customized with decaf shots, but it's best to confirm with a barista.

The brewed coffee itself is considered gluten-free. However, those with severe gluten allergies should be cautious, as some flavorings or food items could cause cross-contamination in the preparation area.

The decaffeination process removes 99.9% of the caffeine from the beans. A cup of decaf will still contain a trace amount of caffeine, but it is a minimal amount compared to regular coffee.

Yes, products like the Caribou Decaf Blend K-Cup Pods are certified Kosher. You can also find kosher certification for their ground decaf coffee.