Hosts looking to limit caffeine in the evening
To keep coffee on the drinks menu without choosing a regular coffee, look for the word “decaffeinated”. Decaf can still contain a small amount of caffeine.
Who are these formats for?
Hosts without a coffee machine on the patio
Decaffeinated instant coffee lets you make a coffee base without a coffee maker. NESCAFÉ’s iced coffee recipe uses instant coffee, water and ice cubes.
People with equipment for making coffee
If you already use a filter coffee maker or a pod machine, choose ground coffee, soft pods or capsules that are specifically suited to your equipment. Remember to allow time for the coffee to cool.
What should you look for before buying?
For drinks on the patio, start with your main priority: limiting caffeine, making coffee without a machine or sticking with your usual brewing method. Your chosen format will determine the equipment and time you’ll need before serving the coffee cold.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine in the evening | Look for the word “decaffeinated” on the specific coffee; don’t assume it means “caffeine-free”. | I want to serve coffee later in the day while limiting the caffeine in this drink. Around 46% of consumers are said to make this their top priority. |
| Making coffee without a machine | Choose coffee that is both instant and decaffeinated; allow it to cool before adding ice cubes. | I make the drinks at the last minute and don’t want to set up a coffee maker on the patio. This would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Format and equipment | Know the difference between ground coffee, soft pods and capsules, and check which system your machine uses. | I’d rather use my usual brewing method, even if the coffee needs to cool before serving. For around 27% of consumers, choosing a format that suits their equipment would come first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing “decaffeinated” with “caffeine-free”
Decaffeinated coffee may still contain caffeine. For decaffeinated coffee in France, the DGCCRF sets a maximum caffeine content of 0.1 g per 100 g of coffee. This limit does not mean there is none.
Check the product description and take account of any other drinks or foods containing caffeine if you’re trying to limit your intake.
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Buying pods without checking your machine
Ground coffee, soft pods and capsules aren’t interchangeable. A pack may not be suitable for the equipment you have.
Identify your machine’s system and check that the specific product is listed as compatible before choosing pods.
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Assuming ready-to-drink cold coffee is decaffeinated
“Cold coffee” describes the drink, not its caffeine content or ingredients. E.Leclerc’s listing for PLANTATION caramel macchiato cold coffee describes a milky coffee drink without presenting it as decaffeinated.
Look specifically for “decaffeinated” and read the ingredients list and nutritional information, including the sugar content per 100 ml.
Brands and retailers to know
NESCAFÉ
One option for making decaffeinated cold coffee using instant coffee.
- Carrefour’s listing for NESCAFÉ Spécial Filtre Décaféiné 100 g says “100% decaffeinated instant coffee”; NESCAFÉ also shares an iced coffee recipe made with instant coffee, water and ice cubes.
- You’ll need to adjust the amount of coffee and account for dilution from the ice cubes as you prepare it.
Carte Noire
Decaffeinated ground coffee and pods to suit different brewing methods.
- Carte Noire presents its ground Décaféiné Pur Arabica for filter coffee makers and offers Décaféiné N°5 soft pods.
- Ground coffee, soft pods and capsules are designed for different uses and machines.
Carrefour
The retailer provides a detailed listing for decaffeinated instant coffee that can be used as a base for homemade drinks.
- The listing for NESCAFÉ Spécial Filtre Décaféiné specifies a 100 g pack and the ingredient “100% decaffeinated instant coffee”.
- Check the details of the specific product you choose rather than assuming they apply to another instant coffee.
E.Leclerc
Its listings for cold drinks help you tell a coffee drink apart from one that is explicitly decaffeinated.
- The listing for PLANTATION caramel macchiato cold coffee describes a milky coffee drink.
- This product isn’t presented as decaffeinated; that doesn’t tell you anything about other products from the retailer.
Decaffeinated coffee and drinks on Joybuy
These products offer several ways to prepare a drink for serving with drinks and nibbles: plain instant coffee, capsules for a compatible machine, ground coffee to brew and café au lait sticks. For brewed coffee and products that call for hot water, allow time for them to cool before serving. Don’t assume a product is designed to be made with cold water.
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NESCAFÉ Decaf Filter Coffee, 100 g
For making a decaffeinated coffee base without a coffee maker, then cooling it before adding ice cubes.
Decaffeinated instant coffee in a 100 g jar. The amount of water and the ice cubes affect the strength of your drink.
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CARTE NOIRE Nespresso Demi, 30 decaffeinated capsules
For making individual servings with a machine that accepts the stated capsule system, then cooling the coffee before serving.
Pack of 30 capsules described as decaffeinated and compatible with Nespresso. Check they’re compatible with your machine model.
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CARTE NOIRE Decaf Espresso Coffee No. 5, 10 aluminium capsules
For brewing decaffeinated coffee with a compatible machine and cooling it before serving with drinks.
Pack of 10 aluminium capsules. The Joybuy listing states that they’re compatible with Nespresso; check which system your machine accepts.
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GIMOKA GRAN RELAX, 250 g decaffeinated ground coffee
Worth considering if you have a suitable brewing method and can make the coffee in advance so it has time to cool.
250 g pack of decaffeinated ground coffee. Check that the grind is suitable for your equipment before buying.
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AGF Blendy stick Cafe au Lait Decaffeinated, 6 sticks
For anyone who’d prefer individual portions of decaffeinated café au lait rather than plain instant coffee.
Box of 6 sticks. Check the ingredients list and preparation instructions if you plan to serve the drink cold.
Frequently asked questions
Is decaffeinated coffee completely caffeine-free?
No. “Decaffeinated” doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no caffeine at all. For decaffeinated coffee in France, the DGCCRF sets a maximum of 0.1 g of caffeine per 100 g of coffee.
Can you make decaffeinated cold coffee in advance?
Yes, you can make the coffee base before your drinks gathering and leave it to cool. NESCAFÉ, for example, suggests making its iced coffee in advance and chilling it. If you add milk or a plant-based alternative, follow the storage instructions for that product too.
Is ready-to-drink cold coffee always decaffeinated?
No. Look for the word “decaffeinated” on the specific product. E.Leclerc’s PLANTATION caramel macchiato cold coffee is described as a milky coffee drink, but isn’t presented as decaffeinated.
Will a decaffeinated capsule work in any machine?
No. Compatibility depends on the capsule system and the machine model. The CARTE NOIRE Decaf Espresso Coffee No. 5 capsules listed on Joybuy are described as compatible with Nespresso; they shouldn’t be confused with Carte Noire soft pods.