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What is Half-Caff Coffee?
Learn all about half-caff coffee and make your own homemade half-caff blend.
Published October 3, 2021
Joachim Estal
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Despite caffeine's mix of positive and negative effects on people, the flavor of coffee continues to be a favorite amongst many. Unfortunately, decaf doesn't really offer the same flavor and experience, especially to palates that are used to the intense, straightforward taste of coffee. So the question is, where do we go from here?
Order a half-caff cup of coffee. It's probably the easiest way to enjoy coffee without having to worry about getting too pumped up. In this article, you will be learning all about half-caff and why limiting caffeine intake is also important.
Regular Vs. Half-Caff Vs. Decaf Coffee
Caffeine is a natural stimulant you can find in coffee that keeps you energized and awake. It can also be found in tea and cacao plants. Caffeine works by stimulating the brain and the central nervous system, helping you stay alert, prevent onset tiredness, and improve your mood.
While we can enumerate many benefits of caffeine to the body and brain, consuming too much is not good for one's health. In addition, some people may have a low tolerance to caffeine, and their bodies may respond negatively after taking even one sip of coffee.
Fortunately, decaf coffee is available for caffeine-intolerant folks. Decaf means that caffeine is removed from the coffee beans before they undergo roasting. About 97 percent of caffeine is removed from the beans through different methods, including exposure to water, carbon dioxide, and various solvents.
After the decaffeination process is complete, the beans may become a little milder in aroma and taste as well. This becomes the unfortunate part when you order a decaf coffee–you don't get to enjoy the same tasteful experience.
This is where a half-caff cup becomes the best choice. Half-caff refers to coffee that composes perfectly blended regular and decaffeinated beans. The combination of both types gives out versatility and retains the aroma, flavor, body, and acidity of caffeinated coffee.
With regards to caffeine content, a regular cup of coffee has about 95 milligrams of caffeine. Meanwhile, a decaffeinated cup has 2 milligrams. One cup of a half-caff contains half the caffeine a cup of coffee normally would have–that's about 50 milligrams of caffeine.
Benefits Of Limiting Your Caffeine Intake
Despite coffee being known to have many health benefits, a person can only safely take up to 400 milligrams or about four cups of regular-sized coffee a day. There are some drawbacks if one consumes too much, though. Adverse health problems such as anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and fatigue may occur.
And so, cutting down your caffeine intake also has its underlying benefits for your body and health. With half-caff coffee, you still get an amount of caffeine's known benefits in brain function, memory, and many more.
Brewing Half-Caff Coffee At Home
If you're too lazy to drop by a coffee house just so you can get your half-caff cup, you can instead make your own blend at home.
Tips on making your half-caff blend
- Choosing the right coffee for you can be quite challenging, so understanding your preferences is really important.
- Arabica beans are the best option if you want a more refined flavor.
- Ensure proper ratios at all times–you can use a weighing scale to ensure you're putting the right proportions.
Step-by-Step Guide In Making Your Half-Caff Coffee
- Begin by putting your decaf coffee beans into a container (make sure the container has a cover for later).
- Match the amount of decaf beans with an equal amount of fully caffeinated beans.
- Make sure what you have inside the container is 50% decaffeinated and 50% caffeinated.
- Cover the container with a lid.
- Shake the container to make sure the beans are evenly incorporated together.
- Your coffee is finally ready for brewing. Scoop the ideal amount of beans, grind, and brew.
Experimenting with coffee-brewing is a fun thing for anybody. With the correct bean choice and patience, you can end up with the perfect half-caff coffee blend.
Final Thoughts
Caffeine is an integral part of our daily lives. For some reason, drinking a cup of coffee has become a habit for most of us. However, we should keep in mind that too much of something is not a good thing. And so, this may be the sign for you to monitor our caffeine intake and take it slow.
You can switch to decaffeinated beans to avoid the negative side effects or at least try going for half-caff to still enjoy the best that coffee has to offer.
About the author
Joachim Estal
8-year barista for a world-class coffee chain from the Philippines. Passionate writer and coffee champion. "Coffee has always been one of my biggest love interests in life. And I am here to share it with all of you through this platform."
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