How Decaf Coffee is Made: From Farm to Cup

Coffee is one of life’s greatest contradictions: it fuels our mornings, but it can wreck our nights. Enter decaf, a way to enjoy the flavor and ritual of coffee without the all-night staring contest with your ceiling. But let’s be clear: decaf isn’t the whole story. At Control Freak, we’re obsessed with creating a system that lets you choose your buzz, from 0% to 100%. Because sometimes you need a rocket launch, and sometimes you just need a soft landing.

This is how decaf gets made, and how it fits into the bigger picture of caffeine control.

Step One: Sourcing with Intention

Before decaf is even an option, the beans have to be excellent. No compromises. Farmers harvest green coffee beans the same way they do for regular coffee. The difference comes later, when caffeine gets the boot. But even here, sourcing matters. That’s why Control Freak beans are always responsibly grown and meticulously selected. Decaf shouldn’t taste like an afterthought.

Step Two: Caffeine, Meet the Exit Door

Here’s where the science kicks in. Green coffee beans are soaked, steamed, or rinsed to loosen the caffeine. Then one of a few methods takes over: 

• Swiss Water Process: A clean, chemical-free method where water and activated carbon filters draw out caffeine molecules. Think of it as the minimalist’s choice.

•CO₂ Method: Pressurized carbon dioxide swoops in, binds to caffeine, and leaves the flavor compounds behind. Geeky and effective.

• Sugarcane Process: This method involves using ethyl acetate (a naturally occurring compound derived from fermented sugarcane molasses) to extract caffeine from green coffee beans. Sweet, smooth, approachable, with no “decaf” taste stigma.

Each approach removes around 97-99% of the caffeine, while protecting the flavor you love.

Step Three: Roast and Reveal

Once the beans are decaffeinated, they’re roasted with the same care as their fully caffeinated cousins. That’s where the magic happens: caramelization, aroma, depth. Decaf doesn’t get a free pass; it gets the same meticulous treatment. Because coffee without caffeine still deserves to be coffee worth drinking.

Step Four: Brew Your Balance

Now, the fun part: deciding how decaf fits into your vibe. Some people go full 0% to avoid jitters, anxiety, or sleepless nights. Others mix decaf with regular coffee to dial in a smoother curve of energy throughout the day. That’s exactly why Control Freak exists; not to force you into one lane, but to hand you the wheel.

Control Freak = A Caffeine System

Here’s the kicker: decaf isn’t the punchline, it’s part of the punchline. With Control Freak, you can scale your caffeine from 0% to 100%, sip by sip.

• 0% Just Vibes. For late-night sippers, anxiety avoiders, or anyone who just wants the flavor without the fallout.

• 25% Lightly Buzzed. A gentle nudge when you need focus without the shakes.

• 50% Balanced. Enough energy to stay sharp, but smooth enough to sip all day.

• 75% Controlled Chaos. A kick of energy that still respects your boundaries.

• 100% Full Throttle. Morning rocket fuel, gym-time PRs, and deadlines that won’t wait.

It’s not just decaf. It’s not just caffeine. It’s a system; coffee with boundaries, built for whatever your day demands. Coffee that helps you #ManifestYourVibe without compromise.

Sip Slow. Stay in Control.

Decaf coffee has come a long way; it’s no longer the flat, flavorless cup your grandma endured. But what makes it truly powerful isn’t just the process. It’s the freedom it gives you to stay in control of your caffeine, your energy, and your day.

At Control Freak, we don’t just sell beans. We sell balance. Whether that means all buzz, no buzz, or something in between, we’ve got your back.

Caffeine with Control. Manifest Your Vibe.