Coffee is a cornerstone of modern life. It's a ritual that shapes our days. From morning wake-ups to social gatherings, coffee is omnipresent. However, the caffeine content often leads people to switch to decaf. Recent studies show that over 26 million Americans consume decaf daily. The taste has improved, but there’s a catch: many decaf brands use methylene chloride, a potentially harmful chemical. OSHA warns that methylene chloride is a likely carcinogen. The FDA and EPA are working to ban its use in food production. Meanwhile, the Swiss Water method offers a safer, chemical-free decaf option. Brands like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts have been found safe, while others like Maxwell House and Kirkland Signature still contain methylene chloride. The coffee community is at a crossroads, balancing between taste and safety.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.