The decaf coffee movement is gaining momentum as specialty roasters innovate to meet increasing demand. Weihong Zhang of BlendIn Coffee Club recently won the U.S. Brewers Cup with a decaf pour-over, a first in the competition's 20-year history. Around 26 million Americans drink decaf daily, driven by health-conscious choices. Companies like Explorer Cold Brew and Verve are seeing a rise in decaf sales, attributed to consumer awareness of caffeine intake and preferences for healthier options. The FDA is considering banning the European method of decaffeination using methylene chloride, deemed a potential carcinogen by OSHA but considered safe by the National Coffee Association. Many roasters now use the Swiss Water Process, which is chemical-free and removes 99.9% of caffeine. Explorer Cold Brew, for instance, emphasizes being a "caffeine-conscious" brand, experiencing significant sales growth in its low-caffeine and decaf products. As the market evolves, specialty roasters aim to offer premium, health-conscious alternatives to traditional decaf coffee.
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