Coffees Without Caffeine
Coffee has become an integral part of lives in many countries. There are numerous coffee variations and blends, and some of these also contain caffeine, sometimes in varying degrees of intensity. Starbucks, in particular, is known for its wide range of coffee and espresso blends, and many customers often ask the question whether all their coffee and espresso drinks contain the stimulant, caffeine.
The answer to this question is both yes and no. Though the popular coffeehouse chain does serve beverages with varying levels of caffeine, it also offers some beverages without it. In fact, Starbucks has a line of coffee and espresso drinks that are specifically made without caffeine.
These caffeine-free drinks come in different flavors and varieties. Some of them are as follows:
– Decaffeinated Coffee
– herbal Teas
– Caffe Mélange
– Steamed Milk
– Frappuccino Blended Juice
– Milk-based Choices
Basically, you can order any of these drinks in your favorite Starbucks locations worldwide. There is no need to worry about the taste as these drinks are still very much flavorful without the stimulant.
The Process of Decaffeination
Starbucks’ special selection of caffeine-free beverages is the result of a careful process called decaffeination. This is one of the most popular methods that are used to remove the caffeine in coffee beans. It is a natural process involving several steps.
First, the beans are soaked in water and heated. This step aids in the extraction of caffeine found in the coffee’s natural oils. The beans are then added to a solution of either flavored or unfavored water, which leads to releasing more caffeine molecules.
Afterward, the beans are re-steamed to remove the water and solution, thus making them ready for re-adding the oils and taste that was previously taken away. Finally, the beans are dried, roasted and ground. Resulting from these steps, the original flavor of the beans is retained, and at the same time, more than 95 percent of its caffeine content is removed.
The Health Benefits of Caffeine-free Drinks
Caffeine-free beverages from Starbucks can be beneficial for those who are avoiding caffeine. As these drinks are made using natural processes, they contain some of the health benefits of regular coffee.
One of these benefits is that these drinks are generally believed to be healthier than regular coffee. This is because caffeine-free beverages still contain antioxidants and health-promoting components such as chlorogenic acid, a compound found in green coffee beans.
Another advantage of caffeine-free drinks is that they provide more hydration when compared to regular coffee. As they don’t have diuretic properties such as caffeine, they have the potential to hydrate the body.
Staying Alert Without Caffeine
Despite the lack of caffeine, caffeine-free drinks from Starbucks can still help to keep you going during periods of tiredness. This is because milk-based beverages such as cappuccino and latte offer protein, vitamins and minerals which are essential for energy production.
Furthermore, herbal teas contain numerous compounds and compounds which are thought to help boost energy levels in the body. These compounds also offer a natural energizing effect, which can help to wake you up naturally.
Decaffeinated vs. Regular Coffee
Though the process of decaffeination can help to remove caffeine from coffee beans, it is important to note that decaffeinated coffee is not the same as regular coffee. This is because the process removes some of the flavor compounds and health-promoting compounds that are present in regular coffee.
For this reason, regular coffee is often a healthier choice than decaffeinated coffee. However, as discussed earlier, there are numerous health benefits associated with both types of coffee.
Conclusion
Starbucks offers beverages with or without caffeine. Its range of caffeine-free beverages are made using a trademarked process called decaffeination, which helps to retain the original flavor of the beans, while at the same time removing over 95 percent of caffeine content.
Caffeine-free drinks from Starbucks can offer a number of health benefits, such as containing antioxidants and health-promoting components, and providing more hydration than regular coffee. They can also help to stay alert during periods of tiredness, as some drinks contain proteins, vitamins and minerals which are essential for energy production.
However, it is important to note that decaffeinated coffee is not the same as regular coffee and for this reason, regular coffee is often a healthier choice.
