Beverages, coffee, instant, decaffeinated, prepared with water
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
Instant decaffeinated coffee is a freeze-dried or spray-dried coffee extract that dissolves instantly in hot water, offering the familiar roasted aroma and slightly bitter, earthy flavor of coffee without the caffeine kick. Its texture is light and clean, leaving no sediment when properly prepared, and it contains a negligible 2 calories per 100g, making it a virtually calorie-free beverage. It provides a small amount of carbohydrates (0.43g) from residual coffee compounds, but no fat, fiber, or sugar.
Calorie split: 22% protein · 78% carbs · 0% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its convenience and familiar coffee flavor without the jittery effects of caffeine, making it a comforting ritual at any time of day. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed black, with milk, or as a base for lattes and iced drinks, fitting seamlessly into various cultural coffee traditions.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some find it lacks the depth and complexity of freshly brewed coffee, with a slightly flat or metallic taste, and it may contain trace amounts of acrylamide from the drying process. To counteract any potential bitterness or flatness, pair it with a splash of milk or a small amount of fat (like cream) to enhance mouthfeel, and use filtered water for a cleaner taste. Those sensitive to histamines or oxalates should consume in moderation and stay hydrated.
Key benefits
- Virtually calorie-free, with only 2 kcal per 100g
- Provides a caffeine-free alternative for evening or sensitive individuals
- Contains antioxidants from coffee beans, such as chlorogenic acids
- Extremely convenient and shelf-stable for long periods
- Supports hydration as a non-caloric, warm beverage
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The process of decaffeination was first patented in 1906 by Ludwig Roselius, who used benzene to remove caffeine from coffee beans—a method now replaced by safer techniques like water or CO2 processing.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 98.9 g |
| Energy | 2.0 kcal |
| Energy | 9.0 kj |
| Protein | 0.12 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Ash | 0.19 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.43 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 4.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.04 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 4.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 3.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 36.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 4.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.01 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.01 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.20 ug |
| Fluoride, F | 70.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.28 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 1.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Beverages, carbonated, tonic water — USDA does not publish this profile for Beverages.
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
How is instant decaf coffee made?
It is made by brewing coffee beans, then removing the caffeine through methods like Swiss Water Process or CO2 extraction, followed by freeze-drying or spray-drying the liquid into a soluble powder.
Does instant decaf coffee contain any caffeine?
It contains trace amounts, typically less than 2mg per cup, which is negligible for most people and considered caffeine-free.
Can instant decaf coffee be used in baking?
Yes, it can be dissolved in liquid and added to recipes like cakes, cookies, or frostings to impart a mild coffee flavor without caffeine.
Is instant decaf coffee healthy?
It is a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich beverage that can be part of a healthy diet, but excessive consumption may lead to issues like acid reflux or disrupted sleep in sensitive individuals.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.02 kcal/g · 24% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.11 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.