Swiss Water Process

100% chemical-free decaffeination process.

Most decaffeinated coffee uses chemical solvents such as methylene chloride or ethyl acetate to strip caffeine molecules from the green coffee bean. However, the proprietary Swiss Water® Process uses water from the pristine environment of the coast mountains of British Columbia, Canada to gently remove the caffeine until the coffee beans are 99.9% caffeine-free. This maintains the bean’s distinctive origin and flavor characteristics. The SWISS WATER® Process is a taste-driven, 100% chemical-free decaffeination process that protects the unique origin characteristics and flavor of premium coffee beans.

Our ecology-friendly water decaffeination process uses simple science to remove caffeine from green coffee beans. Still, it’s a bit more complicated than your average high school science class, so in short let’s just say you’re getting all the things you love about coffee without the caffeine. But let’s consult this fancy flow chart.

(graphic provided by the Swiss Water®)

People drink decaffeinated coffee for a variety of reasons. However, it’s important to know that decaffeination methods vary. Most use chemical solvents such as methylene chloride or ethyl acetate to strip caffeine molecules from the green coffee bean. And some leave behind more caffeine than you would think.

How do you know how your coffee is decaffeinated? This is difficult unless the coffee package labeling identifies the method or process. Coffee brands using Swiss Water® Process communicate their decaffeination choice by use of the Swiss Water® Process seal or wordmark.

It’s a way to help you know.  Total science geek? Check out the hyper-detailed description of the process.

Watch this video that explains the Swiss Water® Decaffeination Process

Trade-marks of Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company Inc., used under license by Stringbeans, L.L.C.