If you love the taste of coffee but not always the caffeine, you’ve probably wondered: how is decaf coffee made?
Not all decaffeination methods are created equal. At Eclipse, our decaffeinated coffee uses the Swiss Water® Process — a chemical-free method designed to preserve flavour while removing caffeine.
Below We'll break down what that actually means!
What Is Swiss Water Process Decaf Coffee?
The Swiss Water® Process is a natural decaffeination method that removes caffeine using only water, temperature, and carbon filtration — no chemical solvents.
The process takes place in British Columbia, Canada, at a dedicated Swiss Water facility that has been refining this technique for decades.
Unlike traditional solvent-based decaffeination methods, the Swiss Water Process gently extracts caffeine while protecting the coffee’s natural flavour compounds.
The result? A decaf coffee that still tastes like coffee.
How Does the Swiss Water Process Work?
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how Swiss Water Process decaf coffee is made:
1. Green Coffee Beans Are Soaked
Un-roasted green coffee beans are immersed in hot water to dissolve caffeine and flavour compounds.
2. Caffeine Is Removed Through Carbon Filtration
The water passes through a proprietary carbon filter that captures caffeine molecules while allowing flavour compounds to remain.
3. Flavour-Rich Water Is Reused
The now caffeine-free green coffee extract (already saturated with flavour compounds) is used to process fresh beans. Because the water contains flavour elements, only caffeine continues to be removed.
This process removes approximately 99% of caffeine while maintaining the coffee’s natural taste characteristics.
Is Swiss Water Process Decaf Chemical-Free?
Yes! The Swiss Water Process uses:
- Water
- Temperature
- Osmosis
- Carbon filtration
There are no chemical solvents involved in this method, which is an important distinction for many coffee drinkers.
Does Swiss Water Decaf Taste Different?
Historically, decaf had a reputation for tasting flat or dull.
That was often due to chemical solvent methods, lower-quality green coffee, and over-roasting to mask flavour loss.
But modern Swiss Water Process decaf is different. When high-quality specialty-grade coffee beans are used — evaluated using standards developed by the Specialty Coffee Association — the result can be balanced, sweet, and smooth.
At Eclipse, we choose decaf beans that stand on their own, not as an afterthought.
Why Choose Swiss Water Process Decaf?
Swiss Water Process decaf is a great option for anyone who loves coffee but wants to reduce caffeine — whether that’s in the evenings, a (temporary) caffeine hiatus, or simply as part of a slower routine.
Because it uses only water and filtration, the process might also align well with individuals who value transparency and ingredient integrity.
More importantly, it preserves what actually matters: flavour.
You still get sweetness.
You still get balance.
You still get the character of the bean, just without the caffeine rush.
Our Approach to Decaf at Eclipse
We don’t treat decaf as an afterthought.
Like every coffee we roast, our Swiss Water Process decaf starts with high-quality Arabica beans. We carefully develop the roast profile, cup each batch for quality, and package it fresh with a clear roast date.
Decaf shouldn’t feel like a compromise — and when it’s done well, it doesn’t.
If you’re searching for chemical-free decaf coffee in Canada, the Swiss Water® Process is considered one of the cleanest and most flavour-preserving methods available.
A Final Thought on Decaf
For a long time, decaf had a reputation for being flat or lifeless. But modern water-process methods have changed that. With the right green coffee and careful roasting, you can enjoy a full, satisfying cup, just without the caffeine jitters. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
If you’re curious to taste the difference, explore our Swiss Water® decaf roasted fresh in Canmore.
