This is our review of the best decaf ground coffees in 2024.
I’m Tim, an avid coffee enthusiast, and daily drinker. I brew my own coffee and espresso drinks every day and study it, so you don’t have to.
My top choice for the best decaf ground coffee is No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee because it great sweet blueberry/milk chocolate flavor and has less caffeine than most decaf coffees. It is a perfect choice if you want the least caffeine possible and a great taste.
No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee: Best Overall
- Roast: Medium-dark
- Flavor profile:
- Sweet blueberry and milk chocolate
- Available In: 12 oz bag, 2 lb pack
- Best for: Drip coffee, pour-over
- Grind size: Medium
- Origin: Multiple origins
- Organic: USDA Organic
However, like all coffee, the best decaf is extremely subjective. As such, my top choice might not be the best one for you. For example, you might prefer a dark roast or a lower-cost option instead.
Fortunately for you, we thought about that. We understand that a single decaf ground coffee won’t be everyone’s favorite. So, we made this list of the top nine options.
So keep reading to learn all about them.
Top 9 Ground Decaf Coffees
- No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee – Best Decaf
- Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast Decaf – Runner Up
- McCafe Medium Roast Ground Coffee – Best Budget-Friendly
- Lavazza Espresso Decaffeinated Ground Coffee– Best Decaf Espresso Grounds
- Lavazza Dek Decaffeinato Ground Coffee Blend – Best in UK
- Tim Hortons Decaf Blend Ground Coffee – Best in Australia
- Starbucks Decaf Ground Coffee, Pike Place – Best Decaf Starbucks Ground Coffee
- Maxwell House The Original Roast Decaf – Best Supermarket Decaf Grounds
- Volcanica Brazil Decaf Coffee– Best Organic Decaf Grounds
9 Best Decaf Ground Coffee in 2024
Here are reviews of the best decaf ground coffee.
1. No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee – Best Overall
Roast | Medium-dark |
Flavor profile | Sweet blueberry and milk chocolate |
Available In | 12 oz bag, 2 lb pack |
Best for | Drip coffee, pour-over |
Grind size | Medium |
Price | $$ |
Origin | Multi-origin |
Organic | USDA Organic |
Pros
- 99.9% caffeine removed via the Swiss Water Process
- Certified USDA Organic and Fair Trade
- No additives or flavorings
Cons
- Pricier than other decaf ground coffees
No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee is a medium-dark decaffeinated roast that is the best choice for those who want the least amount of caffeine with a great tasting experience.
No Fun Jo uses the Swiss Water Process to extract 99.9% of the caffeine from the beans without the use of chemicals. Instead, the process utilizes water, temperature, and time.[1]
This coffee contains lower levels of caffeine compared to other decaffeinated coffee.
Additionally, it has no sweeteners, additives, or flavorings. And the coffee beans used in No Jo are certified by USDA and Fairtrade.
The No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee is packaged in a 12 oz bag and has a unique blueberry and milk chocolate taste. Additionally, it has a pleasant, smooth texture that goes down easily.
The coffee has a medium-coarse grind, making it suitable for drip coffee machines, French presses, cold brews, and pour-over coffee brewing methods.
While the No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee may be pricier than other decaf options, its reduced caffeine content and superior taste justify the cost.
All in all, the No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee is a great option for those seeking a delicious and nutritious decaffeinated cup of decaf coffee.
Are sweet blueberries and chocolate not your flavor preference? If so, check out our runner-up, Lifeboost’s decaf medium roast.
2. Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast Decaf – Runner Up
Roast | Medium |
Flavor profile | Mellow, smooth, low acid |
Available In | 12 oz bag |
Best for | Drip machines, pour-over coffee |
Grind size | Medium |
Price | $$ |
Origin | Single Origin – Nicaragua |
Organic | USDA Certified Organic |
Pros
- Zero additives
- Grown at high altitude (more richness/flavor)
- Low acidity
Cons
- More expensive than average decaf grounds
- Too strong for some
The Lifeboost Coffee decaf medium roast ground coffee is a great option for individuals seeking a robust and intense taste in their coffee drinks.
These decaf grounds have less acidic compared to other brands. This is due to Lifeboost growing them in a high-altitude environment, which allows them to absorb more nutrients and enhances their flavor.
The decaf grounds have a strong and robust taste that complements various coffee drinks. It has a bold and smooth texture with low acidity, making it suitable to pair with milk, creamers, and sweeteners without altering its flavor.
This 12 oz bag of Lifeboost Coffee decaf ground coffee displays the roast date for freshness.
The decaf grounds are USDA Certified Organic (by NFC) and have undergone third-party testing for mycotoxins and pesticides. This ensures the decaf grounds are pure and natural.
The Lifeboost decaf grounds have a strong taste that many enjoy, but those who prefer a milder option may opt for a different roast.
One disadvantage is its higher cost compared to similar decaf grounds. However, it is cultivated in the high-altitude mountains of Nicaragua, resulting in enhanced nutrient absorption, flavor, and richness.
If you find Lifeboost decaf grounds too expensive, you may want to consider McCafe Medium Roast Ground Decaf Coffee as a more affordable option.
3. McCafe Medium Roast Ground Decaf Coffee – Best Budget-Friendly
Roast | Medium |
Flavor profile | Smooth and bold |
Available In | 12 oz bag |
Best for | Drip coffee machines, pour-overs |
Grind size | Medium |
Price | $ |
Origin | Multi-origin |
Organic | N/A |
Pros
- More affordable than other options
- Indistinguishable taste from the caffeinated version
- Available in most grocery chains and online
Cons
- Smaller amount of grounds (10 oz)
- Tastes different than ordering from McDonald’s to some
McCafe Medium Roast Ground Decaf Coffee is a low-cost and great tasting option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly ground decaf coffee.
This medium roast has a smooth and bold flavor profile that tastes so similar to McDonald’s famous caffeinated coffee you won’t be able to tell the difference.
These medium grind grounds are available in a 12 oz bag. It is ideal for drip coffee, pour-over, or cold brews.
McCafe Medium Roast Decaf Grounds are 100% responsibly sourced, meaning they are procured from farms with ethical and environmentally friendly growing standards.
Its price is much lower than other decaf ground coffees. Its low price makes it one of the best options for decaf drinkers on a budget.
McDonald’s sources the Arabica beans for these decaf grounds from around the world. However, it does not disclose which countries and regions.
One downside of these McCafe decaf grounds is that sometimes doesn’t taste exactly like the coffee you order in person at McDonald’s. Some people claim they notice a difference, but I did not.
While the McCafe Decaf grounds are low-cost and taste great, they aren’t for everyone. Some online reviewers write that the decaf coffee is too bland.
If you’re looking for something that packs more of a punch instead, check out the Lavazza Espresso Decaffeinated Ground Coffee instead.
4. Lavazza Espresso Decaffeinated Ground Coffee- Best Decaf Espresso Grounds
Roast | Medium |
Flavor profile | Sweet and fruity |
Available In | 8 oz can, 8.8 oz bag |
Best for | Espresso machines, Moka pot |
Grind size | Fine |
Price | $ |
Origin | Multi-origin |
Organic | N/A |
Pros
- 99.9% caffeine removed with the CO2 decaffeination process
- Rich flavor and full body
Cons
- Too bitter for some drinkers
Lavazza Espresso Decaffeinated Ground Coffee is a medium roast decaf espresso. This makes it the best option for who wish to enjoy espresso without experiencing the effects of caffeine.
Lavazza uses the CO2 decaffeination process, a chemical-free method, to remove 99.9% of caffeine while preserving the flavor and other qualities.
By using this method, it is possible to savor a flavorful espresso with a full-bodied taste without experiencing excessive caffeine stimulation.
Lavazza Espresso Decaffeinated Ground Coffee comes in an 8 oz can and has a taste similar to other leading brands of caffeinated espresso grounds.
The price of this decaf ground espresso is reasonable when compared to others. It may be slightly pricier, but its quality and flavor make it worth it.
The Lavazza Espresso Decaffeinated Ground Coffee is the best option for individuals who desire a delicious espresso beverage without caffeine.
Looking for the best ground decaf in the UK? Lavazza has another staple you can try.
5. Lavazza Dek Decaffeinato Ground Coffee Blend – Best in UK
Roast | Medium |
Flavor profile | Dried fruit |
Available In | 250g bag (4 pack) |
Best for | Espresso machine, french press, pour-over, drip machines |
Grind size | Fine |
Price | $$ |
Origin | Multi-origin, Central America |
Organic | N/A |
Pros
- Dried fruit notes
- Moderate Intensity
- Great for Moka Pots and espresso machines
Cons
- Tastes to bland to some
The Lavazza, Dek Decaffeinato Ground Coffee Blend is a perfect option for UK coffee drinkers.
It’s a 30% Robusta and 70% Arabica espresso roast blend with a mild “3/10” intensity, meaning it is on the weaker side of espresso beverages. Since it’s pretty mild, it goes well as black coffee and with milk and creamers too.
It is a fine grind so it brews best in Moka Pots and espresso machines, including Delonghis and Brevilles. And the price of this decaf ground coffee is comparable to other options available in the UK.
The Lavazza Dek Decaffeinato Ground Coffee Blend ground decaf coffee is vacuum-sealed in 250 g bags, which prolongs its flavor and freshness.
You can purchase it in a single-pack or four-pack online or at several local grocery stores.
A few online reviewers mentioned a short expiration date upon receiving their orders, but the majority of reviews are positive. So this seems to happen rarely.
Keep reading for the best ground coffee in Australia.
6. Tim Hortons Decaf Blend Ground Coffee, – Best in Australia
Roast | Medium |
Flavor profile | Medium body, smooth finish |
Available In | 6-pack of 12 oz bags |
Best for | Pour-over, drip machines |
Grind size | Mdium |
Price | $$ |
Origin | Multi-origin |
Organic | N/A |
Pros
- Consistent flavor
- Low acidity
Cons
- Medium roast too mild for some espresso drinkers
The Tim Hortons Decaf Blend decaf ground coffee is the best decaf grounds in Australia. It has a consistent, balanced flavor, is all-natural, and tastes great.
It is made from nine varieties of 100% Arabica coffee beans, which illy sources from multiple countries/regions. It is a medium roast, which is neither too strong nor too weak. It has a unique tasting note of toasted bread.
Tim Hortons uses the Swiss Water process to remove caffeine from its coffee beans. This is a chemical-free process that removes the most caffeine possible.
The flavor of these decaf espresso grounds is balanced and smooth. And while many Australian drinkers find it strong enough for their coffee drinks, some do not. That said, it does make an appealing, unique beverage.
These decaf grounds come in 12-ounce bags that you can buy in most grocery stores. You can also purchase a case of six bags through online retailers like Amazon.
Tim Hortons has been making sustainable coffee since 1964, demonstrating its long track record of quality coffee.
If Tim Hortons Decaf Blend decaf ground coffee doesn’t sound appealing to you, perhaps a familiar Starbucks roast does.
7. Starbucks Decaf Ground Coffee, Pike Place Roast – Best Decaf Starbucks Ground Coffee
Roast | Medium |
Flavor profile | Cocao and rich praline |
Available In | 12 oz bag and 3-pack |
Best for | Drip coffee, pour-over |
Grind size | Medium |
Price | $$ |
Origin | Mutli-origin, Asia Pacific and Latin America |
Organic | N/A |
Pros
- Available online, in supermarkets, and at your local Starbucks
- Consistent flavor
- Ethically sourced
Cons
- Pricey
- Only available in a 3-pack online
Starbuck’s Pike Place ground decaf coffee is the perfect choice for casual decaf coffee drinkers. If you order a decaf in Starbucks’ coffee shops, Pike Place is what they will serve you.
The caffeinated version of Pike Place is the company’s signature blend (its namesake is the street of their first coffee shop). It is a flavorful medium roast with a balance of smooth, rich flavors. And the decaf grounds taste no different than the caffeinated version.
These decaf grounds have a medium grind size, making it best to use with a regular drip coffee brewer and pour-over method.
But it isn’t the most affordable ground coffee available. However, it isn’t overly expensive.
The Pike Place decaf is a mass-produced coffee, but Starbucks only uses ethically-sourced Arabica beans from Latin America.
While it tastes great, I consider Pike Place a “safe” coffee. What I mean is that it isn’t anything out of the ordinary. It is not unique, but it is great for your daily drink. Plus, it is good if you want the same coffee, you order from your local Starbucks coffee shop at home.
One downside is that it is only available in a 3-pack of 12 oz bags online (in stores may vary). And while the roast dates are generally recent, if you get three medium bags at once, you better have good plans to drink it.
You can purchase Pike Place pre-ground decaf coffee at your local Starbucks, online (Amazon, Starbucks.com, etc.), or at your local Walmart or other supermarkets.
If you want it as fresh as possible though, buy whole beans and take it to your local Starbucks. They will grind it for you completely free of charge.
If you’re looking for a different decaf from the supermarket, check out the Maxwell House The Original Roast Decaf.
8. Maxwell House The Original Roast Decaf – Best Supermarket Decaf Grounds
Roast | Medium |
Flavor profile | Classic and rich |
Available In | 29.3 oz can |
Best for | Drip coffee machines, pour-over coffee |
Grind size | Medium |
Price | $ |
Origin | Multiple origin |
Organic | N/A |
Pros
- Cost effective
- Mild strength
- Subtle flavors
Cons
- Only large 29.3 oz can available
- Some find the flavor too weak
The Maxwell House The Original Roast Decaf is the top decaf grounds you can pick up at most US supermarkets.
It is a mild-flavored medium roast and not overpowering. That said, if you like stronger coffee, you may find this to be too weak.
This Maxwell House decaf coffee has a great balance of flavor and strength. It goes well on its own (i.e., black coffee) and with milk, creamer, and/or sugar. However, using too much creamer or sugar can easily overpower this decaf coffee’s flavor.
This Maxwell House coffee is much less expensive compared to other ground decaf coffees, including Starbucks, illy, Lavazza, etc.. For example, 29.3 oz of this Maxwell House decaf costs about the same as 12 oz of a Starbucks decaf.
So, if you’re on a tight budget or have a frugal mindset, this coffee is a great option that you can get at most supermarkets. And since the container is so large, it is a good decaf coffee for cafeterias.
This can of decaf grounds has a resealable lid, which helps “lock in freshness”. This increases the time you have before it starts to go stale.
But for some coffee drinkers, 29.3 oz may be too much to use before it goes stale, especially if you’re the only one using it.
If this decaf coffee sounds too weak for you, look at Volcanica’s decaf option instead.
9. Volcanica Brazil Decaf Coffee- Best Organic Decaf Grounds
Roast | Medium |
Flavor profile | Sweet chocolate notes |
Available In | 16 oz bag |
Best for | Pour over and drip coffee machines |
Grind size | Medium |
Price | $$ |
Origin | Single Origin, Brazil |
Organic | Organically grown |
Pros
- Ethically sourced
- Exotic taste (grown in volcanic regions)
Cons
- Large bag (16 oz)
- Too weak for some
The Volcanica Brazil Decaf Coffee grounds are best for people who want to drink organically grown decaf.
This medium roast has an exotic flavor with sweetness, chocolate notes, and a well-balanced acidity. Volcanic grows the beans for this ground decaf in volcanic regions in Brazil, the unique soil gives the coffee a remarkable taste.
Compared to other decaf coffee grounds, the Volcanica Brazil roast is above average. More expensive than most brands on average, but not so much that it empties your wallet.
Like all Volcanica coffee, this roast is organically grown, Fair-Trade Certified, and Rainforest Alliance Certified. This means its coffee beans use ethical growing practices and are free of chemicals, additives, pesticides, etc.
These Volcanica decaf coffee grounds come in 16 oz bags. For some decaf coffee drinkers, that is too much to use before it goes stale, especially if you’re the only one in your house that drinks decaf.
Decaf Ground Coffee Buying Guide
Here are the most important considerations when you are looking for ground decaf coffee to purchase. For more information, see our complete coffee-buying guide.
What to consider | Why it’s important |
Roast | Dark roasts have a richer and stronger taste than medium and light roasts |
Grind Size | Critical for your brewing method, i.e. drip coffee, espresso machine, pour-over, French press, Moka pot, etc. |
Decaffeination process | The Swiss Water Process removes more caffeine than the Natural Method |
The right type for your beverage | Different grind sizes suit different drinks better, like coffee, cold brew, and espresso. |
Certifications | Many people find organic, fairtrade, etc., important |
Price/Budget | Decaf coffee grounds can range from low-cost to expensive |
Single vs multi-origin | Single-origin coffee grounds usually have a fuller flavor than multi-origin grounds |
Packaging/roast date | A recent roast date means the coffee grounds are fresher |
Extra features | Additional aspects like flavorings, infusions, additives, (like MCT oil or mushrooms) are important to some |
Roast
The roasting type (ranging from dark to light/blonde) of decaf coffee is an important factor when choosing ground decaf. Lighter roasts usually have milder flavors than dark roasts, which tend to be bolder and more intense.
Depending on the day, you may like lighter roasts, darker roasts, or both. It is up to your taste buds on which you decide to try. Decaffeinated coffee beans can have the same roast levels as their caffeinated counterparts.
Roast | Flavor | Best for |
Light roast | Mild to medium | Coffee drinks |
Medium roast | Medium | Coffee drinks, cold brew |
Dark roast | Strong | Coffee and espresso drinks |
Espresso roast | Very strong | Espresso drinks |
Grind size
Your ground decaf coffee’s grind size is another consideration when you choose your coffee. The grind size ranges from fine to coarse, which affects how fast water and coffee mix in your brewing method. And it plays a factor in how much flavor it extracts from the beans.
Coarse ground decaf coffee is best in French presses, pour-over brewing methods, and cold brews. Medium grinds are best in drip coffee machines, pour-overs, and K-cups. Fine grind sizes are best in espresso machines and moka pots. Read more in our coffee grind size guide.
Grind Size | Best for |
Fine | Espresso machines and Moka Pots |
Medium | Drip machines and pour over |
Medium-coarse | Drip machines, pour over, and French press |
Coarse | French press and cold brew |
The right type for your beverage
While you’re deciding on the ground decaf you want to purchase, have the type of beverage you plan on brewing in mind. For example, a coarse grind with your favorite roast would be best if you want a cup of coffee brewed in your French press.
On the other hand, if you’re using an espresso machine, find an espresso roast with a fine grind.
Certifications
When you choose your decaf ground coffee, consider organic or Fair Trade certifications. These certifications help ensure the coffee was sustainably grown, harvested, and supported the farmers who produced it.
Additionally, the USDA-certified organic mark indicates the coffee has no artificial flavors, colorings, preservatives, or other additives/pesticides added/used.
Whether you don’t want additives from a health and/or environmental standpoint, USDA-certified Organic ensures just that.
And with decaf ground coffee, it is just as easy to find one with these certifications as regular coffee.
Price/Budget
When choosing ground decaf coffee, an important factor is the price. You’ll see a big range in prices and quality of ground decaf coffees on the market. As such, you need to know how much you want to spend on your decaf grounds before you start shopping.
The price for ground decaf coffee ranges from $8 to $25, depending on quantity, quality, and bean type, and decaffeination method. For example, you can buy a lower-quality 30-oz can of decaf grounds for around $10 or a higher-quality 12-oz container for $16.
Single-origin vs Multi-origin
Another thing worth considering is single-origin versus multi-origin beans.
Single-origin decaf coffee grounds are made of beans from a single source. The single source can be one country, region, or farm. Usually, it has unique tasting notes, less acid, or other unique characteristics, which sometimes makes it more expensive.
Conversely, multi-origin decaf grounds use beans from multiple sources. As such, it has a blend of flavors and may be more affordable.
Multiple-origin decaf coffee may have several different tasting notes, while single-origin typically has a more consistent flavor. I usually go for single-origin decaf coffee, but I sometimes prefer multiple-origin.
Packaging date
Another thing to think about is the packaging date of the ground decaf coffee. Like regular coffee, ground decaf tastes the best when it is fresh. So always look for the most recent roast date when you buy some.
However, if you buy online, you can’t examine the bag you’ll receive beforehand. In that case, you should contact the seller and ask them to ship you the freshest bag instead of one sitting on the shelf for a while.
Extra features
Additional features such as flavorings and infusions (MCT oil, mushroom powder, and/or vitamins) are other things you should consider.
Perhaps you like the idea of having vitamins added to your decaf cup of joe. Or you’re on a keto diet and want MCT oil added in. In either case, you can find decaf ground coffees offering just that.
Or, if you want different flavor combinations, look for decaf coffee infused with flavorings. Decaf coffee grounds with added vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and other flavors can make your cup of coffee stand out.
Best Brands
While hunting for the best bag of decaf grounds, you need to consider the top brands. The top brands for decaf ground coffee include Starbucks, Lifeboost, No Fun Jo, Maxwell House, and Lavazza.
Starbucks has various decaf versions of their top caffeinated roasts, all offering unique flavor profiles. You can get anything from light to dark roasts for any type of brewing method.
Our Verdict
The top three ground decaf coffees are No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee, Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast Decaf, and McCafe Medium Roast Ground Coffee.
All three have very low caffeine levels with unique, bold flavors but appeal to different decaf drinkers.
- Our top choice, the No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee, has great tasting notes and less caffeine compared to other decaf coffee grounds.
- Our runner-up is the Lifeboost Coffee Medium Roast Decaf is unique organic coffee with a stronger taste, yet a mellow and smooth body.
- Lastly, the McCafe Medium Roast Ground Coffee is a less expensive, well-rounded coffee that tastes just the coffee you get in person at Mcdonald’s.
No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee: Best Overall
- Roast: Medium-dark
- Flavor profile:
- Sweet blueberry and milk chocolate
- Available In: 12 oz bag, 2 lb pack
- Best for: Drip coffee, pour-over
- Grind size: Medium
- Origin: Multiple origins
- Organic: USDA Organic