In France, “décaféiné” refers to decaffeinated coffee, which offers the full flavor of coffee without the caffeine.
This drink is perfect for those who love the taste of coffee but want to avoid caffeine. It’s typically enjoyed in the same manner as regular espresso served in a small cup.
To order it, you would say, “Je voudrais un décaféiné, s’il vous plaît,” or simply “un déca.”
Ingredients
1 Decaffeinated Espresso Shot
How to order a Décaféiné in France?
"Je voudrais un décaféiné, s'il vous plaît."
History and Origin
Decaffeinated coffee has been available since 1903, when German merchant Ludwig Roselius developed the first commercial decaffeination process. In France, decaf became widely available in cafes by the mid-20th century. The French were actually early adopters of decaf culture – the desire to enjoy the ritual of cafe-sitting without the jitters made it a natural fit.
The name “decafeine” (day-ka-fay-ee-NAY) is straightforward French for decaffeinated. You’ll sometimes hear it called “deca” for short.
How It’s Made
Decafeine is prepared the same way as any French cafe – pulled as an espresso shot through the machine. The only difference is the beans, which have undergone a decaffeination process before roasting:
- Swiss Water Process – uses water to remove caffeine (chemical-free)
- CO2 Process – uses pressurized carbon dioxide
- Solvent Process – uses methylene chloride or ethyl acetate
Modern decaf retains about 97-99% of caffeine removed, leaving just 2-5mg per shot (vs 60-80mg in regular).
How to Order Decafeine
Say: “Un decafeine, s’il vous plait” (uhn day-ka-fay-ee-NAY, seel voo PLEH). You can also say “un deca” (uhn day-KA) for short. Most French cafes stock decaf beans and can make any drink decaffeinated.
For more tips, see our guide to ordering coffee in France.
When and Where Locals Drink It
Decaf is especially popular in the evening in France. After dinner, many French people want the ritual of a cafe without the sleep disruption. It’s also common among older patrons and anyone watching their caffeine intake. There’s no stigma around ordering decaf in France – it’s seen as a perfectly reasonable choice.
Decafeine vs Regular Cafe
A well-made decafeine should taste very close to regular coffee. The main differences:
- Caffeine: 2-5mg vs 60-80mg
- Flavor: slightly less complex, can taste a bit flatter
- Crema: usually thinner
- Price: usually the same as regular cafe
How to Make at Home
- Buy quality decaf beans (Swiss Water Process for best flavor)
- Grind and brew exactly as you would regular coffee
- Moka pot, espresso machine, or French press all work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is decaf completely caffeine-free?
No – it contains about 2-5mg of caffeine per shot. This is negligible for most people but worth knowing if you’re extremely caffeine-sensitive.
Does decaf taste different from regular coffee?
Quality decaf tastes very similar. Cheap decaf can taste flat or slightly off. The Swiss Water Process preserves the most flavor.
Can I order any French coffee as decaf?
Yes – you can ask for a cafe creme decafeine, an allonge decafeine, etc. Just add “decafeine” to your order.
