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===== Methods of Decaffeination =====

There are several common methods used to decaffeinate coffee, each with different impacts on flavor and use of chemicals.

^ Method                         ^ Chemicals Used?       ^ Flavor Retention     ^ Notes ^
| **Swiss Water Process**       | **No**                | **Excellent**        | Uses only water and osmosis. Popular among specialty roasters. Certified organic-friendly. |
| **Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Process** | **No**             | **Excellent**        | Uses pressurized CO₂ to extract caffeine. Expensive but great flavor retention. |
| **Ethyl Acetate (EA) / Sugarcane Process** | **Yes** (natural EA) | **Very Good** | Uses naturally derived EA from sugarcane or fruit. Often called "natural decaf." |
| **Methylene Chloride Process** | **Yes** (synthetic)  | **Good to Moderate** | Common in commercial decaf. Trace residues regulated. |
| **Trichloroethylene** (obsolete) | **Yes** (dangerous) | **Poor**             | No longer used due to health risks. |

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===== Coffee Shop Decaf Method Comparison =====

^ Coffee Shop ^ Decaf Method(s) Used ^ Chemicals Used? ^ Flavor Retention ^ Notes ^
| **Starbucks** | Methylene Chloride Process (most blends), Swiss Water (some Reserve) | **Yes** (MC) / **No** (SWP) | Good (MC) / Excellent (SWP) | Pike Place and most standard decaf use MC. Limited Reserve decaf may use SWP. |
| **Peet’s Coffee** | Water Process (Swiss Water for retail bags), MC for some café brews | **Yes** (MC) / **No** (SWP) | Very Good | Bagged beans typically use water process; check in-store for café methods. |
| **Revival Café (Boston area)** | Swiss Water or EA Natural (depends on roaster) | **No** / **Yes** (EA) | Excellent | Likely sources from roasters like George Howell or Tandem that use SWP or natural EA. |
| **Tatte Bakery & Café** | Typically Swiss Water Process | **No** | Excellent | Uses George Howell Coffee and similar roasters that favor chemical-free methods. |

MC = Methylene Chloride\\ 
SWP = Swiss Water Process\\ 
EA= Ethyl Acetate

===== Summary =====

  * **Best Flavor & Chemical-Free**: Swiss Water Process and CO₂ Process
  * **Used by Mass Market Chains**: Starbucks and Peet’s often use Methylene Chloride
  * **Used by Specialty Shops**: Revival and Tatte favor Swiss Water or Sugarcane EA

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