Avoiding the buzz? Some caffeine lurks even in decaf beans

By HELENA OLIVIERO
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/27/06

If your decaf java is giving you a bit of a kick, it's probably not your mind playing games on you.

Almost all decaffeinated coffee contains some measure of caffeine, according to a new study by University of Florida researchers. While the punch is often mild, decaf coffee isn't the same as caffeine-free. It's more like caffeine light.

The University of Florida analysis of caffeine levels in 10 servings of 16-ounce decaffeinated drip-brewed coffee beverages from nine national chains or local coffeehouses found that all but one — instant decaffeinated Folgers Coffee Crystals — contained caffeine, ranging from 8.6 milligrams to 13.9 milligrams. By comparison, an 8-ounce cup of drip-brewed coffee typically contains 85 milligrams of caffeine.

More...