Study: Decaf coffee has some caffeine

Study: Decaf coffee has some caffeine - Yahoo! News (AP)

I've heard this before, years ago? but this is yet further evidence. Highlights from the article...

"Instant decaffeinated Folgers Coffee Crystals didn't have any caffeine, but the others contained caffeine ranging from 8.6 milligrams to 13.9 milligrams. Typically, 16 ounces of drip-brewed coffee contain about 170 milligrams of caffeine.

Researchers also analyzed 12 samples of Starbucks decaffeinated espresso and brewed decaffeinated coffee. The espresso drinks had from 3 milligrams to 15.8 milligrams each, while the brewed coffee had from 12 to 13.4 milligrams per 16-ounce drink.

Even moderate caffeine levels can increase heart rate, blood pressure, agitation and anxiety in some people, Goldberger said." [italics mine]

So what it comes down to is that you can't assume you're caffeine-free if you drink decaf all day and all night. Well, except maybe if you only drink Folger's instant decaf...

So much for my caution in having a Starbuck's decaf in the evening, avoiding the caffeine which might keep me awake. (See the quote about Starbuck's above.)

For the caffeine-wary: Note that chocolate, tea, and many soft drinks contain caffeine, although, obviously, in lesser amounts than coffee.

P.S. I don't think I own stock in Folger's! Many coffees are good.