Coffee drinkers may struggle to break away from caffeine dependence. Cutting back can leave you feeling lethargic, headaches or nausea; but if cravings still arise after trying to reduce consumption completely, a few cups of decaf may provide relief – but is decaf truly healthy for us?

Environmental health groups have petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a ban of methylene chloride, an ingredient used in some decaf production processes, from entering our food supply. Experts generally agree that its low concentration in decaf coffee poses little threat to consumers, warranting no immediate ban.

Methylene chloride has long been linked with human and animal cancer; however, it’s also present in household products like paint, varnish and cleaning supplies. Direct exposure can cause symptoms including drowsiness, dizziness and nausea as well as eye, skin and liver damage; however, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), direct contact is unlikely for anyone drinking five ounces or less per day of coffee which is approximately half the size of a “tall” Starbucks beverage.

Studies have demonstrated that coffee drinkers, both decaf and regular varieties alike, are at lower risk of type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancers than non-drinkers. Other research has linked coffee drinking with improved weight loss over time. But some experts worry that caffeine over-reliance could harm your heart; one 2022 European Journal of Preventive Cardiology study linked regular coffee drinking to reduced risk of arrhythmia; but researchers noted this could be related to caffeine’s relationship with receptors for adenosine; it could even apply similarly in regular decaf coffee consumers!

Dr. Rob van Dam, a nutritionist and epidemiology expert, notes that decaf coffee can be just as healthy as its caffeinated counterpart. Both varieties contain potassium and magnesium – two essential nutrients to overall wellness that regulate blood fluid levels, support muscles’ proper working order and are key components for cardiovascular wellness. In addition, decaf’s polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid and lignans help protect cells against damage from sunlight exposure, pollution or pathogens that could potentially be present in our environment.

If you want to avoid exposure to methylene chloride, the Clean Label Project advises looking for labels that state solvent free, Swiss Water processed or certified organic when purchasing decaf. An app called Check Your Decaf also allows consumers to test consumer products for hidden industrial and environmental contaminants; though the fastest way is probably reading labels on your preferred brand.