What Is Half-Caff Coffee? The Perfect Brew for Night Owls
Love coffee after dinner, but not the late-night jitters? Half-caff coffee blends regular coffee with decaf—so you get the taste and aroma you crave with about half the caffeine. It’s the “best of both worlds” for evening sippers, caffeine-sensitive folks, and anyone tapering intake without giving up their ritual.
Quick Definition
Half-caff = 50/50 blend of caffeinated and decaffeinated beans. While exact caffeine varies by beans and brew, a typical 8 oz (240 ml) cup of regular coffee might land ~80–100 mg; a similar half-caff cup often lands roughly ~40–60 mg. Decaf is usually just a few milligrams per cup. (Numbers are approximate and can vary by roast and brewing method.)
Why Choose Half-Caff?
- Sleep-friendlier evenings: Enjoy an after-dinner cup without overdoing the buzz.
- Gentler on jitters: Reduce sensitivity while keeping your coffee ritual.
- Flavor first: When blended well, you still get body, sweetness, and aroma.
- Great for tapering: Move from full-strength to decaf at your own pace.
How It’s Made (and Why It Tastes Good)
Most half-caffs are simply a smart blend of a favorite origin or profile with a decaf that preserves flavor. Our pick, Night Owl Half Caff Blend, marries bright, citrus-forward Colombian coffee with a naturally decaffeinated Java (Indonesia) coffee—think smooth caramel undertones and a clean finish.
Who Is Half-Caff Coffee For?
- Nighttime sippers who want the dessert-coffee moment without the 11pm mind-racing.
- Caffeine-sensitive drinkers who still love a flavorful cup.
- Gradual reducers easing down from full-caf toward decaf.
- Afternoon break crowd that wants a pick-me-up, not a 2am wake-up.
Flavor Notes to Expect
In a well-balanced half-caff like Night Owl, look for bright acidity and citrusy lift from the Colombian side, plus smooth caramel undertones and a rounded finish from the Java decaf. It drinks like a polished medium roast—comforting and easy to love.
Brewing Tips for a Great Half-Caff
- Grind for your method: Medium for drip, slightly finer for pour-over, coarser for French press.
- Start ratio: ~1:15–1:16 coffee to water by weight (e.g., 20 g coffee to 300–320 g water); adjust to taste.
- Water temp: ~195–205°F (90–96°C) to extract sweetness without harshness.
- Single-serve convenience: Prefer pods? Try the 12-count Night Owl Half Caff option compatible with Keurig® 1.0 & 2.0.
Half-Caff vs. Decaf: Which Should You Choose?
If you want as little caffeine as possible, go decaf. If you want a gentler lift with a familiar “regular coffee” feel, half-caff is a stellar middle ground. You can even keep both on hand—half-caff for afternoons and decaf for late nights.
Our Favorite Half-Caff Pick
Night Owl Half Caff Blend brings together Colombian brightness and Java smoothness for a balanced, evening-friendly cup—with flavor first and half the caffeine.
Looking for even more ways to make coffee work with your lifestyle? Check out our Complete Guide to Health-Friendly Coffee for gluten-free, sugar-free, and low-acid options.
FAQ: Half-Caff Coffee
What is half-caff coffee?
Half-caff is a blend of regular coffee and decaf coffee—usually around 50/50. It delivers about half the caffeine of a standard cup while keeping the familiar flavor and aroma of coffee.
Does half-caff have exactly half the caffeine?
Not always exactly. Caffeine varies by bean, roast, and brew method—but half-caff is typically significantly lower than regular coffee and much higher than decaf. Expect it to land somewhere in the middle.
What has more caffeine: half-caff or decaf?
Half-caff always has more caffeine than decaf. Decaf usually contains only a few milligrams per cup, while half-caff averages ~40–60 mg depending on how it’s brewed.
Is half-caff coffee ok for high blood pressure?
Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure, so half-caff may be a gentler choice than regular coffee. That said, everyone responds differently—if you have high blood pressure, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider before making changes.
Is half-caff better for anxiety?
Because it contains less caffeine than regular coffee, half-caff may help reduce caffeine-triggered jitters and anxious feelings. But if you’re very sensitive, you might do even better with decaf. Experiment to see what feels right for your body.
Will half-caff keep me awake?
It’s friendlier for evenings than regular coffee, but everyone metabolizes caffeine differently. If it’s close to bedtime or you’re very sensitive, consider decaf coffee.
Can I make my own half-caff at home?
Yes—mix your favorite regular coffee with a decaf you love (start at 50/50). Or grab a purpose-built blend like Night Owl Half Caff that’s already dialed in for balance.
