If you’re cutting caffeine for sleep or anxiety, consider herbal tea or a half-caff blend (mix regular beans with decaf at home). Or just embrace the ritual without the drink—try hot water with lemon, or a golden milk latte. You don’t need to be a martyr who drinks something that makes your stomach grumble while your brain feels foggy.
And if you do stick with decaf, at least buy Swiss Water Process from a roaster you trust. Know what you’re drinking, don’t just trust the “decaf” label. Because, as my friend Jenna learned after that heart-racing cup, sometimes the safest-looking choice is hiding the wildest story.
—Your friendly, slightly jittery barista friend
