A few years ago, "ngopi" was synonymous with strong coffee to stay awake until late. Now, the pattern is changing. More and more young people are still hanging out and drinking coffee, but they're choosing... decaf coffee or decaf coffee. This isn't just a trend. There's a valid reason behind it.
Why are young people starting to look at decaf coffee?
1. Sleep is a priority
Today's generation is increasingly aware that adequate sleep impacts mood, focus, and skin. Caffeine can linger in the body for hours, making afternoon coffee a frequent cause of unintentional late nights. Decaf makes evening coffee possible without sacrificing sleep.
2. More sensitive to anxiety
Many people are aware that excessive caffeine can cause heart palpitations and anxiety. If you're prone to anxiety, reducing your caffeine intake is a simple step you can try. Also read: Coffee Without Nervousness.
3. The coffee is constant, the effects are controlled
Coffee is about the moment: working in a cafe, chatting, or just me time. Decaf keeps those moments alive without the unwanted effects of caffeine.
4. Wellness lifestyle
Pilates, morning jogging, checking nutrition labels, and cutting back on sugar are becoming more common. Coffee has also been adapted: low in caffeine, sugar-free, even adding functional ingredients such as protein or spices. This is what is called modern wellness coffee. Read more at Functional Coffee and Wellness Coffee.
What does “modern” decaf coffee look like?
- Practical. Not everyone has a grinder and a V60 in their dorm. Ground-free coffee bags or sachets are much more practical.
- The taste remains “coffee”. Robusta decaf provides a thick body that is suitable for coffee with milk or iced coffee.
- No added sugar. You control the sweetness, not the factory.
- There is added value. Indonesian spices, moringa, or protein, are not just sweeteners and creamers.
Quick recipe: homemade iced coffee with decaf milk
- Brew 1 Wakiro Classic bag with 100 ml of hot water, steep for 5 minutes, then remove the bag.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, pour 100–150 ml of milk (cow's milk or oat milk).
- Pour the coffee over it. Add a little palm sugar if desired, or leave it unsweetened.
For a warm version that smells of spices, substitute with Warm Spice. For friends who have just finished exercising, try Wakiro Active which contains whey protein.
Wakiro: decaf coffee for health-conscious young people
Wakiro Kopi Harmoni is a decaf coffee brand from Bekasi. We use robusta decaf in a dip bag, no added sugar, and a blend of Indonesian ingredients. Just dip, no grounds. Starting at Rp 40,000 for a pack of 5. See all variants.
Have a community, cafe, or studio? You can too become a Wakiro reseller.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor or healthcare professional.