How to Make Soybean Coffee Without Caffeine

If you're looking for a caffeine-free alternative to coffee that still delivers a rich, roasted flavor without the jitters or sleepless nights, soybean 'coffee' might be the answer. This homemade brew offers a familiar taste with added nutrition and none of the drawbacks of traditional coffee. It’s especially useful for those cutting back on caffeine but missing the ritual and depth of a good cup.

To make soybean 'coffee,' you start by roasting dehulled soybeans at 220°C for 30 seconds—or 160°C for 10–20 minutes if using a regular pan—until they develop a toasted aroma. Then grind them to a fine powder, and brew like regular coffee. The whole process avoids caffeine entirely while mimicking coffee’s flavor profile.

What Is Soybean Coffee?

Soybean 'coffee' is a roasted soybean beverage designed to replicate the flavor and brewing experience of regular coffee—but without caffeine. It’s made by roasting and grinding soybeans into a coffee-like powder. Though it contains no actual coffee beans, it offers a similar roasted depth and can be brewed hot for a comforting drink. It’s popular among those avoiding caffeine but wanting the structure and warmth of a coffee routine.

Why Make Soybean Coffee?

Making soybean coffee gives you a caffeine-free drink that still feels like coffee. It helps you avoid issues like insomnia or caffeine dependency while providing a low-cost, nutritious alternative. It also increases the usability of soybeans, turning a common legume into a warming, roasted beverage. Plus, it can be used in other recipes like baked goods, making it versatile beyond just drinking.

How to Make Soybean Coffee Step by Step

1. Prepare the Soybeans

Start by selecting good-quality soybeans. Rinse them thoroughly under water 3–4 times to remove any dirt or dust. After washing, dry the beans completely using a hot air blower. Then, remove the soybean skins using a dehulling machine (or a rice mill). Finally, blow away the loose skins with a fan to get clean, skinned soybeans ready for roasting.

2. Roast the Soybeans

For best results, place the dehulled soybeans in a rotary roasting pan and heat them at 220°C for 30 seconds. This high heat helps develop a rich, roasted aroma similar to coffee. Alternatively, if you’re working with a smaller batch, you can use a regular iron pan. Roast the beans at around 160°C for 10–20 minutes, stirring often, until they emit a noticeable burnt-toast or coffee-like fragrance. Once roasted, let the beans cool completely.

3. Grind Into Powder

After cooling, grind the roasted soybeans using a powder mill or high-powered blender until they form a fine powder. Sieve the ground beans through a 60-mesh screen to ensure a smooth consistency similar to coffee grounds. Discard any larger particles or adjust grind as needed to reach the desired fineness.

4. Brew Like Coffee

Brew the soybean powder using your preferred method—such as pour-over, French press, or drip—just like regular coffee. For the best flavor, use water heated to at least 90°C. The hot water extracts the roasted, nutty notes effectively. You can also enhance the taste by adding a spoonful of milk powder or sugar according to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is soybean coffee and how is it different from real coffee?

Soybean coffee is a roasted soybean powder that mimics the taste and brewing method of regular coffee but contains no coffee beans or caffeine. It’s made by roasting and grinding soybeans, resulting in a nutty, roasted drink that serves as a caffeine-free alternative with a similar flavor profile.

What temperature should I roast soybeans to make coffee?

For a rotary roaster, roast dehulled soybeans at 220°C for 30 seconds. If using a regular pan, roast at 160°C for 10–20 minutes until a strong roasted or burnt-toast aroma develops, indicating the Maillard reaction has taken place.

Do I need special equipment to make soybean coffee?

You’ll need a way to clean and dehull the soybeans (like a dehulling machine or rice mill), a hot-air blower or fan, a roasting pan (rotary or regular), a grinding device (such as a powder mill or blender), and a sieve (60 mesh) to achieve a coffee-like powder texture. No specialty coffee tools are required.

Can I add anything to improve the flavor of soybean coffee?

Yes, adding a spoonful of milk powder or sugar can enhance the flavor, giving it a creamier or sweeter taste similar to traditional coffee drinks. Adjust to taste based on your preference.

What grind size should soybean coffee be?

The ground soybeans should pass through a 60-mesh sieve, resulting in a powder similar in fineness to standard coffee grounds. This allows for proper extraction when brewing, whether you use a pour-over, French press, or drip method.

Is soybean coffee actually healthy?

Soybean coffee is caffeine-free and provides nutrients from soybeans, making it a healthier alternative for those sensitive to caffeine. It’s also digested easily and avoids the side effects of regular coffee, such as insomnia or jitters.

FrontStreet Coffee Picks for Coffee Lovers

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, or Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit tones—both great for exploring real coffee flavours. If you want something deeper, their Classic Blend offers balanced chocolate and nuts, akin to the roasted profile of soybean coffee. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.