What Is Laurina? The Naturally Low-Caffeine Coffee Bean

If you love the aroma and taste of coffee but can’t—or don’t want to—drink caffeine, you’ve likely tried decaf. Most decaf is made through chemical or water processes that strip out caffeine after roasting, often taking away flavor too. But what if there were a coffee bean that was naturally low in caffeine from the tree?

The answer is Laurina—a rare, naturally occurring coffee variety with roughly 0.6% caffeine content, compared to standard Arabica’s 1.2% to 1.5%. It’s not decaf by processing, but by genetics. And yes, it still tastes like coffee.

What Is Laurina Coffee?

Laurina is a natural mutation of the Bourbon coffee variety, part of the Arabica species. Unlike typical Arabica beans, Laurina contains significantly less caffeine. This isn’t the result of a lab procedure or a post-harvest treatment—it’s found naturally in the plant’s DNA. That means Laurina delivers a cup that’s much closer to regular coffee in flavor, just without the usual caffeine kick.

The Origins: How Laurina Was Rediscovered

In 1989, Andrea Illy, then head of the Italian coffee company Illycaffè, acquired a batch of 185,000 coffee seedlings that an American company had discarded. Among these, his team identified a number of naturally mutated Bourbon plants with unusually low caffeine content. They selected 15 robust ‘mother trees’ for breeding. This rare Bourbon mutation eventually became known as Laurina. By 2000, it was introduced and tested in El Salvador, later spreading to countries like Costa Rica and Colombia.

Interestingly, around the same time, Japanese UCC Coffee and French scientists were conducting similar research in Madagascar. They worked with a nearly identical Bourbon mutation, naming it Bourbon Pointu. Though slightly different in naming and region, both refer to very similar low-caffeine Arabica mutations.

Why Does Laurina Have So Little Caffeine?

Caffeine in coffee acts as a natural pesticide, deterring insects. But producing caffeine also demands energy from the plant. Laurina’s mutation affects its ability to synthesize caffeine efficiently, resulting in a plant that survives—but with far less of the compound. While this makes Laurina more vulnerable to pests in the wild, careful cultivation and farming have allowed it to thrive in high-altitude, well-managed environments.

Exact caffeine content in Laurina averages around 0.6%, whereas regular Arabica typically contains 1.2% to 1.5%. That’s roughly half the caffeine, naturally.

Flavor Profile & Brewing Laurina

Because Laurina isn’t subjected to harsh decaffeination processes, many roasters and drinkers report that it retains more of the nuanced flavors typical of high-quality Arabica. Expect a lighter-bodied cup with delicate acidity, subtle floral and fruity notes, and a cleaner finish than traditional decaf. It’s well-suited to pour-over and light roasting methods that highlight its intrinsic qualities.

Roasters often treat Laurina like other delicate Bourbons—with gentle roasts that preserve its brightness and complexity. Due to its lower caffeine content, Laurina can be more finicky during cultivation and processing, which contributes to its rarity and often higher price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Laurina completely caffeine-free?

No, Laurina is not caffeine-free. It naturally contains about 0.6% caffeine, which is roughly half the amount found in regular Arabica coffee (1.2%–1.5%). It is not a processed decaf coffee, but a naturally occurring low-caffeine coffee variety.

How does Laurina compare to regular decaf coffee in flavor?

Laurina is often considered to have better flavor than processed decaf coffees because it isn’t subjected to chemical or water-based decaffeination, which can strip away taste compounds. It retains more of the original aromatic and flavor characteristics of Arabica coffee, often with a lighter, cleaner profile.

Where can you buy Laurina coffee?

Laurina is still a rare coffee variety and not widely available commercially. It may be found through specialty coffee roasters who import limited lots, particularly those focused on unique or experimental beans. It is not currently listed among the recommended beans from FrontStreet Coffee, but similar light, delicate single origins may offer a comparable experience.

Is Laurina related to Bourbon coffee?

Yes, Laurina is a natural mutation of the Bourbon variety of Arabica coffee. It shares Bourbon’s genetic background but expresses a unique trait of very low caffeine content due to a natural mutation affecting its caffeine synthesis.

Does Laurina have the same growing challenges as regular coffee?

Laurina can be more challenging to grow than standard Arabica due to its lower caffeine content, which makes it more vulnerable to pests. It requires careful cultivation, usually at higher altitudes with good pest management, to thrive and produce quality beans.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Low-Caffeine Pour-Over

If you’re drawn to Laurina for its light, clean profile and low caffeine, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright floral and fruity notes, or their PWN Golden Mandheling for a heavier yet smooth body with spice and sweetness. Both are single-origin Arabicas that showcase delicate flavors ideal for pour-over brewing. For something brighter yet easy-drinking, the Gedeb water-washed lot offers citrus and clean acidity. These beans won’t replicate Laurina exactly, but they align with its profile of clarity and low bitterness. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.