FAQ

Everything you want to know about KEIN KAFFEE, from what it is to how to brew the perfect cup.

The basics

Roasted and raw sweet lupine beans in a wooden box
01What is KEIN KAFFEE?

KEIN KAFFEE is a premium lupine coffee brand inspired by a long German tradition of crafting coffee alternatives. Long before caffeine-free lifestyles became a trend, roasted lupine seeds were enjoyed across Germany as a rich, comforting substitute for coffee — offering the familiar ritual without the caffeine and without the acidity.

We continue that heritage with a modern, premium take.

The lupins we use are sweet lupins (Lupinus albus), a vibrant, flowering legume native to the sunny landscapes of Europe. While traditional lupins grow wild, sweet lupin varieties have been specially cultivated over centuries for their clean taste and exceptional nutritional profile. Deeply rooted in European agriculture, these hardy plants naturally enrich the soil as they grow, producing nutrient-dense seeds packed with high-quality plant protein (with all 9 essential amino acids), dietary fiber, and essential nutrients.

When carefully roasted using traditional coffee-roasting techniques, these seeds undergo a remarkable transformation — the result is a smooth, full-bodied cup with a naturally nutty, roasted flavor that satisfies like coffee, but without the drawbacks.

No caffeine. No acidity. No jitters. Just a rich, grounding cup you can enjoy any time of the day.

02How is KEIN KAFFEE different from decaf?

Decaf coffee is made by chemically or thermally stripping caffeine-rich coffee beans—a process that can leave chemical residues, wash away natural flavor, and still leave trace amounts of caffeine (~2–15mg).

KEIN KAFFEE is different:

It is made from roasted sweet lupine seeds, which are naturally 100% caffeine-free legumes. Because no caffeine ever exists in the plant, it requires zero chemical processing, preserves its full-bodied nutty flavor, and contains absolutely 0% of caffeine.

03Does KEIN KAFFEE taste like real coffee?

Yes! KEIN KAFFEE delivers a surprisingly authentic coffee experience. Made from carefully roasted sweet lupine seeds, it captures the bold, roasted character of coffee while offering its own distinctive flavor profile.

Expect warm roasted notes, subtle nuttiness, and a velvety smooth finish that pairs beautifully with dairy or plant-based milk.

Like every coffee bean, every coffee alternative has its own unique character. KEIN KAFFEE is naturally less bitter, acid-free, and completely caffeine-free, making it a smooth, satisfying cup you can enjoy any time of the day.

Whether you prefer it black, as a latte, cappuccino or flat white, or with frothed milk as a LUPINO™, KEIN KAFFEE delivers the comforting taste and ritual of coffee — without the caffeine.

04Is KEIN KAFFEE completely caffeine-free?

100% naturally caffeine-free, and acid-free too!

Unlike decaf coffee — which undergoes chemical or thermal extraction processes and can still contain trace caffeine — sweet lupins naturally contain zero caffeine.

It is safe for evening enjoyment, pregnant or nursing moms, and caffeine-sensitive individuals.

05What are the main ingredients in KEIN KAFFEE?

KEIN KAFFEE contains just one ingredient: 100% sweet lupine seeds.

There are zero additives, preservatives, artificial flavorings, or hidden fillers. We use different lupine varieties and roasting profiles to create the flavor and aroma you experience in each blend, but the ingredient itself always stays the same: 100% sweet lupine.

Brewing

KEIN KAFFEE brewing in a pour-over
06How do I prepare KEIN KAFFEE?

You can use almost any brewing method you'd use for regular coffee — but our personal favorites are a regular filter coffee machine and pour-over, since they bring out the flavor best. Other methods like espresso machines (manual/semi-automatic), Moka pot, AeroPress, Keurig, French press, and similar also work well, so feel free to experiment and find what suits your taste.

A few important tips for preparing lupine coffee:

• Give it room to breathe: Lupine absorbs more water than coffee, so it expands more during brewing. Make sure your filter basket or brewer has enough room for the grounds to bloom and rise.
• Don't grind too fine: Ground lupine swells quickly when wet. A grind that is too fine will cause the filter to clog. Aim for a slightly coarser grind than you would choose for traditional coffee beans.
• Don't tamp it down: Because lupine grounds swell, do not tamp (compress) them if you are using an espresso machine or portafilter. Tamping will block the water flow and disrupt extraction.
• Paper filters produce the cleanest cup: Using a paper filter (such as in a drip machine, pour-over cone, K-Cup or AeroPress) catches the fine lupine particles and oils, resulting in a noticeably clearer, smoother taste profile.

⚠️ Not recommended: fully automatic (bean-to-cup) espresso machines
We do not recommend using whole lupine beans in fully automatic (bean-to-cup) machines. These integrated grinders and brew groups are calibrated specifically for standard coffee beans. Because lupine beans expand differently and require precise grind and volume adjustments, uncalibrated automatic machines often clog or fail to yield a good result. If your machine allows you to manually adjust both the grind coarseness and grind volume, or has a bypass chute for pre-ground coffee, it may work — but please check your machine's manual before purchase.

For more detailed step-by-step guidance, check out our full brewing instructions.

07Does KEIN KAFFEE froth or work well with milk (for lattes, cappuccinos, etc.)?

Yes! In fact, when combined with steamed or frothed milk, we call this delicious creation a LUPINO™.

KEIN KAFFEE creates a rich, full-bodied base that stands up remarkably well to milk and plant-based alternatives. When combined with frothed whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk, the naturally roasted, slightly nutty notes open up for a creamy, beautifully balanced beverage.

Prefer a flat white or an iced latte? KEIN KAFFEE works just as well in all your favorite milk drinks — entirely caffeine-free and with 0% coffee acidity.

08Can I make cold brew with KEIN KAFFEE?

Yes, and it's much easier than traditional cold brew.

Regular coffee is cold-brewed slowly, steeping for 12 to 24 hours, to keep its acids and bitter compounds out of the cup. That long steep is the whole point of coffee cold brew.

KEIN KAFFEE has 0% acidity, so there's nothing to steep out. No long wait, no bitterness.

1. Brew it hot, just like your regular routine.
2. Chill it: let it cool, then refrigerate.
3. Pour over ice and enjoy. Smooth and bold, even better cold.

Stored in a sealed bottle, your chilled brew stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Ordering

Ordering KEIN KAFFEE on a laptop at a wooden desk with a cup
09Where do you ship and what are the delivery times?

We currently ship exclusively within the United States.

Orders ship from Charleston, SC within 24 hours, and usually arrive in 2–5 business days.

You will automatically receive an email with your tracking link as soon as your order is dispatched.

10What is your return & satisfaction guarantee policy?

We want you to love every cup of KEIN KAFFEE. That's why every order comes with our 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

Not happy for any reason? Email us at info@keinkaffee.com within 30 days of receiving your order and let us know what happened. Once approved, we'll refund you to your original payment method — no need to send anything back, no return shipping, no restocking fees.

Damaged or incorrect items: If your order arrives damaged or you received the wrong item, contact us right away at info@keinkaffee.com (a photo helps) and we'll resolve it immediately.

Refunds are issued within 10 business days of approval. Sale items and gift cards are excluded.

Read our full Refund Policy.

Still have a question?
Email us at info@keinkaffee.com. We reply within one business day.