Tuesday, September 15, 2009

May Your Fears End - Decaf Test Strips

We really didn't know this was a problem, but if you suspect you are being slipped regular coffee when you made it clear you want decaf you can breath easier.
We are told that studies have shown that up to 30% of decaf coffees ordered at restaurants contain high levels of caffeine.  To end such shenanigans you can use these strips to determine whether your coffee or tea is really decaf. 
According to the instructions, here's all you have to do to get those lab accurate results: "bring the test strip in contact with a beverage sample; do not allow the D-Caf Strip to come into contact with the beverage that will be consumed – so remove a small test sample from the cup (we suggest putting some on a spoon of course), and do not consume the tested sample."
After that you only have to wait 30 seconds. If it is DECAF the strip will read as “D” line darker than “C” line, or only D line present. If it is NOT decaf the “C” line will read darker than “D” line, or only “C” line present, or lines will be equally dark.  Got all that?

Sadly these strips won’t work on your latte, so remove the sample for testing before adding milk, or other additives. Using single-use strips will only detect caffeine above a 20 mg-to-6 oz ratio. (whatever that means) Works with hot and cold beverages. 
20 strips per package.  

You get all this for only $9.95