Are you a fan of cold brew coffee but wondering how much caffeine you’re consuming? Look no further! In this article, we’ll answer the question on everyone’s mind: just how much caffeine is in cold brew coffee? We’ll provide an in-depth comparison of the caffeine content of cold brew to the caffeine in other popular coffee drinks like espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos.
So whether you’re a hipster that brews cold brew in your loft every evening, or just want to learn more about the caffeine content of your favorite drinks, this article has you covered.
| Drink | Serving Size | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Brew Coffee | 8 oz | 65-70 |
| Drip Coffee | 8 oz | 95-100 |
| Espresso | 1 oz | 30-50 |
| Latte | 8 oz | 100-150 |
| Cappuccino | 8 oz | 100-150 |
| Iced Coffee | 8 oz | 60-80 |
| Black Tea | 8 oz | 20-60 |
| Green Tea | 8 oz | 20-35 |
The table compares the caffeine content of various drinks, including cold brew coffee, drip coffee, espresso, latte, cappuccino, iced coffee, black tea and green tea. The caffeine levels are given in milligrams per serving size, which varies for each drink.
As you can see from the table above, the caffeine content of cold brew coffee is actually lower than several other coffee drinks, dispelling the myth that it always has a higher caffeine concentration.
It’s also important to remember that specific chains, brands and beans will have different amounts. The above information is just a rough estimation based on general numbers. For something like Starbucks Nitro cold brew or Dunkin Donuts, continue on to the table below.
Nutritional Information and Nutrient Profile of Cold Brew Coffee
In addition to its caffeine content, it’s also worth considering the nutritional information and nutrient profile of cold brew coffee. Here’s a breakdown of some key nutrients found in a 8-ounce serving:
- Protein: 1 gram
- Salt: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Magnesium: 25 milligrams
- Calcium: 6 milligrams
Caffeine Content Of Popular Cold Brew Brands
The following table shows the caffeine content and serving size of some of the most popular cold brew drinks on the market today. Brands such as Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Peet’s Coffee are widely available and well-known for their cold brew offerings. As you can see from the data, the amount of caffeine found in each varies greatly.
| Drink | Caffeine Content (mg) | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Starbucks Cold Brew | 205 | 16 fl oz |
| Chameleon Cold Brew | 230 | 10 fl oz |
| Dunkin’ Donuts Cold Brew | 174 | 16 fl oz |
| Stumptown Cold Brew | 180 | 12 fl oz |
| La Colombe Draft Latte | 120 | 12 fl oz |
| Wandering Bear Cold Brew | 150 | 12 fl oz |
| Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew | 215 | 12 fl oz |
| Stok Cold Brew | 195 | 12 fl oz |
| Bizzy Cold Brew | 180 | 12 fl oz |
| Chobani Cold Brew | 125 | 8 fl oz |
| Califia Cold Brew | 150 | 10.5 fl oz |
| Shamrock Farms Cold Brew | 115 | 8 fl oz |
| Peet’s Coffee Nitro Cold Brew | 175 | 12 fl oz |
| Blue Bottle New Orleans Iced Coffee | 120 | 12 fl oz |
| Caribou Coffee Nitro Cold Press | 150 | 12 fl oz |
| Dunkin’ Donuts Nitro Cold Brew | 177 | 12 fl oz |
| Jameson Cold Brew | 17 | 1 shot |
The above brands are the most popular cold brews sold today. However, a trip to coffee behemoth Starbucks, reveals an ever-growing cold brew menu.
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew
- Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee with Milk
- Chocolate Cream Cold Brew
- Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee
- Irish Cream Cold Brew
- Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew
- Pistachio Cream Cold Brew
- Honey Almondmilk Cold Brew
This is a reflection of how popular cold brew has become. The majority of brands have started to launch multiple variations on the classic recipe with flavoring, creamers, dairy and various other ways to spice up the drink.
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is coffee that is brewed using cold water instead of hot. This process allows for unique flavors and aromas to come out in the finished product that you can’t get from traditional hot brewing methods. The result is an incredibly smooth and delicious drink that will make your taste buds sing with joy!
Now let’s talk about how it’s made: It starts by coarsely grinding beans into a coarser grind than normal drip-style coffees. This is to avoid finer grounds that allow more oils and solids to be extracted during the long infusion process used in making cold brews. After grinding, the ground coffee is placed into a container such as mason jar filled with cold water (the ratio here usually runs 1 part ground coffee to 8 parts water). Allow this mixture sit for at least 12 hours before straining out the grounds through cheesecloth or another type of filter. Grounds are then discarded so you don’t end up with any sediment in your final drink!
Once strained out you should have yourself some freshly brewed cold brew concentrate which can be poured over ice for instant refreshment. If you want something even smoother try diluting it further using either plain filtered water or milk depending on preference – this will help bring down any bitterness while bringing out all those delicious flavors hidden within each sip!
Cold Brew has become increasingly popular due its low acidity content compared to other popular coffee brewing methods such as espresso and pour overs.
Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
Let’s start with some basics. Cold brew is a type of coffee that is brewed without heat. It is made over a prolonged period of time where the coffee is extracted in cold water. Iced coffee is made with regular hot brewed coffee that has been chilled or poured over ice. So why choose one over the other?
When it comes to taste, cold brew tends to have a much smoother flavor than iced coffee because cold brewing draws out fewer sour and bitter flavors from the beans compared to traditional hot brewing methods.
It also produces less acidity overall which makes it easier on your stomach if you’re sensitive to acidic foods or beverages. Furthermore, since the process for making cold-brew takes longer—usually 12 hours or more—it allows for a more concentrated flavor profile as well as higher caffeine levels than what you’d get from an average cup of hot brewed java.
On the flip side, while iced coffees tend not to be as strong in terms of flavor or caffeinated content than their cold-brew counterparts, they offer convenience as you can make them right away. This means no waiting around for long periods like with cold brewing methods where time plays an essential role in producing the finished product correctly. All things considered though both types of drinks provide delicious variations on classic coffee flavors, so go ahead and experiment until you discover which one fits your palate best!
Still The Best Coffee Drink For Hot Weather
To sum up, cold brew coffee can have a higher caffeine content than regular coffee thanks to its longer brewing time and the fact that we tend to drink it in larger portions. However, it often has less than even drip coffee or espresso. Of course, the exact amount comes down to brew time, the beans used and a host of other factors. Just remember not to drink the entire batch in order to avoid caffeine jitters and other potential negative side effects.
While caffeine can provide a boost of energy and improve focus and alertness, it’s important to consume it in moderation. Cold brew coffee is delicious, especially in warm weather, but it can be easy to drink too much. Pay attention to your daily intake, and keep an eye on your overall caffeine consumption.
Dr. Tom Williams, PhD, caffeine expert and assistant professor of nutrition.
FAQ
Is the caffeine content of cold brew coffee higher or lower than regular coffee?
The caffeine content of cold brew coffee is slightly lower than a regular black coffee. The average caffeine in a cold brew is around 65-70mg per cup, while the average caffeine in a cup of drip is 95-100mg.
Is cold brew healthier than regular coffee?
Cold brew coffee is healthier than regular coffee thanks to its lower acidity and lower caffeine content. Some studies suggest that cold brew’s antioxidant properties may help overall well-being and reduce the risk of certain diseases, making it a good choice for health-conscious coffee drinkers.
Is cold brew anti-inflammatory?
Yes, cold brew is anti-inflammatory. Cold brew is rich in antioxidants such as caffeine, chlorogenic acid, cafestol and melanoidins, which have impressive anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall health and well-being. These work together to combat inflammation.