COLD BREW VS. ICED COFFEE

When you’re seeking that perfect caffeine kick for your active lifestyle, two popular choices dominate the scene: cold brew and iced coffee. While they might look similar served over ice, their preparation methods result in fundamentally different flavours, acidity levels, and caffeine content. Knowing the distinction helps you make the smarter choice for you.

What is Cold Brew and Iced Coffee?

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. This slow steeping process creates a coffee concentrate that is then diluted with water or milk and served over ice.

What is Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee is regular hot coffee that has been brewed using a traditional method (like a drip machine) and then cooled, usually by pouring it directly over ice. It’s essentially hot coffee served cold.

Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: Key Differences

Flavour & Acidity

This is where the difference is most noticeable. Cold brew is characterized by its signature creamy texture, richness, and smooth flavour profile. Because the grounds are never exposed to hot water, the cold brew process extracts less acid and bitterness. This makes it significantly less acidic than standard hot coffee or iced coffee.

Iced coffee, on the other hand, often retains the sharp, sometimes harsh, bitterness and high acidity of the hot coffee it was brewed from.

Caffeine Levels

Due to the high ratio of coffee grounds to water and the extended steeping time, cold brew concentrate typically contains a higher concentration of caffeine than a standard cup of hot or iced coffee.