Iced Coffee vs. Cold Brew: Which is Right for You?
In the world of coffee today, many of us are reaching for cold coffee options. Some prefer a classic iced coffee while others opt for the newer, slightly more mysterious cold brew. It seems like it was just 10 years ago that the words cold brew first started appearing on coffee menus at popular coffee shops. It’s then we all asked the question “what’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?”
Iced coffee and cold brew may look similar, but how they taste and how they’re made are very different. While the drinks share many similarities, there are some key differences that might make someone choose one over the other. When it comes down to it, iced coffee and cold brew have different brewing methods, flavors, and even caffeine content. Which one you drink might depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and how sensitive you are to caffeine.
Follow along this blog to find out how iced coffee and cold brew differ and which one is right for you.
What is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee stays true to its name. Simply put, iced coffee is just your standard cup of hot coffee cooled down and poured over ice. You brew iced coffee over a short period of time and use the same brewing method you would use for a standard cup of coffee. It might be drip coffee, pour over, or espresso. This gets you coffee in minutes as opposed to hours.
In a nutshell, iced coffee is:
- Brewed hot and cooled down
- Usually ready in minutes
- Tastes more like traditional coffee (bright, acidic, aromatic)
- More diluted, depending on how it’s iced
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew, on the other hand, uses cold water and time. While it’s called cold brew, this coffee doesn’t actually go through a brewing process. A more fitting name might be cold-steeped or cold-infused. The fusion technique we use to make cold brew has historically been used for tea.
Coffee makers prepare cold brew by steeping coffee grounds in room temperature or cold water for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the coffee grounds slowly release their flavors and essential oils. We can make cold brew in designated cold brew coffee makers or in large containers where coffee grounds can mix freely with water before being strained out.
In a nut shell, cold brew is:
- Brewed cold for about 12-24 hours
- Smoother and less acidic in flavor
- Often more concentrated with a higher caffeine content
- Can be diluted or customized to taste
Do Iced Coffee and Cold Brew Taste Different?
Yes, iced coffee and cold brew taste different. Because we prepare iced coffee and cold brew differently, the two coffees tend to have different flavors.
Iced coffee maintains a classic coffee profile. It tends to have a bright and slightly bitter taste. Depending on the roast, it might have fruity or nutty flavor notes. Since it’s brewed hot, the oils and acids from the coffee beans come out more steadily, and it might give iced coffee a sharper taste.
Cold brew, on the other hand, tends to be more mellow and smooth. Cold brew has a smoother, sweeter, and less bitter or acidic taste than traditional iced coffee. The cold water steeping process pulls fewer acids from the beans, resulting in a less bitter, slightly sweet flavor. Some people describe it as chocolatey, nutty, or silky smooth.
How strong your cold brew or iced coffee tastes largely depends on the type of coffee beans you use, the grind of the coffee beans you use, the brewing method, and the brewing duration.
If you’ve struggled with hot and iced coffee due to the high acidity and harshness on your stomach, cold brew might be your new best friend.
Does Iced Coffee or Cold Brew Have More Caffeine?
Let’s talk about the primary reason any of us drink coffee or cold brew in the first place: caffeine.
Depending on how often you drink caffeinated beverages and how sensitive you are to the stimulant, you may opt for a morning cup with more or less caffeine content.
Cold brew tends to have higher caffeine content than iced coffee. This is because we brew cold brew as a concentrate, with more coffee grounds used per ounce of water. Some people dilute their cold brew by adding water, so that is also an option if you need less caffeine per serving.
Iced coffee usually has the same amount of caffeine content as a basic cup of coffee. Granted, if you need more caffeine in your coffee cup, you can always add a shot of espresso or choose a stronger coffee blend.
Here’s a quick comparison using rough estimates. Keep in mind these numbers may change based on the coffee and brewing methods you use:
- Iced Coffee (8 oz): ~80—120 mg caffeine
- Cold Brew (8 oz): ~150—200 mg caffeine (undiluted)
If you’re looking for a stronger brew in the morning to get you going, cold brew tends to be the more caffeinated choice.
Should I Drink Iced Coffee or Cold Brew?
Now that you have a good grasp on the difference between iced coffee and cold brew, it’s time to decide which is right for you and which you should grab in the morning. It all depends on your schedule, preferences, and how your body handles caffeine.
Here are some important things to consider when deciding between iced coffee and cold brew:
Preparation Time
If you’re making an iced coffee or cold brew yourself, you might decide what to drink based on how much time you have to prepare it.
If you’re in a rush, you should probably opt for an iced coffee. It’s fairly quick to make and is widely available. If you don’t want your iced coffee to be watered down, brew the coffee a little stronger before pouring it over ice.
If you’re not the one making it and you’re picking it up from a coffeeshop or at work, order whatever you’d like. Typically, cafés and workplace coffee bars will have both options available immediately in large brewers or on tap.
Desired Caffeine Boost
If you’re looking for a stronger boost of caffeine to kickstart your day, you’re going to want to grab some cold brew. It’s concentrated, so you can get more caffeine in each sip. If you have a long day ahead or need to power through a morning workout, you’ll want to choose cold brew.
Just be mindful when you drink it first thing in the morning. You’re probably familiar with the coffee jitters. When you have too much caffeine on an empty stomach, you might find yourself feeling shaky or unstable. You might even feel the midday crash a little harder. Consider adding milk to your cold brew or having a bite to eat alongside it.
Stomach Sensitivity
If your morning coffee tends to give you a stomach ache, it might be smarter to reach for a glass of cold brew. It might seem counterintuitive, given we just talked about how much caffeine is in each drink. But it’s not the caffeine we’re considering, it’s the acidity of the coffee.
Cold brew is over 60% less acidic than hot coffee, so it’s a gentler option for people prone to acid reflux, heartburn, or sensitive digestion.
Flavor Complexity
If you appreciate nuanced, complex flavors in your drinks, you’ll want to go with an iced coffee. Because we brew iced coffee hot, the method unlocks bright notes that cold brew tends to smooth out. If you’re looking for a cup of coffee that has fruity, citrusy, or floral notes, iced coffee will be the right drink for you.
Batch Size
If you’re into meal prepping or if you’re looking for a make-ahead option, cold brew is a great way to brew large quantities of coffee for the upcoming week. If you brew a big batch on one day, you’re set for the week. It stores well in the fridge and can be served hot, cold, diluted, or strong.
Price
Iced coffee is often cheaper than cold brew at coffee shops. Cold brew takes more time and more beans to make which can make its price point go up.
If you’re at home, cold brew could be the less expensive option. This is because you can make your own cold brew concentrate that can last you a long time.
Can’t Decide? Try Both!
You don’t have to choose one side and stick with it forever. Some people switch it up depending on the season, their mood, or how much time they have.
If you want the best of both worlds, you can try making a Japanese-style iced coffee. These coffees are brewed hot directly over ice, locking in brightness without watering things down. You could also dilute your cold brew with hot water for a warm cup with the same smooth, low-acid flavor.
At the end of the day, coffee is about enjoyment. Whether you’re team iced coffee or team cold brew, you’re still winning by starting your day with a beverage you love.
If you’re all about bright, traditional flavor and quick convenience, iced coffee has your back. If you crave smooth, bold brew with a caffeine kick and low acidity, you should pour yourself some cold brew in the mornings.
Whatever you choose, just make sure it makes you feel ready to tackle your day. Cheers to great coffee however you like it chilled.
Serve your whole staff by making both of these great options available in your office space. Get in touch with Canteen today.