COFFEE!!! COFFEE!! COFFEE!
If you are crazy about your coffees like I am or love to experiment with new things, you are about to be wowed. Maybe you’ve been around the block, or you passing you heard me talking about Nitro cold brew coffee. It sounded like a superhero name.
Coffee with its powers (not bad, it deserves it) has saved me countless times). Or you go to Starbucks or any big coffee shop, and you see this black beauty with the top all foamy and looking so good.
Well, that is Nitro cold brew coffee. Black and in all its majesty. Since it’s that black, one day, I began to think, is nitro cold brew more caffeinated than a regular cold brew?
Nitro cold brew contains more caffeine than regular cold brew, but not because of the nitrogen. To achieve a darker and more impactful flavor profile, nitro cold brew is usually made with strong coffee. Each cup contains more caffeine as a result of this operation.
Inherently, cold brew coffee contains more coffee grounds than warm brew coffee. More coffee is used because cold brewing doesn’t extract as efficiently, so more coffee is needed to get the same flavor and effect. In some cases, the cold brew is made with so much coffee that it’s more caffeinated. Therefore the comparison is between Nitro cold brew and regular cold brew.
As already stated, it has more caffeine, although other factors do not take off for this reason. How coffee is served is one of the variables that determine how much caffeine is in it. Coffee that has been combined with milk, sugar, ice, or some other product will not contain more caffeine than coffee that hasn’t been mixed with anything.
Nitro cold brew is usually served black, with no additional ingredients. Milk, ice, and sugar will all deflate the bubbles and alter the drink’s taste and texture. Since the coffee isn’t filtered, each drink contains as much caffeine as possible.
Some coffee beans are higher in caffeine than others.
While the amount of caffeine in each batch of beans varies, Robusta beans usually contain more caffeine than Arabica beans. Every strain is unique, and some years’ coffee harvests are more robust than others. Surprisingly, the color of the roast has little effect on the amount of caffeine in coffee beans. No matter how long you hold a bean in the roaster, it will have the same amount of caffeine. But a heavily roasted bean has more caffeine than lightly roasted beans.
Usually, nitro cold brew is made with a significant amount of coffee grounds. This ensures high caffeine levels and a more robust taste, which is preferred by fans of this brew. For any brewing process, changing the amount of coffee used is one of the best ways to regulate caffeine content.
What is the difference between Nitro cold brew coffee and cold brew coffee?
Asides from the fact that the nitro cold brew coffee has more caffeine than regular cold brew coffee. What other noticeable difference can be seen or observed or better still tasted.
The brewing method for a nitro cold brew and regular cold brew is the same. In both cases, coffee grounds are steeped for several hours in cold, pure water (usually 12 or more). As a result, you’ll get many of the same flavors if you use the same beans in both preparation methods.
In terms of preparation, nitro cold brew (NCB) is similar to cold brew. You’re still making cold coffee as usual — mixing, filtering, and so on — but once it’s cold brew ready, the nitro cold brew purveyor injects nitrogen into the now-frozen coffee and pumps it into a keg. Aside from nitrogen, the only real difference between cold brew and nitro cold brew is flavor.
Cold-brew has an acrid, near-bitter flavor that can be described as tasting in most cold-brewed coffees, regardless of recipe or producer. On the other side, Nitro cold brew has a smooth mouthfeel (similar to Guinness or Boddington — both nitro poured beers) and a deeper, nuttier taste thanks to the nitrogen. However, like cold brew, nitro cold brew loses some of its subtlety over time, taking on a flavor that could be characterized as “nitro cold brew taste.”
In addition to enhancing the texture and mouthfeel of your coffee cup, Nitro coffee also provides a touch of sweetness.
Furthermore, cold-brewed coffee, such as nitro coffee, has been shown to have improved flavor and aroma (Trusted Source).
Nitro cold brew improves on conventional, flat cold brew by adding nitrogen to the mix. This results in a thicker, smoother, and creamier beverage. Many people prefer nitro cold brew because it has a more substantial feel and claims to taste like a barista-crafted milk-based coffee drink without the calories, sugar, or dairy.
How much caffeine does Nitro cold brew coffee contain?
Coffee enthusiasts are always interested in knowing how much caffeine is in their coffee cups, which is no different for nitro newbies. It is pretty impossible to know how much caffeine is contained in your cup of nitro cold brew.
Don’t get alarmed; I’ll tell you why shortly.
You can’t know because you need to know how the coffee is brewed in the first place. For example, the longer the nitro cold brew coffee is allowed to steep, the more caffeine is extracted up to a point eventually, which I believe the extraction process slows down.
Furthermore, the type of beans used and if there any additions to your cup of nitro cold brew, which is advised against (will be discussed later)
According to the company’s product data, a 16-ounce cup of Starbucks’ Grande Nitro cold brew contains 280 milligrams of caffeine. Starbucks’ proprietary name for “large” implies a venti contains 20 ounces of coffee, as anyone with a simple command of romance languages knows.
If all other factors were equivalent, a hypothetical venti Nitro Cold Brew would have about 350 milligrams of caffeine in it, possibly slightly more. The caffeine content of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Coffee is 17.50 mg per fl oz (59.17 mg per 100 ml). The caffeine content in a 16 fl oz cup is 280 mg.
What is the best Nitro cold brew coffee?
I don’t know if you were expecting this part in this article, but I was looking forward to this section. However, I must say that people’s taste buds are different, and I understand. I have seen some weird taste buds, but I judge nobody.
So, which Nitro cold brew coffee is the best?
This Area will be looking at the best-premade coffee because this can be easily accessed, and it was easier to judge, but don’t be alarmed; there is a piece of bonus information on the best Starbucks nitro cold brew coffee.
While most premade nitro cold brews can be kept at room temperature, they taste better when served cold. Refrigerate the cans, then shake them once or twice before pouring them quickly into a glass. The nitrogen would be activated, giving the drink its desired frothy, silky texture.
Try to find the expiration dates as well. The shelf life of nitro cold brew isn’t as long as that of many other canned drinks.
Let’s talk about the best-premade choices now that you know a bit more about nitro cold brew—the six best nitro cold brew products for you to try at home.
Best Overall
One of the first canning and selling companies to sell premade nitro cold brew was Caveman Coffee Co. That’s why its version is one of the most successful and well-reviewed on the market right now. The other explanation is that Caveman Coffee Co. sells its nitro cold brew in 11.5-ounce containers, which are significantly larger than many competitors’ standard seven-ounce cans. The coffee in the can is made from South American coffee beans that have been soaked in pure water for 12 hours and are sustainably sourced. The liquid is then canned with nitrogen to make a soft, hard-to-put-down beverage.
BEST LATTE
Nitro Cold Brew Coffee with Oat Milk from Califia Farms
Although drinking nitro cold brew on its own is satisfying, combining it with goat milk to make a nitro cold brew latte is divine. Oat Milk Latte with Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, a shelf-stable canned beverage from Califia Farms, accomplishes this, making them seem like miracle workers in our opinion. A nitrogen widget is included in each can, which stores the gas before the can is opened, resulting in a frothy mixture of solid cold brew and allergen-free oat milk. This is an excellent substitute for the $5 iced latte from the neighborhood coffee shop.
MOST POPULAR
Nitro Cold Brew from Starbucks
We can’t discuss nitro cold brew without mentioning Starbucks. When they launched their in-house version in select cafes in the summer of 2016, the coffee behemoth brought nitro cold brew to the forefront. Few people had ever considered adding nitrogen to coffee before that. People couldn’t stop when Starbucks started serving up such a tasty and unique coffee beverage. Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew is also available in cans, allowing you to drink it at home.
Best Unsweetened
RISE Brewing Co. Nitro Cold Brew Coffee
The RISE Brewing Co. Nitro Cold Brew’s ingredient list is straightforward. It just has filtered water and organic coffee in it, as well as a nitrogen-filled widget that, when the can is opened, creates a cascade of incredible froth. The award-winning coffee is made with USDA-organic Peruvian coffee beans that are cold brewed. The brewing process results in a product that is 70% less acidic than regular coffee. When integrated with the velvety texture of nitro, this less acidic coffee creates a beverage that is easy to drink and feels glamorous on the tongue.
Best Fair Trade
NITRO Beverage Co. Cold-Brewed Espresso
The NITRO Beverage Co. Cold-Brewed Espresso is the most caffeinated beverage on our list, in addition to being fair trade and organic. Dark roasted beans are steeped in pure water for 24 hours to make this beverage. A nitrogen infusion is added to the concentrate to make a smooth and rich drink straight from the can. You should expect notes of graham cracker and dark chocolate when drinking this espresso, giving it a decadent, low-calorie delight that will give you an energy boost when you need it the most.
Best Flavored
La Colombe Lemon Shandy
The La Colombe Lemon Shandy is a sensory overload. La Colombe has created a refreshing and uplifting beverage by combining their nitro cold brew coffee made from 100% Colombian beans with lemonade made from ripe Sicilian lemons. The coffee’s silky, thick texture makes this drink seem much more delicious than it is. Each one is only 60 calories and provides a strong dose of vitamin C thanks to the lemonade included.
Bonus Information
The best Starbucks coffee. This is arranged according to best to least good, but by all means, your best can start from anywhere, but overall these are the best they serve.
Salted Caramel Cream Nitro Cold Brew
This one went above and beyond my standards. The salted caramel cream is thick, creamy, and slightly salty, but it blends in beautifully with the coffee. The flavors were all so well-balanced, and each taste was as delicious as the last. My personal favorite is the Salted Caramel Cream Nitro Cold Brew!
Pumpkin Cream Nitro Cold Brew
I was expecting this to be my pick, but the salted caramel cream one beat it out by a hair. I love pumpkin, and Starbucks’ pumpkin flavors never let me down. My only criticism is that the foam does not mix in with the coffee and thus lies on top, making the sips inconsistent. Aside from that, the foam is slightly sweet with a touch of pumpkin spice flavor — ideal for a fall day!
Nitro Cold Brew
Plain nitro cold brew has a special place in my heart. I recall trying it for the first time and being blown away by how smooth and creamy it is. Plain nitro is near the top of my ranking. However, if you prefer something sweeter, I suggest going with a flavored foam alternative.
Nitro Cold Brew with Cinnamon Oatmilk Foam
I’m a massive fan of oat milk and cinnamon, so this one appealed to me. It’s not the sweetest choice, and the foam just adds a slight flavor to the coffee. Overall, though, I enjoyed the sips that tasted like oat milk. (Note that oat milk is not yet available in all Starbucks locations, so you will have to settle for the other choices first.)
Nitro Cold Brew With Sweet Foam
You only want a little sugar in your coffee without any other flavors; this is a great choice. This one appeals to me because it welcomes the nitro flavors while still complementing them with sweet foam. I ended up using a spoon to gently stir in the foam, which helped balance out the foam-to-coffee ratio and made each drink more enjoyable!
Nitro Cold Brew With Cinnamon Almond milk Foam
I wanted this one, but it turned out to be a bit of a letdown. Almond milk has a mild taste, and I could have used a little more cinnamon. Overall, I think it’s fantastic for almond milk fans. Still, suppose I were to order it again. In that case, I’d probably get a couple of pumps of cinnamon dolce syrup in the coffee itself.
Nitro Cold Brew With Dark Cocoa Almond milk Foam
This dark cocoa almond milk option is the final item on my list. Although I am not a fan of dark chocolate, I approached this drink with an open mind. Unfortunately, dark cocoa is bitter, and when combined with coffee, it becomes even bitterer. Of course, if you like these flavors, you’ll probably love this one as well!
FAQ
IS NITRO COLD BREW STRONGER THAN ESPRESSO?
ESPRESSO, PLEASE! One of the aspects of espresso that I admire is the word espresso. Maybe it’s just me, but I like how I pronounce it. The Nitro cold brew is even stronger than espresso. Since it is made with pressurized gas, nitro cold brew has a different flavor profile than espresso. Nitro cold brew has the same flavor profile as traditional cold brew coffee, but it’s a little smoother than espresso.
Except for pressurized gas, nitro cold brew coffee is made similar to regular cold brew coffee. Nitro cold brew tastes fluffy and airy thanks to the pressurized gas, which is why it’s such a great drink. A traditional cold brew is used as the base for nitro cold brew.
IS NITRO COLD BREW WITH SWEET CREAM KETO?
The ketogenic diet has become extremely common, with followers from all over the world. It’s a high-fat, low-carb, high-protein meal. The diet aims to bring your body into a state of ketosis. As a result, your body can depend on fat for energy rather than carbohydrates.
Coffee is ok for the keto diet.
Nitro coffee, like standard coffee or cold brew, is keto-friendly. It contains no carbohydrates, calories, or sugar, so it’s completely safe to consume.
However, the addition of sweet cream to the nitro cold brew coffee is a no-no. The ketogenic diet will be incompatible with adding sugar to your nitro cold brew. Many coffee shops, such as Starbucks, offer beverages that include cream in your nitro. You can be assured that nitro cold brew can hold you in ketosis as long as you avoid these additives.
Bonus Information
Vegans do not consume any animal products. Unlike vegetarians, they do not consume any animal products in addition to not consuming meat. Eggs, butter, dairy, and a slew of other foods fall into this category.
Fortunately for vegans, nitro cold brew coffee is entirely safe to consume. Nitro coffee contains no dairy or other animal products since it is made in the same way as cold brew coffee except with nitrogen gas. A few coffee brewers, such as Rise, also offer a “vegan nitro cold brew pack.” Vegans should avoid the Starbucks nitro cold brew coffees that contain sweet cream or milk, but other than that, you’re good to go!
DO YOU ADD ANYTHING TO NITRO COLD BREW
Compared to what we typically experience when we think of iced coffee, Nitro cold brew is served especially. First and foremost, it is noticed. It remains cold in the nitro cold brew keg, and drinking it straight from the tap preserves the foamy crema top, one of the drink’s distinguishing features.
Adding milk, cream, or sugar has the same effect. You want to consume your nitro cold brew in its natural state. This makes it ideal for those who are used to drinking black coffee. Nitro is served unsweetened and without ice, so avoid all of those items, as well as the milk station, or you risk diluting the foamy top quickly. (It’s already cold when it comes out of the keg.)
Suppose the thought of drinking a Nitro Cold Brew without any added creamer, sugar, or other sweetener makes you feel helpless. In that case, there’s good news: Starbucks offers several specialty Nitro Cold Brew variants that make the regular version creamier and sweeter. They’ll be able to do so without scratching the beverage’s lovely foam head.
It is recommended that you not add anything to the drink; instead, remove the straw and lid and enjoy the goodness of nitro cold brew. However, some shops will sell a cold brew that has already been enriched with sweet cream, so look for that if you want a sweeter beverage.
So if you want to add, by all means, go ahead, but you will ruin the fun.