7 Best Coffee Concentrate Brands in the U.S.
Updated - Team Colipse
The best coffee concentrate depends on your taste preference, caffeine tolerance, and intended use. The quality of a concentrate depends on its bean origin, roast level, brewing time, and water quality. The best tasting coffee concentrates often use specialty Arabica beans, which produce sweeter, smoother concentrates, while Robusta beans yield stronger, more bitter flavors. You can find quality concentrates online, at major retailers, or from local roasters for fresher profiles.
While the "best" coffee concentrate is subjective, some of the top-rated brands are listed below. These are known for delivering balanced flavor, smooth texture, and consistent strength when diluted.
- Starbucks Signature Black Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
- Kloo Coffee Concentrate
- Great Value Donut Shop Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
- Explorer Decaf Cold Brew Concentrate
- Stumptown Cold Brew Concentrate
- Javy Protein Coffee Concentrate
- Explorer Cold Brew Subscription
1. Best Coffee Concentrate for Iced Coffee: Starbucks Signature Black Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
Starbucks Signature Black Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate is a ready-to-drink coffee concentrate. It delivers a rich, smooth concentrate cold-steeped from medium-roast coffee beans. It is made for dilution with water and ice to create a delicious iced coffee at home. The concentrate uses Latin American Arabica beans prized for smooth, balanced flavor and chocolaty sweetness.
Starbucks Signature Black Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate contains brewed coffee (water, coffee), 15 calories, and 120–150 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. It makes cold iced coffee beverages when mixed with water or milk. You can buy it at H-E-B, Coborn's, and Cash Wise Foods for about $8.99 per 32 fl oz bottle. The recommended use is to dilute 1:1 with water or milk.
| Starbucks Signature Black Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate | Details |
|---|---|
| Beans Origin | Latin America |
| Dilution Ratio | 1:1 |
| Uses | Iced coffee, lattes |
| Flavor Profile | Subtly sweet, chocolatey |
| Acidity | Low |
| Aroma | Chocolatey, mild |
| Caffeine (per serving) | 120–150 mg/6 oz |
| Shelf Life | 6 months (unopened) |
| Packaging | 32 oz bottle |
| Price | $7.98–$9.98 |
| Where to Buy | Walmart, Target, Amazon |
| Pros | Rich taste, easy to use, widely available |
| Cons | Higher cost, limited flavor variety |
2. Best Coffee Concentrate for Espresso Martini: Kloo Coffee Concentrate
Kloo Coffee delivers craft concentrate formulated by a Q grader using single-origin beans roasted in-house and brewed to 12X strength. Its ingredients remain 100% additive-free with only water and specialty-grade beans. The taste delivers smooth, robust notes of almond, blackberry, and maple syrup for a balanced coffee experience.
Kloo Coffee offers versatile use for iced, hot, black, milky coffee, cocktails, and desserts, delivering a flavorful coffee experience without brewing. It is ideal for espresso martinis with rich coffee flavor, removing the need for an espresso machine and ensuring consistent quality. The 8.5 fl oz bottle makes about 12 cups. On Kloo’s site, the one-time purchase price is $33, though subscription refills cost $25, which works out to about $2.94 per ounce. The mini bottles (around 3.4 oz) are listed at $16 each.
| Kloo Coffee Concentrate | Details |
|---|---|
| Beans Origin | Colombia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Guatemala |
| Dilution Ratio | 0.75:7 |
| Uses | Espresso martinis, affogato |
| Flavor Profile | Almond, blackberry, maple syrup |
| Acidity | Low |
| Aroma | Rich, nutty |
| Caffeine (per serving) | ~80 mg |
| Shelf Life | 1 month (opened) |
| Packaging | 8.5 oz or 3.4 oz bottle |
| Price | $33 |
| Where to Buy | Kloo website |
| Pros | Premium flavor, cocktail versatility |
| Cons | High price, online-only availability |
3. Best Coffee Concentrate at Walmart: Great Value Donut Shop Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
Great Value Donut Shop Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate is exclusive to Walmart and is a smooth brew made by steeping Arabica beans in cold water for hours and then filtering. It is not organic and uses medium roasted Arabica beans with the origin not specified. The flavor is toasty with creamy vanilla notes. This is one of the best Walmart option for budget friendly coffee concentrate.
The Great Value Donut Shop Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate contains only coffee and water with no sugar, additives or calories and has 80 mg of caffeine per serving. The 32 oz bottle yields 20 servings and costs about $4.50 which equals $0.22 per serving. The main advantages are low cost and pleasant taste and the main disadvantages are an overly sweet profile and a lack of complexity. It is available at Walmart both in store and online. The recommended preparation is to dilute one part concentrate with two parts water or milk for a quick drink.
| Great Value Donut Shop Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate | Details |
|---|---|
| Beans Origin | Not specified |
| Dilution Ratio | 1:2 |
| Uses | Iced coffee, lattes |
| Flavor Profile | Toasty, creamy vanilla |
| Acidity | Low |
| Aroma | Vanilla, dessert-like |
| Caffeine (per serving) | 80 mg |
| Shelf Life | 6 months (unopened) |
| Packaging | 32 oz bottle |
| Price | $4.50 |
| Where to Buy | Walmart |
| Pros | Low cost, pleasant taste |
| Cons | Overly sweet, lacks complexity |
4. Best Decaf Coffee Concentrate: Explorer Decaf Cold Brew Concentrate
Explorer Decaf Cold Brew Concentrate is a liquid coffee made by Explorer Cold Brew, offering a caffeine-free option called "The Daydreamer," which is 99.9% decaffeinated with the Swiss Water Method. The taste of Explorer Decaf Cold Brew Concentrate is smooth, rich, and full of coffee flavor without caffeine, with no bitter aftertaste and a slight chocolate note from premium French Chicory.
Explorer Decaf Cold Brew concentrate contains only coffee and water with no sugar or calories and negligible caffeine. The concentrate is sold in a 32 oz bottle that yields 20 servings, priced at $45 for a 32oz bottle. It is available on Explorer’s website and Amazon. This decaf concentrate makes hot or cold coffee, cocktails, lattes, and desserts while delivering smooth flavor without caffeine.
| Explorer Decaf Cold Brew Concentrate | Details |
|---|---|
| Beans Origin | Not specified |
| Dilution Ratio | 1:4 |
| Uses | Iced coffee, desserts |
| Flavor Profile | Chocolate, walnut |
| Acidity | Low |
| Aroma | Rich, nutty |
| Caffeine (per serving) | Negligible |
| Shelf Life | 1 month (opened) |
| Packaging | 32 oz bottle |
| Price | $45 |
| Where to Buy | Explorer website, Amazon |
| Pros | Robust flavor, milk compatibility |
| Cons | Bulky bottle, higher cost |
5. Best Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate: Stumptown Cold Brew Concentrate
Stumptown Cold Brew Concentrate is a premium liquid coffee concentrate made from Arabica beans sourced from Latin America, Africa, and Indonesia. It has third-wave quality and delivers fresh café-like flavor. The taste works well black or in creamy lattes. It deliver a bold, smooth coffee taste with low acidity.
The Stumptown Cold Brew concentrate contains only coffee and water, has no sugar or calories, and delivers 90 milligrams of caffeine per serving. Stumptown Cold Brew Concentrate contains about 257 mg of caffeine in an 8 fl oz serving. You can buy Stumptown Cold Brew Concentrate from specialty coffee shops and online retailers like Sprouts. The price generally ranges around $15 to $20 for a 25.4 fl oz bottle. Recommended preparation is to dilute 1:1 with water or milk for a robust drink.
| Stumptown Cold Brew Concentrate | Details |
|---|---|
| Beans Origin | Latin America, Africa, Indonesia |
| Dilution Ratio | 1:1 |
| Uses | Black cold brew, lattes |
| Flavor Profile | Bold coffee |
| Acidity | Low |
| Aroma | Rich, coffee-forward |
| Caffeine (per serving) | 257 mg |
| Shelf Life | 1 month (opened) |
| Packaging | 25.4 oz bottle |
| Price | $15 to $20 |
| Where to Buy | Amazon, Target, Stumptown site |
| Pros | Exceptional taste, versatile |
| Cons | High price, limited store availability |
6. Best Protein Coffee Concentrate: Javy Protein Coffee Concentrate
Javy Protein Coffee Concentrate delivers a clean blend of instant coffee and whey protein to boost energy, aid recovery, and enhance focus. Its ingredients include whey protein, Arabica coffee, and natural flavor, providing 10 grams of protein and zero sugar per serving. The flavor profile offers smooth, bold coffee in original, mocha, and hazelnut varieties, delivering a rich taste without chalkiness.
Javy Protein Coffee Concentrate is owned by Javy Coffee, founded in 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. Reviews praise Javy Protein Coffee for smooth bold flavor, easy preparation, health benefits, and convenience; users find it effective for energy and recovery, and it is available online and in 400 Sprouts locations nationwide, priced competitively as a premium product below coffee shop costs per serving. Javy Protein Coffee Concentrate is priced at about $26.95 per bottle on the official USA website with exclusive deals and discounts.
| Javy Protein Coffee Concentrate | Details |
|---|---|
| Beans Origin | Not specified |
| Dilution Ratio | 1–2 tsp:8 oz |
| Uses | Iced coffee, smoothies |
| Flavor Profile | Creamy mocha |
| Acidity | Low |
| Aroma | Mocha, sweet |
| Caffeine (per serving) | 80 mg |
| Shelf Life | 6 months (unopened) |
| Packaging | 6 oz bottle |
| Price | $26.95 |
| Where to Buy | Sprouts, Walmart, Amazon, Javy site |
| Pros | High protein, great taste |
| Cons | Small size, high cost |
7. Best Coffee Concentrate Subscription: Explorer Cold Brew Subscription
The Explorer Cold Brew Subscription delivers customizable coffee with organic cold brew available in four caffeine levels: no, low, regular, and extra. It uses 100% organic Arabica beans from Ethiopia, roasted medium and brewed 12 hours with a proprietary process. The taste is bold, smooth, and low-acid, while the concentrate lets you make lattes, iced coffee, and other drinks with rich flavor matching your caffeine choice.
The Explorer Cold Brew Subscription ingredients include filtered water, organic coffee beans, and French Chicory for flavor in some options. Its caffeine content varies from 0-2 mg in decaf, 50-100 mg in low caffeine, 100-200 mg in regular caffeine, to up to 150 mg in extra caffeine servings. You can buy The Explorer Cold Brew Subscription online from the official website for about $30 per 32oz bottle with free shipping on orders over $30.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Beans Origin | Ethiopia |
| Dilution Ratio | 1:4 |
| Uses | Iced coffee, cocktails |
| Flavor Profile | Smooth, customizable |
| Acidity | Low |
| Aroma | Rich, mild |
| Caffeine (per serving) | 80–100 mg (except decaf) |
| Shelf Life | 1 month (opened) |
| Packaging | 32 oz bottle |
| Price | $30 |
| Where to Buy | Explorer website |
| Pros | Flexible, high quality |
| Cons | High cost, bulky bottles |
What is the Best Coffee Concentrate?
The best coffee concentrate is often considered to be Jot for its strong flavor, Grady's for its affordability, and Cometeer for its freshness. Coffee concentrate is considered the best when it balances taste, convenience, and health benefits to meet different people needs. For flavor, the cold brew method produces a smooth, less acidic taste. For convenience, concentrates offer long shelf life and easy preparation. What is “best” can be judged by personal preference based on caffeine strength, shelf life, or nutritional profile.
The best tasting coffee concentrate uses specialty Arabica beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, or Central America to deliver fruit, floral, or nutty flavors in concentrated form. Some coffee brands like Jot Coffee, Cometeer Coffee, and Grady's offer strong high-caffeine concentrates for energy seekers, while others use Swiss Water decaf to deliver flavor without jitters. Additional considerations include coffee quality, such as organic or Fair Trade certification, sustainable farming, and chemical-free processing. Stronger brews increase versatility and deliver more value per ounce.
Where to Buy the Best Coffee Concentrate?
You can buy the best coffee concentrate from specialty brands like Jot, Javy, Chameleon, and La Colombe, which are available online through Amazon, official brand websites, and select grocery stores such as Whole Foods and Target. Local coffee roasters often sell fresh cold brew concentrates directly, offering higher quality and unique flavor profiles.
What are the Best Alternatives to Store Bought Coffee Concentrate?
The best alternatives to store bought coffee concentrate are making homemade cold brew concentrate, purchasing pre-ground coffee specifically for cold brew, or using cold brew packs. Buying concentrate saves time but costs more, while DIY offers fresher flavor and significant cost savings. The choice depends on whether you value convenience or customization.
How to Make Your Own Coffee Concentrate at Home?
To make your own coffee concentrate at home, follow the steps below.
- Coarsely ground coffee beans
- Use cold, filtered water
- Take a large jar or pitcher
- Steep 12–24 hours at room temperature or in refrigerator
- Strain through fine mesh, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks
- Dilute with water, milk, or alternative before serving
The best coffee concentrate recipe combines 1 cup water with ½ to ⅔ cup coarsely ground coffee, steeps in the fridge for 12–24 hours, then strains and dilutes to taste. This method yields a strong concentrate perfect for iced coffee, stores in the fridge, and serves diluted at a 1:1 ratio with water. Steeping longer increases bitterness, so start with 16 hours and adjust for best balance.
What are the Best Coffee Beans for Making Coffee Concentrate?
To make coffee concentrate, start with the right kind of beans. Ideally use Arabica beans with a medium or dark roast to create smooth flavor with low acidity. A coarse grind is essential for cold brewing and keeps concentrate flavorful without bitterness or cloudiness.
Our Colipse Cold Brew Blend is specifically designed to meet these requirements. We use specialty-grade Arabica beans, roasted fresh to order in small batches to produce that smooth, rich concentrate with minimal bitterness. It is ground to the perfect coarse consistency for cold brewing, making it an excellent and convenient choice for your DIY coffee concentrate. he price for Colipse Cold Brew Coarse Ground Coffee is $21.99 for a 12 oz bag with free shipping and up to 40% discounts on larger sizes.