How Much Caffeine Is in Cold Brew Coffee?
Updated - Team Colipse
A 16 oz (473 ml) cup of homemade cold brew contains around 200 milligrams (mg). Caffeine content in cold brew is primarily determined by serving size, coffee-to-water ratio, agitation, steeping time, grind size, roast level, water temperature, and bean type. Cold brew typically contains more caffeine per serving than regular hot-brewed coffee—studies report increases of 27–44% due to its higher bean-to-water ratio and longer steeping time. Store-bought cold brews range from about 9.5 mg to 330 mg of caffeine per serving, with most bottled brands falling between 120 mg and 270 mg. Cold brew is not recommended for caffeine-sensitive people. Its effects may last 6–10 hours, with a 3–5 hour half-life depending on metabolism.
How Much Caffeine is in Cold Brew Coffee?
A 16 oz (473 ml) cup of homemade cold brew contains around 200 milligrams (mg), although this can range widely depending on the roast level, coffee-to-water ratio, and other factors. A 16-ounce (Grande) cold brew from Starbucks contains 205 mg of caffeine. The the same size from Dunkin’ contains 260 mg. Some studies have reported an even wider range of caffeine content in cold brew.
The caffeine content in cold brew was reported in a 2017 study by Megan Fuller from the Thomas Jefferson University, which found 1080 mg per liter, or about 255 mg per 8 oz cup. A 2019 study in Food Research International by Giulia Angeloni found that cold brew had 135.72–163.32 mg of caffeine per 120 mL, averaging 149.52 mg. This equals roughly 296 mg per 8 oz serving. A 2020 study published in Foods by Niny Z. Rao found that Colombian arabica cold brew steeped 7 hours at room temperature with a 1:10 ratio contained 1036–1962 mg/L of caffeine, or 245–465 mg per 8 oz cup.
Some of these higher caffeine levels in a small cup mean cold brew can have 3 to 4 times more caffeine per serving than regular drip coffee. This amount can exceed the 400 mg daily limit that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends for healthy adults.
How is Cold Brew Caffeine Measured?
Cold brew caffeine is measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), the standard lab method for quantifying caffeine in beverages. HPLC separates molecules by their interaction with stationary and mobile phases. It isolates caffeine from coffee compounds for accurate measurement. The final caffeine concentration is reported in milligrams per fluid ounce or milliliter and reflects the caffeine in a typical serving. This method gives accurate, repeatable caffeine measurements, even when brewing variables like steep time or grind size change.
What Factors Affect the Caffeine Content of Cold Brew Coffee?
Factors that affect caffeine content in cold brew are variables like bean type, grind size, brew time, water temperature, and coffee ratio. Mineral content, pH, filtration, and processing methods affect caffeine less. Additives like cream, sugar, or nitrogen do not change caffeine levels. The most impactful factors are listed below.
- Serving Size
- Coffee-to-water Ratio
- Agitation
- Steeping Time
- Grind Size
- Roast Level
- Water Temperature
- Bean Type
1. Serving Size
Serving size in cold brew coffee refers to the amount of coffee typically consumed in one portion, usually 8 to 12 ounces. It directly affects caffeine intake. Larger servings contain more caffeine. For example, an 8 oz cold brew has 100–200 mg of caffeine. A 12 oz typically contains 92–207 mg, with most brands around 150–200 mg. A 16 oz holds about 200–260 mg, depending on brand. A 20–24 oz size ranges from 260 to 340 mg of caffeine.
At Dutch Bros, a 12 oz cold brew contains approximately 208 mg of caffeine, increasing to about 240 mg for a 16 oz and up to 293 mg for a 20 oz Nitro Cold Brew or canned cold brew. Blue Bottle’s Bright Cold Brew has around 210 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving. Wendy’s cold brew coffee contains roughly 215 mg of caffeine per 16 oz cup, while Scooter’s Coffee cold brew ranges from about 200 to 300 mg depending on size and blend.
2. Coffee-to-Water Ratio
The coffee-to-water ratio in cold brew refers to how much ground coffee is used relative to water. A typical ratio is 1:4 to 1:8. Weaker ratios extract less caffeine and produce a milder brew. Stronger ratios (more coffee grounds, less water) result in higher caffeine content, though studies report mixed results. A 2023 study by Nur Hadiyani Zakaria from the Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University suggests an optimal cold brew to water ratio of 1:14 to extract the most caffeine. However, a 2021 study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture by Smaro Kyroglou found that varying cold brew ratios (1:6, 1:10, 1:20) had little effect on caffeine levels compared to agitation and brewing time.
3. Agitation
Agitation in cold brew coffee refers to stirring or shaking the grounds during brewing. It increases contact between water and coffee, speeding up extraction. Agitating, or stirring, coffee grounds during cold brewing increases caffeine extraction significantly, according to a 2018 study by Maruf Ahmed from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University. The study found that agitation increased caffeine concentration by up to 20% compared to non-agitated methods. Specifically, caffeine concentration reached optimal levels faster with agitation, achieving around 1130 mg/L compared to 930 mg/L without agitation over the same extraction period.
4. Steeping Time
Steeping time in cold brew coffee is the total duration ground coffee stays submerged in water, usually 12 to 24 hours. Longer steeping times in cold brew extract more caffeine, but levels plateau after several hours. A 2017 study from Thomas Jefferson University found that cold brew caffeine levels stabilize after 400 minutes, with little increase regardless of roast or grind size. A 2014 study published in Journal of The Korea Society for Coffee Industry also found that the first few hours of cold brew extraction have the greatest impact on caffeine levels.
5. Grind Size
Grind size in cold brew coffee refers to how coarse or fine the coffee grounds are. The 2017 study by Fuller and Rao found that grind size affects how much caffeine is in cold brew coffee. Medium roast coarse grind samples (with 70.6% of particles at 841 μm) had 1230 mg/L of caffeine, compared to 1180 mg/L in medium grind samples (with 53.3% of particles at 400 μm). Similarly, dark roast coarse grind samples (with 77.8% of particles at 841 μm) had 990 mg/L of caffeine, while dark roast medium grind samples (with 45.4% of particles at 400 μm) had 1080 mg/L.
6. Roast Level
Roast level in cold brew coffee refers to how long and how dark coffee beans are roasted. It affects flavor, acidity, and caffeine content. A 2017 study published in Scientific Reports titled "The Effect of Time, Roasting Temperature, and Grind Size on Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid Concentrations in Cold Brew Coffee," found that roast level significantly affects caffeine content in cold brew coffee. Medium roast samples had caffeine concentrations of up to 290 mg per 8 oz cup, whereas dark roast samples had concentrations as low as 220 mg per 8 oz cup.
7. Water Temperature
Water temperature in cold brew coffee typically ranges from room temperature to cold (around 40–70°F or 4–21°C). Unlike hot brewing, cold water extracts caffeine more slowly. A 2021 study published in the Food Science and Technology Journal by Claudimara da Silva Portela found that cold brew coffee prepared with higher water temperatures (15°C) results in higher caffeine content and greater antioxidant activity compared to lower temperatures (5°C). This aligns with 2021 research by Linda Claassen, who identified 68°F (20°C) as the optimal cold brew water temperature. However, it's worth noting that 47% of people prefer to brew cold brew in the refrigerator at 46.4°F (8°C), according to Claassen's study.
8. Coffee Bean Type
Coffee bean type refers to the specific variety used, such as Arabica or Robusta. In cold brew, bean type affects caffeine content. Robusta beans contain nearly twice the caffeine of Arabica. A 2021 study published in Foods by Ewa Olechno from Medical University of Białystok found that Robusta coffee contains significantly more caffeine than Arabica when used in cold brew. Specifically, cold brew made from Robusta beans had a caffeine concentration of approximately 2.2 times higher, reaching up to 354 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup compared to Arabica's 160 mg.
Is Cold Brew Stronger than Regular Coffee?
Yes, cold brew coffee is often stronger than regular coffee types like drip, pour over, and French press due to its high bean-to-water ratio and longer brew time. A 2022 study published in Molecules from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki found that cold brew concentrate had up to 30% higher caffeine content than hot drip coffee. Specifically, cold brew had 26.66 mg/g of coffee, while regular drip coffee had 20.5 mg/g.
Similarly, a 2017 study by Megan Fuller and Niny Z. Rao reported 27% higher caffeine content in cold brew concentrate with a coarse grind, reaching caffeine concentrations of 1,230 mg/L after 24 hours, compared to 970 mg/L in hot black coffee with the same grind. This translates to approximately 292 mg of caffeine per 8 fl oz cup of cold brew concentrate, versus 230 mg in a comparable serving of hot black coffee. A 2024 study by Irma Rahmawati found cold-brewed Robusta coffee had 44.63 µg/mL of caffeine, nearly twice the 23.96 µg/mL in hot-brewed coffee under the same conditions.
Most research suggests cold brew contains more caffeine than hot coffee due to its concentration, but some studies found lower levels. A 2021 study titled "Influence of coffee brewing methods on the chromatographic and spectroscopic profiles, antioxidant and sensory properties" found Guatemalan cold brew had 711 mg/100 g of caffeine, while hot coffee had 770 mg. Salvadoran cold brew had 668 mg, compared to 705 mg in hot coffee. On average, hot coffee had 8–9% more caffeine than cold brew. These results were consistent across several samples.
Does Cold Brew Have More Caffeine than Espresso?
Yes, cold brew can have more caffeine than espresso per serving, but it depends on concentration and volume. Espresso has more caffeine per ounce, typically 63 mg in 1 oz, while cold brew averages 100–200 mg in an 8–12 oz serving due to its larger size. A 2018 study in Food Research International by Giulia Angeloni found that espresso had more caffeine per milliliter, but cold brew’s larger serving size gave it more total caffeine per serving. A 2024 study by Dr. Brian Gregory Yust in Antioxidants found that cold brew coffee, brewed over several hours, extracts more caffeine overall than espresso brewed in less time.
Cold brew generally has more caffeine than a shaken espresso, an Americano, or a latte due to its larger serving size and longer brewing time. While espresso-based drinks contain concentrated caffeine, cold brew can contain 100–200 mg per 8–12 oz, compared to 63–150 mg in the others.
Does Cold Brew Have More Caffeine than Iced Coffee?
Yes, cold brew coffee generally has more caffeine and is stronger than iced coffee. A 16 fl oz iced coffee has approximately 165 mg of caffeine, while a 16 fl oz cold brew contains around 200 mg. However, studies directly comparing cold brew vs. iced coffee are limited and the caffeine content can vary is different brands. Adding ice to iced coffee does not reduce its caffeine content but dilutes its strength as the ice melts. The total caffeine remains the same, but the beverage becomes less concentrated, affecting flavor and perceived strength.
What is the Caffeine Content in Store-Bought Cold Brews?
Caffeine content in store-bought cold brew varies widely across brands, including bottled versions, specialty beans for homemade brews, and drinks from chains like Starbucks, Dunkin’, and McDonald’s. For example, the caffeine content in a Starbucks cold brew varies by flavor: 205 mg for a Grande Classic Cold Brew, and 145–185 mg for a Grande Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew. Meanwhile, Dunkin' Cold Brew coffee contains 174 mg of caffeine per 16 oz serving.
This table compares various cold brew coffee brands, detailing their caffeine content per serving and providing a brief description of each brand's characteristics.
| Name | Caffeine per serving | Short definition |
|---|---|---|
| La Colombe Cold Brew | 172.5 mg / 9 fl oz | La Colombe is an artisanal coffee roaster's cold brew offering |
| Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew | 185 mg / 16 fl oz | Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is a seasonal flavored cold brew from Starbucks coffee chain |
| Stok Cold Brew | 125-145 mg / 12 fl oz | Stok is a widely available bottled cold brew brand |
| Bizzy Cold Brew | 270-330 mg / 12 fl oz | Bizzy is a high-caffeine cold brew concentrate |
| Chameleon Cold Brew | 230 mg / 12 fl oz | Chameleon is an organic cold brew coffee brand |
| Wandering Bear Cold Brew | 192 mg / 6 fl oz | Wandering Bear is a highly concentrated boxed cold brew |
| Nespresso Cold Brew | 120-200 mg / 8 fl oz | Nespresso Cold Brew is a line of cold brew pods for Nespresso machines |
| Trader Joe's Cold Brew | 120-150 mg / 12 fl oz | Trader Joe's is a grocery chain's private label cold brew |
| Costco Cold Brew | 225 mg / 11 fl oz | Costco is a wholesale retailer's cold brew offering |
| Stumptown Cold Brew | 258.5 mg / 11 fl oz | Stumptown is a Portland-based roaster's potent bottled cold brew |
| Califia Cold Brew | 270 mg / 12 fl oz | Califia is a plant-based beverage company's cold brew line |
| Grady's Cold Brew | 100 mg / 4 fl oz (concentrate) | Grady's is a New Orleans-style cold brew concentrate |
| Jameson Cold Brew | 17 mg / 1.5 fl oz | Jameson Cold Brew is an Irish whiskey infused with cold brew coffee |
| Jägermeister Cold Brew | 9.5 mg / 1.5 fl oz | Jägermeister Cold Brew is a cold brew coffee-flavored herbal liqueur |
Which Cold Brew Coffee has the Most Caffeine?
Cold brew concentrate contains the most caffeine, significantly more than regular cold brew or other coffee types. Undiluted cold brew concentrate has nearly twice the caffeine of a regular cold brew serving. A 16-ounce cold brew contains about 200 mg of caffeine, while undiluted concentrate can be much stronger. Cold brew concentrate contains 24.5 to 66.7 mg of caffeine per ounce and 135 to 400 mg per 8 oz cup, depending on brand and strength.
What are the Strongest Cold Brew Coffee Brands?
The 10 strongest cold brew coffee brands are listed below.
- Colipse Cold Brew Coffee
- Bizzy Cold Brew
- Starbucks Coffee Sumatra Dark
- La Colombe Cold Brew
- Lifeboost Coffee Cold Brew
- Merit Coffee Cold Brew
- Stone Street Coffee Cold Brew
- Temple Coffee Capital Cold Brew
- Volcanica Coffee Cold Brew
- Peace Coffee Yeti Cold Brew
Where to Buy Cold Brew with Highest Caffeine?
You can buy cold brew coffee beans with highest caffeine from Colipse. We provide coffee in various grind sizes including coarse grounds ideal for cold brew brewing. Prices range from $20.50 to $24.95 for a 12 oz bag, with 2 lb options available by subscription and free U.S. shipping. Colipse provides flexible subscriptions allowing you to adjust delivery frequency (weekly to monthly), pause, or cancel anytime, often with discounts for recurring orders. Colipse cold brew contains about 200 mg of caffeine per 16 oz, depending on brew time and coffee amount. It is roasted fresh in small batches and shipped fast to ensure brewing quality.
How Much Cold Brew is Safe to Drink Per Day?
Most adults can safely drink up to 16–24 ounces of cold brew per day, depending on its caffeine strength. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises healthy adults to limit daily caffeine intake to 400 mg. Going over this amount may cause harm. Since cold brew can contain 100–200 mg per 8–12 oz, two servings may reach the safe upper limit. Drinking over 16–24 ounces of cold brew coffee or more than 400 mg of caffeine daily may raise heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart and blood vessel damage. High caffeine intake can also act as a diuretic and may cause dehydration.
Is Cold Brew better for People Sensitive to Caffeine?
No, cold brew is not necessarily better for people sensitive to caffeine. Although it has a smoother, less acidic taste, it can contain equal or higher caffeine levels than hot coffee. Its long steep time and high bean concentration often increase caffeine, which may cause sensitivity symptoms. Caffeine in cold brew often exceeds the 200 mg limit recommended by American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) for pregnant, lactating, and breastfeeding women.
How Long Does Caffeine from Cold Brew Last in the Body?
Caffeine from cold brew can stay in the body for 6 to 10 hours. Its half-life—the time it takes to eliminate half the caffeine—is about 3 to 5 hours. Caffeine in cold brew is not absorbed differently by the body. Once consumed, caffeine absorption depends on individual metabolism, not brew temperature. However, cold brew’s smoother taste and higher volume may lead to faster or greater intake, affecting how quickly its effects are felt. Factors like metabolism, age, and sensitivity affect how long caffeine’s effects last after drinking cold brew.
How Much Caffeine is in Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?
Nitro cold brew typically has the same amount of caffeine as regular cold brew (around 200 milligrams per 16 oz cup). This is because both methods use the same coffee-to-water ratio and steeping time, and the addition of nitrogen gas does not directly increase, lower, or affect the caffeine content. Although nitrogen does not change caffeine levels, studies suggest it may interact with caffeine in the body, though the effects are still being studied.