Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: What's the Difference?

Cold brew and iced coffee are not the same. Cold brew is steeped in room temperature water for 12-24 hours. Iced coffee is hot-brewed and then poured over ice. Cold brew coffee has 185 to 205 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce serving, significantly more than iced coffee. Apart from caffeine, cold brew and iced coffee differ in brewing process, time, water temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, and grind size.

These key differences between iced coffee and cold brew, along with variations in brewing equipment, recipes, and storage conditions, leads to differences in acidity, flavor notes, price, and overall strength. Deciding whether cold brew coffee is better than iced coffee or not comes down to personal preference.

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

Cold brew coffee is a beverage made by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water (39°F to 77°F or 4°C to 25°C) for 12–24 hours. Cold brewing avoids heat and relies on prolonged extraction to dissolve compounds from coffee grounds. This slow extraction process enhances flavor while reducing acidity and bitterness. The final concentrate is served chilled or diluted with water or milk. Cold brew coffee is a popular beverage among Millennials and Generation Z. Ready-to-drink store-bought bottles accounted for 10% of all U.S. coffee sales in 2021, according to the National Coffee Association.

Cold brew coffee originated in Japan centuries ago as Kyoto-style, using a slow-drip process. Its popularity surged when Starbucks introduced its version in 2015. Cold brew coffee has a reddish hue with higher lightness, while iced coffee from hot brew appears darker or browner. A 2022 study by Yanpei Cai from China Agricultural University found that cold brew is perceived as less bitter, sour, and rubbery than regular coffee, even at the same temperature. The National Coffee Association (NCA) defines cold brew as a versatile, safe, and sustainable brewing method, not simply 'coffee with ice', a serving style, or a marketing term.

What Does Cold Brew Mean?

The meaning of 'cold brew' is multifaceted. Cold brewing, or cold water immersion, is a method of making coffee using an aqueous extraction process. In this process, ground coffee is steeped in lukewarm to refrigerated water (4°C to 25°C) for up to 24 hours. The resulting beverage is called cold brew coffee. Cold brew concentrate means a highly concentrated form of cold brew coffee, usually diluted with water, milk, or creamer before serving. Cold brew extract is a potent coffee liquid derived from cold brewing, often used as a base for coffee-flavored recipies.

How Much Caffeine is in Cold Brew?

Cold brew coffee has 185 to 205 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce (473 ml) serving and 138.75 to 153.75 mg per 12-ounce (355 ml) serving. The exact caffeine content depends on the coffee-to-water ratio, brewing time, and bean type. For example, a 2017 peer-reviewed study by Sarah Lane from the University of Victoria examined five 12-ounce (355mL) cold brews from '2% Jazz Coffee' in Victoria. The study found an average caffeine content in cold brew of 207 mg per serving, which was 41.57% higher than expected, with values ranging from 168 mg to 246 mg. Cold brew is stronger and contains more caffeine than regular iced coffee.

What Does Cold Brew Taste Like?

Cold brew coffee tastes smoother, sweeter, less sour, and less bitter than iced coffee. This is because the long, cold steeping process (12-24 hours at 20-25°C) extracts sugars and other sweet-tasting compounds while limiting acidic and bitter ones. Cold brew coffee has more fruity and caramel notes than iced coffee due to a higher concentration of organic and volatile compounds, such as 2-methyl-butanal and 5-methyl furfural, which enhance these flavors, according to a 2022 study titled Coffee Roasting and Extraction as a Factor in Cold Brew Coffee Quality. Lower acidity and better preservation of volatile compounds enhance perceived sweetness.

What is Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee is a beverage served cold and prepared by either brewing hot coffee and cooling it with ice or milk or brewing it cold. Specialty coffee shops define iced coffee as any brewed coffee, including drip, espresso, and French press, that is chilled and served over ice. It often includes added flavorings such as caramel, vanilla, or chocolate. A 2023 CivicScience report states that the percentage of people favoring iced coffee increased by nine points since 2021, reaching 27%, with 60% of Gen Z adults preferring it. Iced coffee is featured on menus at 15.11% of US restaurants (164,028 establishments), according to Tastewise.

Iced coffee originated in Algeria around 1840 as Mazagran, a cold, sweetened coffee over ice. It appeared on menus globally by the late 19th century. Today, iced coffee varies by region. In Australia, it's a sweetened, coffee-flavored milkshake, sometimes with syrup, cream, cocoa, or coffee beans. Canadian iced coffee includes iced cappuccinos and fast-food versions. Greece's popular frappé uses instant coffee, water, and sugar, shaken into a foam, and served with ice and milk.

What is the Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee?

The key difference between cold brew and iced coffee is the brewing process influenced by time, water temperature, coffee-to-water ratio, and grind size. Cold brew takes 12-24 hours using cold water extraction methods like dripping or steeping. Iced coffee is brewed hot at 88-96°C for 3-5 minutes, then cooled with ice. Cold brew uses significantly more coffee grounds than iced coffee, typically 50-100 grams of coarse-ground coffee (900-1100 microns) per liter of water, compared to 30-60 grams of fine-ground coffee (500-600 microns) for iced coffee. Other differences between cold brew versus iced coffee are taste, caffeine, health benefits, equipment, cost, and shelf life.

1. Differences in Taste Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Cold brew and iced coffee taste different due to their brewing methods, which affect their flavor, acidity, mouthfeel, and aftertaste. Cold brew coffee, brewed at 39°F (4°C), is more floral and less bitter, sour, and rubbery than iced coffee brewed at 198°F (92°C), according to a 2022 study by Mackenzie E. Batali from the University of California's Department of Food Science and Technology. This is because cold brewing extracts less of the bitter chlorogenic acid lactones, as they are less soluble at low temperatures.

Cold brew coffee has a higher pH and lower titratable acidity than iced coffee, resulting in less acidic taste. A 2022 study from Thomas Jefferson University published in Processes found that cold brew contains fewer acidic compounds, such as citric, malic, and quinic acids, than iced coffee brewed hot. This reduction creates a smooth, mellow finish with notes of cocoa, nuts, and caramel. The aftertaste features subdued acidity and, depending on origin and roast, a slight fruity sweetness.

2. Differences in Caffeine Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

The difference in caffeine between cold brew and iced coffee is significant. A 16-oz iced coffee has approximately 165 mg of caffeine, while a 16-oz cold brew contains around 200 mg. Cold brew has more caffeine than iced coffee due to its higher coffee-to-water ratio and longer brewing time. A 2021 study by Ewa Olechno in Foods found that the coffee/water ratio, amount of coffee compared to water, is one of the most influential factors affecting caffeine content in coffee. Cold brew uses nearly twice the grounds as iced coffee, making it stronger. Additionally, A 2017 study by Megan Fuller at Thomas Jefferson University found that longer extraction times generally increase caffeine concentration, which contributes to cold brew's higher caffeine content.

The differences in caffeine content is further evident when comparing iced coffee and cold brew beverages from different brands, as shown in the table below.

3. Differences in Cost Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Cold brew coffee is generally more expensive than iced coffee, whether homemade, store-bought, or purchased from coffee shops. Homemade cold brew uses more coffee than iced coffee. Cold brew concentrate often uses 50-100 grams of ground coffee per liter of water, while iced coffee uses less, like 17g to 270 mL for iced Aeropress or 60g to 900 mL for iced French press. This higher coffee usage makes cold brew more expensive.

Homemade cold brew can be inexpensive, but specialized makers and containers can increase the cost. Cold brew makers from brands like KitchenAid, Toddy, or Takeya cost $24 to $120 per unit. Store-bought cold brew from a brand like Califia or Wandering Bear tends to be more expensive per ounce compared to iced coffee from a brand like Victor Allen or Starbucks ($0.66/oz vs. $0.26/oz). Cold brew coffee is often more expensive than iced coffee at coffee shops. For example, a 12 oz cold brew at Starbucks costs $4.95, while a 12 oz iced coffee is $4.65. Specialty cold brews, like Vanilla Sweet Cream, are even pricier.

4. Differences in Shelf Life Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Cold brew coffee stays fresh significantly longer than iced coffee, lasting up to a week when refrigerated at 4°C (Claassen et al., Foods 2021). Iced coffee shows faster sensory deterioration, after just 2-3 days, due to higher initial extraction temperatures. A later 2024 study by Samuel N. Lopane from Clemson University further supports this, revealing cold brew has a sensory shelf life of up to 42 days compared to significantly less for iced coffee. Cold brew maintains stability longer due to lower extraction temperatures and reduced microbial growth, resulting in 20% greater flavor stability and a slower increase in off-flavors compared to hot-brewed iced coffee. Chlorogenic acid degradation accelerates staling in hot-brewed iced coffee.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee?

To make cold brew coffee, start by choosing high-quality specialty grade Arabica beans, preferably medium to dark roast. Brazilian, Colombian, or Sumatran beans are best for cold brew due to their lower acidity, enhanced sweetness, and smooth, nutty base. Use purified water (150 ppm TDS, pH 7.0) and a coarse grind (800-1000 μm) like coarse sea salt. A coarse grind is crucial for cold brew. This grind size allows for a slower, more even extraction, preventing over-extraction and bitterness that can occur with finer grinds which extract too quickly and clog filters.

For a cold brew coffee, use a 1:8 coffee-to-water ratio, such as 125 grams of coffee per 1000 ml of water. For a concentrate, use a 1:4 ratio, like 250 grams of coffee per 1000 mL of water, and dilute before drinking. Combine ground coffee and purified water in a glass pitcher, jar, or French press. Steep for 8-24 hours in the refrigerator. After steeping, filter using a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter. Serve cold brew over ice, black, or with milk, cream, or flavorings like vanilla. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two weeks, but fresh is always best. Keep the cold brew consistently refrigerated to preserve its flavor.

What are the Best Coffee Beans to Make Cold Brew?

The best coffee beans for cold brew are Arabica beans from regions like Colombia, Brazil, and Sumatra. These beans, typically grown at elevations of 1,000 - 2,000 meters above sea level, offer bold flavors and low acidity, making them suitable for cold brewing, resulting in smooth and rich flavors.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans to Make Cold Brew?

To buy the best cold brew coffee beans, find a specialty coffee roaster, shop online, or check local coffee shops. Look for "cold brew blend" with a medium to dark roast, often described with flavor notes like chocolate, caramel, or nutty. Make sure the beans are fresh by checking the roast date (within two weeks is best). Colipse offers fresh cold brew blend for sale in 12 oz bags starting at $21.50.

How to Make Iced Coffee?

To make iced coffee, use medium to coarse grind high-quality Arabica beans for balanced taste and smoothness. Start by brewing hot coffee using a drip machine, pour-over, or French press. Cool it slightly to around 21-27°C (70-80°F). Pour the cooled coffee over approximately 6-8 ounces of ice in a 12 ounce (355 ml) glass. Add 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) of milk, cream, or sweetener as desired. Stir well for about 15-20 seconds and serve immediately. For a stronger flavor, use coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice to prevent dilution.

What are the Best Coffee Beans to Make Iced Coffee?

The best coffee beans for iced coffee are medium to dark roast Arabica beans from regions like Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Honduras. These beans, grown at 1,200-2,000 meters, offer sweet, creamy, and chocolate flavors best for iced coffee, creating a refreshing drink.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee Beans to Make Iced Coffee?

To buy the best coffee beans for iced coffee, find a specialty coffee roaster, shop online, or check local coffee shops. Look for Arabica beans with a medium to dark roast, often described with flavor notes like chocolate, caramel, or nutty. Check the coffee's roast date to ensure freshness (within two weeks is best). Colipse offers freshly roasted coffee beans and grounds ideal for iced coffee, starting at $20.99 for a 12-ounce bag.

What is Better: Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee?

Cold brew and iced coffee are distinct. Cold brew is smoother and less acidic, while iced coffee is stronger. Both are refreshing, but cold brew's gentler flavor may be preferable for sensitive stomachs. Iced coffee, on the other hand, preferred by those wanting a stronger coffee flavor and faster caffeine boost. Cold brew needs planning due to its long brewing time. Iced coffee is quick to make (after brewing hot coffee), ready in minutes, and cheaper for single servings.

As for which one tastes better, cold brew or iced coffee, there is no single answer because coffee flavor depends on various factors, including bean cultivars, quality, post-harvest processing, roast type, and storage. In fact, according to experts at the Sensory Analysis Center at Kansas State University, the World Coffee Research lexicon identifies 110 flavor, aroma, and texture attributes present in coffee, making taste preference highly subjective.

What to Choose: Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee?

Choose cold brew for a smoother, less acidic taste with a naturally sweeter flavor. If you want a stronger, more traditional coffee flavor with a slight bitterness, go with iced coffee. Which is better depends on your preference.

Can You Use Any Coffee for Cold Brew?

Yes, you can use any coffee for cold brew, but coarse-ground, medium to dark roast beans work best. Lighter roasts can be used but may produce a more acidic flavor. Cold brew enhances the coffee’s natural sweetness and reduces bitterness, making it ideal for smoother, less acidic coffee. You can use instant coffee for cold brew, but the result differs from traditional cold brew. Instant coffee dissolves in cold water quickly, creating a fast, smooth coffee without the steeping time.