The caffeine content in homemade cold brew coffee can vary significantly, but it often has a higher concentration of caffeine per serving than regular drip coffee. A typical 16oz (473 mL) serving of cold brew contains around 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, although this can range widely depending on the brewing method and other factors. A 2017 study by Megan Fuller from the Thomas Jefferson University found unusually high levels of caffeine in cold brew, averaging 1080 mg of caffeine per liter (approximately 254.88 mg per 8 oz cup). Other studies, however, have reported an even wider range of caffeine content in cold brew.
A 2020 study by Niny Z. Rao published in Foods Journal found that cold brew made with Colombian arabica coffee, steeped for 7 hours at room temperature with a 1:10 coffee-to-water ratio, resulted even in a higher caffeine range of 245 to 475 mg per 8 oz cup. Some of these higher levels of caffeine in a relatively small cup of cold brew exceed the 400 mg daily consumption limit recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for healthy adults.
So why is cold brew stronger? The higher caffeine content in cold brew is primarily attributed to the longer steeping time, which allows for more caffeine extraction from the coffee grounds, and the higher coffee-to-water ratio, which results in a more concentrated brew. Since cold brew brewing methods can vary significantly (e.g., coffee-to-water ratio, steeping time, coffee type, roast level, grind size), there is no single ideal caffeine content for cold brew coffee, and many commercial brands offer coffee drinks with varying levels.
What Is the Caffeine Content of Cold Brew Coffee?
The caffeine content of cold brew coffee typically ranges from 185 to 205 milligrams (mg) per 16-ounce (473 mL) serving, or from 138.75 mg to 153.75 mg for a 12-ounce (355mL) serving, according to sources like Starbucks and Healthline. In contrast, a 2017 peer-reviewed study by Sarah Lane from the University of Victoria provides a different picture. This study examined five 12-ounce (355mL) cold brews from '2% Jazz Coffee' in Victoria city and found a 41.57% higher average caffeine content per serving (207 mg), with results ranging from 168 mg to 246 mg.
Other studies have found much higher caffeine levels in cold brew coffee. A 2018 observational study by Giulia Angeloni published in the Food Research International Journal found the average caffeine content to be 296 mg per 8-ounce (237 mL) cup, with a range of 268 mg to 324 mg. Similarly, in a 2017 study, researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Thomas Jefferson University reported caffeine content in cold brew coffee prepared at room temperature (68 to 77°F or 20 to 25°C) and steeped for 24 hours ranging from 990 mg/L for dark roast coffee to 1230 mg/L for medium roast coffee. This is equivalent to 383 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce (355 mL) cup or 511 mg per 16-ounce (473 mL) cup.
This image illustrates the caffeine concentration over time in cold brew coffee, showing that medium roasts and coarse grinds achieve higher caffeine levels, with stabilization occurring after 400 minutes.
While these caffeine ranges in cold brew significantly exceed the 200 mg caffeine limit recommended for pregnant, lactating, and breastfeeding women, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it is important to note that caffeine content can vary greatly depending on brewing methods, cup size, bean variety, and other factors.
How Does Making Cold Brew Affect the Caffeine Content?
Making cold brew significantly affects the caffeine content in coffee, influenced by various factors throughout the brewing and consumption process. These factors include serving size, as illustrated by the caffeine difference between a 24-ounce Venti (310 mg) and 16-ounce Grande (205 mg) cold brew at Starbucks. When making cold brew, other factors affecting caffeine content are grind size, roast level, water temperature, brewing time, coffee-to-water ratio, type of coffee beans, water composition, filtration method, stirring/agitation, and bean origin and processing (as shown in this graph).
- Grind Size: 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.
- Roast Level: A 2017 study 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.
- Water Temperature: 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 research by Linda Claassen from the University of Sigmaringen in 2021, which identified the optimal water temperature for cold brew as 68°F (20°C). 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.
- Brewing Time: Although the duration of brewing cold brew coffee plays a role, a 2017 study from Thomas Jefferson University found that after 400 minutes (6-7 hours), caffeine concentration seems to standardize, showing minimal increases regardless of the roast level or grind size used. This suggests that extending the brewing time beyond this point may not significantly increase the caffeine content of the final cold brew.
- Cold Brew Water to Coffee Ratio: Cold brew grounds to water ratio directly impacts the concentration of caffeine in cold brew, although studies have shown 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, chlorogenic acid, and other organic acids. However, a report in the Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture found that different coffee to water ratios for cold brew (such as 1:6, 1:10, and 1:20) did not result in notable differences in caffeine content, compared to other factors like agitation and extraction time.
- Stirring and Agitation: Agitating, or stirring, coffee grounds significantly impacts caffeine extraction in cold brew coffee, 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.
- Type of Coffee Beans: A 2021 study published in Foods Journal by Ewa Olechno et al. 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 (237 mL) cup compared to Arabica's 160 mg.
The mineral content and pH of water, the method used to filter cold brew coffee grounds, coffee processing method, and post-harvest processing methods (wet vs. dry) can influence caffeine content in cold brew, although these factors generally have a smaller impact. However, cold brew pH, acidity, sugar, calorie content, and the use of additives such as cream, milk, or nitrogen do not affect the caffeine amount.
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 the addition of nitrogen does not directly alter the caffeine content, it's worth noting that research suggests potential interactions between nitrogen and caffeine within biological systems, the implications of which are still under investigation.
However, there are exceptions to the rule. For example, Starbucks' nitro cold brew contains 280 mg of caffeine per 16 oz cup, which is 80 milligrams higher than their regular cold brew and many other brands. This difference in caffeine content between Starbucks' nitro and regular cold brew raises the question of whether cold brew, in general, contains more caffeine than other brewing methods.
Does Cold Brew Have More Caffeine?
The answer isn't straightforward, as research presents mixed findings. A 2022 study 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.
While some research suggests that cold brew coffee may contain higher caffeine levels than regular coffee due to its concentrated nature, a study by Natalia Stanek in 2021 found that traditional cold brew coffee actually contained less caffeine compared to hot black coffee. The study found that in Guatemalan arabica coffee, the traditional cold brew had 711 mg/100 g of caffeine, while the hot coffee contained 770 mg/100 g.
Similarly, Salvadoran arabica coffee showed 668 mg/100 g of caffeine in traditional cold brew, compared to 705 mg/100 g in hot coffee. On average, regular black coffee had about 8-9% more caffeine than traditional cold brew coffee across different samples. This table compares the caffeine content per 8-ounce cup of coffee brewed using traditional 24-hour cold brew and regular coffee for various types of coffee beans.
| Coffee Type | Caffeine Content in Cold Brew per 8 oz Cup | Caffeine Content in Coffee per 8 oz Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Guatemala washed | 105.32 mg | 114.06 mg |
| El Salvador washed | 98.95 mg | 104.43 mg |
| Brazil pulped natural | 108.43 mg | 109.61 mg |
| Brazil natural | 104.43 mg | 102.06 mg |
| El Salvador pulped natural | 110.06 mg | 113.17 mg |
| Bolivia washed | 89.62 mg | 89.02 mg |
Does cold brew or regular Americano coffee have more caffeine? Per milliliter (ml), Americano coffee typically has more caffeine due to its espresso base. However, since cold brew is often made in pitcher and served in larger cups, the total caffeine per serving can be higher than Americano.
Is Cold Brew Stronger than Espresso?
Yes, cold brew coffee is typically stronger than espresso as it contains more caffeine per serving. A 2018 study in Food Research International compared eight extraction methods and found that while espresso had a higher caffeine concentration per milliliter, cold brew's larger serving size (typically 120 mL vs. 30 mL for espresso) resulted in a higher total caffeine content per serving.
Similarly, a 2024 research by Dr. Brian Gregory Yust published in Antioxidants noted similar findings, stating that cold brew coffee, prepared over several hours, typically extracts more caffeine overall compared to the shorter extraction time of espresso. Thus, while caffeine in espresso is more concentrated, cold brew delivers more caffeine per cup due to its larger volume.
Is Cold Brew Stronger than Iced Coffee?
Yes, cold brew coffee generally has more caffeine and is stronger than iced coffee. Cold brew typically uses 50-100 grams of coffee per liter of water, steeping for 14 to 26 hours, and averages 200 mg of caffeine per 16 fl oz serving. In contrast, iced coffee, brewed hot for about 5 minutes and then cooled with ice, averages 190 mg of caffeine. However, studies directly comparing cold brew vs. iced coffee are limited and the caffeine content can vary is different brands.
How Much Caffeine Is In Different Cold Brew Coffee Brands?
The caffeine content in cold brew coffee varies significantly among brands, whether it's store-bought bottled cold brew, specialty coffee beans for homemade cold brew, or cold brew coffee drinks served at popular coffee shops such as Starbucks, Dunkin', or McDonald's. For example, the caffeine content in a Starbucks cold brew varies by flavor: 205 mg for a Grande Classic Cold Brew, and 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 | 180 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 | 120-170 mg / 12 fl oz | Stok is a widely available bottled cold brew brand |
| Bizzy Cold Brew | 273 mg / 12 fl oz | Bizzy is a high-caffeine cold brew concentrate |
| Chameleon Cold Brew | 210 mg / 12 fl oz | Chameleon is an organic cold brew coffee brand |
| Wandering Bear Cold Brew | 150 mg / 6 fl oz | Wandering Bear is a highly concentrated boxed cold brew |
| Nespresso Cold Brew | 120-200 mg / pod | Nespresso Cold Brew is a line of cold brew pods for Nespresso machines |
| Trader Joe's Cold Brew | 100 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 | 289 mg / 11 fl oz | Stumptown is a Portland-based roaster's potent bottled cold brew |
| Califia Cold Brew | 161-191 mg / 12 fl oz | Califia is a plant-based beverage company's cold brew line |
| Grady's Cold Brew | 83 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 |
Other coffee brands that sell coffee beans for cold brew, such as Volcanica Coffee, Powerbean Coffee, Stone Street Coffee, and Miscela D'Oro, have varying levels of caffeine.
Does Powerbean Coffee Have Cold Brew?
Yes, Powerbean Coffee offers both regular and decaf cold brew coffee beans. Powerbean Coffee sell organic cold brew in 12oz and 5lb bags, available in whole bean or coarse ground options. Powerbean's cold brew is specifically designed for cold brewing and features unique flavor profiles with hints of lemon, herbs, and chocolate.
