Cold Brew Vs. Iced Coffee: What's the Difference?

Cold brew and iced coffee might seem similar at first glance, but their differences extend beyond temperature. Cold brew is a brewing method that involves steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in room temperature water for 8 to 24 hours. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is simply hot-brewed coffee served over ice, which is done in minutes using any brewing method, from espresso to French press.

When choosing between iced coffee and cold brew, the primary factors are taste and convenience, not the nutrition facts or potential health benefits associated with drinking coffee. Although cold brew takes significantly longer to prepare than iced coffee, it often contains slightly more caffeine due to a longer extraction time. However, a 2018 study by Niny Z. Rao from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Thomas Jefferson University found that cold brew had lower concentrations of chlorogenic acid (27.85%) and lower antioxidant activity (25.41%) compared to iced coffee.

This key difference between iced coffee and cold brew, along with variations in brewing process, recipes, coffee-to-water ratio, water type, grind size, equipment, and storage conditions, leads to differences in acidity, flavor notes, price, and overall strength. Ultimately, deciding whether cold brew coffee is better than iced coffee or is cold brew just a waste of good coffee comes down to personal preference.

What Is Cold Brew?

Cold brew, also known as cold water extraction or cold pressing, is a brewing process where coarsely ground coffee or tea leaves are steeped (soaked) in chilled or room temperature water (between 68°F and 77°F or 20 and 25°C) for up to 24 hours, extracting caffeine, oils, and flavors. The National Coffee Association (NCA) defines cold brew as a versatile, safe, and sustainable brewing method, not as a 'coffee with ice', a serving method, or marketing term.

Cold brew coffee originated in Japan centuries ago, traditionally brewed as Kyoto-style using a slow-drip process. However, it wasn't until Starbucks introduced its version in 2015 that cold brew's popularity soared. Today, cold brew coffee is a popular commercial beverage among Millennials and Generation Z, with ready-to-drink store-bought bottles accounting for about 10% of all coffee sales in the United States in 2021, according to the National Coffee Association.

Cold brew coffee is available as coffee drinks served at supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations, and popular coffee shops such as Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, or Tim Hortons, or as specialty coffee beans for homemade cold brewing. A 2021 study from the University of Sigmaringen found 71% of people make cold brew at home, with the most common cold brew ratio between 1:10 to 1:20, using 50-100 grams of Arabica coffee soaked in one liter of soft drinking water in the refrigerator (between 39°F/4°C) for 20-26 hours to reduce acidity and bitterness. The study reports that more than 33% prefer to serve and drink cold brew in large glass, filled with ice cubes with milk, sugar, or nitrogen (nitro cold brew).

What Is Iced Coffee?

Iced coffee, also known as "Caffè freddo" in Italian, or "Café glacé" in French, is a popular chilled coffee beverage made by brewing regular hot black coffee for 5-10 minutes and then rapidly cooling it down, usually served over ice. In specialty coffee shops, iced coffee means a beverage made either using a drip coffee maker, a pressurized system like espresso, or a full immersion brew such as French press, that is then cooled and served with ice and other flavorings such as caramel, vanilla, or chocolate.

The recipe for the original iced coffee, known as Mazagran, traces back to Algeria around 1840. This cold, sweetened beverage, made with strong coffee poured over ice, began appearing in menus and recipes in the late 19th century. Today, according to Tastewise, a food research company, over 15% of restaurants globally offer iced coffee on their menus. According to a 2023 study in Psychology Research and Behavior Management, iced coffee was the most popular type of coffee consumed by 70.31% of the 923 young adults surveyed in Alhasa Governorate, Saudi Arabia.

However, not all iced coffees are created equal. Many coffee brands, food bloggers, coffee shops, and even countries have their unique takes on this refreshing beverage. Starbucks has been promoting its Iced Shaken Espresso drinks since 2021, while Dunkin' Donuts introduced a Spiked Iced Coffee in 2023. Traditional Thai iced coffee is made from dark roast coffee, sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Other popular iced coffee variations include lattes, mochas, and macchiatos. Additionally, countries like Vietnam, Greece, and the United States have their own unique iced coffee traditions.

What Are the Differences Between Iced Coffee and Cold Brew?

The primary difference between iced coffee and cold brew lies in the brewing process. Cold brew takes around 14-26 hours and uses various cold water extraction methods (no higher than room temperature), such as dripping or steeping. In contrast, iced coffee is simply coffee brewed hot at 88-96°C (190-205°F) for 3 to 5 minutes, then cooled with ice cubes. Making cold brew is a nine-step process that requires a coffee grinder, a scale to help you measure the coffee and water, a large glass container such as a mason jar, French press, or cold brew maker, and a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to filter and separate the coffee grounds from the finished brew.

Cold brew typically uses more coffee grounds than iced coffee, anywhere from 50 to 100 grams of coarse grind coffee (900-1100 microns) per 1 liter of water. In contrast, the standard ratio for drip coffee, which is often used for iced coffee, is around 30 to 60 grams of fine grind (500-600 microns) for the same amount of water. However, the amount of coffee used for iced coffee can vary significantly depending on whether you're making iced americano coffee, iced drip coffee, or iced espresso.

Other differences between cold brew vs. iced coffee include taste, health benefits, caffeine content, equipment, and cost, as shown in this infographic.

1. Taste Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Cold brew and iced coffee have distinct taste profiles due to their brewing methods. A 2022 study by Mackenzie E. Batali from the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California revealed that cold brew coffee, brewed at 39°F (4°C), is significantly more floral and less bitter, sour, and rubbery than iced coffee brewed at 198°F (92°C).

This is because higher brewing temperatures increase the kinetic energy of water molecules, favoring the extraction of volatile and non-volatile chemical compounds from the coffee such as polyphenols, melanoidins, sugars, and carbohydrates. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), a statistical method that simplifies complex data, showed that cold brewing better preserves fruity and floral attributes than iced coffee across different roast levels.

In terms of acidity, cold brews have higher pH levels (ranging from 4.97 to 5.81) than iced coffee (ranging from 4.81 to 5.48), indicating that iced coffee is more acidic. Is cold brew sweet? Yes, a 2023 study in the Journal of Food Processing and Preservation by Liang Pan found that cold brew was sweeter and had a higher concentration of enzymatic flavor compounds than regular coffee.

As for which one tastes better, 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 (shown in the infographic below), making taste preference highly subjective.

2. Health Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

While there is no definitive answer to whether iced coffee or cold brew is healthier, a 2018 study published in Scientific Reports revealed that iced coffee had higher antioxidant activity, reaching values of 20.72 mmol Trolox/L, compared to cold brew coffee's peak of 17.45 mmol Trolox/L.

The study found the concentration of caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) isomers—naturally occurring antioxidants found in coffee—was 48.57% higher in iced coffee. Total CQA concentration in iced coffee reached up to 3,270 mg/L, compared to cold brew's maximum of 2,201 mg/L.

However, those with stomach issues may find cold brew a more suitable option than iced coffee. A 2021 study by Amaia Iriondo-DeHond from the Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Alimentación, a research institute in Madrid, published in Nutrients Journal, reports that cold brew coffee is significantly less acidic than iced coffee. This lower acidity may be gentler on the stomach, reducing the risk of acid reflux, GERD, and stomach irritation. The study suggests cold brew is generally a safer option for individuals with sensitive stomachs, GERD, or ulcers, due to its lower acidity and reduced stimulation of gastric acid secretion.

The following table compares the nutritional composition of iced coffee and cold brew coffee, highlighting differences in carbohydrates, fiber, caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and other compounds.

3. Caffeine Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Cold brew coffee typically contains more caffeine than iced coffee, especially when using a coarse grind. A 2017 study published in Scientific Reports (Fuller & Rao) found that cold brew coarse grind samples contained up to 1,230 mg of caffeine per liter, compared to around 970 mg/L for regular coffee samples of the same grind. Similarly, a 2023 study by Nur Hadiyani Zakaria from the Institute of Nutrition at Mahidol University found that cold brew coffee was approximately 37% higher in caffeine content compared to regular coffee.

So why is cold brew stronger than iced coffee? The higher caffeine content in cold brew is likely due to the extended extraction time of 24 hours, allowing for a more complete extraction of caffeine compared to the shorter brewing time of regular and iced coffee. However, it's important to note that the caffeine content in any type of coffee can vary widely depending on multiple factors such as the type of coffee bean, roast level, brewing method, and serving size.

To illustrate this difference in caffeine content, various studies have examined the caffeine levels in both cold brew and other types of coffee. For example, a 2018 study in Food Research International found the average caffeine content in cold brew was 296 mg per 8-ounce (237 mL) cup (almost twice the amount that USDA estimates). Additionally, since espresso is a common base for many iced coffee drinks, a 2011 study from the University of Glasgow demonstrated that caffeine levels in a single shot of espresso from different coffee shops ranged from 51 mg to 322 mg (up to 6 times more than what the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated).

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

4. Cost Differences 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. This price difference stems from a few factors, including coffee-to-water ratio, cold brew makers, and market prices.

• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: Homemade cold brew typically requires a higher coffee-to-water ratio than iced coffee. Cold brew is brewed as a concentrate, often using 50-100 grams (or 3.3 to 6.7 tablespoons) of ground coffee per liter of water, whereas iced coffee uses less coffee, for example, 17g to 270 mL of water for iced aeropress or 60 g coffee to 900 mL water for iced French press. This higher coffee usage for cold brew naturally increases its cost.
• Cold Brew Makers: While basic homemade cold brew can be inexpensive, specialized cold brew makers and tupperware can significantly raise the cost. Cold brew maker models from brands like KitchenAid, Toddy, or Takeya range from $23.99 to $119.99. Additional accessories priced from $3.20 to $26.50 for systems like the Toddy Home Cold Brew System can further increase the expense.
• Store-Bought Prices: Store-bought cold brew in cans, bottles, or cartons from brands like Wandering Bear, Califia, or RISE Brewing tends to be more expensive per ounce compared to iced coffee brands like Victor Allen, Quest Nutrition, or Starbucks ($0.66/oz vs. $0.26/oz).
• Coffee Shop Prices: Even at coffee shops, cold brew often commands a higher price. For example, a tall 12 oz cold brew at Starbucks costs $4.95, while a tall iced coffee is $4.65. Specialty cold brews like Vanilla Sweet Cream can be even more expensive.

In addition, the brewing time also contributes to the cost difference. Cold brew takes significantly longer to brew (12 to 24 hours) than iced coffee, which can increase production time, storage, and cost on a commercial scale. The bar graph compares the price per ounce of various brands of iced coffee and cold brew.

5. Shelf Life Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee

Cold brew coffee lasts significantly longer than iced coffee, remaining stable for up to one week (7 days) with proper refrigeration at 4°C, as reported in a 2021 research by Claassen et al. in Foods Journal. Iced coffee shows faster sensory deterioration, after just 2-3 days, due to higher initial extraction temperatures.

A 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. This prolonged stability in cold brew is due to lower extraction temperatures and reduced microbial growth in a colder environment, leading to 20% greater flavor stability and slower increase in off-flavors over time compared to hot-brewed iced coffee. The research also found that chlorogenic acid degradation contributes to staling, which occurs more rapidly in hot-brewed iced coffee.

However, to answer the question of "how long does cold brew last" definitively, one must also consider factors like roasting date, oxygen exposure, storage temperature, and more.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Making Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee?

Both cold brew and iced coffee offer delicious ways to enjoy your favorite caffeinated beverage on a hot summer day. Each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, making the choice between them largely a matter of personal preference and lifestyle. Cold brew is known for its smooth, less acidic flavor profile, and often boasts a higher caffeine content. However, making cold brew requires some forethought due to the long brewing process. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is incredibly quick to prepare (once the hot coffee is brewed), ready to drink in minutes, and more economical for single servings.

Recipes for both cold brew and iced coffee are readily available online (on platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok), and both beverages can be heat up, pair well with flavorings like vanilla, pumpkin cream, or chocolate cream. Cold brew brewing is quite simple, requiring minimal equipment (a jar and filter), while iced coffee relies on standard coffee brewing tools. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual taste and how much time you're willing to invest in preparation.

Can You Make Iced Coffee from Cold Brew Concentrate?

Yes, you can. Although iced coffee is not the same as cold brew, making iced coffee from cold brew concentrate is easy and convenient. You'll need to dilute cold brew concentrate with water or milk to achieve your desired strength. A good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water, but you can adjust it to your personal taste. You can add milk, cream, sweetener, or other flavorings to your iced coffee. If you prefer a sweeter drink, try adding a simple syrup made with equal parts sugar and water.

Can You Use the Same Beans for Cold Brew and Iced Coffee?

Yes, you can use the same coffee beans for cold brew and iced coffee, however, cold brew often benefits from a coarser grind. Bean selection for cold brew and iced coffee is similar, but you might choose beans from with lower acidity such as Colombia or Indonesia for cold brew to avoid an overly bitter taste. When buying coffee beans for cold brew or iced coffee, consider specialty coffee brands like JBC Coffee Roasters for their Las Margaritas Geisha Honey, Utopian Coffee for their Ethiopia Layo Teraga, or Powerbean Coffee Cold Brew, perfect for cold brew concentrate and nitro brewing.

Are Powerbean Coffee Beans More Suitable for Cold Brew or Iced Coffee?

Powerbean Coffee beans from Central America and Bali are generally more suited for cold brew coffee because these regions produce beans known for their lower acidity and smoother flavor profiles. However, Powerbean Coffee beans can still be used for iced coffee, particularly if you prefer a stronger, bolder flavor in your iced beverages.