Because it is brewed cold, cold brew coffee differs from iced coffee. Iced coffee, on the other hand, is brewed hot and then chilled. The two drinks are prepared in very different ways which result in what tastes like two completely different beverages to most people. But what exactly makes these popular drinks so vastly different? Let’s explore what sets these caffeinated concoctions apart!
In a nutshell, it comes down to taste and caffeine content. Cold brew coffee is smoother and less acidic with a chocolatey or nutty taste while iced coffee can be more tart and bitter. Caffeine-wise, there is also believed to be more in cold brew coffee. Finally, the biggest difference in terms of how they are made is that cold brew uses only cold water while iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled down.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in room temperature or cold water for an extended period.
This process yields a less acidic, smoother coffee with less bitterness. Cold-brew coffee can be enjoyed hot or over ice.
What Is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee is made by brewing coffee at a hot temperature, then cooling it down with ice. This coffee tends to be more acidic and has more bitterness than cold brew. Iced coffee is best enjoyed quickly, while the ice is still able to keep it cold.
Difference In Flavor
The difference in flavor between both is that the acidity of cold brew is lower, and it has a smoother flavor.
- Iced coffee is more acidic and has a more pronounced coffee flavor.
- Coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours to make cold brew, whereas iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down.
- The main difference in flavor between both types is that the latter is less acidic.
- Iced coffee is made by pouring hot coffee over ice, which increases the acidity. Cold brew is made with cold water and ground coffee, which results in a smoother flavor.
- Cold-brew is also less bitter because the beans are never exposed to heat, which can release bitterness. The lack of heat also means that cold brew retains more of the coffee’s natural oils, giving it a richer flavor.
- Iced coffee is more refreshing because it is colder, but cold brew has a more complex flavor than some people prefer. It is also important to note that iced coffee will get diluted as the ice melts.
Difference In Caffeine Content
The basic between both is the caffeine content.
- Cold brew coffee has a lower caffeine content than regular iced coffee. This is because cold brew coffee is made with cold water, which extracts less caffeine from the beans than hot water does.
- Cold-brew coffee also has a smoother, less acidic flavor than regular iced coffee.
- Both types of coffee have varying levels of caffeine. Espresso or brewed coffee is typically used to make iced coffee, which is then chilled. Cold brew coffee is made when coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for an extended period, usually 12 to 24 hours. This method produces a coffee that is smoother, less acidic and contains more caffeine than traditional iced coffee.
Iced coffee generally has more caffeine than cold brew because hot water extracts more caffeine from coffee beans than cold water. However, the difference in caffeine content is typically only a few milligrams. So if you’re looking for an extra boost of energy, iced coffee is probably your best bet.
Related: Can You Use Regular Coffee For Espresso?
Difference In Price
Another difference between these coffee types is the price.
- Iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then pouring it over ice. Coffee grounds are steeped in cold water for an extended period to make cold brew. This method extracts more flavor from the beans, resulting in a drink that is smoother and less acidic.
- Due to the extra labor involved in cold brewing, iced coffee is generally cheaper. However, some high-end shops charge more for their cold brew.
Difference In Taste
- Iced coffee tastes more like traditional hot coffee because it is made with hot coffee and then cooled down. The ice cubes dilute the flavor and make it less strong.
- Cold brew coffee has a smoother, more mellow flavor because it is steeped in cold water for a long time. This process extracts more of the oils and flavors from the beans, resulting in a richer taste.
- Because iced coffee is made with hot coffee, it can sometimes taste bitter or burnt. Cold brew coffee is less likely to taste bitter because the beans are never exposed to heat.
Difference In Preparation Time
- Within a few minutes, iced coffee can be made while cold brew takes around 12 hours. This is because cold brew needs to steep for an extended time to extract all of the flavors from the beans.
So, if you’re in a hurry and need your coffee fix fast, iced coffee is the way to go. But if you’re willing to wait a little longer for a tastier cup of coffee, cold brew is worth the wait.
Difference In Preparation
Another difference between both types is the way they are prepared. Cold brew coffee is brewed using cold water and ground coffee beans, while iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee and then cooling it down with ice. This results in iced coffee having a more traditional flavor and less caffeine, while cold brew coffee generally has a smoother taste and more caffeine.
Also Read: How Many Coffee Beans Equal A Cup Of Coffee?
Which One Should You Choose?
So, what’s the verdict? If you’re looking for a less acidic, smoother-tasting coffee with lower caffeine content, cold brew is the way to go. Do you need a stronger cup of coffee with more caffeine, iced coffee is the better choice. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, iced coffee is the way to go. Cold-brew will give you a slower, longer-lasting energy boost thanks to the higher caffeine content. Either way, you can’t go wrong!