Mark MorphewNeed help deciding whether to order cold brew or nitro cold brew next time you visit your favorite coffee shop? While they may appear similar, a few key differences separate the two cold coffee beverages.
One of the biggest difference’s between nitro cold brew and cold brew is that nitro is infused with nitrogen gas (hence the name).
Additionally, Nitro cold brew has a silky mouthfeel and a slightly sweeter taste compared to regular cold brew.
In this article, we’ll explore more of the differences between nitro cold brew and cold brew, highlighting their unique characteristics and offering an insight into the better option for your personal taste preferences and budget. Let’s dig in!
Comparing Nitro Cold Brew And Cold Brew
Before we delve deeper into the differences between nitro cold brew and cold brew, here is a short overview.
Do Both Of These Cold Brew Drinks Taste The Same?
Kinda! Nitro cold brew tends to have a slightly creamier mouthfeel and perceived sweetness due to the introduction of nitrogen gas compared to regular cold brew.
But both drinks fundamentally start out the same, just the end result is different.
Regular cold brew and nitro are both “cold brewed coffee.”
Cold brew is made by steeping medium-coarse to coarse coffee grounds in cold water for a long time, typically 12 to 24 hours, depending on your strength preference.
(learn how to make cold brew coffee using a French Press.)
The resulting cold-brewed coffee is rich, super smooth, and has less acidity than regular “hot” coffee.
To make nitro coffee, cold brew is infused with nitrogen gas and stored in kegs.
The nitro is served using a tap, and the served coffee has the cascading effect you often see in freshly served draft beer and even comes with a foamy layer on top.
Is Nitro Cold Brew Stronger Than Cold Brew?
So, is there a lot of caffeine in a nitro cold brew? When it comes to coffee strength, nitro cold brew, and regular cold brew have different characteristics that may affect the perception of their “strength.”
Cold brew is known for its smooth and mellow flavor. The extended steeping process in cold water extracts fewer bitter and acidic compounds typically found in hot regular coffee.
This results in a coffee with lower acidity and a more balanced flavor profile. The caffeine content in the cold brew is also relatively high, as the longer steeping process extracts more caffeine from the coffee grounds.
Nitro cold brew, on the other hand, has a creamier texture and a slightly sweeter taste due to the nitrogen infusion.
The nitrogen gas creates tiny bubbles in the coffee, giving it a thick and velvety consistency similar to a Guinness beer.
This texture and flavor profile can create the perception of a stronger coffee, even though the caffeine content is generally the same compared to regular cold brew.
So, while nitro may seem stronger due to its unique texture and flavor, the caffeine content in nitro cold brew and cold brew is generally the same.
This makes both drinks excellent options for coffee lovers looking for a caffeine boost without the bitterness or acidity found in traditional hot regular coffee and regular iced coffee.
However, it’s important to remember that the strength and taste of coffee can vary depending on factors such as the type of coffee beans, the brewing method, and the serving size.
– so it’s always best to try different options and find the one that works best for you.
Fun Fact
The unique texture and flavor profile made nitro coffee an instant hit with coffee lovers, and it has since become a popular beverage in coffee shops worldwide.
Do Both Coffee Drinks Cost The Same?
But what about the cost? Does one cost more than the other?
The price of cold brew coffee and nitro coffee can fluctuate depending on numerous factors, such as the coffee shop, the location, the size of the drink, and any additional ingredients or flavors.
However, nitro coffee generally tends to be more expensive than regular cold brew due to the additional equipment and process required to infuse the coffee with nitrogen.
So, nitro coffee will cost more than cold brew coffee, but the exact price can vary from one establishment to another.
How Many Calories In Nitro Cold Brew Compared To Cold Brew?
When it comes to the calorie count, the number of calories in nitro cold brew compared to cold brew depends on a few factors, such as the type of coffee bean used, the size of the serving, and the kind of milk or sweeteners added.
On average, both nitro cold brew and regular cold brew coffee contain about five calories.
However, this may vary depending on the coffee beans’ type, brewing method, and serving size.
In addition, adding milk or sugar to the coffee will increase its calorie count, so it’s essential to keep in mind any additions when calculating the calories in your drink.
Which One Should You Choose?
Deciding between nitro cold brew and cold brew coffee ultimately depends on personal preference.
If you enjoy a creamy, foamy texture and a slightly sweeter taste, then nitro cold brew may be the right choice.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, mellow coffee with a natural sweetness, then cold brew will probably be the better option for you.
It’s worth noting that both nitro cold brew and cold brew coffee are lower in acidity and less bitter than traditional hot coffee, making them an excellent choice for anyone with a sensitive stomach or who wants to reduce their caffeine intake.
Additionally, both cold coffee drinks can be customized with milk, sweeteners, and flavors to create your perfect cup of coffee.
Conclusion: Nitro Cold Brew vs Cold Brew
Nitro cold brew and cold brew coffee are both delicious and refreshing ways to enjoy coffee, and they offer unique textures and flavors that set them apart from traditional hot coffee.
Whether you prefer the creamy texture and sweet taste of nitro cold brew or cold brew coffee’s smooth, mellow flavor, both drinks are excellent choices for anyone looking to enjoy a refreshing and satisfying cup of coffee.
So next time you’re in the mood for a cold iced coffee, give nitro cold brew or cold brew a try and see which one you prefer; I know which is my favorite!
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When he's not fiddling around with a new coffee gadget, you'll find him busy doing DIY projects around the home and taking his German Shepherd for a walk, who funnily enough is called Kona!
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