Cold Brew Vs Nitro Cold Brew: Which Coffee Is Right For You?
Cold Brew Vs Nitro Cold Brew. Two popular coffee drinks that have become more well-known in recent years are cold brew and nitro cold brew. While both are brewed cold and provide a distinctive coffee experience, they differ in a number of aspects, including texture, flavor, and caffeine level.
The distinctions between cold brew and nitro cold brew will be discussed in Centralparkwestcafe‘s post to assist you in selecting the one that is best for you.
What Is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is a method of brewing coffee that involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours.
In comparison to regular hot brewed coffee, the slow brewing procedure absorbs more flavor from the coffee, giving it a smoother, less acidic, and less bitter taste. Often, coffee is poured over ice or diluted with milk or water.
In addition to being popular in the summer, cold brew is also pleasant all year round. Moreover, you may prepare cold brew at home by employing a number of techniques, including immersion, slow drip, or French press.
What Is Nitro Cold Brew?
Nitro cold brew is a type of cold brew coffee that is infused with nitrogen gas to create a creamy, frothy texture similar to that of a stout beer.
The nitrogen gas is pressurized and forced through a draft system to create tiny nitrogen bubbles, which gives the coffee a rich, smooth mouthfeel and a creamy head on top. Nitro cold brew is typically served from a tap, like beer, and consumed without ice to fully enjoy its unique texture and flavor.
Nitro cold brew is often described as having a slightly sweeter and more chocolatey taste than regular cold brew due to the nitrogen bubbles enhancing the coffee’s natural sweetness.
Cold Brew Vs Nitro Cold Brew
After defining cold brew and nitro cold brew beverages, it’s time to contrast them.
The Brewing Process
The brewing procedure is mostly the same for both cold brew and nitro cold brew beverages.
Coarsely ground coffee beans must soak in cold water for 18 to 24 hours for both coffee drinks.
As we’ve seen, cold brew may be produced as a ready-to-drink product or as a concentrate, which requires employing a higher brewing ratio (beans to water ratio) and diluting with water and ice before consumption.
You’ll have your cold brew available after the brewing is complete. Only time, water, and coffee are needed for this relatively easy procedure.
But, it is more difficult to make nitro cold brew.
Cold brew concentrate is used to manufacture nitro cold brew in order to replace the coffee that is lost during the nitrogen infusion (your nitro cold brew contains a lot of gas!).
A pressurized keg and specialized tools resembling bar equipment are needed to add the nitrogen bubbles.
In summary, all you need to prepare a wonderful cold brew beverage at home is coffee, water, a container, and a refrigerator.
Nevertheless, unless you are a die-hard lover of nitro cold brew and are prepared to invest thousands of dollars on equipment, creating nitro cold brew at home is not feasible.
If not, you’ll have to visit coffee shops to try nitro cold brew.
Texture
Since nitrogen gas is added to nitro cold brew, the texture of the two beverages is noticeably different.
Compared to conventional hot coffee, cold brew has a smoother texture and a cleaner finish that is also less acidic and harsh.
Nitro cold brew, on the other hand, has a creamy and velvety texture because of the nitrogen bubbles that give it a smooth, frothy head and a creamy mouthfeel.
Regular cold brew is thinner and lighter in consistency than nitro cold brew, which is sometimes compared to the texture of Guinness beer.
Nitro cold brew stands apart from other coffee beverages thanks to the additional nitrogen bubbles that produce a distinctive and pleasurable sipping experience.
Flavor
Delicate coffee flavors make the taste characteristic of cold brew. Cold brew has a softer flavor that is less acidic (the heat brings out the acidity of coffee) than iced coffee (or other coffees that employ heat during the brewing process).
Oftentimes, cold brew is served with ice, and some drinkers like to add sugar and milk. Without a particularly thick mouthfeel or fizziness, the texture is straightforward. It’s similar to consuming water.
As a result of the nitrogen bubbles, however, nitro cold brew has a richer and creamier texture. The beverage has a mouthfeel akin to steaming milk because of these nitrogen bubbles (micro-foam).
Moreover, nitro cold brew is a little bit sweeter than cold brew.
Actually, the millions of nitrogen bubbles in the beverage, according to the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association), make the sweetness more of a feeling than a taste.
Nitro cold brew is often served without milk, ice, or sugar, but occasionally vanilla flavor is added.
If you prefer nitro cold brew over black coffee, give it a try. You could develop a new addiction to it!
Health Benefits
Compared to regular coffee beverages, nitro cold brew and cold brew both have special potential health advantages.
Both nitro cold brew and cold brew contain less acidity than ordinary coffee because of the cold brewing technique.
Furthermore, both beverages have the same health advantages as traditional coffee:
- Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurological illnesses are all associated to a lower chance of development in coffee drinkers.
- Coffee may facilitate weight reduction by perhaps accelerating metabolism.
- Regular coffee consumption may reduce the risk of depression.
Cold brew coffee may, however, have fewer antioxidants, according to research that was published in Scientific Reports. When coffee is brewed hot as opposed to cold, non-deprotonated acids are more likely to be extracted.
The greater antioxidant content of hot coffee may be due to these acids.
Cold brew may have less of the chemoprotective effects provided by antioxidants, which are wonderful for many things, including methods to lower the chance of developing cancer.
The following distinctions exist between cold brew and nitro cold brew in terms of their particular health benefits:
- The nitro cold brew’s nitrogen bubbles give the beverage a creamy mouthfeel and subtle notes of sweetness. People are thus less inclined to add milk or sugar to their beverages, which is a good thing.
- Nitro cold brew often contains more caffeine than regular cold brew. This implies that nitro cold brew offers more health advantages associated with caffeine, such as an increase in energy.
Cost
When you order nitro cold brew online or at your neighborhood coffee shop, it costs more than cold brew.
This is due to the sophisticated machinery required to pressurize the coffee and add nitrogen to it.
The discrepancy might be ranging from 20 cents to $1.
Also, making cold brew at home is far less expensive. As we’ve seen, unless you’re wealthy enough to purchase specialist equipment solely to prepare nitro cold brew, this is not an option for nitro cold brew. In such a scenario, you won’t care about the cost!
Check out the easy cold brew recipe below if you enjoy cold coffee and want to save money.
Cold Brew Vs Nitro Cold Brew Calories
The amount of calories in cold brew and nitro cold brew might vary based on the serving size, the kind of coffee beans used, and any added additions like sugar or cream.
But, in general, consumers looking for a healthier coffee choice like both cold brew and nitro cold brew because they are both low-calorie drinks.
Depending on the type of coffee beans used and the brewing technique, a normal 16-ounce (473ml) cup of cold brew generally has 5–10 calories. The additional cream or sugar that is occasionally added to nitro cold brew to improve its flavor, on the other hand, may result in a minor increase in calories.
Nonetheless, a 16-ounce (473ml) portion of nitro cold brew generally has 5–20 calories when taken purely without any additional additives.
The fact that cold brew and nitro cold brew still include caffeine, which can have certain metabolic effects on the body, should be noted. It’s wise to consume these beverages in moderation and combine them with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Nitro Cold Brew Vs Cold Brew Acidity
The amount of acidity is one of the most important distinctions between nitro cold brew and cold brew.
Due to the lengthy, cold brewing procedure, cold brew coffee often has a lower acidity level than standard hot coffee.
It has a smoother, less acidic flavor as consequence, which is softer on the stomach and makes it a popular option for people who have acid reflux or sensitive stomachs.
In contrast, because of the nitrogen infusion process, which can alter the pH balance of the coffee, cold brew has a tendency to have a somewhat lower acidity level than nitro cold brew.
However, the additional nitrogen bubbles can also give the coffee a creamier texture and increase its inherent sweetness, which can help counteract the acidity.
Overall, cold brew is probably a better choice if you’re searching for coffee with less acidity. Yet if you like the distinctive flavor and texture of nitro cold brew, the little greater acidity level might not be a big deal.
Individual tastes might differ, therefore it’s important to keep in mind that you should always test both choices to determine which you like most.
How Much Caffeine In Nitro Cold Brew?
The kind of coffee beans used, the brewing technique and the serving size may all affect the quantity of caffeine in nitro cold brew. Nonetheless, nitro cold brew often has a comparable caffeine content to ordinary cold brew or iced coffee.
A typical 16-ounce (473ml) serving of nitro cold brew contains around 200-300 milligrams of caffeine, which is roughly the same amount as a regular iced coffee or cold brew.
However, it’s worth noting that some nitro cold brew recipes may use more coffee grounds or brew for a longer time, resulting in higher caffeine content.
Also, it’s crucial to remember that nitro cold brew is frequently sipped without ice, which allows the caffeine to be concentrated more in a smaller serving size. Start with a lower serving size or pick a decaf alternative if you’re sensitive to caffeine or attempting to minimize your intake.
Overall, nitro cold brew is a popular choice for coffee lovers who want a rich, flavorful beverage with a caffeine kick. However, it’s essential to consume it in moderation and balance it with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Cold Brew Recipe
Equipment
- A large container or jar (at least 1 liter capacity)
- Filter or cheesecloth
Ingredients
- Coarsely ground coffee beans about 1 cup or 100g
- Water
Instructions
- Grind your coffee beans coarsely using a grinder. You can also ask your local coffee shop to grind them for you.
- Add the ground coffee to your container or jar.
- Pour in enough water to fully saturate the coffee grounds. Gently stir to ensure that all the coffee is wet.
- Add more water to fill the container, leaving about an inch of space at the top. The ratio of coffee to water should be 1:4 or 1:5.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and let it steep at room temperature for 12-24 hours. The longer you steep, the stronger the coffee will be.
- After the coffee has steeped, strain it through a filter or cheesecloth to remove any grounds. You can also use a French press or a coffee filter.
- Transfer the cold brew to a jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To serve, pour the cold brew over ice and add milk or sweeteners as desired.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nitro cold brew stronger than cold brew?
Due to the addition of nitrous oxide, regular cold brew coffee is not stronger than nitro cold brew coffee. The taste of the regular cold brew is stronger. This is what? Nitro cold brew is creamier and more reminiscent of stout beer due to the gas bubbles.
Does nitro cold brew hit you faster?
The fact that nitro coffee contains over 30% more caffeine than conventional drip coffee is one of its key advantages. According to some experts, nitrogen gas speeds up the body’s metabolism of caffeine, allowing you to experience the caffeine rush more quickly.
Is nitro cold brew stronger than espresso?
Cold brew with nitro is more potent than espresso. Nitro cold brew, which uses compressed gas, offers a distinct flavor profile but is still more potent than espresso. The flavor of nitro cold brew is similar to that of conventional cold brew coffee, which is likewise more potent than espresso.
Wrap Up
So, the decision between nitro cold brew and cold brew is essentially a matter of personal choice. Both drinks give a different coffee experience and each has distinctive qualities. Whether you like cold brew or nitro cold brew, they are fantastic alternatives to hot coffee and provide a delectable, refreshing way to get your caffeine fix.
Centralparkwestcafe hopes this article has helped you understand the differences between cold brew and nitro cold brew and has provided you with the information you need to make an informed choice. Enjoy your next cup of coffee, whether it’s a smooth and mellow cold brew or a creamy and velvety nitro cold brew!
| After realizing she needed caffeine in university, Mia Ramaciotti’s passion for coffee grew. Since he started drinking only instant coffee, she’s learned a lot, and she now appreciates and delights in every stage of the coffee experience, from planting the seeds to drinking the brew.
Mia Ramaciotti She has drunk over a hundred different types of instant coffee. Through various exchange programs, she has visited several countries, including Mexico, Thailand, India, Indonesia, etc. These are great chances for her to sample coffee from all over the world. With her contribution in terms of content, you will have a greater understanding of coffee’s fascinating facts. |
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