What You Should and Shouldn’t Know About Cold Brew and Caffeine.

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

You’re probably familiar with cold brew coffee by now. In simple terms, it’s coffee extracted through immersion, either at room temperature or in a refrigerated environment, for a duration ranging from 12 to 24 hours (sometimes even longer). Some are concentrated while others are ready to drink directly. Making cold drip coffee at home, also known as Kyoto drip or iced drip, is quite straightforward. The tools for home use are simple, effective, and affordable, offering plenty of options.

Features of Cold Brew Coffee:

• Smooth and silky on the palate
• Noticeable sweetness with less bitterness and acidity

How to Measure Caffeine in Cold Brew?

Key Points: The caffeine content in coffee primarily depends on its species; for instance, Robusta beans contain nearly twice as much caffeine as Arabica beans.

Q: Apart from the coffee species, are there other factors affecting caffeine content, such as roasting?

Matt Swenson, Director of Coffee at Nestle Partners, notes that the roasting process doesn’t break down caffeine, implying that different roasting profiles have limited impact on caffeine content. Therefore, the concentration and brewing ratio in cold brew, rather than roasting or coffee processing methods, determine caffeine levels.

Misconceptions About Caffeine Do you also believe these?

Is cold brew coffee higher in caffeine content than pour-over coffee? A: Not necessarily. It depends on whether the cold brew is consumed as a concentrate or diluted.

Q:Does a longer cold brew extraction time result in more caffeine extraction?

A: Not necessarily. The difference in caffeine content is not due to brewing methods but rather the strength of the beverage when consumed.

Q:Some say cold brew coffee has 10% to 30% higher Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) than pour-over coffee.

A: Yes, but cold brew coffee is usually diluted before consumption.

Q:Is there a point where, regardless of how long cold brew is brewed, caffeine content doesn’t increase?

A: Yes. In hot brewing methods, about 90% of extractable caffeine is extracted within 5 minutes and 54 seconds. In cold water extraction, caffeine extraction is rapid in the first 180 minutes and then plateaus.

Q:Is higher cold brew concentration directly proportional to higher caffeine content?

A: Yes, but the impact of steeping time on caffeine content is limited.

*Data from Megan Fuller and Niny Z. Rao’s 2017 study “The Effect of Time, Roasting Temperature, and Grind Size on Caffeine and Chlorogenic Acid Concentrations in Cold Brew Coffee”.

How to Lower Caffeine in Cold Brew

Pro Tips If you’re concerned about caffeine content in cold brew, consider these methods to reduce it:

1. Lower the brewing ratio. Cold brew concentrates are typically brewed at ratios like 1:8 or 1:10. You can dilute the concentrate further, for example, to 1:16.
2. Dilute the cold brew concentrate. If the cold brew is already prepared, you can dilute it by adding water, ice, milk, or sparkling water.

How to Brew a Great Batch of Cold Brew Four steps to master a great batch of cold brew:

1. Grind Coarseness Grind size should resemble breadcrumbs, not as coarse as French press but not too fine either. Adjust grind size along with extraction time.
2. Extraction Time Shorter for finer grind, longer for coarser grind. Ideally, aim for 12 to 24 hours of extraction time.
3. Extraction Method Cold drip or cold brew—which is better? It’s subjective. If you prefer a fruitier and cleaner taste, you might lean towards cold drip.
4. Water Use ice water or water below 20°C for extraction, preferably filtered water like Brita or Peak Water.