Cold brew coffee has become increasingly popular thanks to its smooth, sweet flavor and the convenience of home preparation. It can be found at many coffee shops and can be purchased pre-made in bottles or cans. The popularity of cold brew has also led to the creation of new products, such as flavored cold brews, ready-to-drink cold brews, and cold brew concentrates.
Cold brew coffee is a slow steeping process that requires coarsely ground coffee beans and cold water. The combination of time and low temperature allows the coffee to extract slowly, creating a unique flavor profile. Cold brew coffee is served over ice, often mixed with water, milk, or cream. It has a smooth, sweet, and less bitter taste than hot brewed coffee.
The quality of the coffee beans used to make cold brew is critical to its flavor and overall enjoyment. The right coffee beans can enhance the natural flavors and aromas of the coffee. In contrast, the wrong coffee beans can produce bitter or unsatisfying results. Choosing the right coffee beans ensures the cold brew is smooth, rich, and flavorful. Factors to consider when choosing coffee beans include roast level, origin, and personal taste preferences.
How We've Made Our Selection
Knowing which cold-brew coffee beans are the best is hard because there are so many different brands and options.
Our editors have taken the time to acquire knowledge of each product's company, study product specifics, read consumer feedback, and independently select the best options. This ensures that the quality of each coffee bean for cold brew is right for you and your home. Remember, what works for one consumer, may only work for some.
5 Best Cold Brew Coffee Beans
1. Tiny Footprint Coffee - Organic Cold Brew
Tiny Footprint Coffee's Organic Cold Brew Blend is a top-rated product for cold brew enthusiasts. With its combination of light and dark roasts mixed with Ethiopian coffee, this blend is specifically crafted for cold brewing.
This product is USDA organic, fair trade, and shade-grown, making it an eco-friendly choice for coffee drinkers. The flavor profile is described as having a sweet, silky richness with subtle notes of bright fruit and floral tones infused in a cocoa-like body.
The coffee beans are small batches roasted in a vintage 90-kilo German-built Probat drum roaster retrofitted with modern fuel-efficient ribbon burners, ensuring a perfectly roasted coffee every time. Another unique aspect of Tiny Footprint Coffee is that they are the world's first carbon-negative coffee. For every pound sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to fund reforestation in Ecuador's Mindo cloud forest. Over time, these trees will remove CO2 from the atmosphere and provide a habitat for native plant and animal species.
What We Like:
- Specially crafted blend for cold brewing.
- USDA organic, fair trade, and shade-grown.
- Delicious flavor profile.
- Perfectly roasted coffee beans.
- Eco-friendly and carbon negative.
2. Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is another top-rated product for cold brew lovers. This coffee is engineered for cold brewing, with a coarse grind that promises to deliver a consistent and extra smooth cold brew.
One of the unique features of this product is its flexibility, as you can adjust the strength of your cold brew by adding more or less water. Additionally, the coffee is 100% organic and ethically sourced from Guatemala, Peru, and Nicaragua, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious coffee drinkers.
These Arabica beans are a medium roast, giving them a smooth and sweet taste with notes of caramel and hazelnut. Bizzy Coffee is marketed as a solution for busy people who want to enjoy high-quality cold brew without having to put in the effort.
What We Like:
- Engineered for cold brewing.
- Flexible brewing options.
- 100% organic and ethically sourced.
- The smooth and sweet flavor.
- Convenient for busy people.
3. Bones Coffee Company Highland Grog
The Bones Coffee Company Highland Grog flavored whole coffee beans are a unique and rich coffee option, ideal for those who love flavored coffee. They have various flavorings available, so if you love flavored cold brew, this may be your new go-to.
The coffee beans are carefully selected and roasted in small batches, ensuring that you get the freshest coffee delivered to your door. It's available in 12-ounce bags of whole bean or ground coffee, offering options for both manual brewing methods and automatic machines.
Additionally, this coffee is vegan and keto-friendly, dairy-free, and has no added sugar or carbs, making it a guilt-free choice for health-conscious people. It's also made with 100% Arabica beans, sourced ethically from Brazil, and roasted and packed in the USA.
What We Like:
- Rich and full-bodied flavor.
- Artisan-roasted in small batches for freshness.
- Available in whole bean or ground coffee options.
- Vegan and keto-friendly, with no added sugar or carbs.
- Made from 100% Arabica beans ethically sourced from Brazil.
- Roasted and packaged in the USA for quality control.
4. Cold Brew Lab
The third product in the list of best coffee beans for cold brew is from Cold Brew Lab. This coffee bean is a custom-crafted blend specifically designed for making cold-brew coffee. It is made of 100% Arabica Colombian coffee, certified USDA organic, and pesticide-free.
The blend of medium and dark-roasted coffee beans creates a unique roast level that is perfect for cold-brewed coffee. It is full-bodied and has a well-rounded and smooth taste, making it a great option for those who prefer low-acidic coffee. The coffee is roasted and packaged in New York City, ensuring its freshness when it arrives at the customer's doorstep.
What We Like:
- Custom crafted for cold brewing.
- Coarse ground flavored available.
- Made of 100% Arabica Colombian coffee.
- USDA is organic and free of pesticides.
- Freshly roasted in NYC.
- This product offers a perfect blend of coffee and flavor, making it an excellent choice for delicious and organic cold-brew coffee.
5. Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee
Best If you love flavored coffee, check out their popular flavored coffee grounds on Amazon.
Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee is a gourmet coffee product that is specially formulated for making cold brew coffee. The product features coarse-ground coffee made from high-quality arabica beans sourced from Colombia. The dark roast Colombian Supremo beans are known for their nutty and chocolate notes, which make the cold brew coffee deliciously rich in flavor. This coffee is designed to be strong, smooth, low-acid, and slightly sweet, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer bold and balanced coffee.
The coffee grounds can be used in various methods, such as an at-home cold brew coffee maker, French press, pitcher, or mason jar. The strength of the coffee can be easily adjusted by adding more coffee or water, making it a versatile choice.
The product comes in a 1-pound resealable bag that is foil-lined and has a one-way valve for optimal freshness. The bag is easy to use, with a wide top opening that makes scooping out the coffee grounds easy. The premium packaging makes it an excellent gift option for coffee lovers.
Stone Street Coffee Company is a small-batch specialty roaster in Brooklyn, New York. They have been making artisanal coffee since 2009 and are committed to providing high-quality coffee to their customers.
What We Like:
- Coarse ground coffee optimized for cold brewing.
- Dark roast Colombian Supremo for nutty/chocolate notes.
- Strong & smooth, low-acid, slightly sweet blend.
- 1 lb resealable bag for optimal coffee freshness.
- Freshly roasted in Brooklyn, NYC, by a specialty small-batch roaster.
- Perfect for making a bold, balanced cold brew or iced coffee.
- Easy to adjust strength based on preference.
Characteristics of Good Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
Regarding cold brewing, not all coffee beans are created equal. Certain characteristics make a coffee bean ideal for cold brewing.
Low Acidity:
Acidity is one of the key factors that can make or break a cold brew. High acidity levels in coffee can lead to a bitter taste and an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach. Good coffee beans for cold brew are typically low in acidity, creating a smooth, sweet, and enjoyable experience.
High Aroma:
Aroma is important in any coffee, but even more so in cold brew. The slow steeping process of cold brew allows the coffee to extract all of its flavors and aromas, making the aroma an important factor in the overall taste experience. Good coffee beans for cold brew should have a high aroma, enhancing the flavor and creating a more enjoyable experience.
Rich Flavor:
A rich and complex flavor profile is essential for a good cold brew. The right coffee beans should have a variety of flavors, including sweet, nutty, and chocolatey notes, that blend to create a smooth and enjoyable taste.
Smooth Texture:
The texture of cold brew is just as important as the flavor. Good coffee beans for cold brew should have a smooth texture, resulting in a creamy and velvety mouthfeel. This texture is critical to the overall enjoyment of cold brew and makes it stand out from other brewing methods.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Coffee Beans
When choosing the right coffee beans for cold brew, there are several factors to consider. These factors will determine the cold brew's flavor, aroma, and overall taste experience.
Roast Level:
The roast level of the coffee beans plays a significant role in the flavor and aroma of the cold brew. Lightly roasted coffee beans will have a brighter, fruitier flavor profile, while darker-roasted coffee beans will have a more intense and bold flavor. When choosing coffee beans for cold brew, it's important to consider the desired flavor profile and choose a roast level that will complement it.
Flavor Profile:
The right flavor profile can enhance the natural flavors and aromas of the coffee, while the wrong flavor profile can lead to a bitter or unsatisfying result. When choosing coffee beans for cold brew, consider the desired flavor profile, such as sweet, nutty, or chocolatey, and choose a coffee bean that will complement it.
Origin:
The origin of the coffee beans is another factor to consider when choosing coffee beans for cold brew. Different coffee-growing regions have different soil, climate, and altitude conditions, which all impact the flavor of the coffee. Some popular coffee-growing regions for cold brew include Colombia, Ethiopia, and Sumatra.
Personal Taste:
Personal taste is the most important factor when choosing coffee beans for cold brew. Every person has unique preferences for coffee flavor, aroma, and taste, so it's important to experiment with different coffee beans to find the right one. When trying new coffee beans, pay attention to the flavor profile, aroma, and mouthfeel, and choose the one that best suits your taste.
How to Brew the Perfect Cold Brew
In addition to choosing the right coffee beans, there are several steps to follow when brewing the perfect cold brew. These steps will determine the cold brew's flavor, aroma, and overall taste experience.
The Ratio of Coffee to Water:
The ratio of coffee to water is an important factor when brewing cold brew. A common ratio is 1:8, meaning 1 part coffee to 8 parts water. This ratio will result in a strong, flavorful cold brew. Adjusting the ratio to taste, either making it stronger or weaker, is possible.
Steeping Time:
The steeping time for cold brew is also a crucial factor. The standard steeping time for cold brew is between 12-24 hours. The longer you steep it, the stronger the flavor will be. However, steeping for too long can result in a bitter taste. Experimenting with different steeping times can help determine the perfect time for personal taste.
Water Temperature:
Using cold or room-temperature water will produce a smoother, less bitter flavor. Avoid using hot water as it can extract the bitter compounds from the coffee beans, resulting in a harsh taste.
Equipment Needed:
The equipment needed for cold brewing is relatively simple. A large pitcher or jar, a coffee filter, and a coffee grinder are all that are needed. Some cold brewers also choose to use a specialized cold brew maker, which can make the cold brewing process even easier.
Additional Tips
The best coffee bean for cold brew is crucial for making the perfect refreshing and bold cup of cold brew coffee. Cold brew coffee beans are ground and then steeped in cold water for several hours, resulting in a smooth, low-acid coffee. This method is different from hot coffee, which is brewed with hot water and has a sharper taste.
One of the best things about making cold brew is that it is versatile and can be made using different brewing methods, including French press, mason jar, or cold brew bags. The brewing process extracts the best flavors from the coffee beans, providing a unique and intense taste.
When it comes to choosing the best coffee beans for cold brew, it's recommended to select medium or dark-roast coffee. Dark roast coffee has a bold coffee flavor and a smooth finish, making it an excellent choice for cold brewing. The best cold brew coffee is typically made using a coarse grind, allowing for a slow extraction of the coffee's flavor and producing a more robust taste.
Cold brew concentrate is another option for making cold brew coffee, as it's pre-made and ready to mix with water. This makes it a convenient option for those who are always on the go and need a quick, refreshing cold brew.
The coffee industry offers an extensive range of coffee for cold brew, making it challenging to choose the best coffee for cold brew. Some coffee shops also offer their custom blends of cold brew coffee, which can be an excellent option for those who are looking for a specific flavor.
Unlike iced coffee, cold brew is made using cold water, which doesn't extract the bitter notes of the coffee beans, providing a smooth and refreshing taste. The best coffee for cold brew is typically characterized by its sweet aroma, nutty notes, and dark chocolate undertones, making it an ideal option for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a bold and intense flavor.
Cold brewing is a straightforward process, and the best part is that it can be customized according to personal preferences. Plenty of cold brews recipes are available online, which can be used to make cold brew coffee at home. Whether you're a fan of light, medium, or dark roasts, cold brewing is an excellent way to enjoy your coffee, as it provides a unique and satisfying flavor.
FAQs About Best Coffee Beans for Cold Brew
What is cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee is coffee brewed with cold water with a longer steeping time. It results in a smoother, less bitter flavor than hot brewed coffee.
Why is choosing the right coffee beans important for cold brew?
Choosing the right coffee beans for cold brew is important because it will determine the flavor, aroma, and overall taste experience of the cold brew. Different coffee beans have different flavor profiles, aromas, and mouthfeels, so it's important to choose the right one for the desired result.
What are the characteristics of good coffee beans for cold brew?
Good coffee beans for cold brew have low acidity, a high aroma, a rich flavor, and a smooth texture. These characteristics will result in a smooth, flavorful, and enjoyable cold brew.
What factors should I consider when choosing coffee beans for cold brew?
When choosing coffee beans for cold brew, consider the roast level, flavor profile, origin, and personal taste. The right combination of these factors will result in the perfect cold brew.
What is the ideal ratio of coffee to water for cold brew?
The ideal ratio of coffee to water for cold brew is 1:8, meaning 1 part coffee to 8 parts water. This ratio will result in a strong, flavorful cold brew.
How long should I steep the coffee for cold brew?
The standard steeping time for cold brew is between 12-24 hours. The longer you steep it, the stronger the flavor will be. Experimenting with different steeping times can help determine the perfect time for personal taste.
What temperature water should I use for cold brewing?
When brewing cold brew, use cold or room-temperature water. Avoid using hot water as it can extract the bitter compounds from the coffee beans, resulting in a harsh taste.
What Option of Coffee Beans for Cold Brew is Best for You?
All in all, it's important to do some taste testing and experiment with different types of coffee beans when you're trying to find the perfect cold brew for you. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for a cold brew and coffee beans, so take your time to explore what works best for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we hope you have found it informative and helpful.
Items reviewed:
1. Tiny Footprint Coffee - Organic Cold Brew
2. Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee
