The Best Cold Brew Coffee Concentrates, Tested & Reviewed

5 9 minutes read

The Best Cold Brew Coffee Concentrates, Tested & Reviewed

While you can opt for a pre-made cold brew, most coffee experts agree that a more potent cold brew coffee concentrate is the way to go. “There are two benefits to opting for cold brew concentrate rather than a ready-to-drink cold brew beverage,” says Cason Crane, the founder of Explorer Cold Brew. “The first is versatility; you can use concentrate in a greater variety of ways, whether pouring a standard cold brew iced coffee or mixing up a coffee cocktail. Second is the convenience factor, particularly if there are multiple people in your house or you’re planning to host.”

We tested several new cold brew concentrates and steep-overnight pouches, and then we researched dozens more to determine the best cold brew coffee concentrates. Our list includes specialty craft concentrates, lower-caffeine options, and innovative pouches that can go anywhere you take your travel coffee mug.

PHOTO: Explorer Cold Brew

For a cold brew concentrate that brings the best in flavor and versatility right to your doorstep, you can’t go wrong with Explorer Cold Brew. Beautiful branding aside (and it is beautiful — you’ll love catching a glimpse in your fridge), this gourmet concentrate is ideal for coffee connoisseurs who care about where their beans come from. Each batch is brewed using only organic, fair-trade coffee, and a single 32-ounce bottle can make up to 20 servings of cold brew. You can customize boxes of two, four, six, or 12, and choose between four of Explorer’s concentrate blends, The Maverick (extra caffeine), The Classic (standard caffeine), The Seeker (half caffeine), and The Daydreamer (99.9% caffeine-free).

During our testing, we were immediately taken by the bespoke coffee experience this concentrate provided, allowing for the ultimate in customization and ensuring every coffee lover in your household gets a cup of brew exactly how they want it. “I tested the full lineup of Explorer Cold Brew and immediately loved the sleek packaging, plus the brand’s commitment to customizable caffeine levels for a tailored at-home iced coffee experience,” says senior commerce editor Danielle St. Pierre. “I liked The Classic most from this 4-pack, but I also highly recommend The Alchemist Dirty Chai Concentrate.”

Format: Bottle | Size: 32 fluid ounces | Servings: 20

PHOTO: Kloo Coffee Conentrate

At first glance, a bottle of Kloo’s Coffee Concentrate looks like it would be more at home on your bar cart than in your fridge. And that’s just a taste of what’s to come. The high-end appeal of Kloo’s branding is matched by an equally thoughtful blend of single-origin coffee beans (with varietals from Colombia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Guatemala) that are roasted in-house and brewed by hand in small batches. Kloo That bespoke treatment results in an uber-smooth and uber-concentrated flavor, with nuanced notes that range from toffee and dark chocolate to jasmine and lemongrass.

“I loved each small-batch origin I tried from Kloo, and I appreciated the helpful tasting notes that identify emerging flavors and aromas to look out for in each expression. The experience reminded me of a sommelier guiding me through a wine tasting. I loved the attention to detail. If you’re looking for a luxurious coffee gift, try Kloo,” says St. Pierre.

You’ll need to order your concentrate through Kloo’s site exclusively, but we almost didn’t mind this extra step — the special feel turns a mundane daily ritual into something special. The comprehensive tasting set allows you to sip your way through four iconic coffee bean harvesting destinations and comes with a sleek jigger, in case you want to use your concentrate to whip up an affogato or espresso martini, too.

Format: Bottle | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces (mini) or 8.5 fluid ounces (standard) | Servings: 5 cups (mini) or 12 cups (standard)

CHAMELEON COLD BREW Organic Original Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, 32 FZ

PHOTO: Amazon

Available at nearly every grocery store (and various online destinations), Chameleon Cold Brew concentrate is a great entry-level option for sippers just dipping their toes into the world of concentrates. With a one-to-one ratio of concentrate to milk or water, this cold brew is easy to mix up and promises a bold and smooth flavor, with notes of cocoa, shredded wheat, and sweet molasses.

The key to Chameleon’s dynamic flavor profile lies in its 11-hour steeping process, which extracts the maximum flavor possible from the organic, sustainably sourced beans. The glass bottle has a sturdy top, which can be resealed and stored in your fridge throughout the week. The best part? While it’s marketed as a cold brew concentrate, this blend can just as easily be used to make hot coffee, making it extremely versatile and sure to satisfy any sipper.

Format: Bottle | Size: 32 fluid ounces | Servings: Up to 64

Partners Coffee Rockaway Cold Brew Pouches

PHOTO: Partners Coffee

If you prefer a more hands-on approach to your morning coffee, these cold brew pouches from editor-loved coffee brand Partners will give you the “I brewed this” satisfaction you crave. Again, this pick strays from the other liquid cold brew coffee concentrates on our list with its pouch format, but we feel it still deserves a spot. Named after Queens’ beloved Rockaway Beach, this blend has equally sunny notes of chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, all packed into a biodegradable pouch that allows you to steep like a barista at home.

When we tested these cold brew pouches, we were amazed by how much easier the setup was compared to a specialty cold brew coffee maker. To make Partners cold brew, add a coffee pouch to a large pitcher or cup, pour in 24 ounces of water, then steep in the fridge for 24 hours. From there, the resulting concentrate can be diluted using a one-to-one ratio (or to taste) to make a perfectly smooth and endlessly enjoyable cup of cold brew you can sip from wherever your summer plans take you.

Format: Pouch | Size: Four 3-ounce bags | Servings: 24 fluid ounces per bag

PHOTO: Jot

A limited-edition flavor, this blend from Jot typifies everything there is to love an icy cold brew in the summer — it’s refreshing, revitalizing, and just a tad sweet, with notes of chocolate and cherry. While it’s a temporary addition to Jot’s lineup, their mainstays (think Original, Caramel, Mocha, and Vanilla) are just as good, with a balanced yet bold appeal that will satisfy any coffee lover who wants to feel that jolt of caffeine.

Unlike many of the concentrates on our list, which rely on a one-to-one ratio of concentrate to milk or water, Jot’s ultra-powerful formula needs only a tablespoon of the good stuff to whip up a truly impressive cup of cold brew (or latte, or affogato). The top of the bottle even features a convenient spout (similar to an olive oil or balsamic bottle), which ensures you won’t overpour and can savor every last drop.

Format: Bottle | Size: 6.8 fluid ounces | Servings: Up to 14

Amazon Grady's Cold Brew Coffee, Pour & Store Kit with 12 (2oz.) Bean Bags

PHOTO: Amazon

Most passionate cold brew fans are familiar with New Orleans-style coffee, which combines a potent cold brew blend with notes of chicory and spices. Grady’s Cold Brew Kit nails that delicate yet flavorful balance with a pouch system that offers flexibility and versatility. Instead of pouring an already-liquid concentrate from a bottle and mixing it with your choice of milk or water, Grady’s version has individual bean bags, which need to be steeped overnight to release their rich flavor. Alternately, you can brew all of the bean bags in the pouch they come in, then pour individual servings using the integrated spout.

Whatever method you choose, the result is still the same: a convenient, flavorful, and budget-friendly cold brew. We loved Grady’s genius packaging, especially if you hope to take your passion for cold brew on the go during an upcoming adventure. You can set your delivery method to recurring on Amazon and Grady’s site, so you’re never without caffeine.

Format: Bean Bags | Size: 12 2-ounce bean bags | Servings: Up to 36

PHOTO: La Colombe

Pros

You can schedule deliveries of this cold brew at whatever cadence is convenient, from once a week to every two, three, or four weeks.

For a great cold brew concentrate that will satisfy purists and newbies alike, look no further than La Colombe’s Cold Brew Concentrate. With it, you can score the flavor of La Colombe’s beloved coffee at home, with cold-pressed espresso extracted from single-origin Brazilian coffee beans. The blend has no dilution or sweeteners.

La Colombe’s plastic jug is lightweight and convenient, without the fearsome glass body that other concentrates have. Each bottle makes up to 16 cups of smooth, rich coffee that can be watered down with milk or water or used in cocktails or specialty drinks. This concentrate must be used within two weeks of opening — we trust that won’t be an issue.

Format: Bottle | Size: 32 fluid ounces | Servings: Up to 16

Walmart Califia Farms Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

PHOTO: Walmart

Cons

At the end of the day, Califia Farms isn’t a company that focuses only on coffee, so you’ll get flavor profiles that skew more basic than bespoke here.

Fans of dairy alternatives will be familiar with the Califia Farms brand, which got its start producing oat and almond milk before turning their attention to coffee. Don’t assume their cold brew coffee concentrate is a neglected step-child, though. Instead, the thoughtfully formulated blend is made from 100% arabica beans and has balanced notes of apple, caramel, and cocoa for a smooth and easy sip.

Designed to be mixed in a one-to-one ratio (that is one part concentrate to one part milk, water, or milk alternative), this convenient concentrate comes in a cardboard box similar to an old-school milk carton and is shelf stable, so it doesn’t require refrigeration until it’s opened (Translation: You can buy in bulk to stock up). While it’s great served with one of the brand’s signature milk alternatives, it’s also mild enough to sip black for those who consider themselves cold brew purists.

Format: Carton | Size: 32 fluid ounces | Servings: Up to 8

What to Look For

Brew Method

When shopping for a cold brew concentrate, one of the first factors you should consider is exactly how you’ll need to brew the concentrate or make your cold brew. Some concentrates are ready from the bottle, requiring little more than a bit of water or milk to transform into a cold brew. Others require overnight steeping, which requires more labor and planning ahead.

Strength

Cold brew is a notoriously caffeinated sip, and cold brew concentrates only amp that factor up even more. While all concentrates are meant to be diluted in some regard, they can have varying caffeine levels, giving you a different range of options for how strong your cold brew is when all is said and done. Pay close attention to just how strong (or weak) you can make your sip with any given concentrate, lest you end up with the jitters.

Flavor

Not all the cold brew concentrates on our list come in different flavors, so if you can’t drink coffee without a hint of vanilla or a touch of mocha, you’ll want to find a concentrate that includes that. Another alternative? Snag a coffee syrup to jazz things up when the mood strikes.

Packaging

The cold brew concentrates that made our list came in different packages and forms, from travel-friendly pouches to display-worthy bottles. Before purchasing a concentrate for your home, consider how the packaging will impact your overall product experience. For example, if you have an aesthetic coffee bar, you might appreciate a well-designed bespoke concentrate label. Alternatively, if you want to bring a cold brew concentrate on your upcoming hiking trek, a steeping pouch is likely a more logical alternative to a glass bottle or heavy jug.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is coffee concentrate?
Coffee concentrate is a highly concentrated liquid made by placing coarse beans or grounds in cold water and allowing them to steep for an extended period. The resulting liquid serves as the “base” to a cold brew concentrate and can then be diluted using milk or water, or used in cocktails or dessert.

How do I use coffee concentrate?
“There’s no right way to enjoy your cold brew concentrate,” says Crane. “Some might say the only wrong way would be to drink it without dilution, but even I’ve done that sometimes in a pinch! The versatility of a concentrate is very reminiscent of espresso — think of any espresso-based beverage and you can effectively replicate it with cold brew concentrate and adjust it to your preferred taste, whether taking it strong or adding more milk or sweetener.”
Typically, coffee concentrates rely on a certain recommended ratio (like one-to-one or one tablespoon to a certain amount of liquid) for dilution, but you can customize your cold brew coffee concentrate however you see fit.

Do coffee concentrates have more caffeine than coffee?
“Due to the lengthy brewing time and process for cold brew, coffee concentrates end up being about double the caffeine content of ‘regular’ coffee, whether drip or espresso,” says Crane. “On a per-ounce basis, cold brew concentrates have more caffeine than a ready-to-drink cold brew, but once mixed with water or milk, that evens out and it’s about the same caffeine content as a non-concentrated cold brew.”

What’s the difference between cold brew and iced coffee?
According to Crane, iced coffee is typically hot brewed coffee that is then cooled down and poured over ice. Cold brew is coffee brewed using only cold water and requires a longer steeping method, which is a more involved and expensive process, hence why cold brew iced coffee is usually priced at a premium compared to standard iced coffee.

Our Expertise

Alyssa Longobucco is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist with a background in food, interior, and lifestyle content. She has over a decade of experience in the digital and magazine industry creating unique and innovative content for storied brands such as Food and Wine, House Beautiful, HGTV, The Knot, Domino, Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, Food52, Good Housekeeping, and more. She is a cold brew lover and credits her caffeine intake with her ability to keep up with two toddlers.

Source link

The Best Cold Brew Coffee Concentrates, Tested & Reviewed