Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
Cold-brew vs. iced coffee is a debate that has been brewing for some time now. It seems that cold brew is the more popular option, but many coffee shops are switching to iced coffee due to its popularity. Here's what you need to know about these two types of coffee.
Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
It has been argued for some time now that cold-brewed coffee is healthier than iced-watered alternatives, but it's not entirely true either way. While the often-used practice of mixing water with ground coffee before adding ice results in a less acidic drink, it also deprives the drink of its carbonation and original creaminess.
What is Cold Brew?
Cold brew is a method of making coffee by steeping ground coffee at room temperature or cold water for an extended time. The result is a stronger concentrate that can be diluted with milk, water, or cream to make the finished product. The process allows for very little acidity in the final product, making it a more flavorful option. However, this concentration does mean that you lose out on the original carbonation and creaminess of iced coffee.
Does cold brew coffee really have less acid?
Cold brew coffee does not contain as much acid as hot brewed coffee. In cold brewing, the grounds are steeped in cold water for a longer time, which extracts less acid from the beans. This may be why many people think that cold brew contains less acid than hot brewed coffee.
The acid level in the cold brew is lower than in hot-brewed coffee because of the longer steeping time. The more water you use, the more acid you extract from the coffee grounds. The two main acid components of coffee are Hydrochloric and Caffeic acids. Caffeic acid is the main antioxidant in coffee, which is responsible for maintaining healthy ph levels in your body. Additionally, Caffeic acids work to inhibit certain enzymes that cause inflammation. Hydrochloric acid works with caffeine to help eliminate ammonia, which contributes to kidney stones.
What is Iced Coffee?
Iced coffee can be made two different ways: with hot and cold-brewed coffee. The first method is more traditional and involves brewing ground coffee like normal and then adding ice to your cup or pitcher before adding hot or cold water. This will ensure that the drink stays as flavorful as possible but offers the acidic flavor aftertaste as well as a watered-down version of what iced coffee should be like. The second method involves brewing the ground coffee like normal and then pouring it over ice to keep your drink cool without watering it down too much.
Conclusion
Overall, if you want to drink iced coffee but are worried about all the acidity that comes with it, go for cold-brewed coffee instead. It will give you the flavor you want with less acidity in your coffee. If you like the iced coffee idea, go for it!
If cold-brew is more your speed, iced coffee is the way to go. The iced version gives off less acidity but has all of the flavors you would expect from an iced coffee mixture.