Cold brew coffee is currently one of the biggest trends in the industry. It uses cooler water temperatures and longer steeping times to create a coffee which is a lot smoother, less acidic and the perfect liqueur to use in pretty much any coffee-based drink.
PS – You will also need a cold brew coffee maker
This flexibility means real coffee lovers have seen its popularity soar, but it is a great way for anybody who doesn’t usually like coffee to become introduced to the beverage. It can be warmed into a hot coffee or kept cooler to use as an iced coffee-style drink.
But as you will read below, it works best with particular beans, so we have rounded up the best coffee to use in order to achieve your perfect cold brew.
Best Starter Kit
Kombucha Brewing Starter Kit
Details
Brand: KOMBUCHA
Capacity: 1-gallon
Material: Glass and breathable cover
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Best Ready-Made
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
Details
Brand: Starbucks – RTD Coffee
Item Form: Cream
Roast Level: Dark roast
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Best Pods
Dolce Gusto Nescafe Coffee Pods
Brand: Dolce Gusto
Item Form:Pods
Roast Level: dark_roast
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The Best Cold Brew Coffees
Kombucha Brewing Starter Kit
Specs:
- Brand: KOMBUCHA
- Capacity: 1-gallon
- Material: Glass and breathable cover
Main features
- Kits are certified Organic & OU Kosher
- Glass jars make a great vessel for brewing kombucha
- Organic Cane Sugar and our Original Kombucha Tea Blend.
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Overview
The Complete Kombucha Brewing Starter Kit | Fermentaholics USDA Certified Organic Kit (The Complete Kombucha Brewing Starter Kit)
The Complete Kombucha Brewing Starter Kit is the most complete kombucha brewing kit on the market. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a SCOBY, tea blend, and more!
Our starter kit is USDA certified organic and has been specifically designed to make it easier than ever to brew your own kombucha at home. We’ve included all of our best tips and tricks as well as detailed instructions so that you can brew delicious batches every time.
Pros
- USDA Certified Organic and Kosher
- Easy to follow instructions
- Complete organic kombucha kit
Cons
- Bought bottles separately
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
Specs:
- Brand: Starbucks – RTD Coffee
- Item Form: Cream
- Roast Level: Dark roast
Main features
- Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew, Black Unsweetened, 9.6 fl oz Can (8 Pack)
- Caffeinated
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Overview
This is the cold brew you’ve been waiting for—a smooth, dark, and black liquid that’s better than any other. The Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew can be enjoyed on its own or with milk, so you can enjoy it any way you like it.
A single can of Nitro Cold Brew has over 50% less sugar than your average cup of coffee. That means you can drink more without having to worry about the effects of too much sugar.
And if you’re worried about the taste, don’t be! We promise that this will taste just like your favorite iced coffee from Starbucks, but without all the extra calories and sugar that come with it.
So what are you waiting for? Get yours today!
Pros
- Infused with nitrogen
- Creating a rush of creamy texture
- Velvety smooth taste
Cons
- Best to shake it a little before pouring
Java House Cold Brew Coffee
Specs:
- Brand: Java House
- Item Form: Liquid
- Roast Level: Medium Roast
Main features
- JAVA House Single-Serve Coffee Pods are the ultimate in versatile convenience, great for hot coffee or iced coffee
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Overview
Java House Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Single Serve Liquid Pods are perfect for those who want a delicious cup of cold brew without having to make it themselves. These single-serve pods come in 12-count boxes, each containing 1.35 fluid ounces of concentrate that’s ready to be brewed in your favorite brewer—you’ll get 12 delicious cups per box!
Each pod is made from 100% Arabica beans that have been extracted using the cold brew method, which means you can expect nothing but smooth, rich flavor with every sip. With no bitterness and less acidity than traditionally brewed coffee, this cold brew will give you everything you love about hot coffee without any of the drawbacks!
The pods are also decaf, so if you prefer a caffeine-free cup of joe then these pods are perfect for you!
Pros
- Great for hot coffee or iced coffee
- Dual use liquid pods
- Bold flavor
Cons
- A bit Pricey
Dolce Gusto Nescafe Coffee Pods
Specs:
- Brand: Dolce Gusto
- Item Form: Pods
- Roast Level: Dark roast
Main features
- Robusta coffee paired with the soft creaminess of milk to create a harmonious and balanced cup, with caramel notes, toasted cereal undertones and a round texture.
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Overview
Nescafe Dolce Gusto Café Au Lait is a dark roast richly complemented by whole milk to reveal notes of sweet caramel with a smooth velvety texture. The coffee’s intense flavor is balanced by the soft creaminess of milk, creating a harmonious and balanced cup with toasted cereal undertones and round texture. Use the hermetically sealed capsules exclusively with Nescafe Dolce Gusto machines for rich, aromatic cups every time. Stimulate your senses with our exciting coffee solutions. Our machines look stunning in any professional space and consistently craft great-tasting hot and cold specialty coffees in rich, deep flavors with enticing aromas. Tantalize your taste buds with the latest coffee breakthrough from Nescafe.
Pros
- Easy to prepare
- Popular brand
Cons
- Can take time to get used to taste if you’re used to hot coffee
Rapidfire Turbo Brew Coffee Beans
Specs:
- Brand: Rapidfire
- Diet Type: Keto
- Item Form: Whole Bean
- Flavor: Whole Bean
- Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
Main features
- Robusta beans provide a chocolatery character
- Provides a great source of potent antioxidants
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Overview
When you need a boost, reach for Rapidfire Turbo Brew Coffee Beans. This energy-boosting blend of espresso roast coffee beans is designed to support energy, enhance focus, and may even support stamina. It’s the perfect way to start your day!
Rapidfire Turbo Brew Coffee Beans are made with only the highest quality ingredients: 100% Arabica beans and a proprietary blend of natural extracts. They come in 14 oz bags so you can stock up on your favorite flavor.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Pros
- Organic 100% Arabica Colombian Coffee
- Freshly Roasted
- Easy to make
Cons
- With a Strong Citrus and Caramel Sweetness
Java House Cold Brew Coffee
Specs:
- Brand: Java House
- Item Form: Liquid
- Roast Level: dark roast
Main features
- Amazingly smooth, less acidic coffee in a convenient single use liquid concentrate pod
- Full bodied with traditional Sumatran hints of cocoa and spice
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Overview
Sumatran is the perfect cold brew coffee for those who love their java bold and flavorful. With a dark, rich taste that’s not too bitter, this cold brew concentrate is perfect for any occasion.
The Java House Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Single Serve Liquid Pods are great for on-the-go people who love to drink their coffee black.
The Java House Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Single Serve Liquid Pods are eco-friendly, easy to use, and make a great gift for any occasion!
Pros
- Convenient
- Bold flavor
Cons
- Pricey
Don Francisco’s Organic Cold Brew Coffee,
Specs:
- Brand: Don Francisco’s
- Item Form: Ground
- Roast Level: Medium roast
Main features
- 4 pitcher packs make 12-8-ounce servings
- Made with 100% premium arabica coffee beans
- USDA certified organic
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Overview
Don Francisco’s Organic Cold Brew Coffee is a great way to start your day. It’s made from only the highest-quality organic coffee beans and pure water, so you can feel good about drinking it.
This product comes in 4 pitcher packs, which means you can make 2 pitchers of cold brew coffee with just one purchase! This is great if you have a lot of friends who want to enjoy some delicious, organic coffee with you.
The flavor is bold but smooth, which makes it easy to drink even if you usually don’t like dark roasts. It has a rich aroma and full-bodied taste that will keep you coming back for more!
Pros
- Easy to brew
- 100% premium arabica coffee beans
- Blended, roasted and packed in the U.S.A.
Cons
- Caffeinated
Cold Brew Coffee Buying Guide
Making Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee requires coarse grounds, so any beans above will need to be ground before using in a cold brew coffee maker.
You should look for grounds which have been ground to remain quite coarse, which is best when used in a filter jug method of brewing as there will be a fuller flavour, and no grounds seeping through the filter.
Also, look for a light to medium roast, which will mean more flavour in the end result.
What To Buy
As you will have read above, you can either buy cold brew which is ready made, or beans/grounds to make it yourself.
The former is great if you don’t want to ‘faff’ – it is ready to drink, and perfectly brewed and flavoured to use as a base or drink straight away. The latter is the best way to have full control over the end result, as you will be able to adjust the amount of water used, and the steeping time/strength.
Making the cold brew yourself is also best if you want to have a constant supply and want to reduce the amount of packaging you use. It is easy to pick up a bag of suitable beans from a local shop (although you will find the best options from speciality shops online), and the maker is reusable.
Price
It is also cheaper to buy a maker and the separate beans/grounds in the long run.
If you buy cold brew ready-made, you’re also paying for the process.
FAQs
What is cold brew?
It is a method of extracting coffee from grounds which uses colder water and longer brewing times compared to traditional methods.
We have compiled a blog on the exact origins, use and method of using cold brew, as well as how it differs from iced coffee.
What do I need to make cold brew coffee?
A dedicated cold brew maker is ideal, as it will allow you to steep the coffee in the water safely for the time using a proper filter to keep the grounds separate.
What are the benefits of cold brew coffee?
It tastes less acidic and sharp, so it is good for anyone who does not like the bitter or strong aftertaste of a normal coffee. This makes it great for drinking black, but it works well if you like a creamier brew as well.
It’s a popular drink for those who have acid reflux, or who need the caffeine boost without the strong coffee taste.

Dan is a former competition barista and has been honing his knowledge of coffee for over two decades.
He has worked in coffee farms in Peru, as well as roasters in Australia. He now trains new baristas and hosts cupping experiences in Austin.
Jump To a Section Below
- Kombucha Brewing Starter Kit
- Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
- Dolce Gusto Nescafe Coffee Pods
- The Best Cold Brew Coffees
- Kombucha Brewing Starter Kit
- Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
- Java House Cold Brew Coffee
- Dolce Gusto Nescafe Coffee Pods
- Rapidfire Turbo Brew Coffee Beans
- Java House Cold Brew Coffee
- Don Francisco’s Organic Cold Brew Coffee,
- Cold Brew Coffee Buying Guide
- FAQs