In this article, I will try to answer the “Is cold brew stronger than espresso” question.
If you are here for a quick answer then it’s a “no”. Cold-brew is not stronger than espresso. Espresso has approx. 60 milligrams of caffeine in 100ml while Cold brew has around 13 milligrams of caffeine per 100ml.
But…do you want to know why? Let’s dive in and see.
- Espresso vs cold brew: what’s the difference?
- Espresso vs cold brew: caffeine content
- Light, Medium, or Dark Roast – Does the roast type affect how much caffeine coffee has?
- Does the origin of the coffee affect the flavor of both coffees?
- What are the benefits of espresso?
- What are the benefits of Cold brew coffee?
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
Espresso vs cold brew: what’s the difference?
The two coffees are different in many ways and they require different brewing methods. Cold brew coffee is strong and smooth because it uses cold water instead of hot, so the grounds have time to soak in more water. The longer you let your grounds soak, the stronger your cold brew will be.
Espresso (or hot brewed coffee in general), has a very different brewing process and is less subtle. It’s sharp and complex but more difficult to make than cold brew because you have to pull a shot of steamy coffee that goes through the espresso machine at high pressure.
Espresso vs cold brew: caffeine content
Espresso has significantly more caffeine than cold brew which means that it is better for giving you a quick burst of energy. This is why many people drink espresso in the morning before they start their day.
A cup of cold brew coffee is a much better option for those who don’t want to get jittery. For one, it has less caffeine than espresso which means that you can drink more cups before you start feeling the effects of caffeine.
In fact, if you have two cups of cold brew in a day, then your total intake will be equal to what many people would drink from their morning espresso. Plus most people report that they feel more awake and focused after drinking a couple of cups of cold brew versus when they drink espresso because it doesn’t stimulate them as quickly or with as much intensity.
Light, Medium, or Dark Roast – Does the roast type affect how much caffeine coffee has?
Roast type does not affect the caffeine content of coffee, but certain types of roasts can make coffee with different flavors. Roasting doesn’t reduce caffeine levels at all.
The effect of different roast styles is primarily on taste, rather than the caffeine content in the beans themselves. Darker roasts will be stronger and harsher than lighter roasts. Coffee beans are roasted after they’re processed and packaged to remove moisture and oils that would cause spoilage before they reached consumers if left unroasted.
Some features that depend on processing include how well coffee stays fresh, its flavor intensity, body or “mouthfeel”, aroma-related compounds (called volatile compounds)
Does the origin of the coffee affect the flavor of both coffees?
Yes.
For example, the Ethiopian coffees we carry on our site yield a more complex and high acidic body than Colombian coffee – which provides espresso with a more balanced and nuanced taste.
On the other hand, Mexican coffees are best suited for cold brew because they have sweetness and complexity in contrast to their dark chocolate undertones. So choosing these types of coffees could make your cold brew taste better than if you had chosen something with less powerful flavors or stronger bitter qualities like Arabian or Italian coffee beans (which are better for espressos)
What are the benefits of espresso?
Espresso has three main benefits.
The first is a stimulating effect on the heart and central nervous system. The second is a diuretic effect, which can help you lose water weight within 24 hours. Third, it’s rich in antioxidants – including high levels of vitamin A (retinol) and also quercetin chlorogenic acid.
You can also get some emotional benefits from drinking espresso such as:
– It makes you feel more alert in the morning
– It gives a boost to your energy level
What are the benefits of Cold brew coffee?
A big benefit of cold brew is that it has no acid. Smoothies, iced coffees, and cold teas all have some acid content because they’re made with hot water and then cooled down. The other benefits of cold brew coffee are:
– You can drink it iced or hot.
– Get a smoother taste in your mouth.
– Stay energized all day long without feeling bloated and sluggish
Frequently asked questions
Is there more caffeine in espresso or cold brew?
There is much higher caffeine content in espresso because the coffee grounds are brewed faster.
Cold-brew has been filtered of acid and oils which can make it less concentrated than espresso. Consider this, a 16-ounce cup of coffee from Starbucks contains about 220 mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cold brew iced coffee contains either 140 mg or 170 mg (depending on what you order), 46 percent lower.
Is cold brew the strongest coffee?
No, it’s not the strongest coffee. That would be espresso shots or Turkish coffee, which have a much higher concentration of caffeine per ounce.
Likewise, cold brews are not recommended for people with heart conditions because they can slow down the heartbeat.
Is cold brew more acidic than espresso?
Cold coffee isn’t acidic because it is brewed at a lower temperature than traditional hot coffee, so no diacids are extracted from the beans. Espresso is very acidic with a pH of 5-6, but cold brew comes in around 3.5-4 pH.
What is the coffee to water ratio in espresso?
The water percentages can vary a lot, depending on a number of factors. If you want a really strong coffee where the bitterness is going to be more pronounced, aim for a coffee to water ratio of 1:1.
This is kind of like an Irish coffee that’s been boiled with cream and sugar. The lower the percentage, the more caffeinated your espresso will be.
Conclusion
Both cold brew and espresso work wonder for your taste buds. Espresso has a stimulating effect, diuretic effect, and is rich in antioxidants. Cold brew coffee has no acidity, it can be hot or iced, and you stay hydrated without feeling bloated or sluggish.
The caffeine content of espresso is higher than that of cold brew because the coffee grounds are brewed faster. It should also be noted that cold brews are not recommended for people with heart conditions because they can slow down the heartbeat.
Whichever one you choose make sure that you enjoy your coffee drink.
