Is Cold Brew Healthy: 7 Health Benefits & More
Cold brew coffee is the darling of coffee shops and home brewers alike. That slow-steeped, silky-smooth liquid has converted even the most dedicated hot coffee loyalists. But amid all the hype and Instagram-worthy mason jar setups, a question percolates: is cold brew actually healthy?
As a coffee company (not your doctor), we’re here to break down what we know and love about cold brew—without prescribing it as your next miracle cure. We discuss some of the ways cold brew helps us feel our best and also reflect upon some of our favorite, not-quite-health-related qualities of the beverage.
Rich in Antioxidants
Coffee beans contain powerful plant compounds called antioxidants, and cold brew preserves many of them. The star player is chlorogenic acid, which research suggests may help fight oxidative stress in the body. Your cold brew habit might deliver a decent dose of these beneficial compounds. Some studies suggest that regular coffee drinking is associated with certain positive health outcomes, though scientists are still exploring whether the antioxidants are responsible.
Mental Clarity and Focus
The caffeine in cold brew affects your central nervous system, temporarily enhancing alertness and concentration. For many people, this cognitive boost is the primary benefit they seek from coffee. That morning cold brew might help you tackle complex tasks with greater focus. However, timing matters—consuming caffeine too late in the day can interfere with sleep quality, which ultimately undermines cognitive performance.
Smoother Taste Experience
Cold brew's extended steeping process (12-24 hours) creates a distinctly smoother flavor profile than traditional hot brewing methods. The cold water extraction pulls different compounds from the coffee beans, resulting in significantly less bitterness and acidity. If you've ever grimaced at that first sip of a particularly acidic hot coffee, cold brew might be your new best friend.
The smoother taste often means less need for sweeteners or creamers to mask bitterness—which, coincidentally, might be better for your overall sugar intake if that is something you and your doctor are concerned about.
Perfect Canvas for Creativity
Cold brew's smooth, balanced profile makes it an exceptional base for flavor experimentation. The gentle extraction process creates a versatile foundation that beautifully showcases additional ingredients without overwhelming them. Whether you're adding a splash of vanilla, a dash of cinnamon, or trying one of our signature recipes, cold brew welcomes creative flavor combinations.
For a truly indulgent experience, try our Cheese Foam Topping recipe, which adds sweet and tangy deliciousness to your cold brew. Looking for a refreshing summer treat? Our Cold Brew Coffee Popsicles transform your favorite coffee into a cooling dessert that energizes you while beating the heat. Floral enthusiasts will love our Iced Lavender Latte, which infuses calming aromatic notes into a sublime cold brew experience.
Gentler on Your Stomach
If you've found that regular coffee upsets your stomach or triggers acid reflux, cold brew might be a more comfortable option. Many people who have sworn off coffee due to digestive discomfort find they can enjoy cold brew without the same issues. This is likely due to a reduction in acidity because the cold extraction process doesn't pull out as many of the acids that give hot coffee its signature bite.
The Convenience Factor
Unlike traditional coffee that demands immediate consumption before turning into a bitter, lukewarm disappointment, cold brew can be made in advance and stays fresh in your refrigerator for up to two weeks. Prepare a batch on Sunday, and you'll have delicious coffee ready to grab and go throughout your busy week. No more waiting for the coffee maker to finish or stopping at expensive coffee shops on your morning commute. The time you save might just allow for an extra five minutes of sleep—and we all know sleep is good for you. But that's your doctor's department, not ours.
No Heat Required
One often overlooked benefit of cold brew is right in the name—it's cold brewed. That means no heating elements, no boiling water, no waiting for coffee to cool down on hot summer days. Cold brew is perfect for camping trips with limited heat sources, power outages when your electric kettle is useless, or simply reducing your energy consumption. With our signature Cold Brew Blend that is preground to the perfect coarse texture, we save you the step (and electricity) of grinding your own beans.
Discover Our Signature Cold Brew Blend
Our Cold Brew blend features light-roasted African beans that deliver an exceptionally smooth, sweet, and balanced flavor profile. We've already done the hard work for you—the beans come perfectly preground to the ideal coarse texture for cold brewing, making filtration effortless and resulting in a less bitter taste.
But there’s more—explore our entire San Francisco Bay Coffee collection to discover other premium beans worth experimenting with in your cold brew setup. From single-origin varieties to unique blends, each offers its own distinctive character when cold brewed. Once you find what you love, sign up for our coffee subscription to guarantee you never run out of your morning essential.