Key Takeaways
- Cold brew has more caffeine and is less acidic than iced coffee.
- Cold brew and iced coffee are prepared in different ways.
- Avoiding sweeteners and creamer can make coffee healthier.
Cold brew and iced coffee are prepared differently: iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled (usually by pouring it over ice), while cold brew is prepared without heat. Cold brew has more caffeine and is typically less acidic and bitter.
A Word From Verywell
Both cold brew and iced coffee have antioxidants that are good for your health, but which is healthier will depend on the individual and how each coffee affects them, along with what is added to the coffee. Adding too much sweetener can turn cold brew and iced coffee into more of a dessert drink.
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The Differences Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is made by pouring hot water over coffee grounds in a machine. It is then cooled down and usually served over ice.
On the other hand, cold brew is prepared by leaving coarse coffee grounds in water at room temperature for 12 hours.
Uses coarsely ground coffee beans
Seeps ground beans in room-temperature water for 12 hours
Uses 1 gram of coffee for every 4-5 grams of water
Uses medium-ground beans
Is prepared by dripping hot water through those beans, then cooling the coffee
Uses 1-2 tablespoons of grounds for each 6 ounces of water
Cold Brew Has More Caffeine
A key difference between cold brew and iced coffee is that cold brew has more caffeine. A 16-ounce cold brew has about 205 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, while the same-sized iced coffee has about 165 mg.
About 400 mg of caffeine is considered safe for most adults. More than that might be too much, and can lead to side effects including anxiety, increased heart rate, and weakened bones.
It’s worth noting that cold brew and iced coffee have less caffeine than a similar-sized cup of hot coffee. For example, a 12-ounce cup of hot coffee can have 200-290 mg of caffeine. That’s because hot water extracts more caffeine from the beans.
Cold Brew Is Less Acidic
Coffee is naturally an acidic drink. Beans contain acids, which are pulled out during the brewing process, especially if you use hot water. This is why drinking coffee can cause stomach upset in some people.
One study found that cold-brewed coffee beans had less acid than the same beans produced with a hot brew (the basis of iced coffee). So, if your afternoon iced coffee bothers your stomach, consider giving cold brew a try.
How to Make Your Coffee Healthier
Whether you choose cold brew or iced coffee, you’ll want to ensure that your coffee doesn’t add excess sugar or calories to your diet. Skip the sweeteners, including sugar and syrups.
Another healthy switch is drinking your coffee black or with a low-fat dairy option. If you were used to drinking coffee with cream or half-and-half, this can help reduce your calorie intake.
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