Calories in Cold Brew Coffee: Nutritional facts for Cold Brew Coffee Types

One hundred grams (equivalent to 100 mL) of plain, black cold brew coffee contains 1-2 calories.

One kilogram (1 L or 33.8 fl oz) of plain, black cold brew coffee contains 10-20 calories.

The calorie content of one cold brew coffee depends on the brand, size, and any additions. A Starbucks Grande Cold Brew Coffee (473 mL or 16 fl oz), served black, contains 5 calories. A Dunkin' Medium Cold Brew (710 mL or 24 fl oz), served black, contains 4 calories.

Cold brew coffee provides some health benefits like improved mood and metabolic rate, due to its caffeine content and bioactive compounds. The cold brew benefits are similar to those of hot brewed coffee, but some find it easier on the stomach. A list of the health benefits of cold brew coffee are shown below.

• May Boost Metabolism: The caffeine in cold brew coffee can increase metabolic rate, which may help with weight management. Caffeine is known to stimulate thermogenesis and fat oxidation (Acheson KJ, et al., 1980, "Caffeine and coffee: their influence on metabolic rate and substrate utilization in normal weight and obese individuals").
• May Improve Mood and Brain Function: Caffeine is a well-known central nervous system stimulant that can enhance mood, reduce feelings of tiredness, and improve concentration and cognitive function.
• Lower Acidity: The cold brew process extracts fewer acidic compounds from coffee beans compared to hot brewing. This results in a smoother, less acidic beverage that may be easier to tolerate for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux (Rao NZ, Fuller M., 2018, "Acidity and Antioxidant Activity of Cold Brew Coffee").
• Rich in Antioxidants: Cold brew coffee benefits include its content of antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acids and melanoidins. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage by free radicals.
• May Lower Risk of Heart Disease: Regular coffee consumption, including cold brew, has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. The antioxidants and other bioactive compounds in coffee may contribute to this protective effect.
• May Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Many observational studies have shown that regular coffee drinkers have a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Supports Brain Health: The caffeine and antioxidants in cold brew coffee may support long-term brain health and have been linked to a lower risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
• Provides Hydration: As it is mostly water, unsweetened cold brew coffee contributes to daily fluid intake and hydration.

Cold brew coffee has been known to cause some unwanted effects like sleep disruption and digestive issues due to its high caffeine content and acidity, even if lower than hot coffee. A list of the downsides of cold brew coffee are shown below.

• High Caffeine Content: Cold brew is often made with a higher coffee-to-water ratio, resulting in a concentrate that, even when diluted, can be very high in caffeine. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to anxiety, restlessness, heart palpitations, and sleep disturbances (Juliano LM, Griffiths RR., 2004, "A critical review of caffeine withdrawal: empirical validation of symptoms and signs, incidence, severity, and associated features").
• Can Cause Digestive Discomfort: While less acidic than hot coffee, cold brew is still an acidic beverage that can cause stomach upset, heartburn, or aggravate symptoms of gastritis or IBS in some sensitive individuals.
• May Interact with Medications: The high caffeine content can interact with certain medications, including some thyroid drugs, psychiatric medications, and antibiotics.
• Risk of Added Sugars and Fats: While plain black cold brew is very low in calories, popular coffee shop versions often include high-calorie additions like sweet creams, syrups, and whole milk, which add significant amounts of sugar and saturated fat.

Yes, cold brew coffee can be good for you when consumed in moderation and without high-calorie additions. It offers the same array of health benefits as regular coffee, including a rich supply of antioxidants and caffeine, which can boost metabolism and improve cognitive function. Its lower acidity may make it a better choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs. Research by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (Loomis D, et al., 2016, "Carcinogenicity of drinking coffee, mate, and very hot beverages") has concluded that coffee consumption is not classifiable as carcinogenic and is inversely associated with mortality. To maximize benefits, it is best to drink cold brew black or with a small amount of low-fat milk, avoiding sugary syrups and creams. A suggested consumption rate would be to stay within the recommended daily caffeine limit of 400 mg, which can be one to two large servings of cold brew, depending on its concentration.

The calorie content of cold brew coffee changes dramatically based on what is added to the base coffee. Plain, black cold brew, whether it is standard or nitro cold brew, contains the lowest number of calories, with a large serving (16-20 fl oz) providing only 5 calories. This base is essentially calorie-free. The calorie count rises significantly with the addition of dairy, sweeteners, and flavorings. Flavored cold brews that use sugar-based syrups can range from 60 to over 200 calories depending on the number of syrup pumps added. The highest calorie versions are often those that include both cream and sugar, such as cold brew with sweet cream foam, which can easily exceed 100-120 calories for a medium to large serving. Cold brew concentrate is more calorie-dense per ounce than its diluted counterpart but is consumed in much smaller quantities before being mixed with water or milk.

Plain, black cold brew coffee has a minimal number of calories (1-2 calories per 8 fl oz) because a very small amount of the coffee bean's natural oils, proteins, and carbohydrates are water-soluble and get extracted during the long steeping process. Coffee beans, before brewing, contain fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which all have caloric value. While the vast majority of these compounds are not water-soluble and remain in the coffee grounds, trace amounts do make their way into the final beverage. These trace amounts of extracted organic compounds are what account for the few calories present in black cold brew. The calories are negligible for dietary purposes, but they are not zero because coffee itself is derived from a plant seed that contains caloric macronutrients.

The origin of cold brew coffee is a subject of some debate, but its early roots are often traced back to 17th-century Japan, specifically Kyoto. It is believed that Dutch traders introduced coffee to Japan, and the Japanese, who were already brewing tea with cold water, adapted the method for coffee. This process, known as "Kyoto-style" coffee, involves slowly dripping cold water through coffee grounds over many hours. This slow-drip method created a smooth, concentrated coffee that could be stored and served later, which was practical for travel and preservation. The technique remained a niche method for centuries.

The popularization of cold brew in its modern, immersion-style form is a much more recent phenomenon, largely taking off in the United States in the early 2010s. This method involves steeping coarse coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period (12-24 hours) and then filtering out the grounds. This process results in a coffee concentrate that is noticeably less acidic and smoother than hot-brewed coffee, as the cold water extracts different compounds from the coffee beans. A popular dish or rather, a drink that highlights the unique properties of cold brew is Nitro Cold Brew. Popularized by coffee shops like Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the mid-2010s and now a staple at chains like Starbucks, this drink infuses cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas and serves it from a tap, much like a stout beer. The nitrogen creates a rich, creamy texture and a cascading, Guinness-like visual effect, enhancing the coffee's natural sweetness and smoothness without the need for added milk or sugar. This innovation transformed cold brew from a simple alternative brewing method into a premium, experiential beverage.