Nitro cold brew coffee is becoming popular in coffee shops because it has many benefits.
Although it was invented in 2012, the nitro brew has become popular enough to be sold at major coffee shops like Starbucks.
If you have been wondering what is nitro cold brew and how it differs from other coffee types, you are in the right page.
This article discusses nitro cold brew coffee, how it is made, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it differs from regular cold brew coffee.
Nitro cold brew
Nitro cold brew coffee is coffee that has been brewed with cold water and then nitrogenated, or infused with nitrogen gas. The coffee’s foamy top is caused by nitrogen bubbles, making it look like a dark stout, ale, or lager beer.
Nitrogen-infused coffee has a smoother texture than sodas and other carbonated beverages because nitrogen bubbles are smaller than carbon dioxide bubbles. Coffee houses sometimes serve nitro coffee on tap.
Canned nitro cold brew is also available at many grocery stores, and you can even make it at home. People often compare the appearance of nitro coffee to a Guinness beer because of how foamy and creamy both drinks appear.
Nitro cold brew is inspired by bartenders who infuse dark beers with nitrogen gas instead of carbon dioxide.
Some people believe that nitro coffee was first created in Keene, New Hampshire, while others believe it was first created in Austin, Texas. The person who could have been either Mike McKim in Austin, Texas, or Nate Armbrust in Portland, Oregon.
Lorenzo Perkins is claiming to be the first person to serve the food item publicly.
Pure nitrogen essential
Pure nitrogen is important because it makes the coffee sweeter. The developers ofnitro coffee realized early on that carbonated cold coffee needed pure nitrogen.
They tried using the 75/25 nitrogen and carbon dioxide mix that is used to make tap micro beers and Guinness, but this mixture resulted in bitter coffee.
One problem with using carbon dioxide is that it can leave a bitter taste. Flat sparkling water tastes acidic because of this.
After experimenting, developers realized that pure hydrogen would dissolve slowly and give the impression of a creamier drink. You will not be able to make nitro at home with carbon dioxide chargers.
Difference between iced coffee, cold brew, and nitro coffee
To explain the difference between the three, let’s start with iced coffee and cold brew.
Iced coffee is hot coffee that has been cooled down, usually with ice cubes. Cold brew coffee is coffee that has never been heated. Nitro coffee is nitrogen-infused cold-brewed coffee. Iced coffee and cold brew coffee might not be naturally sweeter, but nitro cold brew is.
Iced coffee is fast and easy to make. First, you brew coffee and pour ice over it. If you want to make a large batch of coffee that will last in the fridge, brew it with a little more coffee than usual.
Wouldn’t it be great to use iced coffee and infuse it with nitrogen to make nitro coffee?
The answer is chemistry. The researchers found that hot-brewed coffee had significantly more antioxidants than cold-brewed coffee, but that cold-brewed coffee had lower acidity levels. The researchers found that the levels of caffeine in the coffee were similar, regardless of the brewing method. However, they also found that hot coffee extracted more antioxidants from the beans during the brewing process.
Although antioxidants are healthy, they do not have a strong flavor. The cold brew coffee has less acidity. Cold or iced coffee that is a day old is usually quite acidic.
Texture
Nitro cold brew coffee has a smoother mouthfeel and a thicker, creamier texture than regular coffee. The difference between seltzer water and other types of sparkling water is that seltzer water contains small gas bubbles, while other types of sparkling water contain large gas bubbles.
Taste
generally,Coffeeroastershelp to improve the taste and flavor of coffee beans. In comparison to regular coffee, nitro cold brew coffee has a sweeter taste and doesn’t require additional sugar.
If you brew your coffee cold, it will have a natural sweetness to it and won’t need any dairy or sugar. Nitro cold brew coffee is a favorite for those that want to cut down their sugar intake by living a healthy lifestyle.
Brewed coffee that has been ground and cooled has an enhanced flavor and smell. It is worth investing in a quality coffee maker for a good cup of coffee.
Caffeine content
The caffeine content in nitro cold brew coffee is different than regular coffee. Caffeine content in nitro cold brew coffee is ideally much higher than regular coffee. This is because more coffee ground is used in relation to the amount of water.
therefore, nitro cold brew coffee can be an excellent choice for anyone that wants to boost their metabolism and athletic performance. Although the benefits of the drug should not be ignored, the side effects should not be ignored either.
Less acidic
Cold-brewed coffee has a lower acidity level than other types of coffee. Generally, coffee that is brewed regularly has high acidity levels because it is brewed at high temperatures, usually 90-96 degrees C.
On the one hand, cold brew coffee is brewed at high temperatures, which increases the acidity level.
In addition, this makes the coffee taste better and less bitter. It is believed to have health benefits such as preventing stomach and digestive problems. Although nitro compound has some disadvantages, it does not contain beneficial compounds like chlorogenic acid which has many health benefits.
Nitro cold brew and caffeine
Nitro cold brew contains more caffeine than hot coffee. Several factors that can affect the caffeine content in coffee are the temperature used while brewing, the brewing time, and the type of beans used.
Caffeine content can vary greatly depending on the type of coffee and how it is made.
It is difficult to find caffeine information for nitro coffee in order to compare it directly. When comparing products, don’t overlook portion size. This chart compares different types of coffee based on their caffeine content in Starbucks’ 12-oz cups.
Even if you stick to one brand of coffee, the caffeine levels can differ a lot depending on how the drink is made and what roast level the coffee beans are.
Nitro brews generally have more caffeine, but there are hot brewed coffees with similar caffeine levels.
Again, it’s all about the roast and brewing process.
How is nitro cold brew made
Nitro cold brew is made using a two-step process:
- Create a cold brew
- Add nitrogen gas
Making nitro coffee at home is not complicated. With a little bit of extra equipment, you can turn your cold brew into nitro cold brew.
Coffee shops prepare nitro by first making a cold brew, then pouring it into a metal keg.
A specialized machine is used to infuse nitrogen into the cold brew. The keg gets connected to a tap system, so the nitro coffee can be poured into a glass with a signature foam on top.
It is not simple to just install and maintain a faucet, gas tanks, keg connectors, tubes, and hoses.
Furthermore, the baristas must be educated on how to operate the machines. Adding nitro coffee to a menu can be expensive for a coffee shop, costing them $1,500 to $2,000. This is why they have to charge a premium for the drink.
Many fans of nitro cold coffee have begun making it at home to save money.
Nitro cold brew coffee health benefits
1. Boosts the brain
Anyone looking for a way to improve their mental function and metabolism should consider nitro coffee, as it has a high concentration of coffee grounds. This activity supports increased blood flow in the brain, which allows for better and more efficient brain function.
Nitro coffee has a higher concentration of caffeine than regular coffee, which can give you a boost of energy and improve your physical performance. However, you should be aware that the amount of caffeine in coffee can vary depending on the coffee maker, and this can affect how it makes you feel.
2. Boosts antioxidants
Your body needs substances that can oxidize other substances in order to protect your cells from oxidative stress and radical damage. If you don’t exercise regularly, you may be at a greater risk for cancer and heart disease.
The great news is that nitro cold brew coffee has a high level of antioxidants since it isn’t exposed to air and high temperatures for long periods of time.
Since the coffee beans are not always in contact with oxygen, they are able to retain their oxidants. Increasing your intake of antioxidants is a good way to improve your health.
3. Enhances weight loss
A low calorie drink like nitro coffee is an excellent choice If you want to lose weight. This type of coffee has fewer calories than other coffee beverages because it has significantly less sugar and cream.
It also helps with weight loss by speeding up the metabolism so that more food is processed and less fat is stored. The high caffeine concentration in coffee makes it a great pre and post-workout beverage.
Coffee not only boosts an athlete’s metabolism before a workout, but it also promotes the burning of calories after a workout.
4. Prevents different types of diseases
Nitro coffee can help reduce and manage diabetes since the coffee has its natural sweetness and does not require added sugars. Eating lots of vegetables and fruits is a healthy way to prevent different cancers, such as gastric and lung cancer. This is primarily because it is high in antioxidants.
Studies have found that coffee can help reduce the risk of developing severe diseases such as type 2 diabetes and liver diseases, and can also help to prolong life.
In addition to the benefits already mentioned, it is also believed that nitro coffee can help lower the risk of death from accidents, cardiovascular diseases, infections, strokes, and respiratory diseases.
5. Lowers depression
One cup of nitro coffee lowers and reduces the risks of depression by approximately 20 percent. If you have depression, drinking at least three cups of nitro coffee can help lower your depression.
6. Energy booster
Drinking a cup of nitro cold brew coffee from the market is a great way to start your day with a high level of energy. Unlike other types of coffee, espresso has a high caffeine concentration that can boost your energy and prevent a sluggish and foggy mind.
7. Natural alternative
Some people are allergic to regular coffee, especially those that suffer from digestive issues. Other types of coffee may contain artificial creams and dairy that can lead to digestion complications, so this is the kind you should drink.
On one hand, nitro cold brew coffee is enhanced with artificial flavors, creams, and dairy to achieve the desired taste. However, on the other hand, nitro cold brew coffee is entirely natural and does not require these additions to taste good. If you’re looking for a natural, sweet, and creamy drink, coffee may not be the best option for you.
Drawbacks of nitro cold brew coffee
While nitro cold brew coffee has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Here are the adverse effects of nitro coffee:
1. High caffeine content
Although nitro brew coffee has a high caffeine content, it can be beneficial. However, it may also have unhealthy effects on our bodies. Caffeine addiction can lead to cardiac issues, fatigue, loss of appetite, digestive issues, and headaches.
Because caffeine can stay in your system for up to eight hours, taking it too late in the day can lead to difficulty sleeping.
2. Increases high blood pressure
Nitro coffee can also lead to higher blood pressure. Nitro coffee has been shown to boost heartbeat rate and metabolism, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure.
3. Increases anxiety levels
Although nitro coffee can boost your energy, it may also lead to increased anxiety levels when taken continuously. The high level of caffeine in your system can cause mood swings, disruptions in hormone levels, and neurotransmitter imbalances, all of which can lead to increased anxiety.
4. It can cause glaucoma
If you regularly consume nitro coffee, Glaucoma is a likely outcome. This eye condition is caused by increased pressure in the eyes. When you have this condition, you will feel tension in your eyes several hours after having a cup of nitro brew.
Nitro brew coffee vegan or keto
They also do not use any products that contain animal products, such as leather, wool, and honey. Vegans do not eat any animal products or use any products that contain animal products. Nitro cold brew is a suitable alternative for artisan beverages since it is vegan.
Since it doesn’t have any added dairy or artificial creams, it’s lactose friendly.
You should be careful when ordering from certain restaurants and coffee shops since they add sweet milk or cream to their nitro coffees.
Nitro cold brew coffee is also a good choice if you are following a keto diet. A keto diet generally consists of high fat, moderate protein, and low carbohydrate intake. Nitro coffee has none of the negative aspects that come with other types of coffee. It is sugar free, calorie free, and carb free which helps keep you in ketosis.
However, you should be careful when buying from shops that add cream or sugar to their nitro coffees. The added cream and sugar can take away from the signature taste of the coffee.
Final thoughts
At first, many people in the coffee industry thought that nitro coffee was just a passing trend that would eventually go away.
However, the nitro cold press is still around ten years later. Nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee is less acidic and has a creamy, naturally sweet taste that is worth savoring.