5 Expert Tips For Buying Better Canned Cold Brew

Say yes to brands with minimal ingredients

According to Taylor Young, when it comes to products, opting for a cold brew with a simple ingredient list is ideal. He advises, "Stay away from items that contain added preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or ambiguous ingredient labels." To prepare cold brew, all you really need is ground coffee and water; adding too many extras is unnecessary.

Cold brew is typically crafted in small batches, showcasing a delightful natural flavor, so incorporating too many additional ingredients can mask its authentic taste. In essence, this is a significant warning sign. Cold brew should be robust and pure enough to be enjoyed on its own, so if you encounter any hard-to-pronounce ingredients on a can's label, it's wise to avoid it.

Make sure you know where the beans came from

A long list of ingredients in canned coffee can be a warning sign, just as a lack of information can be. Crafting a quality cold brew requires a significant amount of ground coffee, so it's essential that the primary ingredient is of the highest standard. "Transparent sourcing of the coffee beans" is crucial, according to Taylor Young.

You can't determine the quality of the beans without knowing their origin, so make sure to look for that information on the can or, at the very least, on the brand's website. Generally, opting for cold brew made from single-origin beans or sourced from a local roaster is the best way to ensure top-notch quality.

Say no to added flavors or sweeteners

While enjoying a sweet vanilla beverage in the morning can be a delightful way to kick off your day, flavored canned drinks may not be as harmless as they appear. "Be wary of overly sweetened options, as they can disguise poor coffee quality," cautions Taylor Young. This doesn't mean you should completely avoid flavorings; rather, it suggests that you should approach flavored drinks with a discerning perspective. "Even those labeled as 'Natural' or 'Natural and Artificial' are often highly processed and far from what most consumers would consider 'natural,'" he explains.

It's wise to do your homework to ensure the brand you choose uses genuine, high-quality flavorings. (If they don't, consider buying plain cold brew and making your own simple syrup at home.)

Keep it 100% real cold brew

Details matter. When it comes to cold brew, it's essential to choose pure cold brew, as this is the authentic version. "Make sure it's 100% genuine cold brew coffee (not a concentrate, coffee-flavored beverage, or containing coffee extracts or flavorings)," advises Taylor Young. If you decide to go with cold brew concentrate, remember that it can't be consumed directly from the bottle due to its intense strength. You must dilute the concentrate with water or milk, and failing to follow the instructions precisely could alter the taste. With 100% cold brew, you can enjoy it straight from the can, making it a more convenient and dependable option.

Make sure it's a roast profile you like

Whether you lean towards a blonde roast or a dark one, the decision is entirely yours. "Make sure the roast profile matches your taste," suggests Taylor Young. Blonde coffees usually offer a lighter and more intricate flavor, while darker roasts are typically bolder and more straightforward in taste. (And just to clarify, a coffee's roast profile does not reflect its caffeine content, but rather its flavor profile.)

If you're still feeling uncertain despite these tips, take a look at our ranking of popular store-bought iced coffees, arranged from least to most favored. Otherwise, enjoy your search!