What’s the Difference Between Nitro Cold Brew vs. Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee
Explore the differences between nitro cold brew, cold brew, and iced coffee to find the perfect fit for your office.
✍️ Written by Jane Hammer & Eric Turner
🕚 10-Minute Read • Updated Friday, February 28, 2025
TL:DR
- Cold Brew is made by steeping coffee in cool water for about a day
- Cold Brew has the same amount as caffeine as hot coffee
- It’s easier on the tummy
- “Nitro” is Cold Brew with tiny bubbles that give it a creamy texture
- “Iced Coffee” is sad
Unless you’re one of those weirdos who drink cold coffee all year round (not judging, just stating facts), we know that when spring and summer roll around there is only one thing you can count on: cold brew chugging season.
But before you start drinking straight from the tap, let’s pause and ask: what’s the difference between nitro cold brew and cold brew? And how does iced coffee fit into the mix? Let’s break down everything we know about cold brew for your office coffee station.
How do you make cold brew coffee?
The process for making cold brew is simple:
- Take coarsely ground coffee.
- Soak it in room temperature water for 8 to 24 hours.
- Remove the coffee grounds.
- Enjoy.
That’s it. The key is room temperature water. Unlike regular coffee, which uses hot water to quickly extract flavors by breaking down the coffee’s cell walls, cold brew relies on time to pull out the flavors more gently.
Depending on the water-to-coffee ratio and steeping time, you’ll either get:
- Cold brew concentrate, which is stronger and meant to be diluted.
- Ready-to-drink cold brew, which is served straight over ice.
Most cold brew for office setups starts as a concentrate so it can be adjusted to taste.
Does cold brew have more caffeine?
We know you’ve heard the rumors: “Cold brew has more caffeine and gets you hyped!”
Let's talk science! Science says that brewing hot vs. brewing cold doesn’t impact caffeine content significantly when you factor in dilution. Yes, in concentrate form, cold brew has more caffeine. But once it’s diluted to normal strength, the caffeine levels are similar to regular coffee. That’s because hot water pulls out a lot of the caffeine we know and love just as effectively as a long steep in cool water.
Sad news about the caffeine, but there’s good news! Because of science, cold brew is better for your stomach.
When brewing hot coffee, the heat extracts more acid from the grounds, which can make coffee taste more tart or sour. That same heat also changes the acid composition, making coffee more bitter. This is great for hot coffee because the natural acid balances out the bitterness. But cold brew starts with less acid, so it tends to be smoother and less bitter overall.
Also, cold brew contains much less oil than hot coffee, which is another reason why it’s easier on digestion.
Less acid and fewer oils = a happier stomach! If you have acid reflux, switching to cold brew might be a smart move.
What is nitro cold brew?
With a name like "nitro," you’d think it’s rocket fuel—the kind that makes Fast & Furious cars go zoom.
Yeah… no.
Nitro cold brew is simply cold brew infused with nitrogen gas.
How is Nitro Cold Brew Made?
- Take any cold brew coffee.
- Put it in a keg.
- Infuse it with nitrogen gas.
- Serve it through a special tap.
That’s it.
Does nitro cold brew have more caffeine?
Nope. Nitro doesn’t add caffeine. It’s just gas. The caffeine content of nitro cold brew is exactly the same as regular cold brew.
So why bother? Because nitro cold brew is delicious.
- Tiny nitrogen bubbles create a velvety, creamy texture—like a Guinness beer.
- It tastes naturally sweeter, even though it has no sugar.
- The smooth mouthfeel makes it feel like a fancy treat without the extra calories.
Nitro cold brew is becoming a favorite in office coffee stations because it’s refreshing, energizing, and feels indulgent—without the added sugar of flavored lattes.
Cold Brew vs. Nitro Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Cold Brew | Nitro Cold Brew | Iced Coffee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewing Method | Steeped in cold water (8-24 hrs) | Cold Brew + Nitrogen gas | Brewed hot, poured over ice |
| Texture | Smooth | Creamy, velvety | Watery |
| Caffeine Content | Same as hot coffee (unless concentrated) | Same as Cold Brew | Same as hot coffee |
| Acidity | Low | Low | Higher |
| Mouthfeel | Light & smooth | Thick & creamy | Thin & acidic |
| Sweetness Perception | Naturally mild | Sweeter (due to nitrogen bubbles) | More bitter |
| Best For | Sipping over ice | That ultra-smooth, velvety experience | If you like disappointment |
So, what is iced coffee?
Most “iced coffee” at third-wave coffee shops is actually cold brew.
True iced coffee is just hot coffee poured over ice, which makes it taste bitter and acidic.
So if you’re in the office and you want something refreshing, here's some tips:
- Get a cold brew if you want something cold.
- Get a nitro if you want that creamy, bubbly goodness.
- Get a iced coffee if you want to be disappointed.
The Best Office Coffee Upgrade: A Cold Brew Keg
Now that you know the difference between nitro cold brew and cold brew, let’s talk office coffee solutions.
Instead of dealing with watery iced coffee or spending too much at coffee shops, upgrade your office with a cold brew keg.
- Always fresh and ready to pour
- No need for ice cubes that water it down
- Nitro tap option for that creamy texture
- Happier employees = better productivity
So whether you’re a cold brew purist or a nitro cold brew fanatic, one thing’s for sure: your office coffee station deserves an upgrade.
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