Cold brew coffee has become a staple in many coffee lovers’ daily routines, and for good reason. The smooth, rich flavor and low acidity make it a perfect choice for hot summer days or as a pick-me-up any time of the year. But where can you buy cold brew coffee? In this article, we’ll explore the various options available, from online retailers to local coffee shops, and provide you with a comprehensive guide to sourcing the best cold brew coffee.
Online Retailers: The Convenience of Buying Cold Brew Coffee Online
One of the most convenient ways to buy cold brew coffee is online. Many online retailers offer a wide selection of cold brew coffee brands and flavors, often with the option for subscription services or bulk purchases. Here are a few popular online retailers that carry a variety of cold brew coffee products:
Amazon: The Ultimate Online Retailer for Cold Brew Coffee
Amazon is one of the largest online retailers in the world, and it’s no surprise that they carry a vast selection of cold brew coffee products. From popular brands like Blue Bottle Coffee and La Colombe to smaller, specialty brands, Amazon has something for every cold brew coffee lover. You can even find cold brew coffee makers and accessories on the site.
Thrive Market: A Health-Conscious Option for Cold Brew Coffee
Thrive Market is an online retailer that specializes in health-conscious products, including cold brew coffee. They offer a variety of organic and fair-trade cold brew coffee brands, as well as a selection of cold brew coffee makers and accessories.
Walmart: A Budget-Friendly Option for Cold Brew Coffee
Walmart is another online retailer that carries a selection of cold brew coffee products, often at budget-friendly prices. They offer a range of brands, including their own in-house brand, Great Value.
Local Coffee Shops: Supporting Small Businesses and Getting the Best Brews
While online retailers offer convenience, local coffee shops provide a unique experience and often the best brews. Many local coffee shops source their cold brew coffee from small, specialty roasters, ensuring a high-quality product. Here are a few reasons why you should consider buying cold brew coffee from a local coffee shop:
Supporting Small Businesses
When you buy cold brew coffee from a local coffee shop, you’re supporting small businesses and contributing to the local economy. This is especially important in today’s world, where big chain coffee shops often dominate the market.
Getting the Best Brews
Local coffee shops often source their cold brew coffee from small, specialty roasters, ensuring a high-quality product. These roasters are passionate about their craft and take the time to carefully select and roast their beans, resulting in a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.
Unique Flavors and Blends
Local coffee shops often offer unique flavors and blends that you won’t find at larger chain coffee shops. This is because they’re not limited by a corporate menu and can experiment with different roasts and brewing methods.
Specialty Food Stores: A Wide Selection of Cold Brew Coffee Products
Specialty food stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Costco often carry a wide selection of cold brew coffee products. These stores typically have a dedicated coffee section, where you can find a variety of cold brew coffee brands and flavors.
Whole Foods: A Wide Selection of Organic and Fair-Trade Cold Brew Coffee
Whole Foods is a popular specialty food store that carries a wide selection of organic and fair-trade cold brew coffee products. They offer a variety of brands, including their own in-house brand, 365 Everyday Value.
Trader Joe’s: A Unique Selection of Cold Brew Coffee Products
Trader Joe’s is a specialty food store known for its unique products, including cold brew coffee. They offer a variety of cold brew coffee brands and flavors, often at affordable prices.
Costco: A Bulk Option for Cold Brew Coffee
Costco is a membership-based warehouse club that carries a bulk selection of cold brew coffee products. They offer a variety of brands, including their own in-house brand, Kirkland Signature.
Convenience Stores: A Quick and Easy Option for Cold Brew Coffee
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and CVS often carry a limited selection of cold brew coffee products. These stores are perfect for a quick and easy pick-me-up, but the selection may be limited.
7-Eleven: A Wide Selection of Cold Brew Coffee Drinks
7-Eleven is a popular convenience store that carries a wide selection of cold brew coffee drinks, including their own in-house brand, 7-Eleven Coffee. They offer a variety of flavors, including vanilla and caramel.
Circle K: A Limited Selection of Cold Brew Coffee Products
Circle K is a convenience store that carries a limited selection of cold brew coffee products, including their own in-house brand, Circle K Coffee. They offer a few flavors, including original and vanilla.
CVS: A Limited Selection of Cold Brew Coffee Products
CVS is a pharmacy chain that carries a limited selection of cold brew coffee products, including their own in-house brand, CVS Coffee. They offer a few flavors, including original and French roast.
Gas Stations: A Quick and Easy Option for Cold Brew Coffee
Gas stations like Chevron, Exxon, and Mobil often carry a limited selection of cold brew coffee products. These stores are perfect for a quick and easy pick-me-up, but the selection may be limited.
Chevron: A Limited Selection of Cold Brew Coffee Products
Chevron is a gas station chain that carries a limited selection of cold brew coffee products, including their own in-house brand, Chevron Coffee. They offer a few flavors, including original and vanilla.
Exxon: A Limited Selection of Cold Brew Coffee Products
Exxon is a gas station chain that carries a limited selection of cold brew coffee products, including their own in-house brand, Exxon Coffee. They offer a few flavors, including original and French roast.
Mobil: A Limited Selection of Cold Brew Coffee Products
Mobil is a gas station chain that carries a limited selection of cold brew coffee products, including their own in-house brand, Mobil Coffee. They offer a few flavors, including original and vanilla.
Make Your Own Cold Brew Coffee: A Cost-Effective and Customizable Option
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and customizable option, consider making your own cold brew coffee at home. You can purchase cold brew coffee makers and accessories online or at local kitchen supply stores.
Cold Brew Coffee Makers: A Variety of Options Available
There are a variety of cold brew coffee makers available, ranging from simple glass jars to complex machines. Some popular options include:
- Toddy: A classic cold brew coffee maker that uses a paper filter.
- Hario: A Japanese company that offers a variety of cold brew coffee makers, including the popular Mizudashi.
- Oxo: A kitchen supply company that offers a cold brew coffee maker with a built-in filter.
Cold Brew Coffee Accessories: A Variety of Options Available
There are also a variety of cold brew coffee accessories available, including filters, grinders, and storage containers. Some popular options include:
- Paper filters: A cost-effective option for filtering your cold brew coffee.
- Metal filters: A reusable option for filtering your cold brew coffee.
- Glass storage containers: A non-reactive option for storing your cold brew coffee.
In conclusion, there are many options available for buying cold brew coffee, ranging from online retailers to local coffee shops. Whether you’re looking for convenience, quality, or customization, there’s a option out there for you. So next time you’re in the market for cold brew coffee, consider trying out a new retailer or making your own at home.
What is cold brew coffee and how is it different from regular coffee?
Cold brew coffee is a type of coffee that is brewed without heat. Instead of using hot water to extract the flavors and oils from the coffee beans, cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarse-ground coffee beans in cold water for an extended period of time, usually 12-24 hours. This process results in a smooth and low-acidity coffee that is perfect for hot summer days.
The main difference between cold brew coffee and regular coffee is the brewing method. Regular coffee is brewed using hot water, which extracts more of the coffee’s natural oils and solids, resulting in a bolder and more acidic flavor. Cold brew coffee, on the other hand, has a sweeter and more subtle flavor profile, making it a great choice for those who prefer a milder coffee taste.
Where can I buy cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee is widely available in stores and online. You can find it in most specialty food stores, gourmet coffee shops, and even some supermarkets. Some popular places to buy cold brew coffee include Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Starbucks. You can also buy cold brew coffee online from retailers like Amazon and Blue Bottle Coffee.
If you’re having trouble finding cold brew coffee in stores, you can also try checking with local coffee roasters or specialty food stores in your area. Many of these businesses carry a selection of cold brew coffees from various brands, and some may even offer their own in-house cold brew coffee. Additionally, you can also make your own cold brew coffee at home using a cold brew coffee maker or a large glass container.
What are some popular brands of cold brew coffee?
There are many popular brands of cold brew coffee available in the market. Some well-known brands include Blue Bottle Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and La Colombe. These brands offer a range of cold brew coffee flavors and blends, from single-origin to flavored and sweetened options.
Other popular brands of cold brew coffee include Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Peet’s Coffee. These brands offer a more affordable and widely available option for those who want to try cold brew coffee. Additionally, there are also many smaller, artisanal brands of cold brew coffee available, which can offer unique and high-quality flavor profiles.
Can I make my own cold brew coffee at home?
Yes, you can make your own cold brew coffee at home. All you need is a large glass container, coarse-ground coffee beans, and cold water. Simply combine the coffee and water in the container, stir, and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. After the steeping process, strain the coffee into a separate container and discard the grounds.
Making your own cold brew coffee at home can be a fun and rewarding process. You can experiment with different coffee-to-water ratios, steeping times, and flavor profiles to create your perfect cup of cold brew coffee. Additionally, making your own cold brew coffee at home can also be more cost-effective than buying it in stores.
How do I store cold brew coffee?
Cold brew coffee can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It’s best to store it in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent contamination and spoilage. You can also store cold brew coffee in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply pour the coffee into an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer.
When storing cold brew coffee, it’s best to keep it away from light and heat. Light can cause the coffee to become stale and lose its flavor, while heat can cause it to become bitter. Additionally, you should also keep cold brew coffee away from strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb odors easily.
Can I use cold brew coffee in recipes?
Yes, you can use cold brew coffee in a variety of recipes. Cold brew coffee is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Some popular recipes that use cold brew coffee include coffee smoothies, coffee granita, and coffee BBQ sauce.
Cold brew coffee can also be used as a substitute for regular coffee in many recipes. It’s especially useful in recipes where you want a smooth and low-acidity coffee flavor. Additionally, cold brew coffee can also be used as a flavor enhancer in desserts like ice cream, cakes, and cookies.
Is cold brew coffee more expensive than regular coffee?
Cold brew coffee can be more expensive than regular coffee, depending on the brand and quality. High-end cold brew coffee brands can range in price from $5 to $10 per bottle, while regular coffee can cost as little as $2 per pound. However, making your own cold brew coffee at home can be more cost-effective than buying it in stores.
The cost of cold brew coffee also depends on the type of coffee beans used. High-quality, specialty coffee beans can be more expensive than regular coffee beans. However, the cost of cold brew coffee can be worth it for many coffee lovers, as it offers a unique and delicious flavor profile that is perfect for hot summer days.