Nitro Coffee: Is Cold Brew Better Than Regular?

Nitro coffee incorporates nitrogen gas to enhance its flavor and feel. Brewing at a lower temperature reduces acidity, while the nitrogen contributes a subtle sweetness. Despite these distinctions, its health advantages are comparable to those of standard coffee.

Since its introduction, nitro coffee has become increasingly common in cafés and supermarkets.

This distinct variety is cold-brewed and charged with nitrogen to boost both flavor and texture. Unlike traditional coffee, it’s poured from a tap and served cold rather than hot.

It’s frequently promoted as superior to regular coffee in taste, texture, and the potential health perks it offers.

This article examines the main similarities and differences between nitro coffee and regular coffee.

Thicker Texture

Nitro coffee delivers a rich, creamy texture that differentiates it from ordinary coffee.

Like other fizzy drinks, including sparkling water or soda, nitro coffee contains tiny gas bubbles that change the sensation in the mouth.

However, whereas those beverages typically use carbon dioxide, nitro coffee is infused with nitrogen.

This process creates a frothy, foam-like layer and a velvety mouthfeel often likened to certain beers.

Consequently, additives commonly used to improve the texture of regular coffee — such as milk or creamers — are usually unnecessary with nitro coffee.

Summary

Nitro coffee is infused with nitrogen, which produces a frothy texture and a smooth mouthfeel.

Tastes Sweeter

Besides refining texture and mouthfeel, the nitrogen in nitro coffee also imparts a mild sweetness.

Additionally, coffee that is ground and brewed cold, as with nitro, has been shown to have intensified flavor and aroma.

For many drinkers, this makes nitro a good substitute for regular coffee, as it can eliminate the need for added sugar.

Adding sugar boosts the calorie content of your drink and may contribute to weight gain; excessive sugar intake is also linked to various long-term health issues.

Research indicates that high consumption of added sugars may be related to an elevated risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

If you usually sweeten your coffee, switching to nitro may help reduce your sugar intake and lower the risk of those negative health outcomes.

Summary

Nitro coffee often tastes sweeter than regular coffee and can remove the need for added sugar, helping to cut calories. Diets high in sugar have been connected to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Less Acidic

A key distinction between nitro and regular coffee is their acidity levels.

Many of the acids present in standard coffee form only at higher temperatures of 195–205°F (90–96°C).

Thus, brewing nitro coffee at a cooler temperature can result in markedly lower acidity than that of hot-brewed coffee.

This gentler profile may be particularly helpful for some people, since coffee acids can irritate the stomach and cause digestive discomfort.

Fewer acids also create a different flavor and reduce bitterness in nitro coffee.

However, cold-brew methods may yield lower amounts of some beneficial compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, an antioxidant that contributes much of the acidity in regular coffee.

Studies suggest chlorogenic acid may have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects and could help protect against chronic diseases.

Summary

Nitro coffee tends to be less acidic than regular coffee, which can lessen stomach irritation. Yet it may also contain lower levels of helpful antioxidants like chlorogenic acid.

Higher in Caffeine

Nitro coffee is often brewed with a higher coffee-to-water ratio than regular coffee, which can raise its caffeine concentration.

Some manufacturers claim nitro coffee contains up to 30% more caffeine per ounce (30 ml) than regular coffee, although actual amounts differ by brand.

Caffeine has been associated with various health benefits; research shows caffeine intake may boost metabolism, improve athletic performance, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

That said, the increased caffeine in nitro coffee may not be desirable for everyone.

Caffeine can be habit-forming and may cause side effects such as anxiety, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and elevated blood pressure.

Some evidence indicates that certain individuals are more sensitive to caffeine and may be more prone to adverse effects due to genetic variation.

Summary

Nitro coffee can have more caffeine than regular coffee. While caffeine may offer health benefits, it can also produce side effects in sensitive people.

Same Health Benefits as Regular Coffee

Ultimately, nitro and regular coffee share many of the same health advantages.

Both provide caffeine, antioxidants, and various micronutrients — including riboflavin and pantothenic acid — that support health (13).

Moreover, conventional coffee has been linked to numerous other health benefits:

• Reduces depression: Drinking at least four cups of coffee daily may lower depression risk by up to 20% (, )
• Increases lifespan: Studies have associated coffee drinking with reduced mortality.
• Lowers diabetes risk: Regular coffee consumption has been connected with a 30–35% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Guards against dementia: Higher caffeine intake may be associated with a lower risk of dementia and conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Supports weight loss: Caffeine has been shown to raise metabolic rate and increase fat burning, aiding weight loss.

Although nitro coffee hasn’t been examined as extensively, it’s made from the same base ingredients as regular coffee and is likely to offer similar health effects.

Summary

Nitro and regular coffee have similar components and probably provide comparable health benefits. Coffee has been tied to many positive outcomes, from increased metabolism to a lower diabetes risk.

How to Make It at Home

Nitro coffee has become a favorite among enthusiasts for its distinctive flavor and texture.

However, it can be difficult to find and often comes at a higher price — roughly $3–5 per cup.

Making authentic nitro coffee requires special gear to infuse nitrogen, but you can prepare a cold-brew at home that approximates the taste and nutritional profile:

1. Mix 4 ounces (57 grams) of coarsely ground coffee with about 4 cups (946 milliliters) of water. Stir and refrigerate for 18–24 hours.
2. Once steeped, strain the mixture through a sieve and cheesecloth to separate grounds from the coffee concentrate.
3. Pour the concentrate into a clean jar and enjoy.

You can scale the recipe for larger batches and keep the cold brew in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Summary

While true nitro coffee needs extra equipment, you can easily make cold-brew coffee at home with minimal ingredients.

The Bottom Line

Cold-brewed nitro coffee tends to be sweeter and has a thicker, smoother texture than regular coffee.

It’s also generally less acidic and contains more caffeine.

Nevertheless, in terms of nutrition and health effects — like aiding weight loss and potentially extending life — nitro and regular coffee are closely comparable.

Feel free to swap your hot cup for a cold brew occasionally to enjoy the distinct flavors and textures each style offers.