Cold brew coffee has become a popular choice for coffee lovers seeking a smooth, refreshing caffeine kick. It’s made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours, resulting in a less acidic, naturally sweeter coffee. With the rise of ready-to-drink cold brew options, many brands now offer high-quality canned versions for ultimate convenience. In this article, we’ll dive into three of the best cold brew coffee in a can, showcasing top-rated options, their flavor profiles, caffeine content, and more.
Top 3 Rated Canned Cold Brew Coffees
1. illy Ready to Drink Cold Brew Cappuccino
illy is a renowned coffee brand famous for its high-quality espresso. Their Ready to Drink Cold Brew Cappuccino is a popular choice among cold brew enthusiasts. Known for its smooth texture and rich flavor, this cold brew in a can combines the company’s signature espresso with creamy milk for a perfectly balanced cappuccino experience.
Key Features
Flavor Profile: The illy cold brew offers a smooth and velvety taste with hints of roasted coffee flavor, paired with a creamy sweetness from the milk.
Caffeine Content: A 6.5-ounce can of illy cold brew contains approximately 125 milligrams of caffeine, offering a moderate energy boost without being too intense.
Packaging & Convenience: The sleek can is perfect for on-the-go consumption, making it an ideal option for busy mornings or midday pick-me-ups.
Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Options: The Ready to Drink Cold Brew Cappuccino is lightly sweetened, catering to those who prefer a hint of sweetness in their coffee drinks.
Pros
- Smooth and creamy texture
- Balanced flavor with espresso and milk
- Moderate caffeine content for a balanced pick-me-up
Cons
- May be too sweet for some coffee purists
- Some users may prefer stronger coffee flavor
Price & Value
The illy cold brew cappuccino is priced around $2.50 per can, offering a reasonable value for a high-quality, ready-to-drink coffee beverage.
User Reviews & Ratings
Customer feedback often highlights the smoothness and balanced flavor of the illy cold brew cappuccino. Many users appreciate its rich taste and the perfect ratio of coffee to milk. However, some mention the sweetness might not appeal to those who prefer unsweetened beverages.
Where to Buy
You can find illy Ready to Drink Cold Brew Cappuccino at popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and specialty coffee shops.
2. Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Splash of Sweet Cream
Starbucks is a household name in coffee, and its Nitro Cold Brew Splash of Sweet Cream is a standout product in the world of canned cold brew. Nitro cold brew is infused with nitrogen gas, which gives it a creamy, frothy texture. This canned coffee offers a smooth, velvety experience that mimics the signature nitro coffee served in Starbucks stores.
Key Features
Flavor Profile: The Nitro Cold Brew features a rich, smooth coffee flavor with a subtle, creamy finish from the splash of sweet cream. The nitrogen infusion enhances the mouthfeel, making it feel almost like a draft beer.
Caffeine Content: Each 9.6-ounce can of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew contains approximately 200 milligrams of caffeine, providing a strong energy boost for those who need a more potent kick.
Packaging & Convenience: The can is easy to carry and features a nitrogen-infused design that maintains the fresh taste of the coffee.
Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Options: This version is sweetened with a touch of cream, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a smooth, slightly sweet coffee without needing to add sugar themselves.
Pros
- Nitrogen infusion creates a creamy texture
- High caffeine content for a more intense energy boost
- Rich and smooth flavor, with a subtle sweetness
Cons
- The nitrogen-infused texture may not appeal to everyone
- Some may find the sweetness a bit overwhelming
- Higher caffeine content may not be suitable for all users
Price & Value
Priced at around $3 per can, the Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Splash of Sweet Cream offers a premium experience, but some might consider it a bit pricey compared to other canned cold brew options.
User Reviews & Ratings
Many Starbucks fans love the smoothness and creamy texture of the Nitro Cold Brew, with many praising the rich coffee flavor. However, the sweetness level is a common point of feedback, with some preferring a less sugary version.
Where to Buy
The Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Splash of Sweet Cream is available at Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks locations, both online and in-store.
3. La Colombe Triple Latte
La Colombe is a well-known brand in the specialty coffee scene, and its Triple Latte is a great option for those seeking a bold, well-balanced canned coffee drink. Made with cold-brewed coffee and a touch of sweetened condensed milk, the Triple Latte delivers a delicious coffee-forward taste.
Key Features
Flavor Profile: The Triple Latte has a strong coffee flavor, complemented by the creaminess of the milk and the slight sweetness of the condensed milk. It’s a robust, bold coffee drink that’s perfect for those who want a caffeine-heavy latte with an intense flavor.
Caffeine Content: A 9-ounce can of La Colombe Triple Latte contains around 200 milligrams of caffeine, similar to Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew. This makes it a great choice for those who need an extra energy boost.
Packaging & Convenience: The can is convenient for on-the-go consumption and is easy to carry in a bag or lunchbox for a quick energy fix.
Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Options: The Triple Latte is sweetened with condensed milk, offering a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the strong coffee flavor.
Pros
- Bold coffee flavor with a strong latte profile
- Perfect for those who enjoy a rich, creamy taste
- High caffeine content for a strong pick-me-up
Cons
- May be too strong or sweet for some coffee drinkers
- Not suitable for those seeking a more straightforward cold brew flavor
Price & Value
At around $3.50 per can, La Colombe Triple Latte is on the higher end of the canned cold brew spectrum. However, it offers a premium experience and a satisfying balance of strong coffee and creaminess.
User Reviews & Ratings
Customers rave about the bold flavor and smooth texture of La Colombe’s Triple Latte. Many appreciate its richness and how it stands out from other canned coffee drinks. However, some feel that the sweetness may not be to their taste.
Where to Buy
La Colombe Triple Latte is available at major retailers like Amazon, Whole Foods, and specialty coffee shops.
Key Features & Benefits of the Top 3 Cold Brews
Flavor Profile
Each of these canned cold brews offers a unique flavor profile.
illy Ready to Drink Cold Brew Cappuccino is smooth and creamy with balanced coffee and milk flavors.
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Splash of Sweet Cream delivers a rich, smooth flavor with a creamy finish thanks to its nitrogen infusion.
La Colombe Triple Latte offers a bold, coffee-forward taste with a creamy, slightly sweetened finish.
Caffeine Content
Caffeine content varies across these options.
illy Cold Brew Cappuccino has a moderate caffeine level at around 125 milligrams per can, making it ideal for moderate energy needs.
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew packs 200 milligrams of caffeine per can, providing a strong energy boost.
La Colombe Triple Latte also contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, making it another great option for those seeking a high-energy drink.
Packaging & Convenience
Each of these brands offers convenient, on-the-go packaging in easy-to-carry cans. The nitrogen-infused Starbucks and the La Colombe Triple Latte both have unique qualities that make them stand out in terms of texture, while illy’s sleek can offers a premium look and feel.
Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Options
All three of these options are sweetened, making them perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their coffee drinks. However, those seeking unsweetened versions may have to look for other brands or customize their drinks.
Comparison of Performance
Smoothness, Acidity, and Bitterness
illy Ready to Drink Cold Brew Cappuccino: Smooth and mellow, with a balanced flavor and low acidity.
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Splash of Sweet Cream: Ultra-smooth due to the nitrogen infusion, with minimal bitterness.
La Colombe Triple Latte: Bold and strong, with a slight bitterness from the coffee but balanced by the creamy sweetness of the milk.
Nitro vs. Traditional Cold Brew
Nitro cold brew, like Starbucks’ offering, has a distinct creamy texture due to the nitrogen infusion, giving it a rich, velvety mouthfeel. Traditional cold brew, like those from illy and La Colombe, has a smoother, less frothy texture but still delivers a robust flavor.
Price & Value
In terms of value, the prices for these top-rated canned cold brews range from around $2.50 to $3.50 per can. While they may be slightly pricier than regular iced coffee or other drinks, they offer the convenience and high-quality flavor of specialty cold brew coffee.
Conclusion
When choosing the best canned cold brew coffee, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a smooth, creamy option with a classic cappuccino flavor, illy Ready to Drink Cold Brew Cappuccino is a great choice. For those who want a stronger, nitrogen-infused experience, Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew Splash of Sweet Cream offers a rich, frothy texture with a satisfying coffee kick.
No matter which one you choose, each of these cold brews offers an excellent balance of flavor, convenience, and caffeine content, making them perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go coffee lovers.
Where to Buy
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Specialty Coffee Shops
Each of these cold brews is available at trusted retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and local coffee shops, so you can easily get your hands on your favorite option for your next coffee break!
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