What Coffee Does Starbucks Use for Cold Brew? (What Beans Does Starbucks use for Cold Brew? + More)

Because of its lack of bitterness, its low acidity, its chocolatey taste, and natural sweetness, Starbucks Cold Brew is very popular. If you intend to make your own at home, you may be asking, what Coffee Does Starbucks Use for Cold Brew?

It is believed Starbucks uses a blend that includes Colombian coffee beans from the Nariño region. The company does not reveal the composition of the blend, but it is speculated that the Nariño coffee makes up 70 percent of the blend, and the rest is Arabica coffee from East Africa. We recently went shopping for cold coffee-making ingredients, and because we wanted to have as close to the Starbucks cold brew experience as possible, the beans had to be right. Our search included learning how to make cold brew at home, so keep reading this post to find out about that and more. 

What Starbucks coffee is best for cold brew?

You can use any Starbucks ground coffee to make cold brew, but the Starbucks Cold Brew Pitcher packs which contain coffee from Nariño are purpose-made and are the easiest and best Starbucks products for making cold brew at home. In the box, you will find packs. Inside each pack are 2 tea-bag-like coffee pouches that contain medium-ground, medium-roasted coffee. Bear in mind that the brew you prepare will be ready for consumption the next day, as it requires 20 to 24 hours to steep. To prepare the cold brew, pour 3 cups (24 fluid ounces) of cold water into a pitcher, drop in 2 coffee pouches, and let it steep in the fridge for 20 to 24 hours. Remove the coffee bags, then add 3 more cups (24 fluid ounces) of cold water and serve.

What type of coffee is in Starbucks cold brew?

Starbucks makes cold brew with a blend of 100% Arabica coffee beans sourced from Latin America and East Africa. The Latin American coffee from Nariño in Colombia is responsible for the chocolate notes and sweetness of the drink. The coffee from East Africa is responsible for the citrus flavor. The beans are medium roasted to extract their flavor and aroma. They are then medium ground and steeped in cool water for 20 to 24 hours to make the drink. 

How does Starbucks make cold brew?

Starbucks uses the cold brewing method to make its cold brew. Every store prepares the brew in small batches. The blend of coffee grounds is added to triple filtered water, covered, and placed in the refrigerator to steep for 20 hours, which makes a concentrate that is diluted in equal parts of cold water and some ice when being served. Using this method, time replaces heat and pressure to extract the coffee so that they end up with a smooth, cold-brewed drink that Starbucks serves unsweetened. 

What kind of coffee does Starbucks use for iced coffee?

Starbucks uses the Terraza Blend to make its iced coffee. The blend is made entirely of arabica coffee beans from East Africa and Latin America. The beans are medium roasted and medium ground. To make iced coffee, the coffee is brewed double strength to a boil and then mixed with ice. As the ice dissolves, it waters down the coffee concentrate to make a perfectly balanced drink. 

What beans does Starbucks use for cold brew?

Starbucks uses a blend of Nariño Colombia Supremo from Latin America and East African coffee beans. All are arabica beans, which are known to have more aromatic oils and sugars and produce less harsh and multifaceted flavors. By blending coffees from different regions, Starbucks is able to maintain a consistent flavor, as opposed to relying on a single-origin bean, which can change from time to time.

FAQs Section 

What brand coffee does Starbucks use for cold brew?

Starbucks uses its own blend of coffee for cold brew, which closely matches what is available in the Starbucks Cold Brew Pitcher packs. The blend is part Nariño Colombia Supremo and part other arabica coffees. 

Can you get decaf cold brew in Starbucks?

No, Starbucks does not offer decaf cold brew.

How much caffeine is in Starbucks cold brew?

Starbucks Cold brew has 155 mg of caffeine in a tall 12-ounce cup; 205 mg of caffeine in a Grande 16-ounce cup; 310 mg of caffeine in a Venti 24-ounce cup; and 360 mg of caffeine in a Trenta 30-ounce cup.