Things to Know About Private Label Cold Brew Coffee

When it comes to private label cold brew coffee, there are a few key things to consider. Whether you're a seasoned cold brew enthusiast or just starting to explore this delicious coffee trend, understanding the basics of cold brew coffee is essential. Cold brew coffee has become a popular beverage choice due to its smooth, full-bodied flavor and versatility. Private label cold brew coffee offers an added feature you can customize to match the flavor profile of your brand, business, or coffee company. Let's start with the basics of cold brew coffee.

How is cold brew made?

Cold brew is a popular type of coffee that's gaining popularity. Unlike the more traditional hot coffee, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water or room-temperature water. Instead, it's how long you allow the coffee to steep that determines its flavor and potency.

Cold brew coffee offers a new set of brewing rules and brewing guidelines that use temperature instead of time. Cold brew coffee typically takes 8 to 24 hours. Since cold brew coffee never boils, it has a silky smooth taste that has low acidity with flavors like mellow, dark chocolate and mellow fruit tones. 

The process of making cold brew starts with coarsely ground coffee beans. These grounds are added to a container and then covered with cold water. This mixture is then left to steep for a period of time. The coffee is then filtered to remove the grounds, resulting in a concentrate that can be diluted to taste. 

Private label cold brew coffee is made in the same way, but with an added element of customization. A private label partner, like White Coffee, can work with you to create a custom blend of coffee that fits your unique brand and flavor profile. They can also help you with packaging and labeling, making it easy to sell your cold brew under your brand name. 

For cold brew coffee, a 1:8 or 1:9 ratio is common, but sometimes a 1:11 or 1:12 ratio is used, which means for every part of coffee grounds, you'll add eight to twelve parts of water. By dilution, you can customize the coffee. For a stronger cup of coffee, use less water. Cold brew coffee is naturally less bitter than hot coffee, so it may taste stronger despite having a lower concentration.

Cold brew vs. iced coffee

Before the advent of cold brew, iced coffee was the only option for those who preferred a chilled coffee beverage. Traditionally, iced coffee was made by adding ice to normal brewed drip coffee or espresso. However, this method had its downsides. The ice would melt quickly and dilute the coffee, and create a watered-down taste. 

To combat this problem, the "flash chill" or "flash brew" method was developed. It involves reducing the amount of water used to brew the coffee to make up for the ice and then cooling down the hot coffee immediately by brewing directly into the ice-filled container. However, this process still has limitations, such as making the flavor of the coffee richer and smoother. 

On the other hand, cold brew is slow-steeped for longer periods of time, typically anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. The coffee is brewed in cold or room temperature water, and the process allows for a smooth and mellow flavor profile that is less acidic than traditional hot brewed coffee. 

One key difference between cold brew and iced coffee is that iced coffee has been hot brewed specifically to extract additional layers of flavors and other natural coffee compounds that don't get extracted much or at all in cold brew. Cold brew is extracted over a long period of time with cool water, leading to a different flavor profile altogether.

When it comes to private label cold brew coffee, it is important to know the difference between cold brew and iced coffee. Your private label partner can help you choose the right product for your needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a bold and rich flavor profile or a smooth and mellow taste, there's a cold brew coffee that's right for your brand and business.

Why do your customers drink cold brew?

Cold brew is a convenient way to make coffee. Coffee lovers can steep coffee grounds in cold water for up to 24 hours, resulting in a smooth, mellow coffee that's perfect for summer. Cold brew coffee is less acidic than hot brewed coffee from the same beans, so it's gentler on the stomach and less likely to trigger acid reflux or heartburn. This might be something your customers are looking for.

Another benefit - it's incredibly versatile. Your customers and clients can enjoy it black, with cream and sugar, or as a base for other favorite coffee drinks. It's perfect for making iced lattes, mochas, and even cocktails. Plus, because cold brewing leaves behind some acids that hot coffee pulls out easily, the resulting coffee is flavorful, smooth, and mellow. 

Is cold brew stronger?

Cold brew coffee may not be stronger than hot brewed coffee, even if most people assume it is. The amount of water and coffee that's used determines the strength of a cold brew. 

However, cold brew concentrate can have more caffeine than the same volume of hot brewed coffee, even espresso. To be made more drinkable, most of it is diluted with more water, ice, or milk. The strength of cold brew coffee also varies from place to place and product to product. Some cold brews may be weaker than others, and some may be incredibly potent. It's important to know your brand preference for coffee strength before diving into the world of cold brew. 

How long does cold brew last?

When properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, cold brew concentrate can last a few days to about a week and a half. If milk or alternative milks is added to cold brew, it's best to consume it within a few days for best taste and quality. Keep in mind that while cold brew concentrate has a longer shelf life than traditional coffee, it's still important to monitor and consume it in a timely manner. Just something to note if you are considering offering this product.

Finding a Trusted Private Label Partner

When it comes to private label cold brew coffee, it's important to find a trusted partner who can help you bring your brand's vision to life. That's where White Coffee comes in. With over 80 years of experience in the coffee industry, White Coffee is a family-owned business that specializes in producing high-quality, custom-blended coffee. Their team of experts can work with you to create a unique and delicious cold brew coffee that reflects your brand's values and taste preferences. Plus, White Coffee uses sustainable and eco-friendly practices to ensure that their products are both delicious and environmentally responsible. Choose White Coffee as your private label partner for the best cold brew coffee in the industry.

Jonathan White