Are you one of those people who can’t start their day without a refreshing cup of iced coffee? Look no further than Starbucks’ cold brew, a smooth and delicious option that’s perfect for hot summer mornings. But have you ever wondered what makes this beloved drink so special? It all starts with the type of beans that Starbucks uses to create their signature cold brew.
Smooth, sweet and full-bodied, Starbucks’ cold brew is made using a unique blend of beans that undergo an intense roasting process before being brewed with cold water for over 20 hours. This careful process creates a drink that’s low in acidity but high in flavor, offering the perfect balance for coffee lovers who don’t want a drink that’s too strong or too weak. Whether you prefer your cold brew black or with a splash of creamy milk, Starbucks’ blend of coffee beans is sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
So, what are these magical beans that make up Starbucks’ iconic cold brew? The company uses a mix of African and Latin American beans, including Guatemala Casi Cielo and East African coffee. These beans are carefully sourced from select farms and estates before undergoing a specialized roasting method that emphasizes the beans’ natural sweetness and subtle flavors. The result is a smooth and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any coffee lover looking for a caffeine fix.
Starbucks Cold Brew Beans: An Overview
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee is a favorite among coffee aficionados who enjoy a smooth, rich and less acidic coffee experience. The key to this is the type of beans that Starbucks uses for their Cold Brew. Unlike regular coffee beans, cold brew beans are steeped in cold water for up to 24 hours, resulting in a less acidic flavor profile. Starbucks uses a custom blend of two different types of beans for its signature cold brew.
- African beans: Starbucks uses African beans, typically sourced from Ethiopia and Kenya, for their bright acidity and fruity notes. African beans are known for their bold floral and citrus flavors which give the cold brew a unique, slightly sweet and smooth taste.
- Latin American beans: Starbucks combines Latin American beans from countries such as Colombia and Guatemala to create a well-balanced blend. The Latin American beans bring nutty and chocolaty flavors to the mix, balancing out the bright acidity of the African beans, and creating a smooth and rounded taste.
Starbucks’ proprietary blend of African and Latin American beans is the foundation for their delicious Cold Brew Coffee. However, the quality and taste of the beans can vary depending on factors such as seasonal variations, humidity, and soil conditions. Starbucks uses only the highest quality beans, which they handpick, roast and grind to perfection to ensure a consistent flavor profile in every cup.
Furthermore, customers can choose to customize their Cold Brew Coffee by adding syrup or milk to enhance the taste. Nevertheless, the beans that Starbucks uses provide the timeless and signature flavor profile that every coffee drinker loves and craves.
If you’re looking for a less acidic, smooth, and full-bodied coffee experience, then Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee is undoubtedly the perfect option. With its unique blend of African and Latin American beans, Starbucks guarantees that every sip will be a satisfying and refreshing experience.
Types of Coffee Beans Used by Starbucks for Cold Brew
When it comes to cold brew coffee, Starbucks uses a unique blend of coffee beans that are specifically tailored for the cold brewing process. The coffee beans that Starbucks use for their cold brew are different from those used for their regular hot coffee, as cold brewing brings out a different flavor profile from the beans.
- African Beans – Starbucks uses African coffee beans that are known for their unique flavor profile with fruity and citrus notes. These types of beans are known for their bright acidity that provides a tangy taste to the cold brew.
- Latin American Beans – These beans are known for their chocolatey and nutty flavors that provide a smooth and rich taste to the cold brew. The Latin American beans also have a medium to high acidity that provides a balanced flavor profile to the cold brew.
- Asian and Pacific Beans – The Asian and Pacific coffee beans are known for their floral and spice notes that provide a complex flavor profile to the cold brew.
The unique blend of these coffee beans ensures that Starbucks’ cold brew has a smooth, rich, and flavorful taste that is sure to satisfy coffee lovers. Starbucks also sources their coffee sustainably and ethically, ensuring that the farmers that grow the coffee get a fair price for their product.
If you’re interested in the nutritional information of Starbucks’ cold brew, you can find it in the table below:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Protein | 1g |
Overall, the unique blend of African, Latin American, and Asian and Pacific beans ensures that Starbucks’ cold brew coffee delivers a rich and flavorful taste that is sure to satisfy coffee lovers.
Nutritional Value of Starbucks Cold Brew Beans
Starbucks Cold Brew coffee is made using a unique blend of premium coffee beans that are roasted and ground specifically for cold brew. These high-quality beans are ethically sourced and selected for their rich and bold flavor, as well as their nutritional value.
- Low in Calories: A 12 oz. serving of Starbucks Cold Brew coffee with no added flavors or sweeteners contains just 5 calories, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake.
- Low in Sugar: Unlike many other coffee drinks, Starbucks Cold Brew coffee contains no added sugars, making it a healthier choice for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
- High in Antioxidants: Starbucks Cold Brew coffee beans are rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by harmful free radicals.
In addition to its nutritional value, Starbucks Cold Brew coffee is also a great source of caffeine, with a 12 oz. serving containing approximately 150-200 mg of caffeine. This makes it a popular choice for those looking for a quick energy boost to start their day or power through an afternoon slump.
For those interested in the precise nutritional breakdown of Starbucks Cold Brew coffee beans, the following table provides an overview of the key nutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount per 12 oz. Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Caffeine | 150-200mg |
How Starbucks Sources its Cold Brew Beans
Starbucks takes pride in its sourcing process, ensuring that their beans come from sustainable and ethical sources. In fact, they source their coffee beans from nearly 30 countries worldwide. When it comes to cold brew beans, Starbucks chooses a specific blend that has been carefully crafted by their coffee experts.
- The blend of beans used for Starbucks’ cold brew is a mix of African and Latin American beans.
- The African beans provide a bright acidity and berry notes, while the Latin American beans offer a chocolatey and nutty flavor.
- Starbucks uses only 100% arabica beans for its cold brew to ensure the highest quality and flavor.
Starbucks works directly with farmers and co-ops to ensure the beans they use are grown and harvested sustainably. They are committed to reducing their environmental impact and supporting the communities where their beans are grown. Starbucks also ensures that the farmers they work with receive fair payment for their beans.
Because cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for an extended period of time, it is necessary to use a specific type of bean that can withstand the slow extraction process. Starbucks’ cold brew beans are medium roasted, which gives them a balanced flavor and allows them to hold up under the cold brewing process.
| Bean Origins | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| African Beans | Bright acidity, berry notes |
| Latin American Beans | Chocolatey, nutty |
Starbucks puts a great deal of thought and care into sourcing their cold brew beans, ensuring that their customers receive a high-quality and sustainable product. So, the next time you sip on a cold brew from Starbucks, you can enjoy it with the knowledge that it was made with beans that were sourced responsibly.
Best Grinding Techniques for Starbucks Cold Brew Beans
To achieve the perfect cup of cold brew, Starbucks uses a unique blend of beans that are coarsely ground and steeped in cold water for 20 hours. But the grinding process is equally crucial in determining the flavor and quality of the coffee. Here are some of the best grinding techniques used by Starbucks for their cold brew beans.
- Coarse grind: The cold brewing process requires a coarse grind of coffee beans to prevent the over-extraction of flavors. Starbucks recommends a medium to coarse grind setting on a burr grinder that produces grounds that are roughly the size of sea salt crystals.
- Consistent grind: The grind size should be consistent to ensure that all the coffee grounds are evenly saturated when brewing. Uneven or inconsistent grinds can result in an uneven extraction and thus affect the overall taste.
- Freshly ground: Like any coffee brewing method, cold brew also benefits from freshly ground beans. Grinding coffee triggers the release of aromatic oils that contribute to the flavor and aroma of the coffee. Therefore, it’s recommended to grind the beans just before brewing for the best results.
Aside from these basic guidelines, the brewing time and water-to-coffee ratio also play critical roles in achieving the perfect cold brew. To achieve consistent results, Starbucks uses precision brewing equipment that ensures accurate measurements of the coffee and water. The brewing time and temperature are also monitored to ensure that the coffee is brewed within the ideal range for the best flavor and taste.
Overall, a proper and precise grinding technique is critical to achieving a flavorful and balanced cup of cold brew. With a coarse and consistent grind, freshly ground beans, and precise brewing parameters, you can enjoy a refreshing and delicious cold brew at home that rivals Starbucks’ quality.
| Grinder Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Burr Grinder | Produces consistent grinds, adjustable grind settings to suit different brewing methods, which results in flavorful coffee | Relatively expensive, and requires regular cleaning and maintenance |
| Blade Grinder | More affordable, convenient to use, and can be used for different brewing methods | Produces inconsistent grinds, which affects the flavor and taste of the coffee, and can also create excess heat that alters the oils in the coffee beans |
In conclusion, Starbucks’ cold brew beans rely on a precise and consistent grinding technique to extract the flavor and taste from the coffee beans. By using the right grind size, brewing equipment, and parameters, you can achieve a flavorful and balanced cold brew that rivals the quality of Starbucks’ coffee.
The Role of Roasting in the Flavor of Starbucks Cold Brew Beans
Roasting plays a significant role in developing the flavor profile of Starbucks’ cold brew beans. The way that coffee beans are roasted can affect their taste, aromas, and body. Starbucks uses a specific roasting method for their cold brew beans to achieve a rich, smooth flavor. Let’s delve deeper into the different ways that roasting can impact the taste of coffee.
The Different Levels of Roasting
- Light Roast: Coffee beans that are light roasted will have a more acidic taste, with bright and fruity notes. They will contain more caffeine and have a lighter color.
- Medium Roast: Medium-roasted beans have a balance of acidity and body that results in a more balanced flavor. They will have a darker color and a nuttier taste.
- Dark Roast: Darkly roasted coffee beans will have a full-body flavor with low acidity and heavy, smoky flavors. They will be the darkest in color and have a chocolatey taste.
Starbucks uses a slightly darker roast for their cold brew beans to create a rich and smooth flavor that holds up well to the extended steeping process for cold brew. By using this roast, the cold brew also has a lower acidity level, making it less bitter and more approachable than other iced coffee beverages.
The Chemical Changes Caused by Roasting
The roasting process creates complex chemical changes in the coffee beans that contribute to flavor profiles as well. During the roasting process, sugars and amino acids react, forming a new compound called melanoidins. These enhance the coffee’s sweetness and promote a smooth, less acidic taste. Additionally, as the beans are heated, carbon dioxide is released, creating tiny holes in the beans that allow water to pass through more easily, improving the extraction process. Starbucks’ roasting process takes into account all these changes to create a robust flavor that lends itself well to cold brew.
The Bottom Line
The role of roasting in the flavor of Starbucks Cold Brew Beans is essential for creating the rich, smooth, and approachable taste that customers love. Understanding the different levels of roasts and chemical changes caused by the roasting process is crucial in crafting the perfect cold brew. So, the next time you take a sip of your favorite Starbucks Cold Brew, take a moment to savor the flavors and appreciate the science behind the perfect cup.
| Roast Level | Taste | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Light Roast | Acidic, bright and fruity notes | Light |
| Medium Roast | Balanced acidity and body, nutty taste | Medium |
| Dark Roast | Heavy, smoky flavors, chocolatey taste | Dark |
Image source: Starbucks Philippines
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Cold Brew with Starbucks Beans
Cold brew has become a popular alternative to hot coffee during the hot summer months. It is refreshing, smoother, and highly caffeinated. But the fact is, getting the perfect cup of cold brew is not that easy. With Starbucks beans, however, the process is simplified, and the results are perfect. Here’s how to make the perfect cup.
- Start with the Starbucks Cold Brew Blend – Starbucks uses a unique blend of African and Latin American beans to create a special flavor profile specifically for cold brewing. The beans are roasted longer, resulting in a chocolatey, sweet taste with a hint of citrus.
- Grind the Beans – Grind the beans to a coarse size to make sure the coffee grounds are easily filtered out and don’t linger in the final product.
- The Ratio – The ideal ratio of coffee grounds to water is 1:4. For example, for every 1 cup of coffee grounds, use 4 cups of water.
Here are the steps to brew the perfect cup of cold brew with Starbucks beans:
- Add the coffee grounds into the coffee pot or jar.
- Add cold water to the jar slowly, in small amounts, making sure the coffee grounds are soaked uniformly and consistently.
- Cover the jar and leave it to sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This allows the coffee grounds to steep and infuse with the water.
- After the 24 hours, remove the jar from the fridge and strain the coffee concentrate through a fine mesh sieve.
- Once the coffee concentrate is strained, dilute it with cold water. The ideal ratio is 1:1 (coffee concentrate to water).
- Pour the coffee concentrate into a glass full of ice.
- Add your favorite sweeteners and flavorings to taste.
- Enjoy your perfect cup of cold brew coffee!
The Perfect Cold Brew with Starbucks Beans – The Bottom Line
With Starbucks beans and this simple recipe, making the perfect cup of cold brew coffee is an enjoyable and easy experience. Make sure you have the right ingredients, utensils, and patience, and your cold brew will be perfect every time. Enjoy your cup of coffee; it’s the perfect beverage to beat the heat this summer!
| Ingredients | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Starbucks Cold Brew Blend | Coffee Grinder |
| Cold Water | Coffee Jar or Pot |
| Ice Cubes | Measuring Cup/Spoon |
| Sweeteners/Flavorings (Optional) | Fine Mesh Sieve |
FAQs about What Beans Does Starbucks Use for Cold Brew
Q: What type of beans does Starbucks use for its cold brew coffee?
A: Starbucks uses a blend of African and Latin American coffee beans for its cold brew.
Q: Are the beans used for cold brew different from those used for hot coffee?
A: Yes, Starbucks selects beans specifically for cold brew as it requires a different type of extraction process.
Q: Can I purchase the same coffee beans used in Starbucks cold brew?
A: Yes, Starbucks sells pre-packaged cold brew coffee beans on their website or in stores.
Q: How does the cold brewing process affect the flavor of the beans?
A: Cold brewing results in a smoother and less bitter taste compared to hot brewing, and can bring out unique flavor profiles in the beans.
Q: What roast level are the beans used for cold brew?
A: Starbucks uses a medium roast for its cold brew beans, which retains the coffee’s natural flavors while also providing a robust taste.
Q: Are the beans used for cold brew organic or fair trade?
A: Starbucks purchases beans from suppliers who follow ethical and sustainable practices, but not all of their cold brew beans are certified organic or fair trade.
Q: Can I customize my cold brew coffee with different types of beans?
A: Unfortunately, Starbucks does not offer customizations for the coffee beans used in their cold brew.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Joining Us!
We hope we’ve answered your questions about what beans Starbucks uses for cold brew. If you ever have more questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you’re feeling thirsty, we highly recommend trying out Starbucks’ cold brew for yourself. Thanks for reading, and we can’t wait to see you back here again soon!