The Trader Joe's Cold Brew To Consider For A Stronger Coffee Flavor

Coffee connoisseurs reach for a cold brew for a crisp, chilled, and extra-smooth sip. Unlike typical iced coffee, which is pretty much just a regular hot brew poured over ice, cold brew is made by steeping the coffee grounds in cold water for at least 12 hours. The process allows the coffee to infuse more fully with the cold water, resulting in a slightly sweeter and less acidic taste. Some may prefer it as a morning pick-me-up because it also boasts more caffeine than iced coffee due to the fact that it's made with a higher coffee-to-water ratio.

And while you can certainly get a cup of the stuff from your local Starbucks or favorite café, cold brew is easy to make yourself. Not only does DIY-ing save you some money on the daily, but it also ensures you always have a pitcher of your favorite beverage on hand. The process is made even easier when you've got a store-bought option, such as Trader Joe's Instant Cold Brew. 

It consists of a dark powder made of 100% Arabica coffee beans, which have been dehydrated and freeze-dried. Because the batch has already gone through the cold brew process before packaging, you only have to add water. It's a fine option to make at home, but there's another Trader Joe's product we love for achieving that perfect pour of cold brew.

With "instant" in the name, powdered versions are undeniably quick and convenient alternatives to traditional java, but the flavor may not hold up. Since you're adding water after the fact to rehydrate the ground-up coffee with each serving, your cup of joe could taste too diluted and watery. And given the powdered component, you might also be confronted with a grainy gulp if you don't mix it well enough. Surely not a favorable way to start your day.

To avoid any taste and texture mishaps, we suggest reaching for Trader Joe's Organic Cold Brew Coffee instead. The ready-to-drink beverage comes in a glass bottle and is also made with 100% Arabica coffee. The product is steeped in cold water for 20 hours, mixed with chilled espresso, and then infused with nitrogen, just like a cup from an artisanal coffee shop. Since it's already in liquid form and requires no extra water, this version of TJ's cold brew provides a more robust coffee flavor with every sip. And, of course, it boasts the extra credentials of being USDA-certified organic.

The bottle is a little pricier than a container of Trader Joe's Instant Cold Brew powder, but it's worth it for the smoother taste. And since it contains multiple servings, it will still save you the time and money you'd spend buying frequent cups from a café.