12 Sep Iced Coffee or Cold Brew – Which One is Right for Your Canadian Workplace?
Canadians love coffee, and when the weather gets warm, many people turn to cold options. Some enjoy a classic iced coffee, while others prefer the smooth taste of cold brew. At first glance, they may look the same, but how they are made and how they taste are very different.
If you are thinking about offering cold coffee in your workplace, it helps to understand the difference. Here is a simple guide to iced coffee and cold brew, and why providing both with Canteen Canada can keep everyone happy.
What is Iced Coffee
Iced coffee starts out as hot coffee. It can be made with drip, pour-over, or espresso brewing. Once ready, it is cooled and poured over ice. Because it is brewed hot, iced coffee keeps the bright flavours and aroma that people expect from a regular cup.
The result is a drink that tastes more like traditional coffee but with a refreshing chill. Depending on the roast, it can taste fruity, nutty, or slightly bitter. Since it is served over ice, it can also be lighter in flavour.
What is Cold Brew
To make cold brew, brewers steep coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. The long steeping process slowly pulls out flavours and oils, which gives cold brew its smooth, sweet, and less acidic taste. Brewers often make cold brew as a concentrate, which makes it stronger and higher in caffeine. Employees can drink it as is or mix it with water, milk, or cream to taste. Many people describe it as chocolatey, nutty, or silky smooth.
How Do They Taste
Iced coffee and cold brew taste different because their preparation methods vary. Iced coffee is brighter, more aromatic, and closer to a hot coffee in flavour. Cold brew is smoother, less bitter, and lower in acidity. For people with sensitive stomachs, cold brew can be easier to drink. For those who love the taste of classic coffee, iced coffee might be the better choice.
Which Has More Caffeine
Cold brew usually has more caffeine than iced coffee because it uses more coffee grounds during the steeping process.
On average:
– An 8-ounce iced coffee has about 80 to 120 milligrams of caffeine
– An 8-ounce cold brew (undiluted) has about 150 to 200 milligrams of caffeine
Cold brew is a good choice if you want a stronger start to your day. Iced coffee is perfect for a lighter boost.
Which One Should You Choose
It comes down to taste, time, and caffeine needs. Iced coffee is quick to make and has the familiar taste of traditional coffee. Cold brew takes more time to prepare but delivers a smoother and stronger drink. You do not have to pick only one. Many people switch between the two depending on their mood, the season, or the day ahead.
Bring Iced Coffee and Cold Brew to Your Workplace
You can make both options available for your employees. Canteen Canada offers coffee programmes that include iced coffee and cold brew solutions for offices of all sizes. With equipment like bean-to-cup brewers, cold brew taps, and specialty dispensers, your team can enjoy their favourite drinks at work.
Providing choice shows that you value your employees and their preferences. That helps build a positive workplace culture and keeps morale high. Send us a message or give us a call at (866) 292.8363 to learn more about iced coffee and cold brew for your workplace.