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Nitro Coffee
Exploring what nitro coffee is, its health benefits, and why to consider making the switch today.
Published December 17, 2021
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Daniel Hedlund
Coffee experts@The Coffee Lab
Coffee, coffee, coffee, we just can’t seem to get enough of the stuff. In fact, around 150 million Americans drink a cup of joe every day. From hot cappuccinos to americanos, ice-cold macchiatos to lattes, if there is one beverage that many of us are sleeping on, it’s nitro coffee. This coffee is the next step in the evolution of cold brew.
Nitro coffee is just about everywhere, but you’ll be surprised how many people are hesitant to try it. When you’re next in the grocery store, why not pick up some? This relatively new trend has a rich and sweet texture that you’re sure to love. Here is a guide on what nitro coffee is, how it can benefit you, and why it’s time to make it your staple drink.
What is Nitro Coffee?
Probably the most important question of all if you’re on this page – what is nitro coffee? Over the last few years, the coffee industry has transformed rapidly, with many coffee shops and baristas looking at ways to create new, exciting, and unique beverages. If there is one popular trend that you can’t ignore, it’s nitro coffee. This sweet stuff has been around for many years. However, it’s only now that it’s beginning to pick up popularity and win the approval of the mainstream.
So, what is nitro cold brew? well, nitro coffee is cold brew coffee that’s infused with odorless and colorless nitrogen. When pouring a mug, you’ll notice it seeps out with a thick layer of cream-like coffee that sits on the top. The nitrogen gas creates little bubbles in the coffee that provides a yummy, creamy texture. The dense head you see is kind of like what you would see in a pint of beer.
Nitro coffee is usually served in a transparent glass to boast its impressive micro-foam appearance. Nitrogen coffee also alters the texture of the beverage but helps get rid of some of the acidity and bitterness, making it more favorable to some coffee lovers.
What Does it Taste Like?
Now we’ve tackled the subject of what is nitro brew coffee, another important question you’ll have on your brain is what does nitro coffee taste like? Similar to a standard cold brew, this beverage is extremely smooth and low in acidity, leaving you with a unique yet silky mouthful. Some coffee drinkers liken the mouthfeel of this beverage to a Guinness beer (without any alcohol to worry about, of course). If you’re after a well-suited sipping experience like no other, nitro cold brew might be just the drink for you.
When the nitro foam reaches your tongue, in some places it can provide the perception of sweetness, without the need of adding additional sweeteners. You’ll find most nitro cold brew fans like to drink the staff black, but they rely on the natural creaminess of the beverage, instead of the addition of dairy or sugar. However, if you’re known for having a sweet tooth, why not add a touch of sweet cream or vanilla syrup to the drink? The choice is entirely up to you!
Where Did Nitro Cold Brew Begin?
Knowing the origins of nitro cold brew will give you more of an insight into the mechanisms behind this sweet beverage and how it’s become a firm favorite for many coffee lovers not only in the United States but all over the world!
The first-ever nitro cold brew beverage was created back in 2013. Back then, it was a heavily guarded secret that Mike McKim (Cuvee Coffee’s owner in Texas) wanted to keep all to himself. McKim knew it was a fantastic idea from the outset. However, he did have a hard time trying to convince coffee lovers to try something different. Once it was reintroduced in 2016, nitro cold brew’s popularity exploded, especially with millennials.
Over recent years, nitro coffee has traveled to an array of cities and states across the United States. Now, you’ll find the sweet stuff in your local gas station or grocery store. This means the next step you’re out and about shopping, be sure to pick up some!
Is There More Caffeine in Nitro Coffee?
A huge benefit of nitro cold brew is that it contains close to 30% more caffeine than your typical coffee. What’s more, some scientists believe the nitrogen gas allows your body to process caffeine quicker, helping you to get your caffeine boost sooner.
While we’re all aware of how too much caffeine can be a bad thing, there are surprising benefits you can gain too. Caffeine can boost cognitive function, reduce fatigue, and enhance your mental functioning. Of course, if you solely drink nitro coffee and nothing else, this won’t do your mind and body any favors, so everything in moderation!
Why Should I Drink Nitro Coffee?
While no one is holding a gun to your head, there are many reasons why you should start drinking nitro coffee today. For one, it’s become a popular drink all over the country. This means you’re sure to find it wherever you are. Once you take your first sip and fall in love with the beverage, you won’t be able to stop yourself from having more! Also, if you’re going out with friends for a coffee and a catch-up, you can get them into the drink too.
Nitro coffee is also cost-efficient too. If you plan to make the drink at home, the instructions are very simple to follow. What’s more, you won’t need a ton of equipment to whip up a glass. Should you plan to create your own business selling the stuff, you can set a premium price tag that will net you a tidy profit, without too much effort and time!
What are the Health Benefits?
Cold brew coffee has gained in popularity over the last few years (and for good reason!). There are a whole host of health benefits you can gain from making the switch to nitro cold brew. If you don’t believe us, here are just a few of the health advantages you could start getting today from drinking nitro coffee.
Firstly, it’s suggested that nitro cold brew may boost your metabolism. This is the process by which the body uses food to create energy. If you’re wanting to burn more calories, you’ll need a higher metabolic rate. Similar to hot coffee, nitro cold brew contains caffeine. This has been proven to boost your resting metabolic rate by an astonishing 11%! Drinking nitro coffee may also boost your mood too. This is because caffeine consumption has been proven to improve mood, especially for those who are sleep-deprived. If you’re not getting plenty of shuteye and wake up feeling groggy and rundown, nitro coffee could be the answer.
Next, nitro coffee may lower your risk of heart disease. We all know how important it is to look after our body and everything that’s in it (especially the heart), so to keep yours ticking along nicely, a cup of nitro cold brew could do the trick. This is because cold brew coffee features compounds that may lower your risk of heart disease. These include magnesium, caffeine, lignans, and phenolic compounds. All of which boost insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and stabilize blood sugar.
Lastly, nitro cold brew may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. This is a chronic condition that causes your blood sugar levels to skyrocket. Should it be left untreated, there are all sorts of serious health complications that could arise. Nitro coffee may help in lowering your risk of developing this condition. A simple measure like drinking 4 to 6 cups of the stuff each day is linked with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. One of the benefits may be down to chlorogenic acids in the drink. These are powerful antioxidants that could help lower your risk.
Where Can I Get Nitro Coffee?
Now you know the A-Z of what’s a nitro cold brew, its health benefits, and how it can transform your way of life, it’s time to get some of the good stuff. You’ll be happy to know all your beloved coffee shops sell nitro coffee, including Starbucks. This means when you’re next running errands, make sure to pop into your local store to try it out. Once you try a cup of nitro coffee, you’re sure to fall in love.
You can make nitro coffee at home too. Once you’ve bought a nitro coffee dispenser and made your cold brew coffee, simply pour the coffee into a flask, seal it, charge it with nitrogen and shake it a couple of times. Next, find a nice transparent glass, pour out the coffee into it and you’ll be left admiring your smooth, luxurious nitro coffee.
You see, nitro coffee is one of the tastiest beverages that is packed with so many health benefits, so what are you waiting for? If you’re loyal to your ice cappuccinos, or a chocolate ice mocha is more your thing, once you take a sip of nitro cold brew, we’re sure you’re never going to look back!
About the author
Daniel Hedlund
Working with the Era of We initiative and loves knowledge sharing and a really good cup of coffee.
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