Nitro Coffee

– The New Big Coffee Trend –

Nitro coffee has become the hottest thing not only in the cold coffee section.

But its increasing popularity is currently conquering the entire coffee market.

If you bought some coffee lately, you probably already noticed many coffee shops or grocery stores actively marketing this new coffee trend.

Just a decade ago, it was still only a technique beloved by beer-obsessed home-brewers. Nowadays, it is already on of coffee’s biggest and most inescapable trends.

Nitro coffee is just everywhere now.

The very convenient beverage lines the shelves of nearly every grocery store and gas station around us.

In short, it is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas through a pressurized valve.

Its massive popularity is actually a bit surprising.

Because it is not necessarily easy to make nitro coffee. You would need quite a lot of equipment.

Also from a customer’s perspective, it is not the cheapest coffee option out there.

So, how did nitro coffee become this popular then?

Let’s find out together.

What is Nitro Coffee?

As already shortly mentioned, it is essentially cold coffee.

Coffee makers will infuse it with colorless and odorless gas of nitrogen.

Sounds a bit strange, right?

Well, actually we are already putting gases into our cold beverages all the time. You probably have already had one or more of these cold drinks very recently.

For myself, it is coke. I know that it is not a very healthy beverage of choice. But from time to time, I can not go without it.

It is the gas, carbon dioxide, that gives our soda pops such as coke its characteristic bubbles.

This is why we refer to these drinks as being ‘carbonated’.

Nitro coffee eventually functions kind of the same and has the same concept.

Certain beer types already popularly rely on nitrogen itself. Probably, the most recognizable one would be the Guinness.

Instead of calling them ‘carbonated’. These beers are referred to as being ‘nitrogenated’ then.

Indeed, many nitro beers are also brewed with the dark flavors of coffee. There even exists beer coffee. (internal link) And, it is also becoming increasingly popular.

So, eventually it was only a matter of time.

Sooner or later, someone would try to draw a connection from the creamy texture of Guinness. And, that it will equally be suitable for cold brew coffee as well.

Like beer, nitrogenated coffee is only available ‘on-tap’. Or, you can find it in pre-filled cans in almost any local shop.

Technically speaking, the nitrogen infused cold brew is released through a pressurized valve with tiny holes inside.

This will eventually create the much appreciated creamy effect.

It all Starts with Cold Brew

To fully understand the appeal of nitro coffee. We first also need to have a look at the science behind it.

The very first and essential step in the nitro process is to brew coffee the right way. As a start, coffee makers will be making cold brew coffee (internal link).

For this brewing method, they will use cold or room temperature water for as long as 12 to 24 hours.

Just by implementing this method, you will already end up with a superior product to iced coffee.

After, it is time to transform your cold brew coffee into nitro coffee.

As we learned already, this will happen by infusing the liquid with nitrogen gas with a pressurized valve.

It is exactly this step which gives nitro coffee its signature velvety texture.

The tiny nitrogen bubbles give the coffee a satiny thickness. Our cold brewed coffee beans will have increased sweetness and reduced acidity.

Simultaneously, the addition of nitrogen yields a frothy, milky layer that sinks from top to bottom.

From a distance, a freshly tapped nitro coffee will look exactly the same like a fresh beer.

As a result, you will get a drink that is thick and creamy. It is slightly sweet, but contains no dairy and no sugar.

Only coffee is inside.

What Does Nitro Coffee Taste Like?

Many coffee drinkers would say that it tastes much like typical cold brew coffee.

Overall, nitrogen infused coffee is extremely smooth and low in acidity. On top, it has an unlikely silky mouthfeel.

The reason is that the nitrogen gas does not dissolve in liquids itself as well. Carbon dioxide in beers has the same positive signature characteristic.

This causes the bubbles in nitrogen infused beverage to become much smaller.

Due to these small bubbles, there are two main affects. It does not change the taste of the coffee but significantly alters and enhances the texture.

Most nitro coffee enthusiasts like to drink their coffee black.

Regular drinkers either prefer it pure and straight up. Or, they will pour it over ice.

As a consumer, you actually solely rely on the natural creaminess of the product rather than the addition of dairy.

For those of us, who like to sweeten things up a bit. Many shops offer nitro coffee enriched with sweet cream or vanilla syrup.

What Should a Nitro Coffee Look Like?

Commonly, shops and companies market and sell nitrogenated coffee by simply using its pretty, visual appeal.

It just looks great in its most natural state.

Just imagine watching how it is poured from a tap. You will become witness of it producing a coffee cascade of careening bubbles.

No doubt, that’s quite a spectacle and undeniably beautiful. At least, it is for coffee enthusiasts like me.

The very characteristic cascade effect is also apparent in nitro beers. It arises because the nitrogen bubbles are so small. It is as simple as that.

These small bubbles give less resistance than bigger ones. They are easier to be pushed around the glass by inflowing liquid.

Is Nitro Coffee Healthier Than Normal Coffee?

Many consumers would argue in favor of nitro coffee and say yes.

In fact, nitrogen infused coffee and especially canned products is increasingly being marketed to gym-goers.

It is said to be a healthier alternative to traditional coffee.

As a matter of fact, many high-end gyms are even offering fresh nitro coffee on tap these days.

That’s really incredible and yummy!

The reason for the health claims is that infusing a drink with nitrogen imparts both a natural sweetness and an inherent creaminess.

It is the nitro foam that hits the tongue in very particular and crucially, sensory places. You will already get the perception of drinking something sweet.

But in reality, there is no sugar inside your beverage. And your body and mind will also not need or urge for sugar anymore.

Simply put, it’s like you are playing a trick on your own body and mind.

Additionally, nitro coffee has higher caffeine content than standard coffee. Because it contains less water.

This is the main reason why gyms like offering this drink to its customers. It presents an excellent choice to get your body amped up before a hard workout.

On top and like all cold brews, also the nitro coffee version is very low in acid.

Coffee drinkers who might have rather sensitive stomachs or a prone to heartburn and acid reflux find this fact to be very beneficial for them.

Why Does Nitro Coffee Have Lower Acid?

Many of us struggle with acid reflux or indigestion.

Or, even more of us do not really love or appreciate the taste of highly acidic coffee.

Nitro coffee may be the smooth and silky solution we are looking for.

But why is this?

In general, by using the normal and typical coffee bean brewing process. Our coffee beans will end up with high acidity.

However, when it comes to nitro cold brew. The case is different. Indeed, it is actually the brewing style itself that is making the difference already.

It helps keeping the acid on a low-key note.

How is this accomplished?

By very simply brewing at lower temperatures than for traditional coffee.

Most acids that get in hot brewed and normal coffee are extracted out of the beans due to the hot water that is added.

The hot and steamy liquid will pull out the acids. This will go along with the extraction of the flavors, oils and caffeine.

On the other hand, nitro coffee uses lower temperatures. Thus, higher doses of acidity never get the opportunity to enter the beverage.

This typically means that the drink will taste a lot less bitter. Nitro coffee is one of these examples of beverages.

Eventually and at the end of the day, it all mostly goes back to these lower levels of acidity and bitterness.

Your nitro coffee will appear more mellow, relaxed and as easy on your stomach as it is on your taste buds.

Can You Make Your Own Nitrogen Infused Coffee?

Yes and no.

Unfortunately, there is no way around. Nitrogen enriched cold brew is pretty expensive.

Indeed, regular cold brew is already much pricier than regular coffee. This is mostly due to the much longer brewing time and the need for the double amount of ground coffee.

Most shops at least charge a bit more than for regular coffee.

If you are really interested and you even want to make your own nitro coffee. You will have to invest in a few tools and equipment.

It can quickly become very expensive, if you are looking for real professional devices.

For your own home, the cheapest way is to purchase a whipped cream dispenser. Get the type that also has a nitro charger.

Just go ahead and fill it with your own homemade cold brew. After, you can just dispense it into a glass. Use the same way as you would do with whipped cream.

Of course, there is even a much cheaper option.

Many shops are already marketing and offering canned nitro brew coffee.

You can just go ahead and buy one or two of your favorite kind at almost any shop in your area.

But do not drink it straight out of the can, please. Pour it nicely into a glass before drinking.

Consuming it straight from the can only ruins the silky mouthfeel. And, you will also miss out on the drink’s so characteristic appeal.

FAQ Summary – Some Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nitro-Infused Coffee Have Alcohol?

No, it does not.

Nitro-infused coffee has no alcohol. But the question is understandable. Because there are numerous things that could lead to this misconception.

Many people simply and naturally assume that it contains alcohol. This is because the drink is processed using nitrogen.

Nitrogen is the same ingredient that is used to make certain beers, like the Guinness.

Additionally, the nitro coffee’s texture and mouthfeel resembles some beer types. Let’s also not forget that there are many beer coffee products out there as well.

Lastly, there is also another common factor between beer and nitro coffee. Both share the fact that some of them are served straight from the tap.

All of these factors can lead to the misconception of nitro coffee containing alcohol.

However, this would not be correct.

Is Nitro Coffee Healthy?

Yes, it is.

Overall, nitro coffee has the same health benefits like cold brew coffee (internal link).

Commonly, it is low in acid, for example. This makes it great for coffee lovers who might have sensitive stomachs.

Additionally, its infusion with nitrogen adds a hint of creaminess and sweetness. You will feel like you had your sugar intake already. But in reality, you did not consume any sugar.

However and please be aware that many canned grocery store products carry loads of sugar additives inside.

Many companies choose to sweeten up their product on their own.

But in its pure natural state, nitro coffee contains no sugar. This can be great for a healthy diet.

Besides all of the above benefits, nitro coffee of course also features all of the usual health benefits (internal like) of coffee.

Do You Put Milk Into Your Nitro Coffee?

Yes and no.

Naturally, nitro cold brew coffee is sweet and creamy.

Therefore, a lot of people do not feel the need to add milk, cream or even sugar.

If you would ask me, I like my nitro coffee without any add-ons.

But if you like your drink sweeter, milkier or creamier. There is no problem to go ahead and add a bit of milk to it.

Bottom Line – So What is Nitro Coffee

In essence, it a sweet, creamy and silky version of cold brew coffee.

And, it is currently taking the world by storm.

It can either be a healthier way to drink your usual morning coffee. Or, nitro coffee presents a fresh way to enjoy a cold caffeinated beverage.

Overall, nitro coffee is also a very practical food source. It keeps your coffee fresh for a long time.

Nitro coffee will still taste the same as the time or day it was brewed.

Therefore, it is also very economical.

Given the normal short lifespan of coffee beans and grounds. Small-batch roasters and coffee shop owners have always struggled with profit margins.

Air-tight bottled or canned nitro cold brew coffee lasts much longer. You can easier manage and maintain your product inventory in a profitable way.

And, this coffee trend has found a real fan base among health conscious consumers.

It is naturally sweet and rich already. Nitro coffee is creamy like an iced latte. But still, it’s amazingly dairy-free.

There is only roughly 5 calories for a standard 12 ounce beverage in it.

As result, many vegans and popular diet programs such as the keto or paleo diet have integrated nitro coffee into their routines.

If you have not tried nitro coffee yet. Please do so!

Feel free to share your experiences with us.

What do you personally think about nitro coffee? And, what would be your favorite flavor or kind?

Please let us know.

Cheers to you and nitro coffee!