10 Best Coffee for Cold Brew at Home in 2024

This is our review of the best cold brew coffees in 2024. 

Hi, my name is Tim. I am a coffee enthusiast and I make my own batches of cold brew coffee every week.

My top choice for cold brew coffee is the Kicking Horse Coffee, Grizzly Claw, Dark Roast. Because of its delightful dark chocolate, cacao nibs, brown sugar, and roasted hazelnut tasting notes and great quality. It is ideal for those seeking a strong, solid cold brew.

Kicking Horse Coffee:
Best Overall

• Roast: Dark
• Flavor profile:
  • Rich, dark chocolate, cacao nibs, brown sugar, and roasted hazelnut
• Available In: 10 oz bag
• Type: Ground, Medium Grind
• Price: $$
• Origin: Multi-origin, Central and South America
• Organic: USDA Certified Organic

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However, when it comes to cold brew coffee, the best choice is highly subjective. Therefore, what I consider to be the top option may not be the most suitable for you. For instance, you may prefer a lighter or more affordable roast.

So I considered those differences and compiled a list of the top ten cold brew options for you to choose from.

Continue reading to discover more about them.

Top 10 Cold Brew Coffees

1. Kicking Horse Coffee, Grizzly Claw, Dark Roast– Best Overall
2. Black Rifle Coffee Fit Fuel Whole Bean Coffee – Runner Up
3. Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend – Best Ground Coffee
4. The Original Whole Bean Coffee Bulletproof Keto Friendly – Best Keto Coffee
5. Death Wish Ground Coffee – Most Caffeine
6. McCafe Premium Roast Ground Coffee – Best Budget-Friendly 
7. No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee – Best Decaf 
8. Cold Brew Organic Coarse Ground Coffee – Best Budget-Friendly 
9. Pike Place – Best Starbucks Ground Coffee for Cold Brew
10. First Colony Organic Whole Bean Coffee – Best Organic

10 Best Cold Brew Coffees in 2023

1. Kicking Horse Coffee, Grizzly Claw, Dark Roast- Best Overall

Roast	Dark
Flavor profile	Rich, dark chocolate, cacao nibs, brown sugar, and roasted hazelnut
Available In	10 oz bag
Type	Ground, Medium Grind
Price	$$
Origin	Multi-origin, Central and South America
Organic	USDA Certified Organic

The Grizzly Claw ground coffee by Kicking Horse Coffee is our top choice for cold brews because of its unique flavor, high quality, and consistent grind size. 

It is a well-balanced dark roast with a rich taste. It has subtle tasting notes of cacao nibs, dark chocolate, roasted hazelnut, and brown sugar. It is not bitter and always smooth, making it a go-to option for a strong cup of coffee.

Grizzly Claw, along with other Kicking Horse Coffee products, is reasonably priced and offers excellent quality, making it a worthwhile buy for your cold brew.

The coffee is Fairtrade certified, meaning it supports farms that invest in the local community. It is also certified organic by USDA, indicating the use of high-quality and sustainable farming methods.

The taste of Grizzly Claw coffee varies from person to person. Some customers find it slightly bitter, while others, including myself, enjoy it. I suspect these people are brewing their cold brew for too long. 

One drawback is that the coffee bag is challenging to open because of a strong sealing adhesive. Don’t pull it too hard, or you may accidentally spill the beans. Use scissors instead. 

If the dark roast Grizzly Claw is too intense for you, check out our runner-up, the Black Rifle Coffee Fit Fuel (Medium Roast) Whole Bean Coffee instead. 

2. Black Rifle Coffee Fit Fuel (Medium Roast) Whole Bean Coffee – Runner Up

Roast	Medium
Flavor profile	Maple syrup and citrus tasting notes with malt finish
Available In	12 oz bag
Type	Whole bean
Price	$$
Origin	Multiple origins
Organic	N/A

The Black Rifle Coffee Fit Fuel (Medium Roast) Whole Bean Coffee is our runner up choice for cold brew coffee because it has a unique taste, supports first responders and veterans, and is a good replacement for your pre-workout supplement. 

It is a smooth, medium roast that pairs nicely with various creamers in your cold brew. Instead of drinking a pre-workout supplement that makes you all tingly, Black Rifle (and I) recommend this coffee instead.  

Black Rifle gets its coffee beans from various locations to create this unique, multi-origin blend. 

This whole-bean coffee offers subtle tasting notes of maple syrup and citrus with a malt finish, making it great for drinkers who prefer black coffee or cream and sugar. 

Since it is whole-bean coffee, you will have to grind it yourself to a medium-coarse to coarse grind size before you brew it. 

This makes your cold brew coffee fresher but requires a bit more work to prepare and clean up. 

One downside is that this coffee is a bit more expensive than others. 

However, Black Rifle donates a generous percentage of its profits to veterans and first responders. 

So, you get great coffee and fund a good cause at the same time. 

If you’re looking for a fantastic pre-ground coffee instead, check out the Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend.

3. Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend – Best Ground Coffee

Roast	Dark
Flavor profile	Nutty, chocolate notes with low acidity
Available In	2 lb & 5 lb bags
Type	Coarse
Price	$$
Origin	Single Origin, Columbia
Organic	N/A

The Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend ground coffee is the best ground coffee for cold brew due to its balanced, smooth taste without any bitterness.

The coffee is made from single-origin 100% Arabica beans from Columbia and is a dark roast with hints of chocolate and nuts.

The coffee is made from “supremo” classified Columbian beans, which are known for their high quality and large size, resulting in a delicious taste.

Stone Street ground coffee’s flavor is perfect for cold brew. It has a strong yet smooth taste and is bold and balanced with a slightly sweet flavor. 

It also has nut and chocolate flavors that are enjoyable whether consumed black or with cream or milk.

The grind size for this ground coffee is coarse, which means it has a larger surface area that is too large to pass through most cold brew filters and strainers.

However, some reviewers have mentioned that the grounds are too small for their French presses, but this should not be an issue if you are using it for cold brewing.

This coffee comes in two sizes, 2-pound or 5-pound, with three layers and foil lining to keep it fresh. It also has a one-way vent valve to vent gas and keeps it fresh.

The disadvantage is that this is a lot of coffee, and it will go stale quicker once the bag is opened and exposed to air. It may be too much for you to use before it goes stale. 

Stone Street is a small business located in Brooklyn, NYC, that specializes in small-batch roasting.

As a small roaster, they have improved quality control and oversight. Plus, you get the additional advantage of supporting small businesses when making a purchase.

If the Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend doesn’t sound good to you, perhaps our Keto coffee recommendation will.

4. The Original Whole Bean Coffee Bulletproof Keto Friendly 100% Arabica Coffee – Best Keto Coffee

Roast	Medium
Flavor profile	Cinnamon, plum, orange, cacao, and hazelnut
Available In	12 oz bag
Type	Whole bean
Price	$$
Origin	Multiple origins, Guatemala, Colombia, and El Salvador
Organic	N/A

The Original Whole Bean Coffee Bulletproof Keto Friendly 100% Arabica Coffee is the best cold brew option for people on the keto diet because it pairs well with butter and oil. 

This Bulletproof Coffee uses 100% Arabica coffee beans, which the company sources from small farms in Guatemala, Columbia, and El Salvador. 

It is a medium roast, so it is not too strong or weak. It has wonderful tasting notes of cinnamon, plum, orange, cacao, and hazelnut. 

This coffee is Rainforest Alliance certified and certified Clean Coffee. This means it is tested for toxins and is grown at farms that use sustainable farming practices. 

Compared to other whole-bean coffees for cold brewing, this Bulletproof Keto coffee is more expensive. 

That said, it is expertly roasted and crafted for pairing with butter and oil. In my opinion, that makes it worth the extra cost. 

It comes in a 12 oz bag, and you can find it at almost all online retailers and most supermarkets. 

But if you want the most caffeine possible instead, the Death Wish ground coffee should be at the top of your grocery list. 

5. Death Wish Ground Coffee – Most Caffeine

Roast	Dark
Flavor profile	Chocolate and cherry
Available In	1 lb bag
Type	Drip coffee, pour-over
Price	$$$
Origin	Multi-origin
Organic	USDA Organic

The Death Wish Dark Roast ground coffee is perfect for coffee drinkers who want the most caffeine possible in their cold brew. 

The caffeine content in this Death Wish coffee is significantly higher (about double) than other dark roast coffees due to its unique roasting process and the use of specialty coffee beans.

Due to the extraction process, cold brewing yields an even higher caffeine content in Death Wish coffee compared to hot brewing methods.

This dark roast coffee has a strong and rich flavor with chocolate and cherry tasting notes. It is surprisingly not bitter nor acidic, making it a top choice for those who enjoy strong cold-brew coffee.

The grind size of Death Wish coffee grounds is medium-coarse, perfect for cold brewing, pour-over brewing methods, and drip machines.

This coffee is packaged in a 16 oz bag with a label indicating the roast date for freshness. It is also USDA Organic and Fairtrade certified.

Some individuals may appreciate the higher caffeine content found in Death Wish coffee. However, I don’t recommend it to caffeine-sensitive people. Avoid this coffee if you prefer a lower caffeine intake.

One drawback of Death Wish Dark Roast is it is more expensive than similar roasts. However, the strong caffeine content and pleasant flavor may make it worth the cost for most.

If you find the Death Wish coffee too expensive or if you prefer a lower caffeine content, you might want to try the McCafe Medium Roast Ground Coffee instead. 

6. McCafe Premium Roast Ground Coffee – Best Budget-Friendly 

Roast	Medium
Flavor profile	Smooth and bold
Available In	30 oz can
Type	Ground, medium grind
Price	$
Origin	Multi-origin
Organic	N/A

McCafe Premium Roast Ground Coffee is a cost-effective and flavorful choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option for their cold brew.

This medium roast coffee has a flavor profile that closely resembles McDonald’s famous coffee, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.

The medium grind grounds are packaged in a 30 oz can and are suitable for drip coffee, pour-over, or cold brews.

McCafe Premium Roast Grounds are 100% responsibly sourced. This means that farms with ethical and environmentally friendly growing standards produce it.

The price of this ground coffee is significantly lower compared to others, making it a top choice for budget-conscious coffee drinkers.

McDonald’s sources the Arabica beans for these grounds from various countries and regions but does not disclose specific details.

One potential drawback of these McCafe coffee grounds is that they may not always taste exactly like the coffee you would order in person at McDonald’s.

Some individuals have reported noticing a difference, although I personally did not. It depends on how you’re brewing it. 

The McCafe coffee grounds are affordable and have great taste, but they may not be suitable for everyone as some online reviewers find them to be bland.

For those seeking a decaf cold brew option, consider the No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee.

7. No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee – Best Decaf

Roast	Medium-dark
Flavor profile	Sweet blueberry and milk chocolate
Available In	12 oz bag, 2 lb pack
Type	Ground, medium grind
Price	$$
Origin	Multi-origin
Organic	USDA Organic

No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee is a medium-dark decaffeinated roast that provides a low-caffeine cold brew option without compromising on taste.

No Fun Jo uses the Swiss Water Process to extract nearly all caffeine from the beans without the use of chemicals. This Swiss Water Process uses water, temperature, and time to remove the caffeine. [1]

Since it uses a superior process, this coffee has lower caffeine levels compared to other decaffeinated coffee.

Furthermore, No Jo contains no sweeteners, additives, or flavorings. And No Jo’s coffee beans are USDA organic and Fairtrade certified.

The No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee comes in a 12 oz bag and has a distinct flavor of blueberry and milk chocolate. It also has a smooth texture that is easy to drink.

The coffee is ground to a medium-coarse grind size, making it suitable for various coffee brewing methods such as drip machines, French presses, cold brews, and pour-over.

The No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee is more expensive than other decaf options, but its lower caffeine content and better taste make it worth the price.

Overall, the No Fun Jo Decaf Ground Coffee is a good choice for those looking for tasty and healthy decaffeinated coffee.

If you want an organic coffee for your cold brew but need the caffeine fix, consider trying the Cold Brew Organic Coarse Ground Coffee, Colombian Supremo, Dark Roast as an alternative.

8. Cold Brew Organic Coarse Ground Coffee, Colombian Supremo, Dark Roast – Best Budget-Friendly

Roast	Dark
Flavor profile	Chocolate and nut notes
Available In	1-pound and 2-pound bags
Type	Ground, extra coarse grind size
Price	$
Origin	Columbia
Organic	USDA Organic Certified

The Cold Brew Organic Coarse Ground Coffee by Cold Brew Labs is the most affordable ground coffee made specifically for cold brewing.

It is a dark roast with subtle notes of chocolate and nuts and has a wonderfully smooth texture. It is made with 100% Arabica, Colombian Supremo coffee beans. 

This coarse-ground coffee works well for all cold brewing methods, including French press (or plunger), mason jars, and pitchers (with a coffee filter).

This coffee is available in 16 oz and 32 oz bags that are nitrogen-sealed and reasonably priced compared to other brands. It is also certified USDA organic.

One potential drawback of this coffee is that its delicate flavor can be easily masked by milk or cream. Therefore, unless consumed black or with a minimal amount of cream, you might find it lacking in taste.

The Cold Brew Organic Coarse Ground Coffee uses only Columbian Sumpremo beans, which are specialty, high-quality beans.

This ground coffee is one of the most cost-effective options for cold brewing.

If you prefer a coffee that’s a little more familiar or mainstream, we suggest trying Starbucks Pike Place. 

9. Pike Place – Best Starbucks Ground Coffee for Cold Brew

Roast	Medium
Flavor profile	Cocao and rich praline
Available In	28 oz bag
Type	Ground, medium grind
Price	$$$
Origin	Mutli-origin, Asia Pacific and Latin America
Organic	N/A

Starbucks Pike Place ground coffee is a popular option for those who enjoy cold brew coffee regularly. It is the same coffee that Starbucks locations serve for both hot and cold beverages.

It’s the company’s signature blend named after their first location’s street. It is a medium roast that offers a balance of smooth and rich flavors.

Pike Place coffee grounds are a great option for cold brewing and traditional drip coffee making.

Due to its medium grind size, this specific product is not suitable for the French press extraction cold brew method. Instead, use the mason jar or pitcher cold brewing– with a coffee filter.

Alternatively, you have the option to purchase whole beans from Pike Place and bring them to any Starbucks location, where they will happily grind them for you free of charge.

Alternatively, you can choose to grind the beans yourself to a medium-coarse or coarse grind size.

The price of this ground coffee is reasonably affordable and not overly expensive.

Starbucks only uses 100% ethically sourced Arabica beans from Latin America. That said, it is a mass-produced coffee brand.

This blend is a reliable choice, without any notable characteristics, but perfect for those looking for a familiar taste similar to their regular Starbucks order.

One potential issue is the limited size option, as the 28 oz bag may be too large to consume all the grounds before they go stale. Especially if you’re the only one drinking it. 

You can buy Starbucks Pike Place pre-ground coffee online, at Starbucks stores, and in local supermarkets such as Walmart, Target, and Meijer. 

However, for the freshest taste, you can buy Pike Place whole-bean coffee from the same locations.

If you want a great organic coffee instead, check out the First Colony Organic Whole Bean Coffee, Peruvian Andes Gold.

10. First Colony Organic Whole Bean Coffee, Peruvian Andes Gold – Best Organic

Roast	Medium
Flavor profile	Smooth, medium body with sweet taste
Available In	24 oz bag
Type	Whole bean
Price	$$
Origin	Single origin, Peru
Organic	USDA-certified organic

The First Colony Organic Whole Bean Coffee, Peruvian Andes Gold coffee is the best organic option for cold brew because of its certifications and long history of working with small, sustainable farms. 

It uses 100% Arabica coffee beans that are grown on the slopes of the northeast Andes Mountains in northern Peru. It is a medium roast that has a perfect balance of strength and flavor. 

Its flavor is slightly sweet, which pairs well with most creamers, and tastes great as black coffee too. 

To some drinkers, it tastes too bland. However, I find it plenty flavorful. Perhaps those individuals weren’t using enough grounds in their cold brew or overpowered it with milk or creamers. 

This coffee comes in a large 24 oz bag. Thankfully, the bag is resealable because that is a lot of coffee to consume before it goes stale. 

Lastly, this coffee has the highest certification possible for food safety and quality (level 3), is USDA-certified organic, and is Rainforest Alliance Certified. 

This means this First Colony coffee is the most organic and environmentally friendly coffee you can get. 

How to Pick The Best Coffee For Cold Brew

Here are the top things to consider as you find the best coffee to purchase for cold brewing. For more information, read our complete coffee-buying guide.

Roast

The roast level of the coffee (light to dark) is an important factor to consider when choosing one for cold brewing. Many cold brew enthusiasts, myself included, prefer darker roasts.

Dark roasts have intense and bold flavors, making them a great choice for cold brews.

However, consider your personal preference when selecting the best roasts for cold brewing.

Grind size

When selecting coffee grounds for cold brew, it is important to consider the grind’s size. This will affect how quickly the water and coffee blend during brewing and how fast or slow the flavor extracts from the beans.

When making cold brews, I recommend using medium to coarse grinds. Medium and medium-coarse grounds are most suitable for cold brewing in mason jars and pitchers with a coffee filter, whereas coarse grounds are more suitable for French presses.

Learn more details about this in our coffee grind size guide.

The right type for your beverage

When choosing coffee for cold brew, it is important to consider what works best for it. Generally, medium to dark roast coffee grounds offer the best taste when cold brewing, although you can make cold brew with any roast level.

If you are using a French press extraction method (making cold brew in a French press), I recommend using a grind size between medium and extra coarse. 

When using a cold brew filtration method, medium grind size is suitable. Additionally, it is important to note that cold brewing results in a higher flavor and caffeine extraction than traditional hot brewing methods.

To avoid caffeine jitters and a strong taste, you should dilute and add water to your cold brew.

You should search for a decaffeinated brand if you prefer cold brew coffee without caffeine.

Certifications

When selecting cold brew coffee grounds, it is important to consider certifications such as USDA-certified Organic or Fair Trade.

This ensures that the coffee is produced and collected sustainably, thereby supporting the farmers involved in its cultivation.

USDA-certified organic coffee is free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, pesticides, or other additives.

Look for this certification to guarantee that your coffee is additive-free and meets health and environmental standards.

Price/Budget

When purchasing ground coffee, it is necessary to take into account both price and quality, as they can differ. I suggest having a budget before making a choice.

The price of coffee for cold brew can range from $86 to $28, depending on factors such as quantity and quality. For example, a 30-oz container of low-quality coffee can be purchased for less than $10, while a 10-oz bag of high-quality coffee can cost $15.

Single-origin vs. Multi-origin

Multi-origin coffees are made by using beans from different sources, resulting in a blend of flavors and usually a more affordable coffee.

Single-origin coffee is produced using beans from a specific origin, such as a country, region, or farm. This results in unique characteristics that set it apart from other types of coffee, often leading to a higher price.

Single-origin coffee and multiple-origin coffee provide distinct tasting experiences. It also presents a more uniform flavor profile, whereas multiple-origin coffee can showcase a variety of tasting notes.

To learn more, read our article on Single-origin vs. Multi-origin.

Packaging date/roast date

When selecting coffee for cold brewing, it is crucial to consider the packaging and/or roast date. To achieve the best flavor, I always look for coffee that has been recently roasted and packaged. 

So check the packaging date on the bag. Some brands list a packaging date and others list a roast date. Typically, these take place the same day or a day later. 

You can’t always verify the packaging or roast date when buying coffee online. However, reaching out to the seller can ensure the freshness of the product instead of receiving one that has been stored for a long time.

Best brands

When selecting coffee for cold brew, it is essential to consider prominent brands. Some of the leading brands for cold brew coffee include Starbucks, Cold Brew Labs, Peet’s Coffee, Kicking Horse, and Death Wish.

Starbucks offers a variety of single-origin coffees with distinct flavor profiles, particularly focusing on medium and dark roasts that are ideal for cold brewing.

Our Verdict

The top three coffees for cold brew are the Kicking Horse Coffee, Grizzly Claw, Dark Roast, Black Rifle Coffee Fit Fuel Whole Bean Coffee, and Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend. 

All three have great quality and taste great in cold brews. However, they each appeal to different people. 

• Our top choice, the Kicking Horse Coffee, Grizzly Claw, Dark Roast coffee, has an intense flavor and is pre-ground for cold brewing. 
• Our runner-up, the Black Rifle Coffee Fit Fuel Whole Bean Coffee, offers unique tasting notes and donates to a good cause (veterans and first responders)
• Lastly, the Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee, Strong & Smooth Blend is another great pre-ground coffee that specially roasted in small batches for cold brewing. 

Kicking Horse Coffee:
Best Overall

• Roast: Dark
• Flavor profile:
  • Rich, dark chocolate, cacao nibs, brown sugar, and roasted hazelnut
• Available In: 10 oz bag
• Type: Ground, Medium Grind
• Price: $$
• Origin: Multi-origin, Central and South America
• Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Check Current Price