Is Drinking Cold Brew Healthy? A Deep Dive Into Health Benefits & Risks

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies have shown that cold brew coffee is up to 70% less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee, making it a smoother option for many. This low acidity is just one of many factors to consider when asking the question: is drinking cold brew healthy?

Quick Summary

This article explores the health benefits and risks of cold brew coffee, examining how its unique brewing process impacts acidity, antioxidants, and caffeine content compared to hot coffee. Learn whether this trendy beverage truly offers a healthier alternative for your daily routine.

Key Points

Lower Acidity: Cold brew is significantly less acidic than hot coffee, making it gentler on sensitive stomachs and reducing heartburn or reflux.
Rich in Antioxidants: Cold brew contains powerful antioxidants that combat inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, despite potentially lower total levels than hot brew.
Metabolism and Mood Boost: Caffeine in cold brew can increase metabolic rate and enhance mood without the sharp peaks and crashes of hot coffee.
Reduced Sugar Intake: Its naturally smoother and sweeter flavor profile reduces the need for calorie-laden creams and sugars, supporting weight management.
Careful with Preparation: Unfiltered cold brew can increase cholesterol levels, and improper storage can lead to microbial growth, so attention to detail is important.
Moderate Caffeine Intake: While caffeine content is often similar to hot coffee when diluted, it's important to monitor intake, especially for sensitive individuals.

The Brewing Process: A Foundation for Health Benefits

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room-temperature water for an extended period, typically 12 to 24 hours. This slow, low-temperature extraction differs significantly from hot brewing methods, which use heat to rapidly pull flavor and chemical compounds from the beans. The result is a concentrate that is less bitter and has a naturally sweeter flavor profile, which can reduce the need for added sugars and creams. This process fundamentally alters the coffee's chemical composition, with notable impacts on its health properties.

Health Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee

Less Acidic and Gentler on the Stomach

For many people, the high acidity of hot coffee can cause digestive discomfort, acid reflux, or heartburn. The cold brewing method is particularly beneficial in this regard because it extracts fewer of the acidic compounds and oils that are often responsible for these issues.

Lower acidity is less irritating to the stomach lining.
Polysaccharides in cold brew may help boost digestive immune function.
This makes cold brew a viable option for coffee lovers with sensitive stomachs or conditions like IBS.

Packed with Antioxidants

Coffee is naturally rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals. Cold brew contains several antioxidants, including chlorogenic acids, cafestol, and melanoidins. While some studies show hot brewing extracts more total antioxidants, cold brew contains very potent ones and retains a significant amount. Antioxidants have been linked to several health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and lower risks of chronic diseases.

Boosts Metabolism and Mood

The caffeine content in cold brew can provide a metabolic boost similar to hot coffee. Caffeine is known to increase your resting metabolic rate, which can help with weight management by burning more calories at rest. The slow, steady release of caffeine in cold brew can also offer a sustained energy boost, which may prevent the jitters and crash associated with a rapid caffeine spike from hot coffee. Furthermore, caffeine has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function by increasing alertness and focus.

Risks and Considerations of Cold Brew

Caffeine Content

It is a common misconception that cold brew is always significantly higher in caffeine than hot coffee. While the concentrate is very potent, the final drink is typically diluted. A standard diluted cold brew and a regular cup of hot coffee have similar amounts of caffeine, though this can vary widely based on the brewing ratio. It is important for individuals sensitive to caffeine or with certain health conditions, like uncontrolled high blood pressure, to monitor their intake.

Potential for Higher Cholesterol

Unfiltered coffee, whether hot or cold, can contain diterpenes like cafestol and kahweol, which can increase cholesterol levels. Cold brew made with a paper filter, like hot drip coffee, removes these compounds. However, those using a coarse metal filter or consuming unfiltered cold brew should be mindful of this risk.

Food Safety Concerns

Because cold brew is steeped at low temperatures, it can become a breeding ground for microorganisms if not handled properly. This risk is higher in commercial settings if proper sanitation practices are not followed. At home, ensuring your brewing equipment is clean and storing the concentrate properly in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks is crucial for food safety.

Cold Brew vs. Hot Brew Comparison

To fully understand why cold brew may be a better option for you, consider this comparison based on extraction methods and health impacts.


Feature	Cold Brew	Hot Brew	Notes
Acidity	Significantly lower, higher pH level	Higher, lower pH level	Gentler on the stomach for those with acid sensitivity.
Flavor Profile	Smoother, less bitter, naturally sweeter	More complex, with potential bitterness	Cold brew's natural sweetness reduces need for added sugar.
Antioxidants	Potent antioxidants, though slightly fewer total overall	Higher total antioxidant count	Both are rich sources, but the antioxidant profile differs slightly.
Caffeine	Similar to hot coffee when diluted, can be higher depending on ratio	Standard amounts	Caffeine content varies significantly based on preparation.
Extraction	Slow, long steeping process (12-24 hrs)	Fast extraction process using heat	Extraction method determines chemical composition and flavor.
Best For	People with sensitive stomachs, those who prefer black coffee	Traditional coffee drinkers, those who prefer bolder, quicker brew	Individual preference is key.

Conclusion: A Healthier Choice With Caveats

Ultimately, the question of 'is drinking cold brew healthy' has a positive but nuanced answer. It offers several benefits over hot coffee, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs, due to its lower acidity and smoother flavor that lessens the temptation for sugary additions. While it may contain slightly fewer total antioxidants, it still delivers powerful compounds that are beneficial for overall health. However, key considerations like caffeine intake, potential cholesterol effects from unfiltered brewing, and proper food safety should be addressed. For most individuals, enjoying cold brew in moderation can be a delicious and potentially healthier way to enjoy their daily coffee ritual.

Learn more about coffee and health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cold brew is not necessarily 'healthier' across the board, but it does offer specific advantages. It is significantly less acidic, which is beneficial for people with sensitive stomachs. It is also often consumed black, reducing calorie intake from milk and sugar. However, both brewing methods offer similar antioxidant benefits, though their exact composition differs.

Compared to hot coffee, cold brew is less likely to cause acid reflux or stomach irritation. The cold brewing process extracts fewer of the acidic compounds and oils responsible for digestive discomfort, making it a more stomach-friendly option.

The caffeine content of a prepared cup of cold brew is comparable to a regular cup of hot coffee when diluted correctly. However, the concentrated cold brew before dilution is much stronger, so serving size is key.

Cold brew can support weight loss, primarily through its metabolic-boosting effects from caffeine and its naturally smooth taste, which often requires fewer calorie-rich additions like sugar and cream. However, it is not a magic solution and should be part of a balanced diet.

Drinking cold brew daily is safe for most people when done in moderation, typically 1-2 cups. The key is to monitor your total caffeine intake and pay attention to how your body reacts. Avoiding excessive sugar and creamer is also recommended.

Risks include potential exposure to bacteria if not prepared hygienically, especially in commercial settings. Unfiltered cold brew may also increase cholesterol due to diterpenes. Those with high blood pressure should also be cautious of caffeine intake.

To make cold brew safely, use clean equipment and store the concentrate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks. You can use a paper filter to remove compounds that can increase cholesterol.