“Canned cold brew” refers to cold brew coffee that has been processed and packaged into aluminum beverage cans. It is a new and exciting addition to the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) coffee industry. This newcomer has given coffee connoisseurs a portable and revitalizing cold brew alternative.
But what makes canned cold brew so popular in recent years? And does it really store better than regular cold brew? Let’s answer these question with this article below.
Canned cold brew coffee is convenient and refreshing (Photo source: Foodnetwork)
How is canned cold brew made?
Canned cold brew made by simply pasteurizing and sealing cold brew coffee in a beverage can. This process creates a hermetically sealed environment that limits spoilage and makes the cold brew shelf-stable.
Canned cold brew is typically made using an industrial canning process. Every step is to guarantee the cold brew coffee stays fresh, safe, and tasty for as long as possible.
Industrial canning process of cold brew coffee
- Prepare the Cold Brew and Mixture
Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. This is the first step in the brewing process. When the brew is done, add any extras, like milk or flavorings, and stir until combined, following the recipe’s directions.
- Sterilize the Can and Filling Environment
The aluminum cans need to be cleaned and sterilized to remove any potential pollutants or bacteria before filling. Doing so is essential to ensuring that the canned cold brew remains safe and of high quality. To keep the cans free of contaminants, they are placed on the assembly line in a controlled, sterile environment.
- Fill the Can and Seal the Lid
The sterilized cans are filled with the cold brew mixture. By adding a layer of nitrogen to the liquid before sealing it, its freshness and shelf life can be preserved. Because this pressurization helps to avoid oxidation, the cold brew retains its fresh flavor for a longer period of time. Finally, the can is made airtight by sealing the lid firmly.
- Pasteurize
After sealing, the canned products are pasteurized, which is an important step in ensuring the cold brew is safe to consume and has a longer shelf life. The most common method is retort processing. The purpose of retort processing is to achieve commercial sterilization by cooking the canned beverages under high heat and pressure.
- Apply Labels
Cans are ready to be labeled once pasteurization is finished and cooled. Cans are labeled with logos, product specifications, and nutritional information as needed. As soon as the cans are filled and ready to ship, customers will be able to purchase this cold brew option, which is both delicious and convenient.
Does Canned Cold Brew go bad?
The shelf life of canned cold brew coffee can vary depending on several factors, including processing levels and the milk content. Generally:
- Black cold brew, which contains no additional milk or sugar, requires less intense pasteurization and can last for 5 to 18 months at room temperature.
- Cold brew with milk and other flavors, on the other hand, requires higher temperature pasteurization, and has a shelf life of 3 months to a year at room temperature.
However, some canned cold brew products are not processed with pasteurization to preserve flavors. These products must be kept refrigerated at 5oC and can only last a few week.
Most popular brands of canned cold brew coffee
These companies have mastered the technique of cold brewing and canning, providing a diverse range of flavors and styles to suit every coffee lover’s taste.
Boss Coffee
Boss Coffee is the most popular brand of ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee beverages, originally from Japan and produced by Suntory. Known for its high-quality ingredients and unique brewing process, Boss Coffee has become a favorite among coffee enthusiasts.
Boss Coffee is known for its high-quality beans sourced from major coffee-growing regions like Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia. Its unique flash brew process ensures a smooth and rich flavor without the bitterness often associated with cold brew.
Some of their popular varieties are:
- Cold Black Coffee: Bold and rich with a smooth aftertaste, this variety is perfect for those who prefer their coffee strong and unsweetened.
- Cold Café Au Lait: A balanced blend of coffee, milk, and sugar, offering a creamy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Rainbow Mountain Blend: A signature blend that combines coffee with milk and sugar, providing a well-rounded and satisfying taste.
Boss Coffee is the No. 1 Canned Coffee Brand in Japan (Photo source: Boss Coffee)
UCC Hawaii Kona Blend
UCC Hawaii Kona Blend is a popular ready-to-drink canned coffee produced by UCC (Ueshima Coffee Company), a well-known Japanese coffee company. This blend combines high-quality Kona coffee beans from Hawaii with milk, creating a smooth and creamy beverage.
The blend uses coffee beans from the Kona region of Hawaii, known for their rich and smooth flavor profile. The addition of milk gives the coffee a creamy and slightly sweet taste, balancing the boldness of the Kona coffee.
Some of UCC Hawaii Kona Blend well-liked drinks are:
- UCC Hawaii Kona Blend Coffee with Milk: Available in various sizes, including 11.3 oz cans, this product is perfect for a quick coffee fix.
- UCC Hawaii Kona Blend Coffee Drink with Milk: Often sold in packs, making it easy to stock up and enjoy whenever you need a caffeine boost.
UCC Hawaii Kona Blend is famous for its tropical and refreshing flavors (Photo source: UCC)
Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster known for its high-quality beans and meticulous brewing methods. Founded in Oakland, California, Blue Bottle has grown into a well-respected brand with cafes around the world.
Blue Bottle’s line of canned cold brew includes:
- Bold Cold Brew: This is a single-origin cold brew made from organic coffee and water, known for its rich and complex flavors with hints of caramel, chocolate, fruits, and nuts.
- Bright Cold Brew: A lighter, more refreshing option, this cold brew is designed to highlight the fruity and floral notes of the coffee beans.
- Cold Brew Assortment: Blue Bottle also offers a variety pack that showcases the different profiles of their cold brews, allowing you to experience the full range of their offerings.
Blue Bottle Coffee prioritizes quality and sustainability (Photo source: Bi-Rite Catering)
High Brew Coffee
High Brew Coffee is a well-known brand in the ready-to-drink cold brew coffee market. Founded by David Smith, the brand was inspired by his adventures at sea, where he and his wife brewed cold coffee to stay alert. High Brew Coffee emphasizes convenience, quality, and sustainability.
High Brew uses premium, direct-trade Arabica beans, ensuring high quality and ethical sourcing. The coffee is cold brewed over time, not heat, which results in a smoother, less acidic coffee with more natural caffeine.
High Brew offers a range of flavors to cater to different tastes, including:
- Black & Bold: A classic, bold cold brew with no added dairy.
- Double Espresso: Strong espresso flavor for an extra caffeine boost.
- Mexican Vanilla: Smooth and sweet with natural vanilla flavor.
High Cold Brew uses the highest quality beans (Photo source: High Cold Brew)
La Colombe
La Colombe Coffee Roasters is a renowned American coffee roaster and retailer, founded in 1994 by Todd Carmichael and JP Iberti. Headquartered in Philadelphia, La Colombe has grown to operate cafes in several major cities, including New York, Chicago, Boston, and Washington D.C.
La Colombe is known for its commitment to sourcing and roasting high-quality coffee beans. They emphasize ethical trade practices and work closely with coffee growers to ensure sustainability and equity.
One of their most popular products is the Draft Latte, a ready-to-drink, nitrogen-infused canned latte that mimics the texture of a freshly made latte with steamed milk. This innovation has been a significant part of their success.
Cold brew coffee from La Colombe tastes like a real cafe latte (Photo source: La Colombe)
Rise Brewing Co.
Rise Brewing Co. is a company that specializes in organic nitro cold brew coffee, tea, and oat milk. Founded by a group of friends who were passionate about creating better coffee, Rise Brewing Co. aims to provide high-quality, delicious beverages using the best organic ingredients available.
Their signature product is nitro cold brew coffee, which is infused with nitrogen to create a creamy, frothy texture and enhance the natural sweetness of the coffee.
Rise Brewing Co. offers a range of flavors, including Original Black, Oat Milk Mocha Latte, Vanilla Oat Milk Latte, and Oat Milk Latte.
RISE Brewing Co. cold brew coffee is sugar-free and dairy-free (Photo souce: RISE Brewing Co.)
Sail Away Coffee
Sail Away Coffee is a specialty coffee company based in Long Island, New York. They are known for their high-quality nitro cold brew coffee, which is infused with nitrogen to create a creamy, smooth texture.
The company emphasizes on using organic, dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients, ensuring a clean and natural taste.
Sail Away Coffee popular products include:
- Toasted Coconut Nitro Cold Brew: A seasonal favorite with a tropical twist.
- Horchata Nitro Cold Brew: Combines the flavors of traditional horchata with cold brew coffee.
- Sea Salt & Caramel Nitro Cold Brew: A sweet and salty combination that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Sail Away Coffee provides a variety of flavors (Photo source: Sail Away Coffee)
Conclusion
The rapid growth of canned cold brew in the RTD coffee market shows no signs of stopping. Due to the fact that it is convenient, has a robust flavor, and has a longer shelf life, canned cold brew has become a favorite among coffee lovers.
Understanding the process—how is canned cold brew made, can you can cold brew, and does canned cold brew go bad—is critical for beverage businesses hoping to capitalize on this trend.
Tan Do is here to assist you in developing canned cold brew products that are of superior quality and that stand out in the market. Get in touch with us right now to understand how our ODM and OEM services can bring your one-of-a-kind cold brew concepts to reality.
