What is Ready to Drink Coffee (RTD Coffee)?

In the coffee market, ready-to-drink coffee is the newest craze, drawing customers in with its variety and ease of use. Every day, more products and flavors are introduced into the market, expanding the horizons of this convenient beverage.

Although many people are familiar with it through canned coffee, there is still a lot more to discover about the world of RTD. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of ready-to-drink coffee, ready-to-drink coffee types and the reasons why this drink has become a prominent player in the coffee business.

One of the most rapidly expanding subsets of the beverage market is ready-to-drink coffee

What is ready-to-drink coffee?

Ready-to-drink coffee is a type of coffee drink. It refers to packaged coffee beverages that are conveniently ready for consumption without any additional preparation.

Coffee drinks can be separated into three types by consumption methods: ready-to-drink coffee, instant coffee, and take-out coffee. The table below will help you better understand the differences between these 3 types of drinks.

Each type has its unique characteristics, and the choice depends on each person’s preference for flavor, convenience, and context!

The types of ready-to-drink coffee

Contrary to what many people think, ready-to-drink coffee is not just canned coffee. From bottled cold brew to functional coffees, the RTD market offers a wide range of selections. Let’s explore ready-to-drink coffee types and what makes them stand out in this beverage segment.

RTD Coffee types by packaging

Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee comes in various packaging types, each offering distinct advantages.

RTD coffee in cans

Because of its portability and convenience, canned RTD coffee is one of the most widely used packaging types. In comparison to plastic bottles, they also provide superior protection against light, oxygen, and pollutants. The caffeine content per can varies, but it’s usually around 250ml and 180ml.

RTD coffee in bottles

RTD coffee bottles are typically available in glass or recyclable plastic bottles (PET). Glass bottles offer a more premium feel, while PET bottles are lightweight and less prone to breakage. Both these bottles are also recyclable, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

RTD coffee in cartons

When making dairy-based RTD coffee drinks, coffee in tetra pak cartons is very popular. Carton boxes often come in many different sizes, from single-serve to family-sized. They are simple to store and pour, and can preserve the freshness of milk.

RTD coffee in cups

RTD coffee in cups is designed to simulate the experience of buying coffee from a coffee shop. This drink is usually pre-mixed and comes with a straw and an openable lid. They offer convenience and are ideal for on-the-go consumption.

Different types of ready-to-drink packaging

RTD Coffee types by brewing methods

Ready-to-drink coffee is defined not only by its packaging but also by its brewing processes, which influence the taste and sensation of the drink. Below are the most popular RTD coffee brewing methods.

Espresso-based (Cappuccino, Latte, etc)

RTD espresso-based coffee includes drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. This drink is made from the espresso machine, by blending the milk with the robust aroma of Arabica beans. To this day, it remains one of the most iconic and popular coffee drinks.

Cold-brew

Cold-brew RTD coffee is created by steeping coarsely ground coffee beans in cold water for a long time (often 12-24 hours). Typically, ready-to-drink cold brew does not include milk and has a subtle scent and a liquid texture. Nowadays, nitro cold brew RTD is a common choice for this drink.

Plant-based milk coffee

These ready-to-drink coffees include brewed coffee blended with milk alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat. Creamy and available in a rainbow of flavors, they are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Vietnamese Iced coffee

The robusta coffee beans, famous for their intense and bitter taste, are usually used to make Vietnamese iced coffee. Vietnamese iced coffee is also known for its signature ingredient: sweetened condensed milk. Not only does this make the coffee taste sweeter, but it also gives it a velvety texture and muffles the robust coffee taste.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee in its ready-to-drink (RTD) form is pre-brewed and chilled, ready to enjoy straight from the bottle, can or carton.

Highlands’ Vietnamese coffee with milk is known for its rich taste and pure coffee flavor.

Understanding all the different ready-to-drink coffee types helps manufacturers choose the right type for production capacity and market demand. For customers, this helps them choose the type that best suits their taste preferences and desired coffee experience.

Advantages of ready-to-drink coffee

Why do customers and beverage brands love to buy and sell RTD coffee? Let us take a look at the many benefits of ready-to-drink coffee and see why it has won over coffee lovers and businesspeople.

RTD Coffee is Convenient

Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee offers several conveniences that make it a popular choice:

• RTD coffee is ready to consume without any brewing or preparation.
• Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or at work, RTD coffee is portable. No need for brewing equipment or waiting in line at a coffee shop.
• RTD coffee provides consistent flavor every time. You know what to expect, whether it’s a cold brew, latte, or espresso shot.
• RTD coffee keeps things tidy and hassle-free, because there’s no need for coffee grounds, filters, and spills.

RTD Coffee is beginner-friendly

With ready-to-drink coffee, you will not need any special tools, exact measurements, or brewing methods. Quality coffee can be enjoyed by beginners even without barista skills.

Additionally, those who are not accustomed to drinking coffee can choose RTD due to its milder flavor and lower caffeine concentration.

It can reach many different consumer groups

Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee has broad appeal and can cater to diverse consumer groups.

• RTD coffee is a quick fix for professionals on the go. Whether commuting or during work breaks, they can enjoy a quality coffee without brewing.
• Students appreciate the convenience of RTD coffee during study sessions or late nights. No need to pause for brewing.
• RTD coffee is a travel companion—portable, spill-proof, and available in various flavors.
• Brands offer protein-infused RTD coffee, appealing to those seeking a post-workout boost.
• Options like cold brew or plant-based RTD coffee align with health trends.
• Even connoisseurs appreciate RTD coffee for its consistent taste and variety.

RTD coffee makers are adapting well to the millennials’ lifestyle

It offers an accessible alternative to coffee trends

Customers may quickly get all trendy types of coffee, such as nitro cold brew, cold brew, and other varieties, through ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee, which eliminates the need for them to search for speciality coffee shops.

Ready-to-drink coffee production

To guarantee a high-quality, flavorful, and safe ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee, the manufacturing process involves numerous processes. Let us take a closer look at the procedure:

The production process of ready-to-drink coffee

1. Brewing the coffee

Brewing the coffee is the first stage in making ready-to-drink coffee. Manufacturers use flavor-specific brewing techniques, and high-quality coffee beans, to bring out the best flavor in each can.

The industrial brewing methods for canned coffee will be very different from coffee shops and roasteries:

• Factories process massive quantities of coffee beans to meet high demand. The beans are roasted, ground, and brewed right at the factory.
• Automated machines and large-scale brewing tanks handle significant volumes and maintain the same standards for each batch (caffeine levels, water/coffee ratio). This consistency is essential for guaranteeing that each bottle, can, or carton meets the anticipated quality and taste that consumers have come to expect.
• The brewed coffee mixture must be further processed (filtered and concentrated) in order to remove any impurities and maintain consistency.
• Sensory analysis and lab testing to maintain quality control. Industrial processes involve microbial testing and nutritional analysis to make sure the coffee is food-safe.

2. Blending with ingredients to create a commercial formula

A commercial recipe is made by combining brewed coffee with other components. Ingredients including sugar, flavorings, milk or non-dairy substitutes, and preservatives could be present. Consistent flavor and texture are achieved in every batch by meticulously controlling the mixing process.

3. Filling into the containers and sterilizing

The coffee mixture is filled into containers, like bottles, cans, or cartons for storage. For the sake of efficiency and cleanliness, this is filled automatically thanks to bottling/canning machines.

Modern bottling machines use precision technology to measure exact quantities, decreasing waste while assuring consistent flavor and quality in every container. In addition, these machines can manage high-speed operations, which is crucial for keeping up with the increasing demand for coffee products that are ready to drink.

To maintain product safety and prolong shelf life, the containers are pasteurized and sealed after filling. After sealing, the containers are thoroughly inspected to make sure they are airtight and defect-free.

Pasteurization and ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing are two ways of sterilization that eliminate any possibility of bacteria in coffee without altering its flavor.

4. Labeling and packaging

Labeling and packing the ready-to-drink coffee is the last step. You may find the product’s contents, nutritional value, and expiration date on the label of every container. After being labelled, the containers are placed into shipping boxes or crates. Not only does packaging serve to safeguard products during transit, but it also serves to entice buyers with eye-catching designs and branding.

By following these precise methods, manufacturers may produce high-quality RTD coffee that fulfills consumer flavor, convenience, and safety standards.

Conclusion

For coffee enthusiasts worldwide, ready-to-drink coffee delivers the ideal blend of variety, quality, and convenience. This drink is well-liked in the present day because it suits many different tastes and lifestyles.

Tan Do’s expertise is making custom-branded, premium ready-to-drink coffee that reflects the spirit of your company. We can assist you in developing a first-rate product that will appeal to your target audience if you want to enter the rapidly growing ready-to-drink coffee industry. Get in touch with us now to find out how we can revitalize your ready-to-drink coffee brand.