hot brew

How Different Coffees Vary in Their Caffeine Content

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If your daily diet includes foods and beverages with caffeine, you are not alone. Government data shows that 95% of U.S. adults consume caffeine daily, most of which comes from coffee. What is most fascinating is that different kinds of coffees have varying levels of caffeine.

The U.S. FDA says a typical 8-ounce cup of coffee offers anywhere from 80 to 100 mg of caffeine. Compare that to green or black tea with 30 to 50 mg. Soft drinks offer less caffeine but energy drinks contain substantially more.

Given that this post is all about coffee, here are some of the different coffee types and the estimated amounts of caffeine each contains:

Hot Brew

Hot brew coffee is coffee that is brewed in a conventional drip brewer or over the stove on a percolator. The ground coffee is kept separate from the brew by way of a metal or paper filter. A typical 8-ounce cup contains about 95 mg of caffeine.

Cold Brew

Cold brew coffee is the latest big thing on the coffee scene. Cold brew is made by steeping ground coffee in cold or room temperature water. As such, cold brew is not the same thing as iced coffee. As far as its caffeine content is concerned, an 8-ounce cup contains between 100 and 157 mg of caffeine.

Espresso

Espresso is the extra strong brew normally associated with Italian cafés. It is made by steaming finely ground coffee under pressure. Due to its high caffeine content, espresso is normally served in 1-ounce shots with approximately 63 mg of the buzz-inducing substance.

Decaffeinated Coffee

Many people assume that decaffeinated coffee has absolutely no caffeine in it. Unfortunately, that is not the case. It is not really possible to completely remove caffeine from coffee and still have a usable product. So instead, coffee makers reduce caffeine content as best they can without ruining the coffee’s flavor profile. A typical 8-ounce cup contains about 2 mg.

Instant Coffee

Instant coffee is a powdered coffee beverage that is made by freeze drying or spray-drying liquid coffee. It is reconstituted by adding water or milk. A typical 8-ounce cup contains about 63 mg of caffeine, which is just over two thirds of what you would expect to find in regular, hot brewed coffee.

Roasting and Preparation Methods Matter

If you haven’t caught on thus far, roasting and preparation methods matter in terms of caffeine content. For example, the high caffeine content in espresso is less about the coffee beans and more about the fact that it is prepared using high-pressure steam and finely ground coffee. Steam extracts more caffeine to begin with; its abilities are enhanced by the coffee’s finer grind.

Galaxie Coffee carries a complete variety of coffee beverages ranging from standard drip coffees to cold brews. We would be more than happy to set up regular delivery service to your office that includes a variety of hot and cold beverages, breakroom supplies, and janitorial supplies.

Hot and Cold Brewed Coffee: Which Is Better?

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Hot and Cold Brewed Coffee: Which Is Better?Now that cold brewed coffee is all the rage among self-described coffee aficionados, we are faced with a cultural argument that seems to have no solution: which is better, hot or cold brewed coffee? Those who prefer hot coffee insist in that hot brewing is the only way to go while those who love cold brewed say the taste is a lot better thanks to less acidity and bitterness. So who’s right?

The reality is that there is no right or wrong. The better beverage for you is the one you enjoy the most; it is that simple. If you prefer the taste of hot coffee over a cold brew, then hot coffee is better for you – and vice versa. With that said, there may be some circumstances in which you prefer one choice over the other. For example:

  • Winter Weather – There are just some times when only a hot beverage is suitable. Winter weather comes to mind here. You might prefer a hot cup of joe over cold brewed coffee when the temperature outside is cold enough to freeze your breath. Hot coffee warms you up like nothing else.
  • Summer Weather – The other side of that coin is summer weather. There are times when it is so hot outside that you wouldn’t even think of consuming a hot beverage under any circumstances. Cold brewed coffee with a few ice cubes might be just what you are looking for.

Hot brewed coffee tends to be the preference first thing in the morning because the aroma of brewing helps to wake us up. It also tends to be preferred at the end of a formal meal and when sitting around socializing with family and friends. Cold brewed coffee is more appreciated at outdoor gatherings, during informal parties, and as a delicious beverage that can be consumed with a light lunch.

Flavor Preferences Are Key

Determining when hot or cold brewed coffee is preferred may be a simple matter of understanding the flavor issue. Ground coffee contains certain solubles that are dissolved in water during the brewing process to create the beverage we call coffee. It is these solubles that give coffee its flavor. And the reality is, hot brewing dissolves more solubles than cold brewing.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to how much flavor you want packed into your cup. If you want maximum flavor and aromatics, go with hot brewed coffee. If you prefer a lighter and less intense flavor with no aromatics, choose cold brewed. It’s all up to you.

Whatever your preference, Galaxie Coffee has a full selection of coffee products for your office. We carry standard coffees, gourmet coffees, single serve products and more, along with a full line of teas and cold beverages. We stock everything you need for complete office coffee and beverage service for clients throughout the greater New York area. We would be happy to service your office as well.