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2020 International Coffee Day is set for Thursday, 1st of October as caffeine addicts around the globe drink a toast to their favourite beverage.

Cold brew coffee is becoming increasingly popular for coffee drinkers around the world, especially in the warmer months, with recent research showing the category will grow 25.1% globally by 2025.

But what actually is cold brew coffee and why is it so popular?

Here’s a closer look at this relatively new beverage trend with some interesting facts and figures…

The health benefits of cold brew coffee

According to Jennifer May, renowned Nutritionist, author and wellness speaker from Sydney City Nutritionist and Food Intolerance Australia, “Cold brewing maintains the antioxidants of the coffee bean. Antioxidants are important during and after alcohol consumption as they help to heal and prevent cellular damage, and they also help prevent disease and illness. Califia Farms offers a delicious cold brew range blended with nut milks for added antioxidants, nutrients, healthy fats and protein.”

“The neuro-stimulatory effects of coffee can positively impact overall wellbeing in a healthy person, whilst also providing a much needed energy boost on days that require high performance. The primary effects come from the impacts of caffeine which stimulates dopamine release (making you feel focused and motivated) whilst also binding to serotonin receptors – mimicking the mood-boosting effects of this happy-hormone.”

“Caffeine may also boost your metabolic rate by up to 11% – but be careful, as this can also boost your hunger in the longer term. For best results, coffee should always be combined with a healthy diet. Califia Farms products such as the cold brew which is made with almond milk, provide the same caffeine boost along with a nutritious almond milk which is equally satisfying and energising. As a plant-based, low sugar formula, this is an option which suits most people.”

“Coffee may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes according to some recent studies with risk reduction as high as 67% in one study- (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).”

“What many people don’t know is that coffee also contains many essential nutrients which contribute to energy and wellbeing. In fact, just one cup of coffee contains: Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), Manganese and potassium, Magnesium and niacin (vitamin B3).”

Other health benefits of cold brew coffee can include:

Lower risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease
Boosted metabolism and mood
Easier on the stomach than hot coffee, the lower acidity helping prevent reflux

The origins of cold brew coffee

The earliest record of cold-brewing coffee is credited to the Dutch in the 17^th century.

Sailors preserved coffee concentrate as it would require less space on ships and keep during long voyages overseas. These Dutch sailors then introduced coffee to Japan, who were already cold-brewing tea, and the Kyoto-drip or Japanese-style coffee was born.

In the mid-19^th century after the Algerian War, the French created Mazagran, a drink named after the Algerian city, made of sweetened coffee concentrate and mixed with cold water over ice – the first take on the style drunk today. Eventually cold brewing stepped its way into cultures around the world, particularly New Orleans, famous for brewing with chicory.

Cold brew coffee is not the same as iced coffee

Pouring hot coffee over ice or using cool water changes the characteristics of coffee vastly and often creates a stale taste of oxidation. In contrast, a cold brew coffee is much richer in nature compared to even a well-made iced coffee.

The term ‘cold’ is a bit misleading. Cold brew coffee is when coffee grounds are brewed for an extended period of time (12 to 24 hours) in tepid or room temperature water (not cold water) to form a concentrate that is then diluted with water or milk and served cold. When coffee is brewed this way, it reduces the rate of oxidation significantly – i.e. no stale flavours – and creates less bitterness than hot coffee.

Without hot water, cold brew coffee can lose the fruity, bright and aromatic characteristics normally associated with a cup of coffee, however cold brew coffee brands like Califia Farms roast their coffee beans to maintain these flavours.

At the end of the process, you’re left with a rich, sweet concentrate with a smooth creamy texture that goes down with ease, perfect for being packaged and sold as a ready-to-drink beverage.

Cold brew coffee is a booming business

Cold brew coffee started as a seasonal offering at specialty coffee shops but can now be found all year round in supermarkets and all kinds of stores and cafés.

According to the New York Times, the US is becoming a cold brew nation. Australia and other countries are also seeing significant growth in the cold brew coffee market.

Cold brew is great for business. Warmer months traditionally lead to less hot beverage sales in cafés, but with the availability of cold brew coffee consumers now have a more refreshing alternative at these times of year.