How To Sweeten Cold Brew Coffee (3 Quick & Healthy Ways)

In the entrepreneur circles that I run in there you’d think that we’d wear out the break room coffee machine within a matter of weeks.

Surprisingly, we don’t. The reason, however, is that everyone drinks cold brew. It turns out that it’s about the easiest way to get a bunch of caffeine down without needing to run to the bathroom every 5 minutes.

However, I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to my coffee. If it’s not delicious, I don’t want it.

This put me on a path to figure out what the overall best way was to sweeten cold-brew. You can’t simply dump in some sugar like you can with hot coffee unless you want to stir for the next hour to get it to dissolve.

So what should you use? Well, let’s hit a bit of background first so we’re on the same page for what does and doesn’t work.

The Differences Between Cold Brew & Regular Coffee

Cold brew coffee differs from regular coffee in several ways. The most notable of these is that it’s (hold on to your hats…) cold. This makes it quite difficult to dissolve the usual sweeteners into, especially if you like super sweet coffee.

However, that’s not the only difference.

Cold brew coffee is made by steeping ground coffee beans in cold water for 12 hours or more. This slow brewing process results in a coffee that is less acidic and less bitter than regular coffee. Cold brew coffee also has a higher concentration of caffeine, making it a perfect pick-me-up for those who need an extra boost of energy.

Last of all, cold brew coffee has a smoother, richer flavor that is ideal for enjoying on its own or adding to your favorite recipes.

However, by itself, cold brew is missing the sweetness and richness that most people demand from their daily coffee. So let’s take a look at what I think are the best ways you can sweeten cold brew coffee.

The 3 Best (and healthiest) Ways To Sweeten Cold Brew Coffee

1. Monkfruit Extract

If you’re looking for a natural zero-calorie sweetener, monk fruit extract is a great option. Monkfruit extract is made from the juice of monk fruit, and it’s about 300 times sweeter than sugar. It’s also calorie-free, making it a great choice for those who are watching their waistlines. In addition, monk fruit extract doesn’t have any artificial ingredients or flavors, so you can rest assured that you’re not consuming anything that isn’t good for you.

2. Stevia

Another great zero-calorie sweetener for cold brew coffee is stevia. Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant, and it’s about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia has a bit of a bitter aftertaste, so if you’re not a fan of bitter tastes, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you don’t mind a little bit of bitterness, stevia is a great way to sweeten your cold brew without adding any calories.

3. Sucralose

Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener that’s about 600 times sweeter than sugar. If you’re looking for something that will make your cold brew super sweet without adding any calories, sucralose is a good option. However, because it’s an artificial sweetener, some people prefer to avoid it. If you’re interested in trying sucralose, be sure to do your research to decide if it’s right for you.

What Zero Calorie Sweetener Is Healthiest?

There are pros and cons to all of the different types of zero calorie sweeteners. In general, artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and Sucralose are considered safe for most people in small amounts. However, some studies have linked them to cancer and other health problems. Natural sweeteners like Stevia and Monk Fruit Extract are generally considered safe, but they can be expensive. Saccharin has also been linked to health problems in some studies.

The bottom line is that there is no perfect zero calorie sweetener. Each type has its own set of pros and cons. If you’re looking for the healthiest option, Stevia or Monk Fruit Extract might be a good choice. However, if you’re on a budget, Saccharin could be a better option.

Conclusion

All three of these zero-calorie sweeteners are great options for cold brew coffee. Monkfruit extract is natural and calorie-free, stevia is also natural and calorie-free, and sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is also calorie-free. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy your cold brew without having to worry about adding any extra calories. Cheers!