What is Nitro Coffee? Answered

Discover what is nitro coffee and why it has recently become one of the most popular coffee trends.

What Is Nitro Coffee
Nitro coffee is a drink that has been infused with nitrogen gas, thus giving it its name

Over the last few years, the coffee industry has evolved significantly as baristas and coffee shop owners continuously create new and innovative coffee drinks.

Nitro coffee was first concocted by experimental baristas at Cuvee Coffee in Austin, Texas, in 2012. This coffee drink traveled to different cities around the United States, and you can even see it at some grocery stores and gas stations.

Usually made from cold brew coffee, nitro coffee is a drink that has been infused with nitrogen gas, thus giving it its name. This nitrogen gas creates tiny bubbles in the coffee and provides the glass with a thick and creamy texture.

In addition to that, it also helps reduce some of the bitterness and acidity of the coffee, making it more palatable, especially to non-coffee drinkers.

Big coffee companies such as Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts are getting in on the game. You may not have seen it on the menu of your local coffee shop yet, but trust me, it will be there soon. So, keep reading if you want to know more about nitro coffee.

Does Nitro Coffee Have More Caffeine?

Nitro Coffee drink in the glass with bubble foam
Nitro coffee is very smooth and low in acidity

Nitro coffee has nearly 30% more caffeine than regular coffee. Some scientists believe that nitrogen gas helps the body process caffeine faster. This means that you can get your caffeine boost more quickly when drinking nitro coffee.

Check out these reasons for the best coffee-infused cigar.

What Does It Taste Like?

Like your typical cold brew, nitro coffee is very smooth and low in acidity. Its unique silky mouthfeel is one of the reasons why it has become one of the coffee drinks of choice in the specialty coffee world.

This is because the nitrogen gas does not dissolve in water and carbon dioxide, so the bubbles in the nitro coffee are much smaller.

Most fans of the nitro coffee like it black, either as is or poured over ice. Many coffee shops offer nitro coffee with sweet cream or vanilla syrup for people with precious teeth.

Is Nitro Coffee Healthier Than Normal Coffee?

Nitro coffee is being marketed primarily to gym-goers as a healthier alternative to regular coffee. Many high-end gyms now offer nitro coffee on tap.

Nitro coffee is considered healthier than regular coffee because infusing a beverage with nitrogen imparts both natural sweetness and creaminess. The nitro foam gives a naturally sweet taste without the need for sugar.

Nitro coffee also has a higher caffeine content than regular coffee because it contains less water, making it an excellent choice to get excited before going to the gym.

Like all cold brews, nitro coffee is very low in acid, making it favorable to coffee lovers who have sensitive stomachs or those prone to heartburn and acid reflux.

Can You Make Your Own Nitro Coffee?

nitro cold brew coffee getting poured by steamed milk and coffee beans scattered
Making your own nitro coffee at home can be pretty expensive

Making nitro coffee at home can be pretty expensive. Thanks to the longer brewing time, regular cold brew is already more expensive than regular coffee. However, if you’re hooked on making your cold brew coffee, consider investing in the tools you will need to make one at home. 

You might find our guide on the best coffee maker with a grinder helpful. 

The Final Word On Nitro Coffee

It’s the sweet, creamy, and silky mouthfeel of nitro coffee that’s taking the world by storm these days. Whether you’re just looking for a healthier morning coffee or want to enjoy a cold caffeinated drink, this innovative new coffee is a must-try!

Author

  • Aisling O'Connor

    Aisling is an Irish food and drinks writer and journalist fueled by coffee and herbal tea. She followed up her journalism degree with nutrition studies. Find Aisling on LinkedIn.