Best Iced Coffee & Cold-Brew of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2026

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Iced coffee and cold-brew are two popular coffee beverages that are perfect for those hot summer days. Iced coffee is simply hot brewed coffee that has been chilled and served over ice, while cold-brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water for several hours, resulting in a smooth and less acidic taste. Both drinks can be customized with different types of milk, sweeteners, and flavors to create a refreshing and delicious drink. Whether you prefer a classic iced coffee or a trendy cold-brew, these drinks are a must-try for any coffee lover looking for a cool and refreshing pick-me-up.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SToK Bold & Smooth Black Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee 48oz Cover #TOP 1
SToK Bold & Smooth Black Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee 48oz
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Javvy Caramel Protein Iced Coffee Cover #TOP 2
Javvy Caramel Protein Iced Coffee
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Cover #TOP 3
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Iced Coffee & Cold-Brew

#TOP 1

SToK Bold & Smooth Black Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee 48oz

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Multi
SToK Bold & Smooth Black Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee 48oz Cover
SToK Bold & Smooth Black Unsweetened Cold Brew Coffee, Ready to Drink Bottled Coffee, 48 fl oz​

SToK Bold & Smooth Cold Brew offers a bold and smooth coffee experience with 125 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce serving, giving you a strong energy boost when you need it. This cold brew is black and unsweetened, so you get pure coffee flavor with hints of molasses and brown sugar, without any added calories from cream or sugar. The convenience of this ready-to-drink bottle means you can pour it straight into your glass—no barista skills or complicated preparation needed. Plus, it’s brewed slowly over at least 10 hours, ensuring a smooth taste without bitterness, making it perfect for those who appreciate quality cold brew coffee.

What We Like
Consistent taste
Smooth and rich flavor
Convenient and easy to use
Great value for money
Better than Starbucks
What We Don't Like
Slightly bitter for some
Flavor a bit strong
#TOP 2

Javvy Caramel Protein Iced Coffee

Javvy
Brown
Javvy Caramel Protein Iced Coffee Cover
Caramel Protein Iced Coffee - Premium Whey Protein & Instant Iced Coffees - 100% Natural Cold Brew - Zero Artificial Flavors & Sweeteners, 80 mg Caffeine Per Serving, No Added Sugar, 20 Servings

Javvy Protein Iced Coffee combines rich, 100% Arabica coffee with 10 grams of premium whey protein, giving you a tasty and energizing drink that supports your health. This iced coffee is enhanced with prebiotics to help keep your gut healthy, along with goMCT to boost your energy, metabolism, and brain function. You’ll enjoy natural flavors without any artificial additives, making it a guilt-free treat. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just scoop, stir, and enjoy a café-quality iced coffee at home or on the go. It’s a convenient and delicious way to stay energized and support your wellness goals.

What We Like
Smooth coffee taste
High protein content
Easy to blend
Curbs hunger
No chalky texture
What We Don't Like
Some flavors too sweet
Light coffee flavor for some
#TOP 3

Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate

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Brown
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Cover
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, Signature Black Iced Coffee, 32 fl oz

Starbucks Cold Brew Concentrate makes enjoying smooth, delicious coffee at home a breeze. This medium-roast blend features subtle chocolaty notes, providing a delightful flavor that you can easily savor. With its convenient liquid form, you only need to pour the concentrate over ice and mix it with water to create your personalized iced coffee. One bottle yields a generous 64 fluid ounces of cold brew, perfect for multiple servings. Plus, the packaging is fully recyclable, allowing you to enjoy your coffee while being environmentally conscious.

What We Like
Rich, smooth flavor
Convenient and quick preparation
Versatile with milk or straight
Good value per ounce
Not overly bitter
What We Don't Like
Small bottle size
Strength may be mild
#TOP 4

La Colombe Cold Brew Black Unsweetened 11oz

La Colombe Cold Brew Black Unsweetened 11oz Cover
La Colombe Coffee, Cold Brew Black, Unsweetened, 11 fl oz Cans (Pack of 12), Coffeehouse Quality, Natural Sweetness, Specialty Grade Coffee Beans, Ready-to-Drink On-the-Go

La Colombe Cold Brew Black offers you a smooth and flavorful coffee experience just like the one served in their cafes nationwide. Made with freshly roasted, specialty-grade coffee beans, this cold brew delivers a rich and clean taste with natural sweetness, so you can enjoy a satisfying cup without added sugar. The cold brew is crafted with high-quality beans roasted and brewed by La Colombe, ensuring you get the authentic coffeehouse flavor every time. Plus, it’s ready to drink right from the can, making it a convenient choice for your busy lifestyle when you need a quick caffeine boost on the go.

What We Like
creamy and smooth texture
great flavor variety
not overly sweet
convenient canned packaging
reasonable price
What We Don't Like
can taste odd if warm
slightly expensive
#TOP 5

Javy Coffee 30X Cold Brew Concentrate

Javvy
Caramel
Black
6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Javy Coffee 30X Cold Brew Concentrate Cover
Coffee Concentrate - Cold Brew Coffee, Perfect for Hot or Iced Instant Coffees, Hot Drinks, Cold Brew Concentrate, 35 Servings - Caramel

Javy Coffee 30X Cold Brew Concentrate is an ultra-convenient way to make your own delicious coffee at home. With no mess or preparation required, simply pour 1-2 teaspoons of the caramel liquid concentrate into water or milk for a fresh and silky-smooth taste in every pour. This liquid coffee concentrate has a shelf life of 6 months and can be consumed within 4-6 weeks once opened. Be your own barista and experiment with different flavors to make various coffee beverages.

What We Like
Fast and easy preparation
Rich, smooth flavor
Customizable strength and drinks
Cost-effective per cup
Long shelf life
What We Don't Like
Flavor not as strong as competitors
Somewhat pricey for bottle size
#TOP 6

NESCAFÉ Espresso Concentrate Sweet Vanilla

NESCAFÉ Espresso Concentrate Sweet Vanilla Cover
NESCAFÉ Espresso Concentrate Sweet Vanilla Flavored, Instant Espresso Coffee Concentrate, Cold Brew Style, Iced Coffee Style Drinks

The NESCAFÉ Sweet Vanilla Espresso lets you create café-style iced lattes and other cold coffee drinks right at home, giving you the freedom to customize your favorite iced espresso beverages. This flavorful concentrate provides a rich espresso base that works perfectly for cold brews and iced coffee creations, making your drink preparation quick and enjoyable. Made from high-quality Arabica beans sourced globally, it ensures a premium coffee experience, backed by NESCAFÉ’s reputation as a leading coffee brand. Plus, with about 100mg of caffeine per tablespoon, you can easily control your caffeine intake while enjoying a convenient, delicious espresso by simply mixing it with water or milk.

What We Like
Highly concentrated formula
Excellent value for money
Rich, smooth coffee flavor
Convenient and portable
Easy to mix cold or hot
What We Don't Like
Slight baking soda taste
Potential bottle fizzing
#TOP 7

Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee

Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee Cover
Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee | Smooth & Sweet Blend | Coarse Ground Coffee | Micro Sifted | Specialty Grade | 100% Arabica | 1 LB

Bizzy Organic Cold Brew Coffee is a coarse ground coffee that's engineered for cold brewing, giving you a consistent, smooth, and sweet cold brew. You can brew it your way, either strong or less strong, depending on how much water you add. It's 100% organic, ethically sourced, and made from Arabica beans roasted medium with caramel and hazelnut notes. Bizzy Coffee is perfect for busy people who want high-quality cold brew coffee at the best price.

What We Like
Strong flavor and aroma
Low acidity, gentle on stomach
Fresh, resealable packaging
Easy to brew at home
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Packaging seal may loosen
Rare concerns about expiration date
#TOP 8

Califia Farms Pure Black Cold Brew Coffee

Califia Farms Pure Black Cold Brew Coffee Cover
Califia Farms - Pure Black Medium Roast Cold Brew Coffee, 32 Oz (Pack of 6), 100% Arabica, Shelf Stable, Plant Based, Vegan, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Sugar Free, Iced Coffee

Califia Farms Cold Brew is your ideal choice for a versatile coffee experience. This unsweetened medium roast is perfect for making your favorite iced or hot beverages at home. You can enjoy it straight or mix it with Califia’s plant-based milks and creamers for a delicious twist. The coffee is crafted from 100% arabica beans, ensuring a smooth and balanced flavor without bitterness. Plus, it’s shelf-stable, so you can stock up without worrying about refrigeration until you open it, making it convenient for any coffee lover.

What We Like
Great taste
Convenient option
Economical choice
High quality
Good for gifts
What We Don't Like
Watered down flavor
Slight sour aftertaste
#TOP 9

STOK Caffeinated Cold Brew Coffee Shots 50-Pack

STOK Caffeinated Cold Brew Coffee Shots 50-Pack Cover
50 SToK Caffeinated Cold Brew Coffee Shots

The STOK Cold Brew Shots offer a convenient way to enjoy a quick caffeine boost anytime you need it. Each pack contains 50 single-serve cups, making it easy to grab and go without worrying about measuring or brewing. With 40 mg of caffeine in every 13 ml serving, these shots deliver the same energy as a shot of espresso, perfect for keeping you alert throughout the day. Plus, you don’t need to keep them refrigerated, which means you can store them anywhere and enjoy them whenever you like without any hassle.

What We Like
Easy to use
Convenient energy boost
No strong flavor
Versatile with drinks
Fast delivery
What We Don't Like
Caffeine strength may be high
Potential for caffeine crash
#TOP 10

Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Caramel Dolce 32 fl oz

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Brown
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate Caramel Dolce 32 fl oz Cover
Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, Caramel Dolce Flavored Iced Coffee, 32 fl oz

The Starbucks Caramel Dolce Cold Brew lets you enjoy premium cold brew coffee right at home. This concentrate offers a smooth, buttery caramel flavor that makes your iced coffee taste delightful and easy to drink. It’s specially brewed with a custom blend of coffee that’s steeped to perfection, so all you need to do is pour it over ice and add water. You can also customize your drink by adding creamers, syrups, or whipped cream, giving you the freedom to craft your perfect iced coffee just the way you like it. It’s a simple way to enjoy café-quality coffee anytime.

What We Like
Smooth, rich caramel flavor
Easy and quick preparation
Starbucks quality at home
Cost-effective for multiple servings
Customizable strength and sweetness
What We Don't Like
Price fluctuations
Short shelf life for some bottles
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between iced coffee and cold brew?

The main difference between iced coffee and cold brew is in the brewing process. Cold brew involves steeping coffee grounds in cold water for a longer period, while iced coffee is brewed hot and then cooled before being served over ice. This difference in brewing methods results in different flavor profiles, with iced coffee having brighter and more pronounced flavors, while cold brew is smoother and less acidic.

2. Which is stronger, cold brew or iced coffee?

Cold brew tends to be stronger than iced coffee in terms of caffeine content. This is because cold brew is made by using a higher ratio of coffee grounds to water, resulting in a more concentrated coffee. On the other hand, iced coffee is typically more diluted as it is brewed hot and then cooled before serving.

3. Is cold brew coffee good for iced coffee?

Yes, cold brew coffee is great for making iced coffee. After steeping the coffee grounds in cold water, they are filtered out, leaving behind a coffee concentrate. This concentrate can then be mixed with milk or water and served over ice, resulting in a refreshing and flavorful iced coffee.

4. Is there more caffeine in cold brew or iced coffee?

Cold brew generally has a higher caffeine content compared to iced coffee. A 16-ounce serving of cold brew typically contains around 200 mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of iced coffee has an average of about 85 mg of caffeine.

5. Do you put creamer in cold brew?

Yes, you can add creamer to cold brew coffee to enhance its flavor. Simply mix cold brew coffee with milk or cream and add ice for a refreshing and creamy beverage.

6. What is healthier, cold brew or coffee?

Both cold brew and regular coffee have similar health benefits. Cold brew coffee, made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water, is just as healthy as regular coffee according to nutrition experts. It provides a convenient and refreshing way to enjoy coffee while still delivering the same health benefits.

7. What is the point of cold brew?

Cold brew coffee is popular for its refreshing qualities, convenience, forgiving brew method, and health benefits. It offers a smoother and less acidic taste compared to regular iced coffee. Cold brew can be enjoyed as is or diluted with water or milk for a milder flavor. It can also be stored in the fridge for an extended period of time, making it a convenient option for coffee lovers.

8. Which is sweeter, iced coffee or cold brew?

Cold brew coffee is often described as sweeter and smoother compared to black iced coffee. This is because cold brew is made with room-temperature or cool water, resulting in a less acidic and bitter taste. The slower brewing process of cold brew also contributes to its sweeter flavor profile.

Editor's Notes

During our iced coffee & cold-brew research, we found 24 iced coffee & cold-brew products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 261,552 customer reviews through our big data system to write the iced coffee & cold-brew list. We found that most customers choose iced coffee & cold-brew with an average price of $15.91.

The iced coffee & cold-brew are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of iced coffee & cold-brew, including STOK, Javvy, Starbucks, La Colombe, Nescafe. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Iced Coffee & Cold-Brew Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand STOK Javvy Starbucks La Colombe Javvy Nescafe Bizzy Califia Farms STOK Starbucks
Units 48 Fluid Ounces 12.9 Ounce 32.0 Fluid Ounces 132 Fluid Ounces 6 Fluid Ounces 10 Fluid Ounces 16.0 Ounce 192 Fluid Ounces 50 Fluid Ounces 32.0 Ounce
Flavor Black Unsweetened Caramel Unsweetened Black Unsweetened Caramel Vanilla Smooth & Sweet Pure Black Medium Roast Unsweetened,Coffee Caramel
Item Form Liquid - Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Ground Liquid Liquid Liquid
Caffeine Content Description Caffeinated - Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated
Roast Level Medium Roast - Medium Roast Medium Roast Medium Roast Medium Roast Medium Roast Medium Roast Medium Roast Medium Roast
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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