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Cold brew coffee is a smooth, low-acidity coffee concentrate made by steeping coarse-ground coffee beans in cold or room-temperature water for 12 to 24 hours. It originated in Japan, where it's known as 'Kyoto-style' or 'Dutch' coffee, and has since become a global café staple. The resulting concentrate is typically diluted with water or milk before serving.
A standard 8-ounce (240ml) serving of diluted cold brew contains almost no carbohydrates, fat, or protein, providing roughly 5-10 calories. Its key nutrient is caffeine, which can vary widely but often delivers a potent, sustained energy boost without the acidity that can bother some stomachs.
The cold-brewing process extracts different chemical compounds than hot brewing, resulting in a naturally sweeter, chocolatey flavor profile that requires less sugar. Nutritionally, its lower acidity makes it a popular choice for people with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs, while its concentrated form allows for easy, customizable serving strengths.