Trader Joe’s Instant Cold Brew Coffee

Going into summer who wants to drink hot, steaming coffee on a hot day like today? No more with Trader Joe’s Instant Cold Brew Coffee. They’ve made it cheap (~$3.99 for a quality glass container filled with 22 servings) and extremely easy to make. Just pour in 1-2 teaspoons and you’re looking at a smooth cup that mixes easily and has up to 200 mg of caffeine!

Trader Joe’s claims that their cold brew, “starts with 100% Arabica coffee beans from India. Our supplier uses an all-natural, proprietary extraction method that took them over two years to develop.” (see product link for more info). However, as with many instant coffees, you are trading convenience for taste. I tried the recommended serving size of 1 tsp and found it too weak so I added an additional half tsp. Even so, I found the taste lacking with a strange aftertaste that I couldn’t quite place a finger on. On a positive note, it is nowhere near as bitter as some of the brewed coffees I drink which could be a positive if you hate bitter coffee; additionally, I was surprised by how smooth and balanced the brew was!

So who is this coffee really for? If you want a brew with a great taste, aroma, body, and subtle hints of spices then this is not for you. If you are looking for a very convenient and affordable method of brewing coffee at work or school that could replace other, less healthy sources of caffeine (such as energy drinks…), then this could be a great alternative worth a try! I like to mix the cold brew with this Torani Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup which turns the bland taste into a mix that gives some coffee shops a run for their money.

Looking for your next cheap, high-quality coffee blend? Check out Top Affordable Coffees check out my blog for everything coffee here that includes everything from the 7 health benefits of coffee to figuring out the best way to brew your daily cup.