A couple of years ago, an infamous video circulated where an individual tried every single Trader Joe’s coffee product in an exhausting three-and-a-half-hour tasting spree. The chaos and sheer volume of coffee consumed were memorable, and although another grand tasting seemed unlikely, a more focused approach emerged with the cold brew selection. Recently, during a routine hummus run to Trader Joe’s, the variety of cold brew offerings sparked an idea. With a significant array of cold brew coffees and concentrates on display, it seemed the perfect time to delve into this niche yet popular segment.
This adventure into Trader Joe’s cold brew begins with a clear rule: only exclusive Trader Joe’s branded products will be considered. The assortment includes single-serving pre-made cold brews, ready-to-drink bottles, and intriguing cold brew concentrates. From vanilla-infused cans to bold black brews and even a daring coconut flavor, the goal is to assess each product for both taste and potential for repeat purchase. The journey through these caffeinated concoctions promises an engaging exploration into what makes a cold brew truly enjoyable and worth buying again.
Single-Serving Pre-Made Cold Brews
Kicking things off with single-serving pre-made cold brews, the selection features a variety of flavors. The standard black cold brew, noted for its nutty, semi-sweet dark chocolate flavor, stands out for its smooth mouthfeel and decent quality. With no added carbonation or nitrogen, it’s a straightforward, solid choice for cold brew enthusiasts.
Next up is the vanilla cold brew. Unfortunately, this version doesn’t quite hit the mark. The addition of vanilla adds an unexpected weight and a somewhat artificial taste, making it less appealing, especially when compared to the black cold brew. Despite its promising label, the vanilla flavor feels more like a downgrade than an enhancement.
Finally, the organic Nitro-infused cold brew with espresso aims to stand out but doesn’t quite succeed. The nitrogen adds a specific flavor that not everyone will enjoy, and the combination with espresso results in a somewhat muddled taste profile. While it offers a unique experience, the Nitro cold brew doesn’t outperform the simpler black cold brew.
Ready-to-Drink Bottles and Cold Brew Bags
The ready-to-drink category starts with Trader Joe’s bottled cold brew. This classic option has been around for a while, but its flavor leaves much to be desired. Some describe it as reminiscent of ‘pool water’, indicating a slightly off-putting taste that detracts from the overall experience.
On the other hand, the cold brew bags offer a refreshing change. These bags allow consumers to brew their own cold brew at home, providing a brighter acidity and pleasant notes of berry and molasses thanks to the Kilimanjaro single-origin beans. The convenience of the bags, along with the superior taste, makes them a notable choice in the ready-to-drink category.
Given the choice between these two, the cold brew bags clearly outperform the bottled version. Their flexibility in brewing and the delightful flavor profile they produce make them a worthy contender for cold brew fans looking for a more personalized experience.
Cold Brew Concentrates
Trader Joe’s offers a range of cold brew concentrates, starting with the original concentrate. This option is praised for its buttery texture and smooth chocolatey flavor, making it an enjoyable and versatile choice for cold brew lovers. Its low acidity and rich taste make it a favorite among the concentrates.
The French roast concentrate presents a slightly different experience. While it retains a similar flavor profile to the original, it introduces a roasty bite that lingers, providing a more intense finish. Though not drastically different from the original, it offers an alternative for those who prefer a bolder taste.
Lastly, the coconut cold brew concentrate is certainly for the adventurous. The coconut aroma is potent, reminiscent of sunblock lotion, and it significantly influences the taste. While it might appeal to coconut enthusiasts, it received a less favorable response due to its overpowering scent and flavor. Consequently, the classic cold brew concentrate stands out as the top choice in this category.
Trader Joe’s offers an eclectic mix of cold brew products that cater to varied tastes and preferences. The standout options in this taste test emerged for their balanced flavors and ease of preparation. The single-serving black cold brew, with its nutty undertones and smooth profile, proved to be the best grab-and-go option. Ready-to-drink cold brew bags offered an impressive homemade brewing experience, with distinct notes of berry and molasses. Meanwhile, the original cold brew concentrate delivered a deliciously buttery and chocolatey profile while allowing for customization in dilution.
However, not all products hit the mark. The vanilla-flavored cold brew and the Nitro-infused espresso cold brew fell short due to their artificial and muddled taste profiles, respectively. Additionally, the coconut cold brew concentrate was overwhelming with its potent scent and flavor, making it less favorable for regular consumption. Despite these disappointments, the overall exploration into Trader Joe’s cold brew selection revealed some notable gems that are worth trying.
For those new to cold brew or looking to expand their repertoire, this range offers something for everyone, from the convenience-driven single-serves to the more involved brewing bags and concentrates. Each product brings its own unique flair to the table, ensuring that there’s a cold brew for every kind of coffee enthusiast.