Evaluating 7 Cold-Brew Concentrates: The Standout Choice

Recently, the popularity of cold coffee beverages has soared.

With a surge in ready-to-consume options, the market is brimming with choices, sometimes eclipsing established favorites.

Given the array of new options and some old ones disappearing, it seemed like the right moment to seek a new cold-brew concentrate for home enjoyment.

I procured seven different concentrates from nearby stores to find the one I liked the most.

The Simplicity of Preparing Cold Brew

Each product recommended mixing in equal parts of concentrate and water or milk.

For instance, a 32-ounce bottle yielded 64 ounces of coffee drink, translating it into eight servings of eight ounces each, aiding in cost comparison.

I prepared each one in a 1:1 formula to give all a fair tasting. Here’s how they ranked, from least to most favored.

Great Value: Budget-Friendly but Underwhelming

The only option from Walmart's Great Value label was a donut-shop medium roast.

Priced at $4.42 for a 32-ounce bottle (or $0.14 per ounce), it was economical but didn’t win me over.

I hoped for the gently sweet notes typical of 'donut shop' coffee, yet found it tasted more like diluted coffee water.

Despite the letdown, cold-brew allows one to adjust concentration levels, potentially improving taste by upping the coffee ratio.

Bettergoods: Slightly Superior but Still Lacking

Another Walmart label, though Bettergoods aims for a more modern appeal.

Retailing at $5.96 for the same size, or $0.19 per ounce, it did offer a richer flavor profile.

Still, it shared the thin and watery trait of its Great Value counterpart.

Good & Gather: Smooth Yet Subtle

Target presents this offering as straightforward, unsweetened black coffee.

At $6.39 per 32-ounce bottle ($0.20 per ounce), it carries a redder hue compared to others.

While it resembled Bettergoods in taste, this medium roast was thicker and more agreeable.

Adding a splash of cream could elevate its mild and smooth character.

Dunkin': A Familiar Oily Texture

The Dunkin' concentrate was in a 31-ounce bottle costing $8.59, or $0.28 per ounce.

Once prepared, the beverage displayed an oily film reminiscent of Dunkin’s actual offerings.

While milk seemed to mitigate this, it wasn't ideal for black coffee enthusiasts.

Pale in color, it was weak with a mild bitter finish but wasn’t outright unpleasant.

Chameleon: Bold yet Bitter

Chameleon’s organic concentrate, set at $8.99 for 32 ounces ($0.28 per ounce), boasted the strongest taste.

It was notably bold, much to my satisfaction, though the aftertaste was quite strong for those fond of sweeter drinks.

For those craving lighter morning coffee, this may overpower without sugar or cream.

Starbucks: Surprisingly Mild

Starbucks' black concentrate sat at a more moderate $7.98 for 32 ounces, translating to $0.25 per ounce.

This middle-ground option in pricing seemed to have wide appeal taste-wise.

Requiring no additional sweetness or cream, it was less bitter than most and enjoyed a balanced finish.

Alone, it was delightful, and mixing with cream enhanced its smooth texture.

Stumptown: The Unmatched Beverage

Stumptown Coffee Roasters produced a truly impressive concentrate in a striking 25.4-ounce glass bottle.

As the priciest choice at $12.99 (or $0.51 per ounce), it was unfortunate that it turned out to be my top favorite.

Featuring a substantive texture without harsh bitterness, it’s ideal for black coffee lovers.