I look forward to sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee as soon as I wake up, but I don’t always have time to set up my Nespresso or Moccamaster.That’s where coffee concentrates come in: They’re a great way to make a delicious cup in seconds, and take half the time and effort required for a coffee maker.
Plus, they’re stronger and more potent, so you’ll get that necessary energy boost throughout the day.To find the best coffee concentrates, NBC Selected editors tested different types and brands, keeping in mind factors like flavor, strength, preparation and price point.Below, I rounded up our favorites and what to keep in mind for each one.
I also spoke to coffee experts about what to know when trying and preparing coffee concentrates.Selected.Our top picksBest overallJot Original Ultra Coffee Concentrate$undefined$26.60JOT CoffeeLearn moreBest podsCometeer Mixed Roast Box$undefined$105.00CometeerLearn moreBest splurgeKloo Craft Coffee Concentrate$undefined$33.00KlooLearn moreBest pouchesPartners Coffee Rockaway Cold Brew Pouches$undefined$22.00Partners CoffeeLearn moreSee 1 MoreRelatedselectedselectedThe best espresso machines for making barista-quality lattes at homeWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.What is a coffee concentrate?A coffee concentrate is a strong coffee liquid made by steeping coarse beans or grounds in cold water for a long period of time (usually 24 hours or longer).
You’ll need to dilute before it’s ready to drink.“Concentrates are typically more convenient than brewing a fresh coffee beverage because all the roasted coffee grinding, measuring and brewing was already completed for you,” says Spencer Turer, vice president of Coffee Enterprises, a coffee testing laboratory and consultancy in Hinesburg, Vermont.
“There is a preferred ratio of coffee to water when brewing coffee that makes a pleasant and balanced cup.The golden ratio is around 1 part coffee to 17 parts...