Have you ever heard of sparkling coffee? That’s Nitro Coffee! This type of coffee is becoming popular due to its delicious taste and refreshing feeling. Let’s find out what makes Nitro Coffee so unique!
What is Nitro Coffee?
Nitro Coffee is a breakthrough in the coffee industry. It’s an enhanced version of regular cold brew coffee, created by infusing cold brew coffee with nitrogen gas, resulting in Nitro Cold Brew Coffee. The nitrogen gas creates countless tiny bubbles, producing a smooth, creamy head like beer. Specialty coffee shops always serve Nitro Coffee in a glass so their customers can witness the beauty of the soft foam and unique texture. This is a must-try coffee experience for those who love novelty and quality.
What does Nitro Coffee taste like?
As mentioned above, nitro coffee is made from cold brew coffee, so its flavor will be characterized by its mild bitterness, low acidity, and smoothness. The nitrogen infusion gives the coffee a thicker texture, sweeter taste, and a creamier mouthfeel.
When did Nitro Coffee first appear?
First of all, infusing beverages with nitrogen is not new. In 1959, Ireland’s famous Guinness beer company launched its nitrogen-infused beer system. By the early 2010s, pioneers in the United States began experimenting with infusing coffee with nitrogen. Some reports suggest it originated from Stumptown Coffee Roaster in Oregon or Cuvee Coffee in Texas. However, since no one has registered a patent or copyright, we should be okay with that. Since then, Nitro Coffee has gradually gained popularity and exploded into a trend after Starbucks added it to its menu in 2016.
What is the science behind?
Nitrogen or N2 is an inert gas that is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-reactive and does not readily combine with other substances. Therefore, adding nitrogen gas to coffee will not alter the taste of the coffee. Unlike carbon dioxide, it creates carbonic acid when introduced into beverages, causing sourness and bitterness.
In addition, the inertness of nitrogen gas also helps replace oxygen in coffee. We all know that after roasting, the flavor of coffee (or any other food) will decrease and change over time, resulting from oxidation. When nitrogen is infused into coffee, it pushes the oxygen out, preserving the coffee flavor for longer.
Nitrogen creates smaller bubbles, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture often described as “velvety smooth in the mouth.” Nitrogen has a small size and very low solubility in water compared to other gases, creating a charming, smooth, and creamy sensation in the mouth.
Is Nitro Coffee good for your health?
Of course, some people will wonder if drinking nitrogen is harmful. You might think of nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas”. The gas used in Nitro Coffee is N2, which is an inert gas, so it won’t make you laugh uncontrollably. But Nitro Coffee can still make you happy because it’s so delicious.
You still drink carbonated soft drinks, right? N2 gas is often safer than CO2 in carbonated soft drinks because it is less reactive than other substances. In fact, 78% of the air we breathe is N2.
Compared to other coffee beverages, Nitro coffee has lower acidity. It’s still cold brew, and science has shown that cold brew has lower acidity than hot coffee. So, if regular coffee makes you feel bloated and you suffer from acid reflux or digestive issues, Nitro Coffee might be better than regular coffee. Here’s a chart from a scientific study comparing the acidity of cold brew coffee and hot coffee.
Another great thing is that the tiny nitrogen bubbles act as cream and sweeteners, so even when Nitro coffee is black coffee (without sugar or milk), it still delivers a subtle sweetness and a velvety smooth texture. So, those who are on a diet can avoid the calories from sugar, milk, and syrup and still enjoy a delicious and creamy cup of coffee.
In addition, Nitro Coffee also inherits the scientifically proven benefits of coffee, such as containing powerful antioxidants, protecting the body from free radicals, anti-aging, and boosting immunity. Moreover, coffee effectively supports weight management. It stimulates calorie burning and boosts metabolism.
However, one thing to note is that because it’s made from cold brew, the Nitro Coffee caffeine is about 30% higher than regular coffee.
Can I make Nitro Coffee at home?
Absolutely! You can make Nitro Coffee at home! Here’s a simple and effective process:
- Prepare high-quality cold brew coffee – this is the crucial foundation.
- Invest in a dedicated nitro infuser system. The iSi Nitro system and iSi Nitro Chargers are top choices that work exceptionally well.
- Brewing process:
- Pour cold brew coffee into the iSi Nitro canister.
- Tighten the lid and dispenser head.
- Attach a Nitro charger.
- Shake the canister well.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Simple, quick, and effective!
Cost-wise: An iSi Nitro canister costs around $210, and a box of 16 Nitro Chargers is around $18. This is a worthy investment for enjoying quality Nitro Coffee at home daily.
To master the technique, watch detailed tutorial videos and read in-depth articles on how to make Nitro Coffee. You’ll quickly become a home Nitro Coffee brewing expert!
Conclusion
Nitro coffee is a passing trend and a perfect combination of science and brewing art. From the tiny nitrogen bubbles that create a smooth, creamy head to the full-bodied coffee flavor that is perfectly preserved, Nitro coffee offers a unique and unforgettable coffee experience.
Moreover, Nitro technology is constantly evolving, with a market growth rate projected to reach 20.6% annually, promising to bring even more groundbreaking innovations. From home Nitro devices that allow you to create your favorite Nitro coffee to the diverse applications of Nitro in other beverages like tea, juice, and cocktails, the world of Nitro coffee is always open and full of surprises waiting to be discovered.
