Pepsi’s Coffee Offerings: Do They Have a Cold Brew?

Quick Answer

• PepsiCo, the beverage giant, offers a wide range of coffee-related products, but their direct involvement in producing a branded “Pepsi Cold Brew” coffee beverage for retail sale is not a primary focus.
• They do, however, partner with coffee brands and distribute coffee products that may include cold brew options.
• PepsiCo’s portfolio includes brands like Starbucks ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, which often feature cold brew.
• Your best bet for a PepsiCo-associated cold brew is likely through their partnerships with established coffee companies.
• Directly searching for “Pepsi Cold Brew” as a standalone product from PepsiCo might be misleading.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Cold Brew: Coffee brewed with cold water over an extended period (typically 12-24 hours), resulting in a smoother, less acidic, and often sweeter flavor profile compared to hot-brewed coffee.
• PepsiCo: A multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation that owns numerous brands, including Pepsi-Cola, Frito-Lay, Quaker Oats, and Gatorade. They also have significant partnerships in the coffee market.
• Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Coffee: Pre-packaged coffee beverages, often sold chilled, that are ready to consume without further preparation.
• Partnership: A business arrangement where two or more companies collaborate to achieve a common goal, such as co-branding or distribution.
• Distribution: The process of making a product available for consumers to buy.
• Portfolio: The range of products or brands owned or managed by a company.
• Concentrate: A highly concentrated form of cold brew coffee that is meant to be diluted with water or milk before serving.
• Nitro Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a creamy, stout-like texture and a foamy head.

How Cold Brew Coffee Works

• Cold brew coffee relies on time rather than heat for extraction.
• Coarsely ground coffee beans are steeped in cold or room-temperature water.
• This steeping process typically lasts between 12 and 24 hours.
• During this long immersion, the coffee grounds slowly release their soluble compounds, including oils and flavors.
• Because no heat is involved, fewer bitter acids and oils are extracted compared to hot brewing methods.
• The resulting liquid is a coffee concentrate that is significantly less acidic.
• This concentrate is then filtered to remove the coffee grounds.
• To serve, the cold brew concentrate is usually diluted with water, milk, or a dairy alternative.
• The ratio of concentrate to liquid can be adjusted to personal preference.

What Affects Cold Brew Coffee Results

• Coffee Bean Quality: The origin, roast level, and freshness of the coffee beans significantly impact the final flavor. Lighter roasts often preserve more of the bean’s original characteristics.
• Grind Size: A coarse grind is essential for cold brew. Too fine a grind can lead to over-extraction and a muddy, bitter result, while also making filtration difficult.
• Coffee-to-Water Ratio: The proportion of coffee grounds to water used during steeping is critical. A common starting point is a 1:4 ratio (coffee to water) for concentrate, but this can vary widely.
• Steeping Time: The duration the coffee grounds are in contact with water directly influences extraction. Longer times generally yield a stronger concentrate, but exceeding 24 hours can sometimes lead to unwanted flavors.
• Water Quality: Filtered water is recommended. Tap water can contain minerals or chlorine that might negatively affect the coffee’s taste.
• Water Temperature: While called “cold brew,” the water temperature can range from refrigerator cold to room temperature (around 70°F). Warmer temperatures can slightly speed up extraction.
• Filtration Method: The type of filter used (e.g., paper, metal, cloth) can affect the clarity and body of the final cold brew. Finer filters remove more sediment.
• Freshness of Grounds: Using freshly ground coffee beans just before brewing will yield a more vibrant flavor profile than pre-ground coffee.
• Agitation: Some brewers recommend gentle stirring during the steeping process to ensure all grounds are saturated, but excessive agitation can lead to over-extraction.
• Dilution Ratio: Once the concentrate is made, the ratio at which it’s diluted with water or milk will determine the final strength and taste.

Pros, Cons, and When It Matters

• Pro: Smooth Flavor: Cold brew is known for its naturally sweet and smooth taste with low acidity, making it appealing to those sensitive to bitter coffee.
• Con: Long Brew Time: The primary drawback is the extended brewing period, which requires planning ahead.
• Pro: Less Acidic: The lower acidity can be gentler on the stomach for some individuals.
• Con: Requires Coarse Grind: You need a grinder capable of producing a consistent coarse grind, or you must purchase pre-ground cold brew coffee.
• Pro: Versatile Concentrate: The resulting concentrate can be used as a base for various coffee drinks, from simple iced coffee to lattes and cocktails.
• Con: Potential for Over-Extraction: If the grind is too fine or the steeping time is too long, the concentrate can become bitter and unpleasant.
• Pro: Shelf Stability: Cold brew concentrate can often be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, offering convenience.
• Con: Initial Setup: Some specialized cold brew makers can be an initial investment.
• Pro: Great for Iced Coffee: It’s the ideal base for iced coffee, as it doesn’t become diluted and watery when ice melts.
• Con: Might Lack Nuance: For coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the complex aromatics and subtle flavor notes of certain hot-brewed coffees, cold brew might seem less nuanced.
• When it Matters: Cold brew is ideal for busy mornings where you can prepare it the night before, for individuals seeking a less acidic coffee option, or for creating refreshing iced coffee beverages. It’s less suitable for those who need a quick, hot cup of coffee on demand without prior preparation.

Common Misconceptions

• Myth: Cold brew is just coffee brewed with cold water.
• Reality: While it uses cold water, the defining characteristic is the very long steeping time (12-24 hours) that allows for flavor extraction.
• Myth: Cold brew is always stronger than hot coffee.
• Reality: Cold brew is typically made as a concentrate that is then diluted. The final strength depends entirely on how much you dilute it.
• Myth: You can make cold brew quickly.
• Reality: The slow brewing process is fundamental to cold brew’s unique flavor profile. Quick methods will not produce true cold brew.
• Myth: Cold brew has more caffeine than hot coffee.
• Reality: This is often true for the concentrate due to the higher coffee-to-water ratio used during brewing. However, the final caffeine content in your cup depends on how much you dilute it.
• Myth: Cold brew is inherently bitter.
• Reality: Properly made cold brew is known for its smoothness and low bitterness due to the absence of heat in the brewing process. Bitterness usually indicates over-extraction or poor quality beans.
• Myth: Any coffee grounds will work for cold brew.
• Reality: A coarse, uniform grind is crucial. Fine grinds can lead to a muddy, over-extracted, and difficult-to-filter brew.
• Myth: Cold brew is a new invention.
• Reality: While its popularity has surged recently, cold brewing methods have existed for centuries in various cultures.

FAQ

• Does PepsiCo sell a direct “Pepsi Cold Brew” coffee?

No, PepsiCo does not market a standalone beverage under the name “Pepsi Cold Brew” as a primary coffee product. Their involvement is primarily through partnerships and distribution of other coffee brands.

• What coffee brands does PepsiCo distribute that might offer cold brew?

PepsiCo partners with Starbucks for ready-to-drink coffee beverages, which frequently include various cold brew options like Starbucks Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew.

• Is Starbucks Cold Brew made by PepsiCo?

PepsiCo is the distributor for Starbucks ready-to-drink coffee products in North America. So, while Starbucks develops the coffee, PepsiCo handles its distribution.

• Where can I find PepsiCo-associated cold brew coffee?

You can typically find these products in grocery stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets where chilled beverages are sold, often in the refrigerated coffee or dairy sections.

• Is cold brew healthier than regular coffee?

Cold brew is generally less acidic than hot-brewed coffee, which can be beneficial for individuals with sensitive stomachs. The calorie and sugar content will vary greatly depending on added milk, cream, and sweeteners.

• How long does homemade cold brew concentrate last?

Homemade cold brew concentrate can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Always check for any off-smells or tastes before consuming.

What This Page Does Not Cover (and Where to Go Next)

• Specific product availability and pricing of Starbucks RTD cold brew beverages in your local area.
• Detailed comparisons of different commercial cold brew makers.
• Recipes for advanced cold brew coffee cocktails or specialty drinks.
• The history of coffee brewing techniques beyond cold brew.
• How to roast your own coffee beans for optimal cold brew results.