Can Reuse Cold Brew Coffee Grounds? Hint: Twice Isn’t Nice

To make cold brew coffee, all you need is cold water and fresh coffee grounds.  The process is simple, but it requires double the grounds to brew a stronger brew. Cold brew coffee tastes great, but it does use a lot more coffee than you would expect. But now that you're coffee supply is dwindling, you want to know: can you reuse cold brew coffee grounds?

The short answer is: you can, but it's not a good idea. I worked in a lab where we tested cold brew coffee and other brewing methods to see how we could get the best flavor. That's why we're sharing the pros and cons of a second brew, and how you can reuse the leftover old coffee grounds. 

What is Cold Brew Coffee?

If you're a regular coffee drinker, you'll know that your morning coffee is a deeply personal ritual. Some prefer French press coffee, while others like cold brew coffee. Coffee enthusiasts who regularly drink cold brew will tell you that it is smoother and less acidic than hot coffee. It often has a richer, more full-bodied flavor with subtle sweetness and nutty undertones. You'll want to make sure your coffee pot is clean for before brewing for iced coffee drinks. 

Cold Brew Coffee vs Iced Coffee

Cold brew is different from iced coffee. Iced coffee is simply hot brewed coffee that's been chilled, while cold brew is never exposed to hot water. This difference in the brewing method results in the distinct taste profiles of each.

Both iced coffee and cold brew coffee require a double-strengthened brew to counteract being diluted by ice. 

Caffeine Content of Cold Brew Coffee

Cold brew concentrate can be quite strong in caffeine content. Since it is brewed with double the amount of coffee grounds, it extracts the caffeine overnight. However, when diluted with water or milk, like a latte or americano, the caffeine content can be similar to a cup of regular coffee. Cold brew usually contains around 200 mg of caffeine per 16 ounces or serving while iced coffee has an average caffeine level of about 85 mg per 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee. For reference, a regular cup of coffee is ~100mg per 8 oz.

The Cold Brew Method

The process of cold brewing coffee is incredibly easy. You'll need coarse coffee grounds and cold water. The ratio is 2 tbsp per cup of water. The grounds should be in a coffee filter or a sachet, and then steeped in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, typically 12-24 hours while held under refrigeration. This slow steeping process extracts different flavors from the beans compared to hot brewing.

From the brewing process, you will have leftover grounds. But can you reuse to cold brew grounds for a second batch?

Can you use the Reuse Cold Brew Coffee Grounds?

While it is possible to reuse cold brew coffee grounds for a second batch, I don't recommend it. Here's why:

Coffee brewed for a second batch won't have as much flavor as the first brew. The coffee taste will be very mild, and light in color and flavor. It will also have less caffeine content as most was used in the first brew. All of the things that make a good cup of coffee won't be in a secondary brewed cup of coffee. I don't suggest using fresh coffee grinds for the best brew every time. 

But for some who don't like the taste, color, or caffeine of coffee, this might be a good way to extract a second batch and save money. Just know, that the taste of the coffee will be weak, and a cold brew is associated with a strong coffee flavor. 

Ways to Reuse Old Grounds

While this might feel wasteful, especially coming from a sustainable food blog, there's still hope for using leftover coffee grinds. Spent coffee grounds have many beneficial uses after their , including making a body scrub, using them for pest management, or adding them to your compost pile. Read the full post on how to reuse spent coffee grounds here. 

How do you store a batch of cold brew?

Once finished, be sure to store the cold brew coffee in the refrigerator. Since it has no preservatives in it, be sure to drink or consume it within 3-5 days of making or opening it.

Key Takeaways for Reusing Cold Brew Coffee Grounds

A second brew will not make a good cup of coffee. Reused coffee grounds won't have as much caffeine, flavor, or color. For coffee lovers, this isn't ideal, but for those who prefer a more mild cup of coffee with little to no flavor or caffeine, it might be a good way to reduce your money on spend coffee. For the best taste, be sure to use fresh grounds for great cups of coffee. Explore other ways to use leftover coffee grounds such as composting or upcycling them into other things. 

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