Cold brew coffee has quickly become one of the hottest trends, available at most mainstream coffee bars and supermarkets/conveni stores with ready-to-drink versions ready to drink. Not just coffee enthusiasts have taken notice; sales of ready-to-drink cold brews increased by more than 137% between 2016 and 2017 according to market research firm Mintel.

Cold brew’s popularity may stem from its lower acidity than regular coffee and therefore less likely to erode tooth enamel, making it ideal for those with sensitive teeth. Furthermore, cold brew has a smoother flavor without bitter notes than its regular brewed counterpart and is generally easier on stomachs as it doesn’t contain oily residue that may clog pores or irritate the skin like regular brewed beverages do.

However, cold brew production may also introduce bacteria that could result in food poisoning when stored at room temperature for several days. A study found that cold brew coffee preparation resulted in an increased microbial load with two samples showing significant increases in spoilage organisms like lactic acid bacteria and yeasts – these organisms may lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrheal syndrome as well as more serious health problems like stomach ulcers or heartburn.

To avoid this situation, it’s best to store cold brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator, using high-grade organic coffee beans that will guarantee it is free from pesticides and other chemical traces.

Black cold brew coffee contains minimal calories (unless you add milk and sugar). As such, it makes an excellent beverage choice for those on low-cal diets. To add sweetness, start out by using unsweetened plant or dairy milk at half the amount usually recommended in traditional coffee drinks.

Make a cold brew latte to enjoy its full flavors by mixing equal parts cold brew with any milk (dairy or plant-based). For additional sweetness, drizzle in honey or monk fruit drops for extra sweetening!

Noting the added sugars found in many bottled cold brews marketed as healthy can be misleading; always read and review labels before purchasing a cold brew beverage. The American Heart Association suggests limiting daily added sugars intake to no more than 36 grams for women and 38 for men; for instance, La Colombe Pure Black & White Cold Brew Coffee’s 12-ounce serving has 19 grams.