No matter if it’s black, with cream, iced or hot; cold brew or traditional iced coffee; both have their own distinct benefits that can help boost metabolism and keep you going strong throughout the day. But is one type of coffee healthier than another? Ultimately it comes down to personal taste and how much sugar and cream is added.

Cold brew coffee is produced by steeping coarsely ground coffee for 12 to 24 hours in cold or room temperature water, creating a smoother and less bitter taste than its conventional iced counterparts. Additionally, this longer steeping time enables antioxidants in coffee to remain intact during brewing compared to standard iced beverages which lose some during processing – leading to an overall less acidic beverage with reduced sediment at the bottom of its cup and less digestive discomfort for you and your stomach.

Cold brew’s lack of heat in its brewing process means it requires less milk or sugar to create its smoother flavor, making it easier on digestion for those sensitive to caffeine’s acids; and making it an appealing option for coffee drinkers with heartburn, acid reflux or digestive troubles.

Due to its long steeping process, cold brew is more concentrated, necessitating diluting it with water or plant-based milk before serving – this also extends its shelf life as it won’t spoil as quickly in your fridge! Many coffee shops and DIYers recommend diluting with either water or plant-based milk in order to ensure it is an enjoyable beverage experience and doesn’t spoil quickly in your refrigerator.

Cold brew coffee may contain more caffeine than its regular iced counterpart, depending on how it’s prepared and the amount added initially. If you opt for one that contains more caffein, be mindful to consume in moderation – too much caffeine may lead to side effects like insomnia, jitters, irritability, and headaches.

Though both iced coffee and cold brew can provide health benefits, some experts consider cold brew more nutritious due to being free from acidity or bitterness, making it better for digestion while potentially relieving symptoms like bloating, heartburn and acid reflux; it could even protect against certain cancers.

Studies have also demonstrated the powerful metabolic-enhancing benefits of caffeine consumption, while at the same time improving mood. This may be because caffeine raises energy levels while suppressing hunger; and an experiment conducted on 8 men found that drinking coffee increased fat burning rates and reduced cortisol, the stress hormone. Perhaps this explains why so many people report feeling more productive and energetic after downing a cup of cold brew!