ALL ABOUT COFFEE CONCENTRATE

Most of us would correctly guess that coffee concentrate is a ‘concentrated’ aka more intense form of coffee. But are there universal potency standards? Does it taste as good as a fresh-brewed cup? Will it give me too much caffeine buzz? Understanding coffee concentrate’s strengths (literally, and figuratively) can open a whole new world to coffee lovers, offering flavor, convenience, and endless creative possibility. Peet’s innovation team explored it all while developing our own Ultra Coffee Concentrate, and now we’re spilling the beans.

WHAT IS COFFEE CONCENTRATE?

Coffee concentrate is exactly what it sounds like—a more potent form of coffee that’s brewed to be much stronger than standard drip coffee or cold brew, and then diluted to taste. Its strength can vary depending on how it’s made and used: some concentrates follow a 1:1 ratio with water or milk, while others are far more intense. Peet’s Ultra Coffee Concentrate sits at the higher end of that spectrum, with just 1 tablespoon needed per 6 ounces of liquid—hence the “Ultra.” This concentrated form makes it easy to enjoy bold, café-quality flavor at home, whether hot, iced, or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes. And it's the ultra concentrated forms of coffee concentrate that can be served hot or used as an ingredient.

HOW IS COFFEE CONCENTRATE MADE?

Like other ways of making a great cup, the coffee beans and roast will largely determine the end flavor when making coffee concentrate. Arabica beans are often selected for their smooth, nuanced taste then ground and brewed using various methods designed to create a highly concentrated coffee base while preserving flavor and aroma.

A traditional technique for making coffee concentrate is slow extraction, where coffee is steeped for hours in cold or room-temperature water. 

Each method offers a different approach—some use heat and speed, others rely on time and temperature control—but the end goal is the same: bold, concentrated coffee that’s easy to use in all kinds of drinks.

You can make a regular coffee concentrate at home, but you can’t replicate an Ultra concentrate. That level of strength and smoothness takes specialized equipment, careful calibration, and the kind of slow-steeped process we’ve perfected at Peet’s. Homemade versions are great for experimenting, but if you’re after consistent, barista-level flavor with zero fuss, Ultra is in a league of its own.

HOW IS CONCENTRATED COFFEE USED IN DRINKS?

One of the biggest advantages of coffee concentrate is its ease of use. For a classic iced coffee, simply mix with cold water and ice. Crave something creamier? Add cold milk or your favorite dairy alternative for a quick latte over ice. Some ultra concentrates can be used hot too—just add hot water and call it an Americano day.

If you enjoy experimenting, coffee concentrate opens up all kinds of creative possibilities. Try mixing it with tonic or soda for refreshing sparkling drinks, blending it into cocktails (hello, espresso martini), adding it to smoothies, or pouring it over ice cream for an affogato-style treat. Strength will vary by brand—not all concentrates are created equal, so not all can be used as an ingredient—but if you're after a bold, reliable base for all that creativity, an Ultra concentrate is your best bet. We recommend 1 tablespoon of Peet’s Ultra Coffee Concentrate per 6 ounces of liquid. Since it’s already brewed and ready to go, it’s an easy way to elevate your coffee game with minimal effort. Check out a few of our recipes.

HOW MUCH CAFFEINE IS IN COFFEE CONCENTRATE?

The caffeine content in coffee concentrate varies depending on the brewing method and bean type, but it’s generally much higher per fluid ounce than a regular cup of coffee because it’s meant to be diluted. A single tablespoon can be equivalent to an espresso shot, but coffee concentrate are made differently, so brands vary. Our Ultra Coffee Concentrate contains about 75 mg per 1 tbsp. An espresso shot, per USDA standard nutrition database, is about 63 mg caffeine. With all concentrates, the final caffeine content of your beverage will depend on the strength you mix it.

COFFEE CONCENTRATE VS ESPRESSO

While coffee concentrate and espresso are both potent coffee options, they’re prepared quite differently. Espresso is brewed quickly, using high pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee, resulting in a bold shot topped with crema. Coffee concentrate, on the other hand, is made using a wider range of methods—often slower and lower-pressure. While the processes are different, Ultra coffee concentrate can be used in many of the same ways, making it easy to create delicious espresso-style drinks at home without an espresso machine.

COFFEE CONCENTRATE VS COLD BREW

Coffee concentrate and cold brew are sometimes confused. Cold brew concentrate is a type of coffee concentrate, but not all coffee concentrates are cold brew. Clear as coffee grinds, right? Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold water, usually for hours, resulting in a naturally sweeter and less acidic taste. Coffee concentrate, brewed using methods that can include hot extraction, is typically stronger in flavor. And cold brew is usually ready to drink, while coffee concentrate is designed to be diluted, giving you more control over strength and flavor.

SAY HELLO TO PEET’S ULTRA COFFEE CONCENTRATE

Peet’s Ultra Coffee Concentrate is convenience that tastes great. It’s made from the same hand roasted Espresso Forte® blend that Peet’s serves in coffeebars, slow steeped to extract the rich, deep flavors. This means you get the depth and intensity of a freshly pulled espresso at home, without an espresso machine. Just add 1 tablespoon of concentrate to 6 oz of hot or cold liquid. Whether you’re making a quick iced coffee, whipping up a latte, or adding a coffee buzz to your favorite recipes, our Ultra Coffee Concentrate offers a consistent café-quality experience.