Are reusable cold brew coffee bags safe?
Cold brew season is in full swing in the northern hemisphere right now. With warmer weather creeping in, many are turning to colder, iced coffee drinks to stay refreshed, which means demand has increased. To keep up, some savvy brands have invested in reusable cold brew coffee bags to steep their favourite beans.
Making cold brew in-house with a cotton bag isn’t complicated or cost-prohibitive. Notably, reusable cold brew coffee bags can be a game changer when it comes to ease of use, sustainability, value, and even health concerns.
While immersion brewing is straightforward, there are some potential safety considerations to keep in mind. Since the process occurs at room temperature or in the fridge for extended periods, it’s crucial to maintain proper hygiene while following safe food handling practices.
How hygienic are reusable cold brew coffee bags, and how can brands ensure the health and safety of their products?
To learn more, I spoke to Tony Ouyang, the co-owner of Doppeltree.
Safety considerations for reusable cold brew coffee bags
For those who are unfamiliar with how reusable cold brew coffee bags fit into cafe workflow, a simplified recipe involves the following:
- A brew vessel (typically a large, food-grade plastic bucket)
- A filter bag
- Fresh coffee
- Filtered water
Coarse grounds are added to the cold brew bag, which is then sealed and placed into the water in the brewing vessel. The bag is then covered and left to steep at either room temperature or chilled in a fridge. Between 8 and 12 hours later, you have a delicious cold brew that is low in acidity, with deep, round caramel sweetness, and big body.
One of the main concerns about reusable cold brew coffee bags is proper cleaning and drying between uses to prevent mould and bacterial growth. Additionally, these bags can degrade if improperly cared for, leading to wear and tear and compromising their integrity.
To mitigate these risks, manufacturers use sterile, food-grade materials for the bags themselves—especially for cotton ones. That said, there are other filter options for making cold brew, such as plastic mesh screens and single-use paper filters. Notably, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Some believe that paper filters may contain residual bleaching chemicals, while others are concerned about microplastics in plastic filters. As a ‘healthy’ alternative, some opt for cotton bags, which is what we will focus on here.
Doppeltree’s is a wellness-focused online shop based in the San Francisco area. Co-owner Tony discusses potential safety concerns of the brand’s award-winning reusable cold brew bags.
“The key [to reusable cold brew coffee bags] is washing them out, rinsing them correctly, and making sure you air dry it where there is good circulation,” Tony says. “[That way], you’re not going to have any mould issues. Tony claims that Doppeltree’s cold brew bags, when taken care of and used correctly, can last for years.
What to do if you spot mould in your reusable cold brew coffee bags
As soon as you notice mould or an off-putting smell, you should refrain from using the bag until it has been adequately cleaned. Here are some tips on filter care to help avoid any issues:
- Pre-soak in a vinegar solution: Submerge the mouldy bag in a 2:1 water-vinegar solution for 30 minutes. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can help kill mould spores and bacteria.
- Hot water wash: Wash the bag in hot water. If washing by hand, use a mild detergent and thoroughly scrub all areas.
- Use of hydrogen peroxide: For stubborn mould, apply a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution directly to all affected areas. Let the bag sit for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Hydrogen peroxide will disinfect the fabric.
- Drying: After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the bag to remove all soap residue. Ensure the bag is completely dry before storing or using it again, as moisture could lead to further mould growth.
When in doubt, throw it out. If you think your filter bag has been compromised beyond saving, it might be best to discard it. Tony advises to “cut it up into smaller pieces and throw it into your compost pile.
Should your brand offer reusable cold brew coffee bags?
Several online coffee retailers tend to focus on filter brewing and espresso-related products. However, offering reusable cotton cold brew bags can be an effective way to diversify your product matrix, particularly as research shows that interest in environmentally focused choices is trending.
For example, brands like CoffeeSock have been providing customers with sustainable brewing solutions for years through their line of cotton filters. However, smaller brands like Doppettree and Sarasota Coffee & Tea Co. have since emerged.
Beyond this, there are countless small vendors on platforms such as Etsy and Amazon that sell their versions, often using nut milk bags. While repurposing a cloth nut milk bag could work in theory, you should look for filter bags that offer 90μ microns of filtration for a smooth result.
According to market data, the global cold brew coffee market was valued at $29 million in 2020 and is projected to hit $68 million by 2026. Clearly, offering reusable cold brew coffee bags on your online platform and in-store could be a profitable venture. It allows customers the ability to brew the coffees you sell in a unique way, as well as in a way that is sustainable and simple.
Reusable cold brew coffee bags are likely here to stay. “For us, it’s the perfect combination of environmental, health, taste and efficacy,” Tony says. “Year-on-year, cold coffee consumption has gone up, so I think if you’re running any coffee business, it’s important to offer it as an option.”
Packaging reusable cold brew coffee bags for safety
When it comes to packaging cold brew coffee bags for retail sales, safety and sustainability should be the priority. The industry trend favours minimal use of plastic and showcasing the textured cotton of the bags. Beyond this, the labelling should fully explain cleaning guidelines, storage, material specifications, disposal information, and step-by-step brewing instructions.
Providing comprehensive information on packaging can ensure reusable cold brew coffee bags are used safely and effectively.
At Cold Brew Pak, we can help you fully customise your cold brew coffee packaging to educate customers on how your product should be used.
Reach out to our team to learn more.
