Which cold brew coffee packaging ensures a long shelf life?
The latest 2024 report from the National Coffee Association (NCA) reveals that in the US alone, the consumption of cold brew coffee has increased by 300% over the last seven years. Clearly, the popularity of this beverage is more than a mere trend, which is why maintaining quality is essential for roasters and other coffee businesses.
Cold brew coffee is available in several ready-to-drink (RTD) formats – such as cans, bag-in-boxes, and bottles – so there are many cold brew coffee packaging options. Whichever one roasters choose, it must extend shelf life and protect the product from oxygen, light, and moisture.
Advanced shelf-stable packaging options, such as multilayer flexible pouches with high-barrier films, are designed specifically for this. But for other brands, retort/pasteurisation is a popular method for extending shelf life and eliminating harmful microorganisms.
I spoke with Torsten Gohre, the founder of Cool Crafted Beverage, a Seattle-based company specialising in high-quality cold brew coffee packaging, to find out more.
How cold brew coffee packaging affects shelf life
Consumer demand for high-quality and convenient RTD cold brew coffee shows no signs of slowing down. By 2032, the value of the global market is expected to reach over US $16 billion, representing a CAGR of 22.67% during the forecast period, with the RTD segment showing signs of the most growth.
From quality to food safety to marketability, there are many aspects to consider when manufacturing and selling RTD cold brew products. Shelf life is one, if not the most crucial, factor that has the most impact on the customer experience. Therefore, manufacturers must ensure their cold brew remains fresh and flavourful over extended periods.
One of the most popular ways to achieve this is retort/pasteurisation. This is when packaged foods (such as milk, fruit juice, and beer) are treated with mild heat, usually ranging from 100°C to 122°C (212°F to 250°F), to kill pathogens and extend shelf life.
But there are downsides to using this process. According to several scientific studies, pasteurisation can result in the loss of volatile aromatic compounds and textural elements, effectively diluting flavour and mouthfeel. For cold brew coffee, this poses several problems, as consumers increasingly demand high-quality options that best express the broad spectrum of coffee flavour, including nuanced tasting notes.
Is retort or pasteurisation really necessary for cold brew coffee packaging?
Cool Crafted Beverage (CCB) partners with coffee roasters to help expand their product portfolio to include high-quality cold brew. Founder Torsten reveals that the brand’s new facility in Seattle’s SODO neighbourhood uses a cold-chain production process.
This method requires strict temperature control across the supply chain, from manufacturing to consumption, which ensures that cold brew retains its delicate flavours and is safe to drink without undergoing commercial retort or pasteurisation.
“We understand the need for retort/pasteurisation; however, at CCB, we choose not to,” he says. “We treat coffee like wine and want to preserve its inherent quality, like the region from which it was grown. Cold-chain cold brew is the only way this is possible.
“We have an extensive and trusted cold-chain network that makes it just as accessible to our customers as standard distribution,” he explains.
If manufactured or stored incorrectly, cold brew coffee can spoil because of its low pH level and lack of preservatives. Additionally, there is the risk of microbial growth, which poses serious food safety risks.
Torsten advises cold-chain cold brew manufacturers to “keep it cold from start to finish,” highlighting the importance of maintaining consistently low temperatures throughout the supply chain to protect product quality and safety.
However, it’s also important to note that not all roasters and coffee businesses have access to cold-chain production or similar processes. In some cases, retort/pasteurisation may be the most effective method for cold brew coffee packaging.
Which is the best cold brew coffee packaging for an extended shelf life?
Several forms of cold brew coffee packaging can help preserve the beverage’s quality and integrity. For example, many brands invest in aluminium cans, kegs, flexible pouches, or bag-in-box solutions.
Cold brew coffee cans are designed to protect the product from light and oxygen and are favoured for their convenience and practicality. They also provide an effective canvas for branding, allowing companies to create eye-catching designs that stand out on coffee shop and grocery retailer shelves.
Alternatively, flexible cold brew coffee pouches are made with high-barrier materials and are renowned for their lightweight and protective properties. They can also be easily shipped and are one of the most convenient options for consumers. Notably, flexible pouches reduce material usage and carbon emissions during production and transportation, helping brands showcase their sustainability efforts.
Finding the right cold brew coffee packaging for your brand can be intimidating. Furthermore, creating custom packaging that resonates with your audience involves more than selecting the right colours and materials; it’s about telling your brand’s story through design.
At Cold Brew Pak, we offer a range of sustainable, fully customisable cold brew coffee packaging options to suit your branding and budget. From flexible spout pouches to bag-in-boxes to infinitely recyclable cans, roasters and other businesses have a wide variety to choose from that best suits their cold brew coffee packaging needs.
