There’s no drink as deeply intertwined with our morning routines as coffee. According to the National Coffee Association (NCA), a staggering 65% of Americans choose coffee as their go-to beverage — surpassing all other options.
When it comes to the workplace, coffee remains a staple. Because of this, many companies have at least a simple coffee pot, so employees can access drip coffee to stay fueled and focused throughout the day. But, have you ever wondered if this age-old office tradition is serving your team in the best way possible?
To make sure your business is providing what employees are looking for, we’re exploring everything you need to know about coffee, including the nuances that distinguish iced coffee and hot brew options from one another. Recognizing the unique qualities of each type of coffee can help you determine which kind is best suited for your workforce.
What Are the Key Differences Between Hot and Cold Coffee?
To discover the best coffee option for your team, we’re taking a closer look at the key differences between hot and cold coffee. Why? Because the temperature plays a crucial role, impacting not only the taste but also the caffeine content and overall experience of this beloved workplace beverage.
How Are Both Types of Coffee Made?
Regular coffee is traditionally brewed using hot water — typically between 195℉ and 205℉ — and a coffee machine. After extracting the flavors and aromas from the coffee grounds, this type of coffee is consumed while it’s still piping hot.
Iced coffee, on the other hand, is generally brewed in the same manner as its hot counterpart, but is intentionally cooled off and served over ice — to achieve a refreshing and chilled effect. While similarly made, the results create a distinct sensory experience.
Do a Hot Brew and a Cold Brew Have the Same Amount of Caffeine?
Considering most workers are drawn to a cup of Joe specifically for the caffeine boost, it’s essential to consider which option has a higher content.
The short answer is, both hot and iced coffee typically contain the same amount of caffeine. This is supported by scientific reports from the American Chemical Society, which found that all coffee has comparable caffeine concentrations regardless of roast or extraction temperature.
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the typical 8-oz cup of coffee contains 80-100 milligrams of caffeine, it’s helpful to note that the presence of ice cubes in cold coffee can result in slight dilution, potentially reducing its overall concentration. Therefore, while the difference is often negligible, it’s worth keeping in mind that regular coffee might win out on caffeine content.
What Type of Coffee Is Best for People With Sensitive Stomachs?
For individuals with sensitive stomachs, or those who are prone to heartburn and indigestion, a cold coffee drink is likely the preferable choice. This is because the brewing process for hot coffee can lead to higher acidity, which causes discomfort that is best avoided with a gentler, iced option.
What Are the Health Benefits of Hot and Iced Coffee Drinks?
Drive Research reveals 56% of Americans at least somewhat agree that drinking coffee provides health benefits, which is generally true when consumed in moderation (i.e., three to five cups a day). Whether your preferred Java comes hot or cold, there are a few overarching potential benefits to consider:
- Antioxidant boosts: Coffee contains a rich supply of antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid, which ultimately helps protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Focus, energy levels, and motivation are critical for productivity at work. And the caffeine content in coffee is a linchpin in helping employees maintain concentration and mental alertness until the end of the day.
- Potential weight management: A daily cup of Joe (or three) has been linked to increased metabolism and fat oxidation. This means both hot and iced options can potentially aid in weight loss when consumed as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Scientific studies have suggested that consuming coffee frequently, regardless of temperature, may be associated with a lower risk of certain diseases. This includes type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and even certain types of cancer.
- Improved mood throughout the workday: Coffee isn’t only a way to keep your workforce alert, but also supports a happier team due to its mood-enhancing effects. With an increase in the release of dopamine and serotonin, a simple caffeinated beverage promotes feelings of satisfaction and well-being.
How To Prepare the Perfect Cup of Joe
When preparing a delicious cup of coffee, the options are practically endless.
With a hot brew, you have a multitude of choices to consider — from drip coffee or a shot of espresso to something a bit fancier like a latte or cappuccino. At work, using a drip coffee maker or single-pod coffee machine is a simple method to provide high-quality Java to employees. This gives every coffee drinker in the office the chance to savor it black or customize it with sugar, milk, cream, or their preferred flavor offerings.
For the coffee lover that’s a fan of iced options, the preparation process is pretty similar. Once the coffee has been brewed, all employees have to do is grab a glass and fill it with ice cubes. This is even easier if you have a dependable ice machine in the office to pair with premium coffee supplies. Some even add coffee ice cubes to their beverage if they’re worried about a diluted taste.
Quench: A Coffee Lover’s Dream
If you’ve been looking for a way to bring your workplace coffee to the next level, look no further than Quench.
We’ve got you covered with a wide variety of coffee machines, ensuring that your valuable team members can enjoy a great-tasting caffeine boost during their well-deserved breaks. But it’s not just the taste we focus on; we prioritize employee well-being by offering machines that filter, clean, and protect against potential water impurities.
While our machines exclusively offer hot-brewed coffee, we recognize that some workers may prefer drinking iced coffee as an alternative. That’s why we have a range of state-of-the-art ice machines that pair perfectly with our hot coffee brewers, so employees can easily create their own delicious iced beverages.
This gives your team multiple options that cater to their unique preferences while maintaining the convenience and quality that Quench takes pride in. And, through our customer portal, your workplace can effortlessly order new coffee flavors, break room supplies, or Quench coffee machine accessories, ensuring your break room is always stocked with everything your teams need for the best coffee-drinking experience.
You can explore our range of coffee machines and inquire about our ice machines to unlock the full potential of coffee enjoyment in your office. If you’re ready to choose Quench as your office coffee service provider, schedule an appointment with a Quench Coffee Expert today.
