Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
Caffeine
280 mg
Note: Caffeine content is consistent for the plain version (280 mg in a Grande), but calories and sugar increase with flavored options like Vanilla Sweet Cream or Salted Caramel Cream.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Caffeine Level | Very High |
| Serving Size | 16 fl oz |
| Serving Size (ml) | 473 ml |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Calories | 5 kcal |
| Caffeine per fl oz | 17.5 mg/fl oz |
Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew is a modern twist on traditional cold brew coffee, infused with nitrogen gas for a velvety texture, natural sweetness, and a visually striking cascading effect when poured.
What is Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew?
Nitro Cold Brew starts with Starbucks’ signature cold brew coffee, slow-steeped for 12–24 hours to extract a rich, low-acid flavor. The magic happens when nitrogen gas is infused into the coffee, creating a creamy mouthfeel and a naturally sweet taste without added sugar.
Key characteristics include:
- Nitrogen Infusion – Produces a frothy, cascading effect and silky texture.
- No Ice – Keeps the drink undiluted for maximum flavor and caffeine impact.
- Cold Brew Base – Less acidic and smoother than hot-brewed coffee.
- Limited Sizes – Served only in Tall (12 fl oz) and Grande (16 fl oz) for optimal quality.
- Customizable – Can be enjoyed plain or with flavored cold foam toppings.
Together, these features make Nitro Cold Brew a premium coffee experience that’s as much about texture and presentation as it is about taste.
How Much Caffeine is in Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew?
One of the biggest draws of Nitro Cold Brew is its high caffeine content, which comes from a concentrated cold brew base and the absence of ice.
Caffeine content by size:
- Tall (12 fl oz) – 200 mg caffeine
- Grande (16 fl oz) – 280 mg caffeine
- Nitro Cold Brew Can (9.6 fl oz) – 215 mg caffeine
- Nitro Cold Brew Black Unsweetened Can (11 fl oz) – 235 mg caffeine
- Nitro Cold Brew Vanilla Sweet Cream (Grande) – 265 mg caffeine
Compared to a standard 8 fl oz cup of brewed coffee (95 mg), Nitro Cold Brew delivers more than double the caffeine in a single serving — making it one of Starbucks’ strongest drinks.
Calories and Sugar in Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew
While the plain version is naturally low in calories and sugar, flavored variations can change the nutritional profile significantly.
Typical nutrition for a Grande (16 fl oz) plain Nitro Cold Brew:
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
Flavored versions (Grande):
- Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew – 70 kcal, 4 g sugar
- Salted Caramel Cream Nitro Cold Brew – 230 kcal, 23 g sugar
If you want maximum caffeine with minimal calories, stick to the plain version. For a sweeter treat, flavored options add indulgence but also extra sugar.
Ingredients Overview
The ingredient list for Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew is refreshingly simple in its plain form, with variations adding cream, sweeteners, or flavorings.
Common ingredients include:
- Cold Brew Coffee – Coarsely ground coffee steeped in cold water for up to 24 hours.
- Nitrogen Gas – Creates the creamy texture and cascading effect.
- Vanilla Sweet Cream – In flavored versions, adds dairy, sugar, and vanilla flavor.
- Cold Foam Toppings – Flavored foams like salted caramel or pumpkin spice for seasonal offerings.
- Natural Flavors – Used in specialty variations.
This simplicity is part of Nitro Cold Brew’s appeal — it’s coffee-forward, with optional customizations for those who want more sweetness or creaminess.
Nutritional Facts at a Glance (Grande, 16 fl oz)
A quick reference for the plain Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew:
- Calories: 5 kcal
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Caffeine: 280 mg
- Caffeine per fl oz: 17.5 mg/fl oz
With its high caffeine concentration, low calorie count, and smooth texture, Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew is a powerhouse drink for coffee lovers who want maximum energy without added sugar — making it a standout choice in the Starbucks lineup.