America's obsession with cold-brewed coffee has traversed from niche coffee shops to refrigerated cases in convenience stores around the United States. A couple of years ago, these ready-to-drink (RTD) cans of cold brew coffee were a novelty, but now they're competing against popular energy drinks for shelf superiority.
Why has RTD coffee become so popular, so quickly? Convenience and caffeine. We all lead busy lives and sometimes there isn't enough time to stop by a coffee shop in the morning before work. RTD cold brew coffee saves the day by providing that necessary caffeine boost in a format you can slam into your cupholder while speeding to work.
At first, RTD coffees skewed traditional with black and sweetened varieties. Today, manufacturers are developing innovative new products with exotic flavors, carbonation and honey. Just as honey's use in hot coffee and coffee drinks is growing, so too is its use in RTD cold-brew coffee.
Honey provides these products with an all-natural sweetness and flavor, as well as a fuller mouth-feel. It's the perfect sweetener to start your day or provide the necessary post-lunch energy boost.
Here are some of our favorite RTD cold brew coffees. If you see them, buy them and let us know what you think!