How to Make Non-Toxic Cold Brew Coffee at Home
Ditch the toxic coffee makers for a cleaner caffeine fix.
Did you know your coffee maker could be adding hidden toxins to your morning brew? Coffee makers involving plastic tubing (basically all of them) or single-use pods can leach toxins like BPA and phthalates into your cup. With a simple switch to stainless steel and glass, you can enjoy clean, flavorful coffee without compromise.
There’s no need to set a timer or wonder how to make cold brew in a french press or use any other complicated brewing methods (hi, pour over). A simple cold brew set up using a stainless steel filter and a glass mason jar is super simple and produces smoother, more flavorful coffee than hot water brewing.
The Downsides of Your Typical Coffee Maker
Many typical coffee makers, including Keurig machines and drip brewers, incorporate plastic components. When hot water passes through these materials, harmful chemicals can leach into your coffee, especially with repeated use.
BPA/BPS/BPF, etc, and Phthalates: These endocrine-disrupting chemicals are commonly found in plastic tubing and coffee pods. Exposure has been linked to hormone imbalances, reproductive issues, and even certain cancers.
Plastic Taste and Odors: Heated plastic not only poses health risks but can also impart an unpleasant taste to your coffee. Once you switch away from plastic, you might be surprised to notice a difference in taste!
Why Cold Brew?
Cold brewing offers a toxin-free, delicious way to enjoy coffee. Here's why it’s worth the switch:
No Heat, No Leaching: Cold brewing eliminates the need for hot water, removing the risk of chemical leaching from plastic components.
Smoother Taste: The slow extraction process reduces bitterness and acidity, making cold brew perfect for sensitive stomachs.
Easy and Cost-Effective: With a simple setup—like a stainless steel filter and a glass mason jar—you can make large batches of cold brew at home, saving money and trips to the coffee shop.
Do I Have to Drink it Cold?
No! Cold brew concentrate is a convenient way to make hot or cold coffee. Just mix it with water or milk at your temperature of choice.
How to Make Cold Brew Coffee
Here’s a step-by-step guide to brewing your own non-toxic cold brew coffee.
What You’ll Need
A wide-mouth glass mason jar (quart or half-gallon size)
A stainless steel cold brew filter (like the one pictured)
Coarsely ground coffee (organic is best to avoid pesticide residues)
Filtered water
Steps
Insert the Filter: Place the stainless steel filter into the mason jar.
Add Coffee Grounds: Add 1 cup of coarsely ground coffee to the filter for a quart-sized jar (adjust proportions for larger jars).
Fill with Water: Slowly pour filtered water over the coffee grounds until the jar is full. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
Steep: Cover the jar and refrigerate for 12-24 hours, depending on your desired strength. Start with a 12-hour brew and give it a taste; let it steep longer if desired.
Remove the Filter: Lift out the stainless steel filter, letting it drain completely. Compost the used grounds if possible.
Enjoy Cold or Hot: Pour your cold brew concentrate over ice and dilute with water or milk to taste, or heat water or milk and add your cold brew concentrate for a hot cup.
Clean up is easy! Tap out the grounds into your trash or compost and stick everything in the dishwasher when finished, or simply hand-wash the filter to get it ready for the next batch.
You can store your cold brew concentrate in the same mason jar you brewed it in (with an airtight lid), or pour it into an amber glass bottle for the vibes.
Cold Brew Mixing Ratios
Here are typical ratios for mixing, depending on how strong you like your coffee:
1. Standard Strength (Balanced Flavor):
1:2 ratio (1 part cold brew concentrate to 2 parts water or milk)
Example: 4 oz cold brew + 8 oz water/milk
2. Stronger Coffee (Espresso-Like):
1:1 ratio (Equal parts cold brew concentrate and water/milk)
Example: 6 oz cold brew + 6 oz water/milk
3. Extra Strong (For Lattes or Over Ice):
2:1 ratio (2 parts cold brew concentrate to 1 part water/milk)
Example: 8 oz cold brew + 4 oz milk
4. Mild Coffee (Smooth & Light):
1:3 or 1:4 ratio (1 part cold brew concentrate to 3--4 parts water/milk)
Example: 4 oz cold brew + 12 oz water/milk
The Benefits of a Stainless Steel and Glass Setup
Non-Toxic Materials: Stainless steel and glass are free from BPA and its alternatives, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals, ensuring your coffee stays pure.
Durability: Both materials are long-lasting, eco-friendly, and easy to clean.
No Residual Flavors: Unlike plastic or silicone, stainless steel and glass won’t retain flavors or odors from previous brews.
Why Not Stick with Hot Brewing?
For some, brewing with a Keurig or drip coffee maker may seem more convenient, but consider these downsides:
Chemical Exposure: Heating plastic components repeatedly increases the risk of leaching harmful chemicals into your coffee.
Fluctuating Taste: The high heat used in traditional brewing methods can burn coffee grounds, resulting in bitter or inconsistent flavors.
Complex Cleaning: Coffee makers with plastic tubing are hard to clean thoroughly, potentially harboring mold and bacteria over time.
Feeling like a spot of tea? Cold brewing works with loose tea leaves too, and will save you from soaking plastic leaching tea bags in hot water.
A Better Coffee Experience, One Brew at a Time
Switching to cold brew coffee can help you create a healthier, toxin-free experience. With a glass mason jar and a stainless steel filter, you can enjoy coffee the way it was meant to be: clean, smooth, and free from harmful chemicals.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy cold brew? Share your tips or try this method and feel free to share how it worked for you!