Dutch Bros Nitro Cold Brew: Caffeine, Calories, and the Flavors People Love Most
I didn’t realize how strong Dutch Bros Nitro Cold Brew actually was until one cup kept me awake through an entire work session.
Ever wonder why this drink hits faster and feels smoother than any regular iced coffee?
Dutch Bros Nitro Cold Brew is a nitrogen-infused cold brew made to taste smoother and stronger than the chain’s regular iced coffee.
A medium cup has around 295 mg of caffeine, flavor options range from classic styles to sweeter choices like Golden Eagle or Cocomo, and calorie counts can stay low if you choose sugar-free syrups or lighter add-ins.
If you’re deciding between drinks, Nitro is one of the highest-caffeine options on the menu, stronger than the 911 Breve or Double Torture for many people. It’s also available in canned form at Dutch Bros locations, which makes it easy to grab for road trips or early mornings.
What is Dutch Bros Nitro Cold Brew?
Cold brew coffee that is infused with nitrogen gas, known as Nitro Cold Brew, has a distinct taste and texture. It’s a bit like a creamy stout beer, but without the alcohol, of course!
Nitrogen adds a silky smooth finish and frothy head to the cold brew, making each sip feel like a mini celebration.
Here’s what you get when you grab it:
- More Caffeine: Nitro Cold Brew is often higher in caffeine than regular iced coffee, giving you that extra boost when you need it.
- Smooth & Velvety Texture: Thanks to the nitrogen infusion, it’s smoother than your typical iced coffee.
- Low Acidity: Cold brew, in general, is less acidic than regular brewed coffee, making it easier on the stomach.
Top Dutch Bros Nitro Cold Brew Flavors
1. Cocomo Nitro Cold Brew
A fusion of coconut and chocolate in the Cocomo Nitro Cold Brew, delivering a tropical twist to your coffee experience.
| Size | Price | Calories (kcal) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | $7.69 | 240 | 28 | 6 | 11 |
2. Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle combines sweet vanilla and rich caramel flavors, creating a harmonious and indulgent beverage.
| Size | Price | Calories (kcal) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | $7.69 | 190 | 28 | 6 | 11 |
3. White Mocha Nitro Cold Brew
Savor the creamy blend of white chocolate and robust cold brew in the White Mocha Nitro Cold Brew, offering a sweet and smooth taste.
| Size | Price | Calories (kcal) | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | $7.69 | 290 | 45 | 8 | 19 |
4. Secret Menu Drinks
Hidden gems like the “Candy Cane” Nitro, blending peppermint and white chocolate for a festive treat, and the “Campfire,” reminiscent of s’mores with chocolate and marshmallow flavors.
Note: Prices and nutritional information for secret menu items may vary and are not always publicly disclosed.
5. Seasonal Favorites
Limited-time offerings such as the “S’mores” or “Campout” drinks provide nostalgic flavors, combining elements like chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow to evoke the essence of a campfire treat.
Note: Seasonal drink availability, pricing, and nutritional details are subject to change and may vary by location.
Caffeine Content
A medium-sized (24 oz) Nitro Cold Brew from Dutch Bros contains approximately 295 mg of caffeine. This substantial amount provides a robust energy boost, surpassing the caffeine content found in many other coffee beverages.
Comparing caffeine content across different drinks
| Beverage | Size (Medium) | Caffeine Content (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Nitro Cold Brew | 24 oz | 295 |
| 911 Breve | 24 oz | 280.5 |
| Double Torture | 24 oz | 280.5 |
| Iced Dutch Latte | 24 oz | 187 |
| Iced Chai Latte | 24 oz | 56.91 |
Note: The 911 Breve and Double Torture are known for their high caffeine content, closely following the Nitro Cold Brew.
Best drinks for a strong caffeine kick
- Double Torture: Matching the 911 Breve, it also contains 280.5 mg of caffeine.
- Nitro Cold Brew: With 295 mg of caffeine in a medium size, it’s one of the most potent options.
- 911 Breve: This drink packs 280.5 mg of caffeine, providing a substantial energy boost.
Calories: What to Know
The caloric content of Nitro Cold Brew varies depending on additions like flavors, creams, and toppings. Below is a breakdown of some popular options:
| Beverage | Size (Medium) | Calories (kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| Nitro Cold Brew (plain) | 24 oz | 20 |
| Nitro Cold Brew with Soft Top | 24 oz | 70 |
| Nitro Cold Brew with Breve | 24 oz | 95 |
| Nitro Cold Brew Caramelizer Caramel Mocha | 24 oz | 220 |
Note: The plain Nitro Cold Brew is the lowest in calories, while additions like Soft Top, Breve, and flavored syrups increase the calorie count.
Health-conscious options: Low-calorie alternatives
- Plain Nitro Cold Brew: At just 20 calories for a medium size, it’s a guilt-free choice.
- Nitro Cold Brew with Sugar-Free Syrups: Enhance flavor without adding calories by opting for sugar-free vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut syrups.
- Nitro Cold Brew with Alternative Milks: Choosing almond or oat milk can provide a creamy texture with fewer calories compared to traditional dairy.
What to choose if you’re watching your calorie intake
To keep your beverage light, customize tips:
- Choose Smaller Sizes: A smaller cup naturally contains fewer calories.
- Skip the Soft Top and Whipped Cream: These toppings add extra calories.
- Opt for Sugar-Free Flavors: They provide taste without the added sugars and calories.
Best Drinks for Outdoor Activities (Camping, Hiking, and More)
Campout Vibes: for Camping Trip
To complement the rustic charm of camping, consider these beverages:
- Iced Campout Cold Brew: This drink combines Dutch Bros’ cold brew coffee with chocolate milk and toasted ‘mellow flavor, topped with their signature Soft Top and chocolate drizzle.
- Campout Mocha Freeze: A blended coffee drink that features the flavors of roasted s’mores, topped with Soft Top and chocolate drizzle.
Outdoor Adventures: Caffeine and Refreshment on the Go
A robust caffeine boost to fuel their activities.
- Nitro Cold Brew: Infused with nitrogen for a smooth and creamy texture, this cold brew provides a substantial energy lift without added sugars or excessive calories. It’s a convenient option to keep you alert and refreshed during hikes or other strenuous activities.
Best Low-Calorie Options for Active Outdoor Days
Active individuals must balance energy and calorie intake, so consider these low-calorie beverages.
- Sugar-Free Golden Eagle: This variation of the popular Golden Eagle combines espresso, half and half, and sugar-free vanilla and caramel syrups. Opting for sugar-free flavors and a lower-calorie milk alternative like almond or oat milk.
- Americano: A classic choice consisting of hot water and espresso, an Americano contains approximately 10-15 calories per cup.
- Cold Brew: Naturally low in calories, Dutch Bros’ Cold Brew offers a refreshing and energizing drink. Customize it with sugar-free syrups or a splash of alternative milk.
Where to Buy Dutch Bros Nitro Cold Brew Cans
At Dutch Bros Locations: The 11.5-ounce nitrogen-infused cold brew cans are available for purchase directly at Dutch Bros coffee stands. To find a location near you, use the Dutch Bros Location Finder.
Bulk Purchases: Some Dutch Bros shops may accommodate bulk purchases of their Nitro Cold Brew cans. It’s advisable to contact your local shop directly to inquire about availability and bulk ordering options.
Online Availability
Currently, Dutch Bros does not offer shipping for their Nitro Cold Brew cans through their online store. The online shop primarily features coffee beans, drinkware, and merchandise. For more details, visit the Dutch Bros Shop.
Medium Nitro vs FDA daily caffeine limit
Medium Nitro (295 mg) as a share of the FDA 400 mg/day guidance
Note: 400 mg/day is a general guideline for healthy adults (FDA). Individual tolerance varies.
Perceived bitterness (illustrative)
Estimate: higher is more bitter. Cold brew and nitro reduce perceived bitterness and acidity compared with hot brewing.
Caption: These values are illustrative: cold brewing and nitrogen both reduce perceived bitterness and acidity, producing a smoother mouthfeel.
Nitro Cold Brew Dutch Bros vs Starbucks
Dutch Bros Nitro is the better option if you want the strongest caffeine kick. Starbucks Nitro is ideal if you prefer a softer, creamier profile.
| Feature | Dutch Bros Nitro Cold Brew | Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine (medium) | ~295 mg | ~235 mg |
| Flavor | Bold, slightly sweeter | Smooth, creamy |
| Texture | Velvety with light foam | Thick, creamy microfoam |
| Best for | Maximum energy | Smoother, gentler flavor |
Is Nitro Cold Brew Safe for Caffeine-Sensitive People?
Nitro cold brew has a naturally higher caffeine concentration because it’s made from cold brew concentrate. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, Dutch Bros Nitro may feel much stronger and can hit faster than iced coffee or lattes.
If you usually feel jittery from espresso, this drink may be too strong unless customized.
Tips for caffeine-sensitive drinkers
- Choose a small instead of a medium
- Ask for extra ice to dilute
- Try half nitro, half regular cold brew
- Drink it slowly to avoid a sudden rush
How Dutch Bros Makes Nitro Cold Brew
Nitrogen infusion creates microbubbles, which make the drink taste smoother and less acidic without adding sugar or cream.
Dutch Bros follows a straightforward method similar to craft coffee shops, but with a stronger cold brew base.
How it’s made (easy explanation)
- Cold brew coffee is steeped for 12–24 hours.
- The brew is filtered into a high-concentration base.
- Nitrogen gas is infused under pressure.
- The drink is served straight from a tap, producing the silky, velvety texture.
Best Sugar-Free Nitro Cold Brew Orders
Sugar-free drinks are one of the most common requests at Dutch Bros. Nitro works especially well with sugar-free syrups because the nitrogen adds natural sweetness. These keep calories low while preserving flavor.
Popular sugar-free combinations
- Sugar-Free Golden Eagle Nitro
(SF caramel, SF vanilla, breve or almond milk) - Sugar-Free Caramelizer Nitro
(SF caramel + chocolate drizzle optional) - Sugar-Free Vanilla Nitro Cold Brew
- Sugar-Free Hazelnut Nitro Cold Brew
- Sugar-Free Cocomo Nitro
(SF coconut + SF chocolate)
Best Low-Calorie Nitro Cold Brew Combinations
Nitro Cold Brew is naturally low calorie, but flavored versions increase calories quickly. These options keep the drink light.
Top low-calorie choices
- Plain Nitro Cold Brew (20 calories)
- Nitro with Soft Top Light (~60–70 calories)
- Nitro with Sugar-Free Vanilla + Almond Milk (~40–60 calories)
- Nitro with Sugar-Free Caramel (~20–30 calories)
- Nitro with Oat Milk Splash (~40–50 calories)
Low-calorie customization tips
- Ask for half syrup
- Pick alternative milks instead of breve
- Skip whipped cream and heavy toppings
Is Nitro Cold Brew Stronger Than Espresso at Dutch Bros?
Yes. Nitro Cold Brew typically contains more total caffeine than drinks made with espresso shots.
Dutch Bros caffeine comparison
| Drink | Caffeine (medium) |
|---|---|
| Nitro Cold Brew | ~295 mg |
| Double Torture (2 extra shots) | ~280.5 mg |
| 911 Breve (6 shots) | ~280.5 mg |
| Iced Latte | ~187 mg |
| Double Espresso Shot | ~93 mg |
Why it feels stronger
- Cold brew concentrate has more caffeine per ounce
- Nitrogen makes the drink smoother, causing you to drink it faster
- Cold brew delivers caffeine gradually but with a longer-lasting effect
Expert-Style Caffeine Explanation (Why Nitro Hits Harder)
Nitro Cold Brew feels stronger because caffeine is extracted differently during cold brewing. Cold water pulls more caffeine but less acidity, so the drink tastes smoother despite being more potent.
How caffeine behaves in cold brew
- Extraction happens slowly, allowing more caffeine to dissolve
- Lower acidity prevents bitterness, so your brain doesn’t “sense” the strength
- Nitrogen microbubbles increase the rate of absorption for some people
- You often drink nitro faster because it’s smoother and colder
This combination creates a strong but clean energy boost.
Storage & Shelf Life of Dutch Bros Nitro Cold Brew Cans
If you buy Dutch Bros Nitro Cold Brew cans, they last longer than the made-to-order version, but there are a few things to know.
Shelf life
- Unopened cans last up to 6 months when stored properly
- Refrigeration keeps flavor fresher but is not required
- Once opened, drink within 24 hours for best taste and texture
Storage tips
- Keep cans in a cool area away from direct sunlight
- Do not freeze; nitrogen expansion can affect texture
- Shake lightly if the foam settles before opening
These tips help preserve the smooth, foamy consistency Nitro is known for.
