Kirkland Cold Brew Coffee: A Comprehensive Review

Kirkland Signature Cold Brew Coffee is a ready-to-drink coffee product offering convenience and a distinct flavor profile for consumers. Made from single-origin Colombian beans, it features a smooth, low-acid flavor, a high caffeine content, and minimal calories, with a simple ingredient list of just water and coffee extract. This product is available at Costco and other retail outlets, typically sold in 12-packs of 11-ounce cans.

Coffee Origin and Preparation

The coffee is made from 100% Colombian Arabica beans, which are roasted and packaged in the United States. The cold-brewing process is designed to produce a naturally smoother, less bitter taste compared to hot-brewed coffee. The ingredient list is minimal, containing only cold brew coffee (prepared from water and coffee extract) with no added sugar, cream, or artificial ingredients.

Flavor Profile

Consumer opinions on the taste of Kirkland Cold Brew are varied and can be polarizing. Many drinkers describe the flavor as smooth, rich, strong, and bold. Some detect subtle sweet notes of chocolate, caramel, or hazelnut. It is often enjoyed straight from the can, though many prefer to add ice, milk, or sweeteners.

However, other consumers find the taste to be more acidic and bitter than expected from a cold brew, with some describing it as intense or even "smoky." Because of these differing perceptions, the taste is a divisive topic among coffee drinkers.

Nutritional Information and Caffeine Content

Each 11 fl oz (325 mL) can contains 225 mg of naturally occurring caffeine, which is equivalent to approximately 2.3 cups of standard coffee. A warning on the can advises that it is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or individuals sensitive to caffeine.

Production and Quality Control

The manufacturer of the canned coffee has been identified as Berner Food & Beverages. The use of "coffee extract" in the ingredients has led some consumers to question whether it is a true cold brew, suggesting its sometimes bitter taste is more akin to leftover hot-brewed coffee. In March 2023, Berner Foods Inc. issued a recall for the product due to the potential presence of metal foreign objects.

Value, Packaging, and Convenience

Kirkland Cold Brew is sold in 11-ounce (325 mL) ready-to-drink cans, typically in a 12-pack. At an average price of $13.89 per pack (about $1.16 per can), it offers a cost-effective alternative to bottled or café-bought cold brews. Its quality and savings have been highlighted by publications like Real Simple, which lists it among Costco's best coffee buys.

Shelf Life & Storage Tips

The cans should be kept in a cool pantry or refrigerator. Unopened cans are expected to maintain their peak flavor for approximately four to six months after the roast date, giving consumers plenty of time to work through a case.

Serving Ideas

• Pour over ice with a splash of oat or almond milk.
• Blend half a can with ice for a low-calorie frappe.
• Use as the coffee base in homemade tiramisu for a deeper coffee note.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

If you want a straightforward, strong, and economical cold brew, Kirkland’s 100% Colombian cans deliver consistent taste and quality without unnecessary ingredients. It is a solid choice for those who enjoy a bold coffee flavor and appreciate the convenience and value of a canned beverage.

Works Cited

1. Costco — Kirkland Signature Colombian Cold Brew product page.
2. Shopping with Dave — caffeine content and flavor notes.
3. FatSecret — nutrition facts (calories, macros).
4. EWG Food Scores — ingredient list transparency.
5. Yahoo Life — shelf-life guidance for canned cold brew.
6. Shopping with Dave — in-store price breakdown.
7. Costco Business Delivery — nutrition label confirmation.
8. TastingTable — reference to cold-brew cans in Costco beverages.
9. Amazon reviews — user feedback on taste and strength.
10. Real Simple — includes Kirkland Cold Brew in best Costco coffee list.
11. Reddit (r/Costco) — consumer confirmation of 225 mg caffeine per can.
12. CoffeeMaister — detailed flavor review.
13. Nutritionix — supplemental nutrition database entry.
14. Google Search Result Time.
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