Cappio vs La Colombe
Why They Make The Cut?
Review Summary
Flavor Profile
Alright, so this is probably the only redeeming part of drinking Capio Coffee. The flavor isn’t too horrible, however, it does have a very slight sour taste to it. I think that’s a byproduct of their unique extraction process…
And if I had to compare it to the other cold brew concentrates I’ve tried, it probably fits right in the middle. However, some of the other coffee drinkers I’ve talked to have different opinions. A few of them say it’s the best coffee they’ve ever tasted.
And the other coffee aficionados, well… let’s put it in their own words:
“It tastes very bitter, like old sludge from the coffee pot at Grandma’s house.”
Now, I think that’s the problem with having this patented and trademarked process. Because it locks you into following the same exact process for DECADES, even when better-tasting brewing, roasting, and mixing methods come out.
La Colombe's Cold Brew Concentrate offers a coffee-forward flavor profile. Made from single-origin Brazilian coffee, it provides a rich, authentic taste that true coffee lovers will appreciate. The concentrate allows for customization, so you can adjust the strength to your liking. Some users might need to experiment with the ratios to find their perfect balance, but the result is a smooth, refreshing cold brew with no bitterness or acidity typically associated with hot brewed coffee.
Flavor Notes
Caffeine Content
Here’s another place where Capio dropped the ball. Because in my opinion, it should be illegal for a company that sells a stimulant (yes, coffee is a stimulant) to NOT publish how much caffeine is in the product.
I’ve tried to email and call Capio’s customer service time to find this information (as we’ll talk about in the customer service review section)... but they haven’t given me a straight answer.
The fact that I can’t know how much caffeine is in their cold brew concentrate is straight up RIDICULOUS! Other people have complained about this problem online too, and I can’t believe that they still haven’t published this crucial information.
Each serving of La Colombe's Cold Brew Concentrate contains 170mg of natural caffeine, equivalent to about 2.25 cups of regular coffee. This high caffeine content makes it a potent energy booster, perfect for those who need a strong pick-me-up. However, the ability to dilute the concentrate allows users to adjust the caffeine level to their preference, making it versatile for different caffeine tolerances.
Convenience Factor
Alrighty then, let’s move onto the next point. When you think of a coffee concentrate, you think of a really powerful form of coffee, where you just have to add a small amount of it to water in order to make your cup of goodness. (Like Javy or Jot where you just need 1tsp - 1tbsp)...
However, with Capio’s cold brew concentrate, that’s NOT what you get. If you follow their directions, using 1 part concentrate to 2 parts water… yeah you’ll get coffee. But from my taste test, it was WEAK, so I had to add in a lot more concentrate to my coffee…
Basically, I had to use almost half a bottle to make a 12oz cup of coffee. And considering the fact that each bottle runs about $10, that’s a rip off! So if you want to regularly make your coffee with Capio, you better stock up on A LOT of bottles. And you better be ready to give them hundreds of dollars every month.
Convenience is a strong point for La Colombe's Cold Brew Concentrate. The 32 oz bottle makes 1 gallon of cold brew, providing multiple servings from a single purchase. It's shelf-stable until opened, and then lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, allowing for easy storage and extended use. This makes it ideal for those who want to enjoy cold brew regularly without daily preparation. The concentrate format also saves space compared to ready-to-drink options.
Ease of Use
I’ve mentioned this in a few of my other reviews, but I can’t stand it when concentrates use the “1 part concentrate 2 parts water” stuff. When I’m making my coffee in the morning, I’m already DEAD tired, and I don’t want to be doing math at 6:30 in the morning…
So, what I started doing after a few days, was just eyeballing how much concentrate I poured into my mug. Is that scientifically accurate? NO! But it’s a heck of a lot easier than grabbing a bunch of measuring cups and trying to get the perfect ratio of concentrate to water.
La Colombe's Cold Brew Concentrate is straightforward to use. The recommended ratio of 1 part concentrate to 3 parts water is simple to follow, whether making a single serving or a large batch. Some users might prefer more precise measurements for consistency, but the flexibility allows for personal taste adjustments. The concentrate mixes easily with water and can be customized with ice, milk, or other additions as desired. Overall, it offers an easy way to enjoy cafe-quality cold brew at home.
Scoring Breakdown
Coffee
Cappio Cold Brew
La Colombe Cold Brew Concentrate
Attribute Ratings
Origin
Cappio Cold Brew
La Colombe Cold Brew Concentrate
Quick Facts
Recommended Preparations
1 part concentrate to 2 parts water (though reviewer suggests using more concentrate for better taste)
Mix 1 part concentrate with 3 parts water. Can be customized with ice, milk, or other additions according to taste preference. Works well for both single servings and large batches.
Ideal For
Pros and Cons
Cappio Cold Brew
- Convenient to use
- Available in grocery stores
- Only a few servings per bottle
- Bitter tasting
- Bulky in a fridge
La Colombe Cold Brew Concentrate
- Rich, coffee-forward flavor
- High caffeine content (170mg per serving)
- Convenient and long-lasting
- Customizable strength
- Makes large quantity (1 gallon) per bottle
- Plastic bottle packaging
- May require experimentation to find ideal ratio
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors