Folgerscoffee

Cold brew coffee has taken the coffee world by storm, and for good reason. Its naturally sweet, smooth, and low-acid profile makes it a favorite for hot summer days or a gentle morning ritual. But the key to an exceptional cold brew starts with the right coffee beans—specifically, the right ground coffee. Folgers, a trusted name in American coffee, offers a range of ground blends that are perfect for cold brewing at home. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 Folgers ground coffee blends for cold brew, share a simple recipe, and help you choose the best option for your taste buds.

Whether you’re a cold brew veteran or trying it for the first time, these picks will elevate your homemade brew without breaking the bank.

Why Folgers Ground Coffee Is Ideal for Cold Brew

Cold brewing requires a coarse grind and a coffee that can stand up to a long, slow extraction. Folgers ground coffee is pre-ground to a medium consistency, which works surprisingly well for cold brew when you adjust the steeping time. The brand’s consistent roast profiles and wide availability make it a go-to for home brewers who want reliable results. Plus, Folgers offers blends that range from mild to bold, so you can customize the strength and flavor of your cold brew concentrate.

Another advantage? Folgers is budget-friendly. You can buy in bulk (like the 25.4-ounce packs) and make multiple batches of cold brew, saving you money compared to café-priced cold brew. And because cold brew extracts differently than hot coffee, even more affordable blends can taste luxurious—smooth, chocolatey, and never bitter.

What to Look for in a Cold Brew Coffee Blend

Not all ground coffees are created equal for cold brew. Here are a few key factors to consider:

• Roast Level: Medium and dark roasts generally shine in cold brew. They bring out chocolate, nutty, and caramel notes without becoming harsh.
• Acidity: Low-acid blends are a natural fit for cold brew, which already reduces acidity by up to 60%.
• Flavor Profile: Look for tasting notes like cocoa, toasted nuts, or vanilla. Fruity or floral light roasts can become too tart in cold brew.
• Grind Size: A coarser grind is ideal, but Folgers’ medium grind works—just reduce the steep time to 12–14 hours instead of 18–24.

Top 5 Folgers Ground Coffee Blends for Cold Brew

After testing and tasting, here are our top five picks for the best Folgers ground coffee blends to use for homemade cold brew.

1. Folgers Coffeehouse Blend Medium Dark Roast Ground Coffee

If you crave a bold, full-bodied cold brew that mimics your favorite coffee shop’s offering, the Folgers Coffeehouse Blend Medium Dark Roast Ground Coffee, 25.4 Ounces (Pack of 6) is your best bet. This blend is specifically crafted to deliver a rich, smooth taste with subtle smoky undertones. When cold brewed, it yields a concentrate that’s intensely flavorful but never bitter. The medium-dark roast provides a perfect balance of depth and drinkability, making it ideal for iced lattes or black cold brew.

Best for: Those who enjoy a robust, café-style cold brew with chocolate and toasted nut notes.

2. Folgers Simply Smooth Mild Roast Ground Coffee

For a gentler cold brew that’s easy on the stomach, try the Folgers Simply Smooth Mild Roast Ground Coffee, 23 Ounce (Pack of 6), Gentle on Your Stomach. This blend is specially processed to reduce compounds that can cause irritation, making it a fantastic choice for anyone with a sensitive digestive system. In cold brew, it produces a silky, low-acid coffee with a mellow sweetness and a clean finish. It’s perfect for sipping over ice without any added milk or sweetener.

Best for: Sensitive stomachs, those who prefer a mild, smooth cold brew, or anyone new to cold brewing.

3. Folgers 100% Colombian Medium Roast Ground Coffee

Colombian coffee is famous for its balanced flavor and bright acidity—but in cold brew, that brightness mellows into a smooth, well-rounded cup. The Folgers 100% Colombian Medium Roast Ground Coffee, 10.3 Ounces delivers classic notes of caramel and a hint of citrus, which become wonderfully subdued during a cold steep. The result is a sweet, nutty cold brew that pairs beautifully with oat milk or a dash of cinnamon.

Best for: Fans of single-origin flavor who want a nuanced but approachable cold brew.

4. Folgers Classic Roast Ground Coffee – Best for Concentrate

While we’ve focused on ground blends, Folgers Classic Roast is a staple for a reason. Its medium roast profile is versatile enough for hot coffee and cold brew alike. When used in cold brew, it produces a straightforward, no-fuss concentrate that’s great for mixing with milk or flavor syrups. Look for it in larger canisters to keep your cold brew supply steady. (Note: This blend is available in various sizes on our site.)

Best for: Making large batches of concentrate for the week, or for those who like a classic, unpretentious cold brew.

5. Folgers Simply Smooth Decaf Mild Roast Ground Coffee

Craving cold brew in the evening but don’t want the caffeine? The Folgers Simply Smooth Decaf Mild Roast Ground Coffee, 23 Ounces (Pack of 6) is a fantastic decaf option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Like its caffeinated sibling, it’s gentle on digestion and produces a silky, low-acid cold brew. The decaf process retains the smooth, sweet profile, so you can enjoy a guilt-free glass of iced coffee any time of day.

Best for: Decaf drinkers, evening cold brew lovers, and anyone who wants the same smooth taste without the jitters.

How to Make Cold Brew with Folgers Ground Coffee

Making cold brew at home is incredibly simple. Here’s a foolproof recipe using any of the blends above:

Ingredients

• 1 cup (about 4 ounces) Folgers ground coffee (any of the blends above)
• 4 cups cold, filtered water
• A large jar or pitcher
• A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth (or a cold brew maker)

Instructions

1. Combine: In your jar or pitcher, add the ground coffee and water. Stir gently to ensure all grounds are saturated.
2. Steep: Cover and let it sit at room temperature for 12–16 hours. (If using a medium grind like Folgers, 12–14 hours is ideal to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.)
3. Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a clean container. Press gently to extract all liquid.
4. Serve: Dilute the concentrate with equal parts water or milk (or to taste). Pour over ice and enjoy!

Pro tip: For an even smoother result, double-strain the concentrate. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee: Why Ground Coffee Matters

Many people confuse cold brew with iced coffee, but they’re very different. Iced coffee is hot-brewed coffee that’s chilled, which can sometimes taste bitter or acidic. Cold brew, on the other hand, is steeped in cold water for hours, resulting in a smoother, sweeter, and less acidic beverage. The choice of ground coffee directly impacts the final flavor. A medium-dark roast like Folgers Coffeehouse Blend will yield a richer concentrate, while a mild roast like Simply Smooth will give you a lighter, more delicate brew.

Using Folgers ground coffee ensures you get a consistent grind and roast that’s been perfected over generations. No need for specialized equipment—just a jar, water, and patience.

Tips for Customizing Your Cold Brew

• Flavor infusions: Add a cinnamon stick, a vanilla bean, or a few slices of orange peel to the steeping mixture for a unique twist.
• Sweeten smart: Simple syrup or honey dissolves easily in cold brew. Stevia or monk fruit sweeteners work well too.
• Milk options: Try almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free cold brew. The smoothness of Folgers blends pairs beautifully with any milk.
• Batch size: Scale the recipe up using a 1:4 coffee-to-water ratio. For example, use 2 cups of coffee to 8 cups of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Folgers instant coffee for cold brew?

While instant coffee can be used to make a quick iced coffee, traditional cold brew relies on steeping ground coffee for a silky texture. If you’re in a hurry, try Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals - 16 Oz (Pack of 3) for a fast iced coffee, but for authentic cold brew, stick with ground blends.

How long does cold brew last?

Properly stored in the refrigerator, cold brew concentrate stays fresh for up to two weeks. The flavor is best within the first week.

Do I need a special grinder?

No! Folgers pre-ground coffee is perfectly suitable for cold brew. Just adjust your steeping time to avoid bitterness.

Final Thoughts

Making cold brew at home with Folgers ground coffee is easy, affordable, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you choose the bold Folgers Coffeehouse Blend for a café-style concentrate or the gentle Folgers Simply Smooth for a stomach-friendly sipper, you’ll get a consistently delicious result every time. Experiment with different blends, adjust your steep time, and enjoy the perfect cold brew right from your own kitchen.

Ready to start brewing? Grab a pack of Folgers Coffeehouse Blend Medium Dark Roast Ground Coffee today and taste the difference quality ground coffee makes in your cold brew.