There are multiple ways to make iced coffee. According to Starbucks, cold brew is made with cool water for lower acidity. Starbucks' iced coffee is brewed with water "just off the boil" and then cooled down. Iced coffee tends to be less acidic and gentler on your digestive system, according to Dr. Maheinthan Yogeswaran, a general practitioner (via Bustle). Cold brewed or iced, the finished product may look similar. However, the differences in preparation are important. According to a study in Scientific Reports, hot brewed coffee had more antioxidants than cold brew coffee. The study also noted that cold brew's antioxidants decreased with dark roast beans (via American Chemical Society).
Filtering is also important for healthier coffee. A paper filter can block LDL cholesterol-raising diterpenes from entering your cup (via The New York Times). Of course, extra additions like syrups and sugar can change the health benefits of your drink and make coffee unhealthy. According to a Public Health study, these additions added 69 calories per day (via Eat This, Not That!). This is a modest amount compared to restaurant-crafted coffee drinks that can be significantly higher in calories and sugar. In the end, if you're looking for the best of both worlds in terms of antioxidants and acidity, a hot-brewed dark roast may be your best bet.
