7 Secrets Behind The Costco STōK Cold Brew Deal That Coffee Lovers Need To Know In 2025

The Costco STōK Cold Brew two-pack has become a legendary staple in the warehouse giant's refrigerated section, and as of late 2025, it remains one of the single best values for high-quality, ready-to-drink coffee on the market. This massive 96-fluid-ounce deal—consisting of two 48 oz bottles of the Unsweetened Black variety—offers a smooth, bold, and low-acidity coffee experience that rivals expensive coffee shop brews, all while costing less than a single week’s worth of daily lattes. For those looking to fuel their mornings without breaking the bank, understanding the unique brewing process, caffeine content, and sheer value of this bulk purchase is essential.

The secret to its popularity isn't just the price; it’s the quality. Produced by the STōK brand, which is owned by the global food and beverage powerhouse Danone, this cold brew is specifically crafted for a superior flavor profile. We’ve done the deep dive into the latest pricing, product specifics, and ingenious ways to use this coffee to ensure you’re getting the most out of your next Costco run.

1. The Unbeatable Price-Per-Ounce Value of the 96 fl oz Pack

The most compelling reason to buy STōK Cold Brew at Costco is the sheer economic advantage. While prices can fluctuate slightly by location and are subject to change without notice, the average US price for the two-pack of 48 oz bottles—a total of 96 fluid ounces—hovers around $8.68 to $8.99.

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• Costco Price Breakdown: At an average price of $8.68, you are paying approximately $0.09 per fluid ounce.
• Retailer Comparison: A single 48 oz bottle of STōK Unsweetened Black at a standard grocery store often costs between $6.50 and $7.50.
• The Savings: Buying the two-pack at Costco essentially gives you the second 48 oz bottle for less than $2.50, making it significantly cheaper than brewing your own coffee grounds at home, according to some enthusiastic consumers. This bulk purchasing strategy is classic Costco Wholesale Corporation value.

2. The "Low & Slow" Brewing Process That Cuts Acidity

The smooth, less bitter taste of STōK Cold Brew is not an accident; it’s the result of a proprietary technique called the "Low & Slow® process." This method is the core of the brand’s topical authority in the ready-to-drink coffee space.

Unlike traditional hot-brewed coffee, which uses heat to quickly extract flavor compounds, the cold brew method uses time and lower temperatures. STōK takes this a step further by steeping their Arabica beans for a minimum of 10 hours.

The result of this extended cold brewing is a coffee concentrate that is naturally sweeter and significantly less acidic. For coffee lovers who experience stomach discomfort or heartburn from regular hot coffee, the lower acidity of the STōK cold brew is a major benefit, allowing for a more pleasant daily consumption experience.

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3. Decoding the Caffeine Content: 125mg Per Serving

For many, the primary goal of a morning coffee is the caffeine kick. The STōK Cold Brew Unsweetened Black sold at Costco delivers a potent, yet manageable, jolt of energy. Each 12 fluid ounce serving contains approximately 125mg of caffeine.

This is a crucial entity to understand for portion control:

• Standard Serving: 12 fl oz = 125mg caffeine.
• Total Bottle Caffeine: Since each 48 oz bottle contains four 12 oz servings, one bottle holds approximately 500mg of caffeine.
• Comparison to Other STōK Products: While the Unsweetened Black is the primary Costco offering, other STōK varieties, such as the Decaf or the Not Too Sweet Black, have slightly different caffeine profiles, ranging from 120mg to 170mg per serving, depending on the specific product.

Given the high concentration, many consumers choose to dilute the cold brew with water, ice, or milk, which naturally lowers the caffeine per final drink while still providing a robust coffee flavor.

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4. Why Costco Only Stocks the "Unsweetened Black"

While STōK offers a wide family of flavors, including Not Too Sweet Black, Vanilla, Mocha, and Creamed, the standard Costco product is almost exclusively the Unsweetened Black. This is a strategic choice that maximizes the product's appeal to the broadest possible member base.

The Unsweetened Black variety is the perfect blank canvas:

• Zero Sugar and Zero Calories: It appeals to health-conscious buyers and those following specific dietary plans.
• Customization: It allows members to customize their drink with their preferred sweeteners and creamers, such as almond milk, oat milk, or specialized coffee enhancers.
• Versatility: It can be used in cooking, baking, or cocktail recipes without adding unwanted sweetness.

The Not Too Sweet Black variety, which contains a dialed-in amount of cane sugar, is generally found at standard grocery stores, not in the bulk Costco 2-pack.

5. Creative Hacks: 3 Ways to Use Your 96-Ounce Cold Brew Stock

The biggest challenge of buying the 96 fl oz quantity is consuming it before the expiration date. Fortunately, the STōK Unsweetened Black is incredibly versatile. Here are three popular ways to utilize your bulk purchase:

A. The Cold Brew Lemonadi

This refreshing, slightly acidic twist is perfect for summer. Simply mix 8 fl oz of STōK Un-Sweet Cold-Brew Coffee with one part freshly squeezed lemon juice and add sugar to taste. It’s a bright, unexpected flavor profile that cuts through the richness of the coffee.

B. The Summer Tonic

For a sophisticated, bubbly drink, combine equal parts STōK Un-Sweet Cold-Brew Coffee and tonic water over ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or a dash of grapefruit essence for a complex, aromatic beverage.

C. Non-Dairy Protein Shake Base

Use the cold brew as the liquid base for a quick, high-energy breakfast shake. Blend the cold brew with a scoop of protein powder, non-dairy frozen dessert (like a So Delicious brand product), and coconut milk for a smooth, creamy, and caffeinated meal replacement.

6. How STōK Compares to the Kirkland Signature Cold Brew

No discussion of Costco coffee is complete without mentioning the in-house competition: Kirkland Signature. While the Kirkland brand offers a variety of coffee products, including its own cold brew concentrate, the STōK product is a ready-to-drink, pre-diluted option.

The key differences often come down to taste and convenience:

• STōK: Known for its signature "Low & Slow®" smoothness, it is ready to pour directly over ice. It is a premium, national brand experience in a bulk format.
• Kirkland Signature: Often sold as a concentrate, requiring the consumer to mix it with water or milk. This offers more flexibility in strength but requires an extra step.

For the consumer who values the consistent, reliable quality of a national brand and the convenience of a ready-to-drink product, the STōK 2-pack remains the preferred choice in the refrigerated coffee aisle.

7. Essential Storage and Shelf Life Tips

Given the large 96 fl oz quantity, proper storage is critical to maintaining freshness and flavor. The STōK Cold Brew Unsweetened Black is a perishable product that must be kept refrigerated at all times.

• Before Opening: Check the expiration date printed on the bottle, but generally, the shelf life is long enough to cover a typical Costco shopping cycle.
• After Opening: Once a bottle is opened, it should be consumed relatively quickly to ensure the best taste. While the exact time frame varies, most sources recommend consuming the cold brew within 7 to 10 days of opening.
• Freezing for Longevity: To extend the life of your bulk purchase, you can pour the cold brew into ice cube trays and freeze it. These coffee ice cubes are perfect for preventing your iced coffee from getting watered down, or for blending into the non-dairy shakes mentioned above.