Joybuy Insights

Choosing instant coffee: how to find the right coffee for every moment

Choosing a jar of instant coffee seems straightforward. Yet sometimes you are paying for attractive packaging, a flavour name or a high number of servings without the coffee actually being right for the way you use it. If you want to make coffee quickly without a coffee machine, it pays to look beyond the brand alone.

The main pitfalls when buying instant coffee are:

  • Unclear serving size: a 200-gram jar may look good value, but the number of cups depends on the recommended amount per cup.
  • Marketing around flavour and quality: terms such as “premium instant coffee”, “rich crema” or “barista-style” are not fixed quality standards. Check the ingredients, preparation method and quantity instead.
  • Packaging that does not suit your needs: a glass jar is convenient at home, while coffee sticks are better suited to the office, travelling or a hotel room.
  • Hidden additions: 3-in-1 coffee and flavoured varieties may contain sugar, milk ingredients or sweeteners. This makes them different from black coffee.

What should you look for in instant coffee?

1. Check the ingredients and type of coffee

For pure instant coffee, the ingredients list usually contains only instant coffee. This applies, for example, to various Nescafé and Douwe Egberts products. Always check the packaging, however, as product information and recipes may change.

If the type of bean matters to you, look for Arabica coffee. Arabica is often described as smoother and more aromatic, but taste is personal. According to Nestlé’s product description, Nescafé Gold contains carefully selected, lightly roasted Arabica coffee beans. This is a verifiable product specification, not a guarantee that everyone will experience the same flavour.

A blend of Arabica and Robusta can provide a more intense profile. According to the product description, Douwe Egberts Aroma Rood is made using a combination of roasted Arabica and Robusta beans.

2. Compare the preparation method

Most instant coffee is dissolved in hot water. Pay attention to the amount of water recommended for the product:

  • For ordinary black coffee, one or two teaspoons are often used in a mug.
  • Instant espresso coffee is usually intended for a smaller amount of water, such as 60 ml.
  • With coffee sticks, the serving size is already fixed, for example 1.8 or 2 grams per sachet.
  • According to the product description, some modern varieties can also be dissolved in cold water.

Do not automatically use a full mug of water with instant espresso coffee. This will make the drink thinner than intended. According to the product information, Nescafé Espressostick Instant Coffee recommends 60 ml of hot, not boiling, water per sachet. Other products may recommend 150 to 200 ml. Always read the preparation instructions on the packaging.

3. Choose packaging that helps reduce waste

A large jar is practical if you drink coffee at home or in the office every day. Keep the jar tightly closed after opening and store it in a cool, dry place, away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. Moisture can cause the powder to clump.

For coffee on the go, individual sticks or sachets are easier to measure. You do not need to carry a jar and spoon, and each serving remains individually sealed until opened. Do check the total amount of coffee per box: 25 sticks of 1.8 grams contain considerably less coffee than a 200-gram jar.

Which instant coffee suits the way you use it?

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Douwe Egberts Aroma Rood Instant Coffee - 200 g

Douwe Egberts Aroma Rood Instant Coffee - 200 g

Why it suits this profile: The 200-gram jar is suitable for everyday use at home or while working from home, without having to buy individual servings.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The quantity and preparation method are clearly described. It is 100% freeze-dried instant coffee, with no milk powder or sugar listed in the ingredients.

Main benefit & advantages

200 grams of coffee, up to approximately 120 servings according to the product description, and suitable for black coffee without a coffee machine.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
Nescafe Gold Instant Coffee - 200g

Nescafe Gold Instant Coffee - 200g

Why it suits this profile: The jar offers an Arabica-focused option for anyone who values aroma and a milder flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The choice is not based solely on the term premium instant coffee: the product description mentions selected, lightly roasted Arabica beans and instant coffee as an ingredient.

Main benefit & advantages

200 grams of coffee, protective atmosphere according to the product information, and none of the 14 major EU allergens listed.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users
Nescafe Espressostick Instant Coffee - 25 pcs

Nescafe Espressostick Instant Coffee - 25 pcs

Why it suits this profile: The sticks are convenient for the office, travelling and situations where you want to use a set amount of instant espresso coffee per cup.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The serving is pre-measured at 1.8 grams per sachet. This prevents your espresso from accidentally containing too much or too little powder.

Main benefit & advantages

25 individual sticks, 100% selected Arabica according to the product description, and preparation instructions specifying 60 ml of hot water.

Suitable for: Coffee on the go
SLAB TOWN Black Stone American Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee Powder

SLAB TOWN Black Stone American Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee Powder, 2.8g x 30 Sachets

Why it suits this profile: The 30 sticks are easy to take with you and, according to the product information, can be prepared with 200 ml of hot or cold water, milk or a plant-based drink.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The amount per stick and the total quantity are clearly stated. You are therefore not paying simply for a large-looking box.

Main benefit & advantages

30 servings of 2.8 grams, 100% coffee powder according to the product information, and no allergens listed.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about instant coffee

How do you make instant coffee without a coffee machine?

Put the recommended amount of powder into a dry cup and add hot water. Stir until the powder has dissolved. Use less water for instant espresso coffee than for an ordinary mug. With sticks, the correct ratio is usually stated on the packaging. If the manufacturer specifies “not boiling”, allow boiling water to cool briefly first.

How long does instant coffee keep after opening?

Follow the date and storage instructions on the packaging. An opened jar will generally remain usable as long as it is stored somewhere dry and cool and kept tightly sealed. Before use, check the powder for moisture, clumps, an unusual smell or damaged packaging. If in doubt, throw the product away.

Is decaffeinated coffee available as instant coffee?

It can be, but check the label carefully. Not every coffee without a clear caffeine declaration is decaffeinated. Flavoured and 3-in-1 varieties also differ in their ingredients and nutritional values. If you are specifically looking for decaffeinated coffee, check the product name and ingredients list before placing your order.