Vandaag of morgen in huis
Kwaliteit gegarandeerd
Welkomstaanbiedingen ontgrendelen: GRATIS bezorging | Tot 80% korting | Gratis 30 dagen JoyPlus-proefperiode
Download de app
A cup of instant coffee is quick to prepare and does not require a coffee machine. However, instant coffee, 3-in-1 coffee and instant cappuccino can differ considerably in ingredients, portion size and convenience. If you only look at the front of the packaging, you could end up with a product that contains a lot of sugar, does not suit your diet or is less convenient than expected.
This guide from the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer will help you read labels, put marketing claims into perspective and choose the right option for home, the office or when you are out and about.
A 3-in-1 mix combines coffee, sugar and creamer in a single sachet. The proportions can vary considerably. For example, the product information for NESCAFÉ 3in1 Smooth & Rich lists 7.6% instant coffee and 53% sugar. Douwe Egberts 3-in-1 lists 10% instant coffee. The flavour is therefore determined not only by the coffee, but also by sweeteners, milk ingredients and flavourings.
If you want to control the strength and sweetness yourself, choose pure instant coffee, such as Nescafé Gold, and add your own milk or sugar.
A product called instant cappuccino or latte macchiato usually contains milk powder, creamer, sugar and instant coffee. This makes it easy to prepare, but it is not the same as espresso with frothed milk from a machine. According to the product description for Douwe Egberts Whole-wheat Latte Macchiato Instant Coffee, the mix includes 36% skimmed milk powder, sugar and 9% instant coffee, among other ingredients.
Treat the name as an indication of flavour and preparation method, rather than a guarantee of a particular coffee-making process.
Compare the number of portions and the weight of each sachet. A pack containing 25 small sachets of pure coffee works differently from a box of ten larger 3-in-1 portions. Ideally, calculate the price per cup based on the recommended amount of water and powder. Also watch out for offers where most of the total weight consists of sugar or creamer.
Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If sugar appears first, it is a major component of the mix. Pure instant coffee should generally have a short ingredients list; Nescafé Gold 200 g, for example, lists instant coffee as its ingredient.
Also check the source of fat and the milk ingredients. Many 3-in-1 products contain milk proteins, whey or sodium caseinate. The main EU allergens must be clearly identified on the label. Products in this selection list ingredients including milk, soya, wheat or sulphites. Always check the packaging if you have an allergy or intolerance, as recipes can change.
Sachets are convenient for a set portion, but their contents vary. According to the product information, NESCAFÉ 3in1 uses one sachet with 150 ml of hot water. Kopiko Brown Coffee comes in ten 27.5 g sachets and recommends 150–180 ml of water. Trung Nguyen G7 Vietnamese instant coffee contains twenty 16 g sachets.
More water produces a lighter drink, while less water gives a more concentrated flavour. Use hot, but not necessarily boiling, water when this is stated on the packaging. Stir well and store unopened sachets in a dry place.
Use this simple guide:
As well as flavour, pay attention to the nutritional values. A 3-in-1 product may contain relatively few calories per prepared serving, but still contain a lot of sugar per 100 g. Always compare like with like.
Why it suits this profile: An accessible portion pack for anyone who wants to prepare a sweet coffee with creamer without having to measure ingredients. According to the product information, add 150 ml of hot water to each sachet.
The portion size and preparation instructions are clearly stated. However, check the sugar and milk ingredients before ordering.
Individual sticks; coffee, creamer and sugar in one mix; suitable for home or when you are out and about.
Why it suits this profile: Ideal for coffee drinkers who prefer to decide for themselves how much coffee, milk and sugar to add. According to the product description, this variety contains instant coffee and selected Arabica coffee beans.
The ingredients list is short and contains no added sugar or creamer. That means you are not paying for ingredients you do not want.
200 g storage pack; pure instant coffee; according to the product information, 2 g of coffee per prepared serving.
Why it suits this profile: The twenty 16 g sachets are practical for keeping a supply in the office, a kitchen drawer or for taking with you. The mix combines coffee, creamer and sugar.
The contents of each sachet are clearly stated. However, check the milk protein and stated caffeine content if you are sharing the product.
20 portions; Vietnamese origin according to the product information; no coffee machine required.
Why it suits this profile: These coffee biscuits are small and ideal for serving with a cup of instant coffee at home or during an informal coffee break at the office.
The portion is not presented as a coffee drink: these are biscuits with a coffee glaze. Check for wheat and possible traces of milk, egg, nuts and soya.
200 g pack; bite-sized format; coffee glaze; suitable for vegetarians according to the product information.
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.
A sweet 3-in-1 coffee naturally pairs well with a less sweet snack, while pure instant coffee leaves room for biscuits, fudge or sweets. Here are a few options:
When choosing snacks, check the sugar content, allergens and portion size. “With coffee” does not automatically mean that a product is a small portion.
Put the recommended amount of powder into a cup and add the amount of hot water stated on the packaging. For several products in this selection, this is around 150 ml. Stir until the powder has dissolved. With pure instant coffee, add your own milk or sugar.
Unopened instant coffee will generally keep until the date shown on the packaging. Once opened, moisture is the main concern: seal the packaging tightly and store the coffee somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not use a product if its packaging is damaged.
That depends on the brand, portion size, water consumption and the price of capsules or beans. Compare the price per prepared cup while also checking the ingredients. With 3-in-1 coffee, you are paying for the convenience of a pre-mixed portion containing coffee, creamer and sugar.
