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A cup of coffee without a coffee machine is handy when working from home, in the office, while travelling or during a quick break. With instant coffee, you usually only need to add hot water. However, instant coffee, coffee sticks, cappuccino instant coffee and coffee capsules can differ considerably in taste, ingredients, price and convenience.
The packaging does not always tell you the whole story either. So before buying instant coffee, watch out for these common pitfalls.
Words such as “smooth”, “rich”, “mocha” or “cappuccino” mainly describe the flavour you can expect. Always check the ingredients list. Standard instant coffee often contains coffee only, whereas 3-in-1 coffee also contains sugar, creamer and milk ingredients.
According to the product information, one NESCAFÉ 3-in-1 Smooth & Rich sachet contains, among other ingredients, 53% sugar and 7.6% instant coffee. According to the listed ingredients, Douwe Egberts 3-in-1 also contains sugar, creamer and around 10% instant coffee. These varieties are convenient, but they are different from black instant coffee.
Arabica coffee is often associated with a milder flavour, but the result also depends on the roast, the production process and the balance between Arabica and Robusta coffee. Robusta can provide a more intense flavour profile.
According to the product description, Nescafé Gold is made with selected, lightly roasted Arabica beans. The g’woon Instant Coffee Gold contains 97% instant coffee and 3% roasted and ground Robusta, according to the ingredients list. So do not compare only the name of the bean. Check the full ingredients list and flavour description too.
A 200-gram jar can be cost-effective for daily use, but coffee sticks are easier to portion and take with you. With cappuccino instant coffee and 3-in-1 coffee, you are also paying for milk powder, sugar and other ingredients.
Compare the price per cup or per gram instead. Also check how much coffee the packaging recommends using: one or two teaspoons from a jar can make a difference to the number of cups you get.
Choose 100% instant coffee if you want to add your own milk or sugar and stay in control of your cup. A jar such as Douwe Egberts Aroma Rood Instant Coffee contains 100% freeze-dried instant coffee made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, according to the product information.
Coffee sticks are convenient when you want a consistent flavour without adding extra ingredients. With 3-in-1 coffee, the coffee, creamer and sugar are already combined. If you have a milk allergy, always check the allergen information: various 3-in-1 varieties contain milk proteins or milk powder.
Pay attention to the system when buying coffee capsules. According to the product description, g’woon Lungo Forte 20st is compatible with Nespresso machines. Check before buying that your machine supports this system. Capsules are not a direct replacement for instant coffee, as you need a machine to use them.
Freeze-dried coffee is often used for instant coffee and, according to product descriptions, may help preserve the aroma. This does not guarantee a particular flavour: the roast and choice of beans remain important.
Store an opened jar or pack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Seal the packaging properly and do not use a product if the packaging is damaged. The applicable best-before information is shown on the label.
Why it suits this profile: The 200-gram jar is practical for daily use at home, in the office or while working from home. You decide how much to use per mug.
The ingredients list mentions instant coffee and a small amount of Robusta. There are no added sugars, but always check the label on the packaging you receive before use.
200 grams, no coffee machine required and, according to the product information, none of the 14 main EU allergens.
Why it suits this profile: This variety is ideal if you are looking for a mild, aromatic black coffee and value having a larger supply at home or work.
The product information refers to carefully selected, lightly roasted Arabica beans and 100% responsibly sourced coffee, according to Nescafé's own information.
200 grams, instant coffee with no added sugar and storage instructions to help preserve the aroma after opening.
Why it suits this profile: The individual portions are convenient for commuters, meeting rooms, holidays and hotel rooms, where easy portioning and portability matter.
The 1.8-gram portion size makes dosing predictable. You do not need to carry a large jar or use a spoon.
25 sachets, instant coffee with Arabica according to the product description and easy to prepare with hot water.
Why it suits this profile: These sticks are ideal if you want to make a sweet, mocha-style drink without measuring out milk, sugar and cocoa powder separately.
The ingredients list makes it clear that this is a mix containing milk powder, sugar, cocoa and just 1% coffee. So do not expect black instant coffee.
Four individual sticks, ready quickly with hot water and a clearly stated composition containing milk ingredients.
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.
Use this rule of thumb:
Put the recommended amount of powder or one sachet into a mug. Add the amount of hot water stated on the packaging and stir well. For many sticks, this is around 150 ml. Use less or more water if you prefer a stronger or milder flavour.
Check the best-before date on the packaging. Once opened, the quality is best preserved when you seal the jar or bag properly and store it somewhere dry. Moisture can cause the powder to clump and lose its aroma.
It depends on the brand, pack size and amount used. Compare the price per cup. Instant coffee from a larger jar does not require a machine or capsule, whereas capsules can involve additional costs for compatibility and the machine itself.
