What is instant coffee and its features
Instant coffee is a dried concentrate of a real bean drink. First, roasted coffee beans are ground, brewed, and only then turned into the granules, crystals, or powder that we see in jars on store shelves.
The main feature of instant coffee is its instant preparation. It doesn’t require a grinder, a turk or an expensive coffee machine: boiling water or even just warm water is enough. However, the taste and aroma are often inferior to those of freshly ground beans.
The difference from bean coffee is obvious: beans are raw materials with a large amount of aromatic compounds that are only released during brewing. Instant coffee, on the other hand, is a product of secondary processing, and therefore some of the volatile substances have been lost.
Instant coffee production technologies
Freeze-drying method
This is the most expensive but most delicate method of drying. Liquid coffee is frozen at an ultra-low temperature and then the ice is removed by sublimation. It turns into a gaseous state, bypassing the liquid phase. As a result, the maximum flavor is preserved and the crystals are large, light and porous.
Spray-drying method
The hot coffee is sprayed in a special high drying tower. The droplets dry instantly and turn into a fine powder. The technology is fast and cost-effective, but the high temperature destroys some of the aromatic molecules, so the taste of instant coffee produced by this method is simpler.
Comparison of technologies
Sublimation gives a rich flavor and a more natural character to the drink, while spraying is more affordable. The more expensive a can of granulated coffee is, the more likely it is that the product is sublimated inside.
Types of instant coffee and their variations
To make granulated instant coffee, individual powder particles are combined into larger granules. This coffee looks very attractive, and its taste depends on the quality of the bean concentrate from which it is made.
Powdered coffee produced by spraying is easy to dissolve, but often has a sharper and simpler flavor.
Freeze-dried coffee is a premium version of instant coffee, with large crystals and a flavor as close to bean coffee as possible.
There are also flavored variations, coffee enriched with vitamins or with the addition of milk protein.
It is very important to read the composition to understand whether you are holding a quality product or a marketer’s bait.
Rules for choosing quality coffee
Pay attention to the type of production, the origin of the coffee bean, and the presence of flavorings and impurities. Quality coffee should contain 100% coffee. No labels such as “chicory coffee”, “coffee with cereals” or “coffee with cream flavor”.
Too small dark granules, a sharp unnatural vanilla smell, and instant water turbidity indicate poor quality granules.
Look for the words freeze-dried or freeze-dried on the label. It is also important that the type of grain(Arabica/Robusta) and the country of origin from which the concentrate was prepared are indicated.
Products you shouldn’t buy
Here are the red flags that should warn you against buying low-quality instant coffee:
Lack of information on the label about the brand, manufacturer
Coffee with too low a price, below the cost of quality raw materials.
A long list of ingredients instead of 100% coffee.
Lack of information about the manufacturing method.
Variants with an overly aggressive flavor profile, such as cappuccino mocha with caramelized vanilla flavor. The coffee component in these drinks is minimal.
It’s not always a fake, but most often it’s a flavored coffee drink, not real instant coffee.
Rating in Ukraine
There are many types of instant coffee in Ukraine, with marked differences in quality depending on production technology, composition and price segment: Nescafé, Jacobs, Movenpick, Bushido, Ambassador, and Galka. In general, all brands can be divided into three categories:
- Premium segment: freeze-dried coffee from international producers, mainly from Arabica. Suitable for those who want a taste that is as close as possible to the taste of beans.
- Middle segment: blends of Arabica and Robusta, often in granule format. Optimal price-quality ratio.
- Budget segment: powdered coffee. Modest aroma and simple flavor profile at an affordable price.
Useful properties
Instant coffee contains the same main active compounds as bean coffee: caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and antioxidants.
Like bean coffee, it stimulates the nervous system, improves concentration, and slightly increases metabolism.
Vitamins and minerals (magnesium, calcium, niacin) are present in minimal amounts, and the antioxidant properties of soluble are almost as good as those of grain.
Moderate consumption helps to reduce the risk of certain types of diabetes and strengthen blood vessels.
Risks and limitations
The recommended rate for a healthy person is 2-3 cups per day.
Excessive consumption can cause anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations. People with hypertension, heart rhythm disorders, and gastritis should be careful.
Instant coffee does not interact with most medications, but if you are taking drugs that affect the nervous system, it is better to consult a doctor.
Soluble & grain
Bean coffee contains significantly more volatile compounds, vitamins and minerals, but instant coffee is a worthy alternative in terms of antioxidants.
Bean coffee undoubtedly has a more complex flavor profile, but high-quality freeze-dried instant coffee can be a pleasant surprise. In terms of convenience and speed of preparation, instant coffee is preferable. All you need is hot water. And instant coffee is definitely more affordable.
Can I drink instant coffee every day
Whether it’s bean coffee or instant, medical guidelines allow for daily consumption in moderation. Most people respond well to 1-3 servings per day.
To avoid overloading the nervous system, it is better not to drink instant coffee late in the evening, and to take rest days.
Alternatives include decaffeinated beverages or blends in which some of the coffee crystals are replaced with chicory. Just make sure you like the taste.
