Instant Coffee vs Ground Coffee

Differences between instant coffee and ground coffee explained

In this article we will describe the differences between instant coffee and ground coffee, which is better as well as give you some insight into how instant coffee is made. We will compare the strength, taste, the overall quality and other characteristics of both types. 

Instant coffee vs ground coffee compared 

What’s the difference between ground coffee and instant coffee?

What makes the difference between instant coffee and ground coffee is the production process and the form of brew in which you get it. You either buy a ready, dehydrated brew in instant coffee or you buy coffee beans (or ground coffee) to make the brew yourself. We will cover the production process later, but first let’s look into some questions that people often ask. 

Is instant coffee stronger than ground coffee?

Ground coffee is stronger than instant coffee and it has higher caffeine content, up to twice more caffeine in a cup. To compare both, one cup made from instant coffee contains 60 – 80 mg of caffeine, whereas one cup of coffee brewed from grounds contains 80 – 120 mg of caffeine.

Does ground coffee taste better than instant?

Well, it’s obviously a matter of taste, but to answer the question, our judgment is that yes, ground coffee does taste better. What’s the difference?

Instant coffee has more bitterness and acidity and overall isn’t very aromatic. It’s most often made from robusta which is lower quality than arabica and this had an impact on flavor. Also, due to high temperatures to which coffee grounds are exposed in instant coffee production, it loses most of its natural flavors. 

This is how ground coffee differs, it has more aroma and flavor than instant coffee and doesn’t have the sharp bitterness, which instant coffee does. Ground coffee can be made either from robusta or arabica, so the quality and richness of taste may vary. 

Which is better, ground coffee or instant coffee? 

Usually ground coffee is of higher quality than instant coffee. The main difference in terms of quality is that usually the lowest quality beans are used to make instant coffee. One reason for that is savings, but it’s also because it’s not worth using higher quality coffee for the instant type, as all aromas and flavors are destroyed during the instant production when coffee is exposed to extremely high temperatures. However, you can also get poor quality coffee beans, so it’s not a guarantee that your ground coffee will be better. 

Is ground coffee healthier than instant coffee?

Not really, the differences in how either of them impacts our health are negligible. We can say that they are pretty much the same when it comes to health matters. However, it may not be the case if there are other things added to instant coffee. For example the 3-in-1 type of instant coffee is a totally different thing. Those instant coffee sachets usually contain fats, preservatives, flavoring substances etc. and those definitely aren’t healthy.

Is instant coffee the same as real coffee?

Well, in a way it is, as instant coffee is made of ground coffee which was already brewed. The difference is in the evaporation, which instant coffee undergoes and is delivered to you as an evaporated coffee brew, whereas you buy coffee beans or ground coffee to make the brew yourself. 

How is instant coffee made?

Now let’s look into why instant coffee is different and when the change happens. 

How was instant coffee invented?

The first attempt to make instant coffee go back to the 18th and 19th century when it was used as a convenience food for soldiers. Later instant coffee was produced for the needs of the Brazilian government to store their oversupply of coffee. So the reasons to make it had nothing to do with producing high quality coffee, but convenience or economics. The way we know it today, instant coffee started to be used commercially in the 1930s. In this article you can read more about the history of instant coffee. 

How is instant coffee produced?

Instant coffee production

Ground coffee vs instant coffee: the difference in brewing, temperatures and dehydration

The process of instant coffee production is the same up until the stage of roasting of coffee beans. After the roasting in the instant coffee production process coffee grounds are brewed in a factory. The brewing process uses very little water in order to achieve a very strong extract. 

Another difference is the temperature of water used, which is 175 – 180 ℃. Such a high temperature of water is achieved thanks to high pressure. Obviously we don’t use such high temperatures to brew coffee at home or in cafes. 

Does such a high temperature of water have an impact on the quality of coffee?

Yes, such a high temperature causes a major loss of aroma in coffee. 

During the next stage the coffee extract is reduced (dehydrated), which can be done in two ways.