Brew like a pro: difference between instant vs ground coffee [2022 edition]

Definitive Guide: similarities and differences instant coffee vs ground coffee

Instant coffee

Instant coffee is a useful and handy coffee option for those looking for an inexpensive and fast caffeine boost. It is also referred to as ‘coffee powder’, ‘soluble coffee’ or ‘crystal coffee,’ and it is usually made of Robusta beans.

Instant coffee may be a great option for the following individuals:

• Not willing to own a coffee machine
• Not a big coffee fan
• Need for speed and efficiency in coffee brewing
• Less flavorful coffee
• Limiting caffeine intake

→ Instant coffee derives from a specific technique of drying

One of the differences between instant coffee and ground coffee is how they are obtained. While ground coffee is a result of grinding coffee beans (among other things in a coffee processing), instant coffee comes as a final product from freeze-drying and spray-drying. In either case, instant coffee is devoid of any water content.

The freeze-drying method takes place by freezing brewed coffee and then placing it in a vacuumed, heated chamber. As the frozen coffee warms up, the frozen water expands into gas and dry grains of coffee are left behind.

The spray-drying method involves spraying brewed coffee from a high tower in a hot-air chamber. As the coffee droplets fall, the heat causes the water to evaporate, and dry crystals of coffee to fall to the bottom of the chamber.

→ Brewing instant coffee is a piece of cake

In contrast with coffee ground brewing, instant coffee is very easy and convenient to brew.

All it requires is pouring hot water or hot milk over instant coffee. In this process, the granules of instant coffee will dissolve.

There are no set rules how much water (or even milk) we should use to brew instant coffee. It all depends on individual preferences.

The quantity of water or milk added can increase or decrease depending on how strong we want our coffee to be. Overall, we recommend about 1 teaspoon of instant coffee per 250 ml of water or milk. Brewing with milk may require more instant coffee, if we want to brew a stronger tasting cup, because milk masks the taste and the flavor of the coffee.

→ Instant coffee has fewer antioxidant, less caffeine and a slightly more calories

One of the differences between coffee grounds and instant coffee is the content of antioxidants and caffeine.

Instant coffee has less antioxidants than ground coffee (320 mg/180 ml of instant coffee, compared to 400 mg/180 ml of regular coffee).

Instant coffee also has less caffeine compared to regular coffee (60 mg of caffeine/ 8 ounce of coffee).

On a flip side, instant coffee has slightly more calories than ground coffee. Instant coffee has about 4 calories per each teaspoon vs 2 calories per each teaspoon in ground coffee.

→ No machines needed

Instant coffee is a great option for people who cannot afford to invest in coffee machines, appliances and brewing tools. All we need for instant coffee is a mug, spoon and hot water (or milk).

→ Less flavorful beans in instant coffee

Instant coffee does not have the best coffee taste, and many coffee drinkers do not even consider instant coffee to be worth drinking. Instant coffee is generally made from Robusta beans, which are not as flavorful as Arabica beans. Expect a harsh, bitter taste, that can be a bit heavy on the palate.

Ground coffee

Ground coffee comes in different flavors and strengths, depending on the quality of the coffee beans, their origin, and the intensity of the roast. This type of coffee available in the supermarkets and specialty shops is usually made of Arabica beans, a type of beans that is of a higher quality than the Robusta beans that are normally used to make instant coffee.

Ground coffee may be a great option for the following individuals:

• Love for real coffee flavors
• Enjoying coffee drinking and coffee brewing
• Good intake of caffeine
• Need for benefits of regular coffee (e.g. antioxidant content)
• Limiting caffeine intake

→ Ground coffee goes through 12 steps to get from the coffee bushes to a cup of coffee

Ground coffee is a product of grinding whole coffee beans. The beans roast before grinding, and the intensity of the roasting changes the color and the flavor.

Coffee grinds come in different sizes. Each specific brewing method requires a specific grind size for the best results. For instance, we need to use finely ground coffee in an espresso machine, a medium grind size in a drip coffee maker, and the large grind size in a French press.

→ Ground coffee takes a bit more time to brew

Ground coffee needs water in order to be brewed, and the quantity of water depends on the desired strength of coffee.

Different brewing methods include the drip coffee maker and the French press, where we have the freedom of modifying the quantities of water and coffee according to our liking.

However, we do not have as much freedom when using an espresso machine, where the quantity of coffee and the quantity of water are controlled by the appliance.

In general, it is recommended to use one tablespoon of ground coffee per each cup or water, where one cup of water is usually calculated at 5 oz.

So which one is it? Instant coffee or ground coffee?

Choosing between instant coffee and ground coffee will largely depend on each person’s individual preference, lifestyle and relationship with coffee.

Both instant coffee and ground coffee are great choices. Your choice of coffee can be contingent upon your diet, your lifestyle, your budget, your health and your personal tastes. I know people who would never replace their ground coffee with instant coffee, and who consider instant coffee to be a waste of their time. But I also know people who love their cup of instant coffee brew, and who just do not like the taste of real coffee. At the end of the day, the choice belongs to you!

What do you think? What are some similarities and differences between instant coffee and ground coffee for you? Which coffee brewing method do you like better? What machines do you use to brew your coffee?

Let us know in the comments!