Instant Coffee vs Ground Coffee: Which is Better?
One of the age-old questions I get is which type of coffee is better, instant or ground. While many people, including most baristas, will tell you that instant coffee isn’t real coffee this is not true. Instant coffee is real coffee. However, it is not the same as ground coffee.
While we all enjoy a fresh cup of brewed coffee in the morning, it is not always possible to do so. This is where instant coffee may become your best friend. It is an easy and convenient way to get your caffeine fix in the morning.
In my house I always have both instant coffee and ground coffee. While I enjoy ground coffee more, some mornings I don’t want to take the time or effort to make it. These are the times that I am happy that I have my instant coffee ready to go. So, let’s discuss the differences between instant coffee and ground coffee to see which one is better for you.
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What is instant coffee?
This is a common question because most people how no clue what instant coffee is or even if it is real coffee. Let’s get this out of the way, instant coffee is real coffee. It is made by turning brewed coffee into a concentrated powder by extracting all of the water out of it.
It gives you a quick, easy, and convenient way to enjoy your morning cup of coffee anywhere. You can enjoy various flavors from plain, black coffee to French vanilla or caramel flavored. The manufacturer can make many different flavors by adding in sugar and dried creamer to the dried coffee.
Instant coffee comes in several containers, the most popular is individual packets. This allows you to quickly enjoy your coffee throughout the day. Instant coffee is perfect for camping and road trips. You just add it to hot water and stir and you are ready to enjoy your cup of coffee anywhere in the world.
What is ground coffee?
So, now that you know what instant coffee is, what is ground coffee? Ground coffee is the process of taking roasted whole beans and putting them through a coffee grinder. You can choose various sizes for your ground coffee. Everything from coarse grinds to very find ground coffee.
Different size grinds work better for different brewers and coffee types. For example, espresso uses very fine grounds whereas cold brew and French press are best made with coarse grinds. You can buy ground coffee at the store or you can buy whole beans and use your own coffee grinder at home.
I prefer to buy the whole beans and grind them myself because it gives me more control over the grind type, plus they are freshly ground for better tasting coffee. However, many people like to buy their favorite pre-ground coffee brand. It really depends on your personal taste and the convenience you want.
Instant Coffee vs Ground Coffee: What’s the Difference?
In order to discover which type of coffee is better for you, we need to discuss the major differences between them. This way you can decide which one you should be using and when. Like I said before, I like to have both types of coffee on hand in my house.
When I go on road trips then I definitely take instant coffee with me. We already know one major difference between them. Let’s discuss a few more so you get an overall picture of which type of coffee is best for you to make at home.
Brewing Methods:
One of the main differences between instant coffee and ground coffee is how they are brewed. We already discussed how easy it is to make instant coffee, just add it to hot water and stir. It is the easiest type of coffee to make and perfect to take with you on the go.
Ground coffee is different and can be brewed in a variety of ways. This allows you to brew it the way that you like the best. Everything from using an espresso machine to a French press or pour over. No matter how you like to do it, you can using ground coffee beans.
If you are looking for the quickest and easiest way to make your coffee, then definitely choose instant coffee. It is also more affordable because you don’t need any coffee equipment in order to make it. However, if you want to have more control and variety in how you brew your coffee, then you will want to choose ground coffee.
Remember that when using ground coffee, the coffee needs to be strained or filtered out. Instant coffee dissolves in the water so you don’t need to worry about this step. You also have to keep all of your equipment clean, making the cleanup process more difficult. Overall, which one is best will depend on your lifestyle and needs.
The Taste:
Taste is a hard one to judge because it is so subjective and different people will like different things. We will discuss each one, so you can decide which one will be better for you. Instant coffee tends to have a lighter flavor profile. Also, if you buy a flavored instant coffee then you can’t adjust it. It is already pre-packaged, so you have no control over how sweet or strong the coffee is.
However, if you like sweeter coffee that has a mild flavor profile then you will probably like instant coffee. However, if you like bolder coffee and want total control on how sweet and creamy it is then you will like ground coffee better. You also have control to brew your ground coffee in your favorite way.
My personal preference is to use freshly ground coffee on a daily basis and use instant coffee packets when I am in a rush or when I need to take something on the go with me.
Caffeine Level:
While both instant coffee and ground coffee are real coffee and contain caffeine in them. There is a difference in the caffeine level between the two of them that you should know. On average, a cup (8 ounces) of brewed coffee contains 96mg of caffeine in it.
However, the same size cup of instant coffee, on average, contains only 62mg of caffeine in it. Remember that these are just the averages and will vary depending on the brand you choose, so be sure to always check the package you buy. Also, if you are trying to limit your caffeine intake you can buy decaf coffee versions for both ground coffee and instant coffee.
Shelf Life:
The shelf life of your coffee is a big aspect to consider when choosing which type of buy and use. On average, ground coffee lasts about 5 months once it has been opened. You will start to notice after 5 months that the coffee starts to taste stale and lose its flavor.
Instant coffee lasts longer because each packet stays sealed until you open it to use it. Instant coffee can last up to 2 years. Eventually both of them will start to spoil. It is important that you always look at the expiration date and used it before it reaches that date.
If you drink coffee every day, then you should be able to finish the bag before it expires. However, if you find that you are constantly throwing away your coffee and wasting it, then you may want to consider buying instant coffee because it lasts a lot longer.
Cost:
Another big difference between instant coffee and ground coffee is the overall cost of them. While it may seem like instant coffee is more expensive when you are looking at the prices in the store. The opposite is actually true. Instant coffee is more affordable, overall, than ground coffee.
This is because you don’t need to buy any additional equipment in order to brew it. All you need is your preferred coffee mug and water. You also have to take into account that instant coffee lasts a lot longer, so you won’t waste as much. Once you account for everything, you will discover that instant coffee is cheaper than ground coffee.
Final Thoughts: Which is Better?
As you can see there are several major differences between instant coffee and ground coffee. So, which one is better for you. This depends on your taste and lifestyle choices. If you want coffee that is quick and easy to make then you will like instant coffee better.
However, if you like to brew your coffee in different ways and want a bolder flavor profile, then you will want to choose ground coffee instead. While they are both real coffee and contain caffeine, ground coffee has more in it. If you need that extra kick in the pants in the morning, then instant coffee may not be enough for you.
My personal preference is ground coffee. I grind it myself at home and then have the option to brew it in various ways. This gives me all of the control and flexibility that I want. However, I also keep instant on hand for when I just want to make a quick cup or to take on the go with me.
While there is no right answer to which one is better because it comes down to personal preference. I think that, overall, ground coffee is better. If you have never tried instant coffee, then I suggest you buy a flavor you like and try it for yourself.
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