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Instant coffee

Drinks & liquids · Coffee

Instant coffee

Freeze- or spray-dried coffee granules that dissolve in hot water; handy for baking and quick coffee. Contains caffeine.

Also called: coffee granules, soluble coffee, nescafé

A kind of brewed coffee

2 recipes with it

Photo: Editor at Large, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-2.5)

What it is

Brewed coffee that has been dried into granules or powder, which dissolve instantly in water. Freeze-dried granules are chunky and aromatic; spray-dried powder is finer. Espresso powder is a very dark, fine version made for baking. It is weaker in aroma than freshly brewed coffee but very convenient.

How it’s used

  • Flavouring cakes, brownies and buttercream
  • Dalgona (whipped) coffee
  • Quick hot and iced coffee
  • Tiramisu (dissolved strong)
  • Coffee rubs and sauces

Characteristics

Taste
Bitter and roasted; less complex than brewed.
Texture
Dry granules or fine powder.
Appearance
Brown granules.
When cooked
Dissolves in hot or even cold liquid; absorbs moisture and clumps if left open.
Sold as
powder
Cooking uses
Suitable for baking

Storage

Cool, dry and dark. Close tightly after each use; moisture makes it clump and go stale.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free
  • Contains caffeine; decaf versions exist.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
353 kcal
Protein
12.2 g
Carbohydrate
75.4 g
Fat
0.5 g
Fibre
0 g
Sugars
0 g

USDA FoodData Central: Beverages, coffee, instant, regular, powder.

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Espresso — Use cooled espresso and reduce other liquid.

Related ingredients

Recipes with instant coffee

More coffee