Ground Coffee vs Instant Coffee, Learn The Difference Here!

Which one do you prefer? Instant or ground coffee? If you ask Americans, for example, they will answer that regular brewed coffee, ground or beans, is king. Meanwhile, for people in the U.K., Europe, and some regions of Asia, instant coffee is ruling. It leaves us a question about ground coffee vs instant coffee what makes them different?

Indeed, they have several differences that are worth knowing about – the making time, the caffeine content, the cost, the benefits, and many more. Let’s dive into more details.

Definition of Instant Coffee

Essentially, instant coffee is also made of brewed coffee beans a more concentrated, dried coffee extract. We get the powdered coffee extract is obtained from a speedy drying process or a freeze-drying process that goes to packaging. 

Instant Coffee vs. Ground Coffee

As the name implies, instant coffee is pretty much instant, whereas ground coffee requires you to brew it first. Both of them have the same source coffee beans. They also provide you with a caffeine kick to go through the day.

You may find that ground coffee is usually more expensive and better in terms of coffee bean quality, flavor, and caffeine content. Meanwhile, instant coffee wins with better shelf life and ease of making. 

Difference between Ground vs. Instant Coffee

The following are more in-depth differences between ground coffee and instant coffee. 

1. Time of Making Coffee

How to make instant coffee it? You simply need to put it into a cup and add hot water to dissolve it. And, voila! You can enjoy it – in no time. It is a great alternative for those who are in a rush or simply can hardly wait for the regular brewing process. 

As for ground coffee, you need to set aside time only for preparing and brewing, not to mention cleaning afterward. Still, some people prefer this. 

2. Brew Method

Instant coffee does not require any brewing method since it usually has gone through the brewing or extraction process before packaging. 

As for ground coffee, you have to follow some specific techniques before having the delicious liquid and putting it into your cup. There are some techniques you can choose from, like Aeropress, Chemex, drip coffee maker, French Press, etc. 

Also Read: Cold Brew vs Hot brew: Everything You Need to Know

3. The flavor of Ground and Instant Coffee

The flavor is another key difference in ground coffee vs instant coffee discourse. 

Robusta beans – with their somewhat edgy, bitter taste – are mostly used by instant coffee manufacturers. The drying and freezing process has caused the loss of the oils that affect the flavor during the brewing process. 

Having the ability to hold all the essential oils, fresh-brewed ground coffee offers a lower acidic level compared to the instant one. The brewing process also produces more flavor varieties you can extract from. As a result, you can enjoy a fuller and richer taste in a cup. 

4. Caffeine Content in Ground and Instant Coffee

Robusta beans in instant coffee tend to have a higher level of caffeine to prevent further caffeine loss during production. Most instant coffee – in a regular cup – has an average caffeine content of 20 – 45%.

Meanwhile, due to the brewing process, ground coffee contains higher caffeine. A cup of freshly brewed coffee retains about 80 – 120mg of caffeine. The caffeine content may vary due to brands, brewing methods, coffee-to-water ratio, and more. 

5. Cost of Ground Coffee vs Instant Coffee

Instant coffee is a lot less costly than regular ground coffee. Moreover, high-quality ground coffee will cost you more, not to mention investing some money to buy specialized brewing equipment. 

Also Read: Known by Young People to Old People: History of Cold Brew Coffee

6. Coffee Shelf Life 

Instant coffee wins here as it has a longer shelf life, ranging from 2 to 20 years. Store them properly by using an airtight container or sealed package in a cool, dim place. Any exposure to moisture may trigger texture change and mold development. 

Coffee beans expire approximately 6 months after you obtain them. Try to keep your ground coffee in a cooler and shadier place and store it away from any other food that has intense flavor and aroma. A coffee canister is the best option to maintain your blend’s freshness and flavor. 

7. Uses of Ground and Instant Coffee

This coffee is a best friend for those who are in a rush or always on the run – working, traveling, camping, hiking, etc. It is also helpful for any recipe that requires coffee as an ingredient since it has a longer shelf life and is more convenient.

As for ground coffee, the slow brewing process might be a relaxing ritual for some people. Also, as part of their benefits, you can reuse or even recycle them – as facial scrubs, plant fertilizers, tough stain removers, freezer deodorizers, etc. 

So, is Instant Coffee Better than Ground Coffee?

When it comes down to ground coffee vs instant coffee, it is also a matter of preference and lifestyle. Both of them have their own aficionados and thus markets. Instant coffee may not be as good as ground coffee in terms of flavor, quality, or wholesomeness, but still, they cheer up some parts of the global population. Many manufacturers and suppliers – like FnB.co.id – are also there for those looking for first-rate coffee beans and blends.