Instant coffee’s popularity has grown worldwide, becoming the preferred option for over 50% of coffee drinkers in certain regions. It’s an appealing option due to its convenience, affordability, and ease of preparation compared to regular coffee.
But is it good or bad for the human body?
Instant coffee is a form of coffee that has been either freeze-dried or spray-dried. It is produced by removing the water from roasted and ground coffee beans through a specialized process.
Manufacturers say that making instant coffee does not involve adding chemicals or additives to the final product.
To prepare instant coffee, mix the powder or coffee crystals with hot water to create your perfect cup of coffee.
History of Instant Coffee
The first patent for water-soluble instant coffee was granted to Alphonse Allais in France in 1881 (#141520). This was the first true form of instant coffee, as opposed to a coffee concentrate mix or syrup like Essence of Coffee or Camp Coffee.
Ground Coffee vs. Instant Coffee
Typically, coffee is made from roasted and ground coffee beans grown on trees. Instant coffee, invented in 1901 but sold commercially by Nescafe in 1938, was designed as a faster alternative to traditional brewing. It allows coffee to be prepared in seconds.
How is It Made?
Regular coffee is brewed from roasted and ground coffee beans, which are the seeds of the coffee tree. In contrast, instant coffee dehydrates regular coffee through a rapid brewing process, producing a powder that can be rehydrated to make coffee.
Despite its convenience, instant coffee generally lacks regular coffee’s taste and flavor profile.
Robusta beans are usually the bean of choice for instant, which helps produce a stronger flavor after processing.
Harmful Chemicals in Instant Coffee?
Acrylamide is a chemical that can be found in both instant and regularly brewed coffee. This chemical is created during the roasting process of coffee beans, and instant coffee has been found to contain twice as much acrylamide as regular coffee.
While consuming too much acrylamide may increase your risk of cancer and nervous system issues, you’ll unlikely ingest enough of it through the coffee to pose a serious health risk.
However, it’s still recommended to moderate your coffee consumption and maintain a balanced diet for overall health and wellness.
Excluding coffee from your diet may not reduce acrylamide exposure since it’s present in various products such as personal care items, french fries, potato chips, breakfast cereal, crackers, and cookies.
Does Instant Coffee Have Health Benefits?
Some studies suggest instant coffee delivers more beneficial antioxidants than other foods and that it delivers important nutrients like vitamin B3, magnesium, and potassium.
Studies suggest that instant coffee contains more beneficial antioxidants than some foods and provides essential nutrients like vitamin B3, magnesium, and potassium.
Coffee consumption has been associated with a potential reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, according to some studies
However, some experts say instant coffee consumption may be linked to improved mental and liver health.
Does Instant Coffee Have an Expiration Date?
Instant coffee has a remarkably long shelf life of up to two decades, but it’s best if consumed within one to two years – for optimal flavor.
Despite its longevity, it can deteriorate and develop mold if not properly stored. While it doesn’t necessarily spoil, instant coffee may lose potency and taste over time, so proper storage is critical to prevent moisture and mold from ruining your coffee.
Those of you looking to pack a punch with Instant Coffee might be sad to hear it delivers less caffeine than regular coffee. A single teaspoon of instant powder for one cup of hot coffee contains 30–90 mg of caffeine.
On the other hand, a regular cup of coffee packs a much higher punch, delivering 70 to a whopping 140 mg of caffeine, making instant coffee a great choice if you’re trying to limit your caffeine consumption!
Instant coffee is quick and easy, doesn’t require a coffee maker, has a very long shelf life, and is cheaper than regular coffee.
Overall, instant coffee is a healthy, low-calorie beverage linked to about the same health benefits as other types of coffee.
