How ground coffee differs from instant coffee

Which coffee is better - instant or ground? This is an eternal question to which there is no exact answer. But we will try to understand it in more detail, and perhaps you will be the one to make the final choice for yourself. So, ground and instant coffee are the two most basic and popular varieties of coffee in the world. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

What is the difference between ground coffee and instant coffee? The first option is more natural; it does not go through many treatments. The production of brewed coffee undergoes a huge number of different manipulations before it appears in the supermarket. Ground coffee is made in a different way - the grain is simply ground with special equipment, and then it can be consumed.

Interesting fact! The aroma of instant and ground coffee is often very different. The reason lies not only in the manufacturing method, but also in the difference in varieties. Arabica and Robusta are two varieties that are consumed all over the world.

Not so different composition

What ground coffee consists of is very clear. These are ground, pre-roasted beans. Of course, if we are talking about a good product. Cheap brands can add crushed chicory and other legumes.

The ground grains should have a uniform color and texture and emit only a characteristic coffee smell. Otherwise, there is a possibility of third-party impurities.

Now about the composition of the granules. Contrary to many stereotypes, instant coffee is made from coffee. It is not true that the granulated drink is made from dust or waste. The semi-finished product is a thick, boiled mixture of natural grains. True, berries of cheap varieties are used for concentrate, rejection, and “failures” of roasting.

During the manufacturing process, a product goes through many technical “procedures”. At each stage of processing, raw materials lose valuable vitamins, microelements and original characteristics.

The biggest disadvantage of raw materials for granules is the almost neutral odor. To eliminate this disadvantage, the manufacturer is forced to add natural and artificial oils, flavors, and fragrances. This is one of the reasons why ground coffee is healthier than instant coffee. The crushed grain retains its natural properties; there is no need for chemical enhancers.

Don't miss: Which ground coffee is the most delicious, brand rating

Recommendations:

Among the “fast” drinks, it is better to choose sublimate. Sublimation technology allows you to preserve at least part of the original properties of the product.
Buy only a glass jar to see the quality of the contents.

Ground coffee - advantages and disadvantages

Which coffee is better to drink - ground or instant? Let's explore the pros and cons of both options. As in the subheading above, let's start with the benefits:

Ground coffee is made from the highest quality beans, which immediately makes it healthier than instant varieties.
Essential oils, vitamins, natural taste - all this remains in the ground coffee.
You can prepare this drink yourself, just buy coffee beans.
The variability of the grinding itself creates a large number of taste differences and varieties. The aroma can be very different, you need to try and find the perfect drink for yourself.
You can add spices to ground coffee; there are many interesting recipes from different countries. This once again increases the variability of aromas and creates new varieties.

Flaws:

This type of coffee costs much more, so it is considered an indicator of wealth.
Preparing the drink is more complex and takes longer. You need to know the intricacies of the variety you are using so as not to spoil it.
Storing ground coffee is the main problem. This period of time is very limited. When the grains are ground, the resulting mixture must be stored in an airtight container or jar with a tight lid. Also take into account the roasting period of the beans themselves; if 4 months have passed, the drink begins to lose its beneficial and taste properties.
Special tools, which are necessary for preparing some types of ground coffee, once again create complications and troubles for its consumers.

What's with caffeine?

Instant coffee is made primarily from robusta, which is not the best variety. The caffeine content in it is significantly higher than in elite Arabica beans. Logically, granules and sublimate should prevail over grinding in terms of tonic alkaloid content. But that's not true. After undergoing multi-stage processing, the beans lose most of the caffeine.

This is interesting: Where is there more caffeine, in tea or instant coffee?

A portion of ground coffee brewed in a Turk contains about 100 mg of energy. A cup of instant coffee will contain around 60 mg of this alkaloid. The indicator may fluctuate depending on the brand, but this does not change the picture. Has anyone been looking for the benefits of instant coffee? Here's the first one!

The main differences between ground coffee and instant coffee

If you look at the names of these two types of coffee, it becomes clear that the key difference between the drinks is that one type completely dissolves when brewed, the second releases its substances, but at the same time a sediment of small coffee grains falls at the bottom of the cup. This is only a small part of the differences. In fact, there are many more of them.

Production technology

The simplest and most understandable preparation technology is ground coffee. In this case, the process is simplified as much as possible, however, it has its own nuances that affect the taste, aroma and properties of the final product.

So, to make ground coffee, the coffee beans are first carefully selected. Typically, Arabica beans are used to prepare this variety. They have an incredibly rich and delicate taste and are distinguished by a bouquet of aromas. Depending on what part of the planet the raw materials are collected in (South America, Africa, China), the shades of taste and aroma will differ - from slightly tart fruity to rich chocolate notes.

The most important part of the production of ground coffee is the roasting of the beans and their subsequent blending. Here you need to strictly maintain the technology and temperature conditions. The slightest discrepancy, and the drink will taste burnt.

At the final stage, the roasted coffee beans are ground. This process also has its own nuances, since both the size of the resulting granules and their shape play a role. To preserve their original taste and aroma, crushed grains are packaged in vacuum bags or cans. Whole roasted beans can also be found on sale. They are designed for professional coffee machines or for self-grinding.

As you can see, ground coffee is 100% natural product. Sometimes, to enhance the blend, crushed nuts or natural vanilla, almond, and chocolate flavors can be added to it.

Instant coffee is prepared using completely different technologies. There are several of them:

To obtain powdered coffee, first roasted coffee beans are brewed and infused in water for a certain time. Next, the extracts released are dried, and artificial enhancers and flavors are added to enrich the taste and aroma. This technology greatly reduces the cost of the final product, which is why powdered coffee is considered the most affordable;
Coffee granules, or granulated coffee, are prepared slightly differently. An important stage in its production is steam treatment, due to which the granules dissolve better in water. But this does not have the best effect on the taste, color and aroma of the finished drink. However, by including an additional stage in the production technology, the cost of the final product increases. Therefore, granulated coffee is more expensive than powdered coffee;
Another type of instant coffee is freeze-dried. It is also prepared from a decoction of coffee beans, but instead of evaporating, the resulting coffee liquid is frozen. Next, moisture is removed from the semi-finished coffee product and finally crushed into small fractions. Of all the instant coffee options, this one retains the natural taste and aroma of the coffee beans. Therefore, its price is noticeably higher than that of others.

Today there is another version of the drink - ground coffee in instant. It consists of crushed coffee bean granules enclosed in a shell of instant coffee.

Compound

Ground and instant coffee also have many differences in composition. Crushed particles of coffee beans are a source of more than three hundred different microelements, among which the following are especially valuable:

potassium;
magnesium;
vitamin PP;
compounds with antioxidant properties.

Due to production technology, instant coffee cannot boast of such richness. It contains significantly fewer useful microelements, since the content of ground coffee beans does not exceed 15%.

Caffeine content

Arabica or Robusta beans are used in coffee production. The latter are seriously ahead of Arabica in terms of caffeine content. Despite the fact that the Robusta variety is used to make instant coffee, the final product contains minimal caffeine. The explanation for this lies in the production process, when not whole beans are used, but only coffee extracts, and even those are evaporated or frozen.

As a result, the concentration of caffeine in ground coffee is almost three times higher, so it is truly invigorating and refreshing.

Preparation

The process of brewing instant coffee is extremely simple. Just pour boiling water over the required amount of dry powder or freeze-dried granules, and the drink is ready. You will have to tinker a little with ground coffee. It is prepared in a Turk, slowly heating it on the stove and not bringing it to a boil, in coffee machines, coffee makers or French presses.

Differences in taste

The fact that ground coffee tastes better than instant coffee is almost impossible to dispute. The quick drink is sour and has a not-so-pleasant aftertaste. Among the wide range of brands, you can choose items with different flavor bouquets. But often all these characteristics are the merit of flavorings and emulsifiers that are not able to accurately imitate natural shades.

Some expensive brands of freeze-dried coffee are made without the addition of additives. If you manage to find such a copy on a store shelf, you need to take it without hesitation. Of course, nothing can replace the deep, noble taste of ground coffee. But a distant resemblance, if you're lucky, can be acquired.

Instant coffee bags

Instant coffee contains less caffeine than ground coffee and significantly less furan than coffee capsules. It is available in various packaging - most often cardboard or glass. However, the bags containing 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 instant coffee are not coffee at all, but a coffee drink. These products contain sugar and glucose syrup, hydrogenated vegetable fat and skimmed milk powder, acidity regulators and emulsifiers, flavorings and milk protein and only about 10% instant coffee. Coffee drinks are highly processed foods that should be avoided. They will not bring the benefits to the body that ground coffee does.

Difference in cooking method

The most serious argument in favor of an instant product is the speed and ease of preparation. Pour a spoonful of dry mixture into a cup, add hot water - that’s the whole process. Some people do the same with ground beans, but it's not coffee anymore! Natural powder requires a more respectful attitude, only then will it reveal itself fully.

It's good if the kitchen is equipped with a coffee machine. The device will prepare wonderful espresso, and you don’t have to monitor the process. But the Turk needs attention, and constant attention. After all, coffee should be brewed over low heat and under no circumstances should it boil!

Natural ground coffee - composition and effect on the body

A cup of black coffee can contain between 70 and 140 mg of caffeine. The active substance has some medicinal properties, including anticancer, analgesic and stimulant. Instant coffee contains only 95 mg of caffeine in 1 cup of prepared drink. Coffee also contains chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. These are antioxidants that neutralize oxygen free radicals in the body, improving its cleansing. Antioxidants are also responsible for coffee's anti-cancer effects as they reduce the risk of damage to genetic material in cells. The levels of chlorogenic and caffeic acid in coffee beans increase as they are roasted. Coffee contains not only caffeine, but also theophylline and theobromine, which have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. They work by speeding up the flow of electrical impulses in the brain. As a result, they stimulate thought processes, stimulate the mind and improve memory. The active ingredients found in coffee also reduce the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease by approximately 30%, and in the study this effect was achieved by consuming 3 cups of coffee per day. A cup of coffee without milk and sugar contains no calories - only 0.5 kcal per 100 g of beans, that is, almost nothing. Interestingly, the source of calories in coffee, according to scientists, is 0.1 g of protein. There is a lot of talk about how coffee removes magnesium from the body. However, 100 g of coffee beans contains 3 mg of this mineral. In addition, coffee also contains sodium (2 mg), potassium (49 mg) and calcium (2 mg). However, it does not contain vitamins. The results of a study by Dutch scientists, published by the National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, show that frequent coffee consumption reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. This isn't the only benefit of caffeine - although opinions are divided, many believe that the caffeine found in coffee aids weight loss, especially in terms of fat burning. However, there are some contraindications associated with drinking caffeinated coffee. This applies to people suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease and stomach ulcers, heart disease and hypertension, as well as pregnant and lactating women. Children should also avoid caffeine. In addition, it is unacceptable to take medications with coffee, as it can neutralize or, on the contrary, greatly enhance the effect of the substances contained in the medications. Moreover, the tannins in coffee can further limit the absorption of medicinal substances. This effect is observed in relation to neuroleptics. Drinking coffee should not be combined with proton pump inhibitors. Coffee stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric acid by lowering the pH of gastric juice. Coffee also reduces the absorption of iron from drugs used to treat anemia.

Interesting! What is the difference between a latte and a latte macchiato

Financial issue

After comparing quality characteristics, the price difference between instant and ground coffee is puzzling. You guessed it, grinding is cheaper, and significantly cheaper. To avoid unfoundedness, we will give a small comparison. Products from different price segments, soft packaging, weight – 250 g.

Ground	Price, rubles
Lavazza Qualita Oro	350
Jardin Dessert Cup	170
Lebo Extra for Turkish	90
Soluble	Price, rubles
Jacobs Monarch Millicano	450
Nescafe Gold	300
Jardin Filigrano	250

The reasons are purely economic. Sublimate production is a long, high-tech and expensive process. Even the cheapness of raw materials does not help reduce costs. So, ground coffee differs from instant coffee not only in better quality indicators, but also in financial benefits.

Which is better, instant or ground?

It is difficult to say unequivocally which product is better. In many ways, the choice depends on what priorities the coffee lover sets for himself.

Among the advantages of instant coffee, the following should be highlighted:

long shelf life;
low cost;
simplicity and speed of preparation;
low concentration of caffeine;
a lot of aromatic and taste variations.

When choosing a freeze-dried or ground option, you need to consider the advantages of natural coffee powder:

made from high quality beans;
contains a lot of useful substances;
excellent taste and aroma qualities;
the ability to choose different degrees of grinding;
When cooking, it is allowed to add spices and other ingredients. The variety of recipes is incredibly large.

Instant vs ground

Most arguments speak in favor of a natural drink. First of all, it has an impact on health. Grains contain a number of vitamins and microelements. In moderation, good coffee is not only not prohibited, but even recommended.

As for powder and granules, their harmful effects on the body have been proven. Acrylamide formed during heat treatment harms the nervous system and promotes the development of cancer cells. Acids have a detrimental effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The list is not complete.

Composition of ground and instant

Instant coffee and ground coffee differ primarily in composition. Ground coffee beans contain more than three hundred microelements, among which are:

lipid acids;
potassium;
magnesium;
antioxidant compounds;
cafestol;
vitamin PP.

Instant coffee contains minimal amounts of nutrients. In addition, both in granular and freeze-dried powder versions, the concentration of beans does not exceed 15%. Everything else is chemical additives, thanks to which the drink acquires its characteristic coffee taste and aroma.

Natural ground coffee

This is a drink made from roasted and ground beans obtained from the kernel of the coffee tree. There are about 90 varieties of coffee tree , but the most popular are Arabica and Robusta . The harvest is harvested both manually and mechanically, which subsequently affects the quality and price of the finished product. Then the berries are sorted, washed, dried and sent to enterprises for further packaging and export.

Cleaned beans, they already have the name “green coffee” , are brought for testing - cupping . Cappers evaluate the raw materials by appearance, then roast, grind and analyze the taste of the grains.

Roasting or “pyrolysis” of coffee beans reveals that unique taste and aroma that everyone expects from their favorite drink. There are 4 roast levels, from light to very dark:

Scandinavian.
Viennese.
French.
Italian.

grinding begins . The degree of grinding determines the method of preparing the invigorating drink. So small, “to dust”, is suitable for Turks, medium – for espresso, large – for French press.

The best and most aromatic coffee comes from freshly ground beans.

General beginning

Before a natural or instant drink fills your early morning with fragrance, the fruits of the coffee tree will go through several technological stages.

The first one is dry or wet processing.

Two to three weeks under the hot Brazilian sun - this is the method used to prepare the fruits of the future Arabica Santos - the most popular variety of coffee. Drying the fruit of the coffee tree under the scorching sun ensures the fermentation of its beans. The morning of most lovers of a tonic drink begins with the taste and fragrance of Arabica.
The main rival of Arabica is Colombian Robusta. Its fruits, removed from the tree, washed and partially cleared of pulp, are loaded into special tanks for a day, where they undergo fermentation. Afterwards, the pulp is washed off with a large stream of water, and the “bare” grains are dried in the sun and finally cleaned in a shelling machine.

Next, the coffee beans are roasted. Although their mass will decrease by 18%, the magical effect of heat reveals the full intensity of the drink’s taste. The content of caffeine and various compounds of organic and inorganic nature depends on the degree of roasting.

After frying, the raw materials are sent to the factory floors for sorting in accordance with the standard.

This is where the differences begin.

The largest and most undamaged “specimens” will soon be sent to the production of premium bean coffee. Such grains, ground in industrial conditions, come from vacuum packaging into the consumer’s cup.

And from the rejected residues, manufacturers will make coffee blends or “synthesize” a soluble analogue of brewed coffee. Let's look at the last process in more detail.

So is instant coffee harmful to the body?

The harm of coffee, as well as its benefits, is determined by the presence of caffeine in it. This alkaloid, in addition to cheerfulness and good mood, can cause harm. There are a number of contraindications according to which the consumption of all caffeine-containing products should be excluded or reduced from the diet. Instant coffee is not recommended for people with:

Disease of the cardiovascular system
Hypertension

Also, the instant drink contains an increased concentration of acids, which negatively affects the pH of saliva and gastric juice. This can lead to rapid destruction of tooth enamel and gastrointestinal diseases. Drinking coffee is not recommended for pregnant women, as it can affect the development of the fetus.

This coffee is bad for your health

Coffee is, in principle, a controversial drink in terms of its usefulness. Scientists are conducting numerous studies and vying with each other to either add coffee to the list of prohibited products or return it to the recommended menu. However, it cannot be denied that coffee has certain effects on health. It increases blood pressure, acts as a diuretic (and in some cases, a laxative), promotes the leaching of calcium from bones, increases cholesterol and can provoke gastritis. But not only the instant drink is guilty of all these sins; any coffee can have a negative effect if consumed in very large quantities or if there are contraindications.

The best choice

Summarizing the above considerations about coffee and its release forms, we can confidently say that the best choice is natural ground coffee without additives. Both instant and capsule coffee are lower quality beverages, are highly processed, and may contain ingredients that are potentially harmful to our health.

Types of CoffeeStarbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte: Delicious Variations on a Popular Recipe!

Types of coffee