What Is the Difference Between Ground Coffee and Instant Coffee

Sean Gregory All About Coffee
4 minute read

The distinction between instant and ground coffee is something that most people think is just a convenience factor. However, there are actual differences in how each of these two coffees come to be.

While one uses a machine and the other will be stirred in hot water, that’s just what you see. There is more than just what is on the surface. Both are coffee, but there are differences—and they go beyond the bag vs. the jar.

What exactly is instant coffee?

Instant coffee is made from brewed coffee beans; the difference between instant coffee and brewed coffee from grounds is what happens to the coffee before it reaches the shelf.

Instant coffee may be a quick fix for your caffeine needs, but the answer to how this sort of coffee is created is a little more complicated. Instant coffee is typically derived from the Robusta strain of coffee beans, one of the less expensive types of beans. This is because these types of beans are much more resilient to things when grown.

Despite having a less complex flavor profile than its popular relative, Arabica coffee, Robusta is the top choice for instant coffee for various reasons.

How is Instant Coffee Made?

Instant coffee is made by freeze-drying and spray-drying the concentrated extract of roasted coffee beans. After brewing, the water is removed by evaporation from the extract and frozen to create dry granules or powder.

These granules stay in a solid state at room temperature and dissolve when combined with boiling water. This is why you can throw them into a cup and not have coffee grounds floating around.

Is instant coffee superior to ground coffee?

Depending on what aspect of coffee is most important to you will answer this question. Instant coffee allows for a quick and easy cup of coffee as all you need is hot water and a scoop or two of instant coffee.

However, this freeze dried coffee is made from lower quality beans and will lack a fresh, bold and smooth flavor profile that you can get from regular brewing.

The biggest benefit of instant coffee is a long shelf life. This is great for those who do not drink coffee often, for saving for guest and traveling and camping.

You are also limited on flavors as instant coffee is only available in a few flavors in the United States and in many areas it is only regular and decaffeinated.

Your overall flavor will be much better with regular brewed coffee but instant coffee serves its purpose.

For many coffee snobs instant coffee is the red headed stepchild of the coffee industry.

The Processes are Different

The bottom line is that both ground coffee and instant coffee are coffee, in all types and roasts. Ground coffee is not as processed as instant before it reaches the end consumer.

In fact, typically the beans are washed and roasted before they are packed and transported for distribution. However, instant coffee goes through an entire process before it is packaged and shipped. It has a longer shelf life than regular coffee and is ideal for certain situations.

Instant coffee is, without a doubt, practically an instant cup of coffee. But ground coffee requires effort to pour and extract the desired flavors. There is a reward for those who can manipulate the brewing process just right.

While most people would prefer a brewed cup, there are times when that isn’t possible, and instant will have to suffice.

One thing that can affect both brewed coffee and instant is the water used. Always be sure that you use good-tasting water to begin the process. This will allow the flavors of the coffee to come through better.

So, is ground coffee the same as instant coffee? Sort of. It is considered coffee but the way it is processed, distributed, and what you do with it that is different.