There is a common misconception discussing how espresso powder and instant coffee differ from each other. At a glance, they both look identical in terms of appearance, yet they are completely different. To end the misunderstanding debate, we will further discuss how both instant coffee and espresso powder are produced and used.
Before diving into brief descriptions, instant coffee and espresso powder are basically the same. Nonetheless, the espresso powder is more robust and concentrated as it uses dark roast Arabica coffee beans. On the other hand, instant coffee is constructed from Robusta coffee beans. Therefore, the coffee produces less fragrance and flavour, but it is ideal for budget-saving.
Espresso Powder – What is it?
Generally, Arabica beans are used to make espresso powder. The beans are grown and cultivated in higher altitudes; therefore, the Arabica beans are considered the finest quality coffee bean globally as they carry robust and aromatic characteristics. In addition, the Arabica beans are roasted to a dark or extra dark roast level during making powder. As a result, the coffee beans will release all of their attributes at this roasting level, making the coffee more fragrant, delicate, and concentrated.
Moreover, espresso powder can be called instant espresso powder because you can instantly make coffee without tamping or using any coffee machines. As the instant espresso powder is already finely ground and dried, you can just pour the boiling water on the powder and finish off by stirring it. On top of that, busy people can try out the instant espresso powder as it saves up a lot of time.
Instant Coffee – What is it?
Dehydrated ground coffee is used to make powdered coffee. Generally, the powder is prepared by brewing coffee and then draining the water. It is frequently freeze-dried or spray-dried. In addition, you can simply stir it into boiling water when you’re ready to brew. Instant coffee is an excellent alternative for traveling because it is easy to brew and portable to carry anywhere.
Most instant coffee is manufactured using Robusta beans, which have a stronger flavour than Arabica. On top of that, instant coffee prepared from Arabica beans is available from a number of well-known brands. Regarding caffeine content, instant coffee may vary from 27 mg to 173 mg, with an average of 66 mg. Therefore, it carries less than a cup of freshly brewed coffee, which has an average of 112 mg of caffeine. You can add more instant coffee to the cup for those who want to have more caffeine.
Characteristics of Both Espresso Powder and Instant Coffee
Type of Selected Beans
Arabica and Robusta are the most widely used coffee beans globally due to their unique flavour and planting difficulties. As coffee enthusiasts, you would know that Arabica beans are the best choice because they are grown at higher altitudes with exceptional environments to produce high-quality fruits. Since the beans are simply superior, they are only used for high-end coffee production. However, Robusta beans are grown at lower altitudes than Arabica beans at as low as 2000 feet (600 meters). At these altitudes, the coffee produces less flavour and fragrance, yet it contains more acidity and is more resistant to the pest. Thus, they are easier to grow, less expensive, and milder than Arabica.
Since instant coffee carries more caffeine, it is designed for coffee lovers who wish to have a fast and simple coffee with a caffeine elevation. Furthermore, it would be ideal for those on a budget for coffee; therefore, instant coffee is very economical. For this reason, Robusta beans are used to make instant coffee.
In addition, you cannot underestimate the instant coffee made from Robusta beans. They still produce exceptional coffee instantly whilst saving some money. On the other hand, nowadays, instant coffee that is brewed and ground from Arabica beans is available on the market. Hence, if you are willing to pay a little more money, you can purchase high-end instant Arabica coffee that tastes far better than the Robusta one.
On the contrary, because espresso is the first-class drink that requires the finest coffee beans, the instant espresso powder always comes with Arabica beans. There will be no espresso shot made from Robusta coffee beans available on the market as espresso is a concentrated beverage. Of course, it requires robust hints of fruits. As a result, Robusta’s harsh tones will not go with it.
Taste
The most important thing about coffee is flavour. For this reason, espresso powder and instant coffee are very different from each other. Basically, when compared to freshly ground coffee, the flavour of instant coffee is noticeably lacking. As they serve distinguished purposes, the instant one is designed for busy people who do not have time to make coffee. Moreover, since instant coffee is made of Robusta beans, the taste is quite delicious.
In contrast, instant espresso powder is used to prepare an espresso shot. Although the flavour of instant espresso powder is not identical to that of an espresso shot, it comes quite close at least. When you take an espresso shot, you demand a concentrated liquid with a strong taste. Consequently, that is precisely what you will receive with the instant espresso powder.
Caffeine
One of the most compelling reasons to drink coffee is caffeine. However, when it comes to instant coffee, the caffeine concentration is prepared during manufacture and cannot be changed by the consumer. Therefore, ground coffee will provide you with the most caffeine and flexibility. Fundamentally, an 8-ounce serving of instant coffee provides between 80 and 120mg of caffeine. For that reason, coffee lovers can add more instant coffee to the cup if they want to double the caffeine content.
Meanwhile, espresso is highly concentrated and robust; however, it has the least caffeine available. A single espresso shot has just 58 milligrams of caffeine, far less than instant coffee. Therefore, as coffee lovers, it would be best to consume 2 cups or more coffee with instant espresso powder. Although it is costly, you will get the most delicate and exceptional coffee with higher caffeine content.
The Natural Connection
There are several similarities between instant espresso powder and instant coffee powder that you may not realize.
To begin, they are both created in the same manner. Both are powders that have been dried from their respective coffees. Furthermore, both powders are concentrated coffees that have been dried and ground into powder form. To be more exact, the freeze-drying method is used to produce instant coffee and espresso powder.
Second, both espresso powder and instant coffee are quite convenient to use when making coffee beverages.
Both of them will totally dissolve in water, which this process cannot be processed with ground coffee. There is also no garbage to dispose of. It’s more gratifying than you could ever realize not dealing with residue coffee grounds.
Popular Questions That May Arise
Do you think instant coffee can be substituted for espresso powder?
It’s possible to do so, but the consequences will be different. For example, they may look interchangeable because they were made from the same process.
Espresso has a stronger flavour than instant coffee. Therefore, substituting it with instant coffee will need a large amount of instant coffee, which will not taste pleasantly.
When the proper quantity of instant coffee is added, it works brilliantly. However, if you incorporate more than is required, the bitter flavour becomes overwhelming, precisely how it could happen in this circumstance.
Do you think instant coffee should be substituted for espresso powder in baking?
You can. Since you will not use much, instant coffee is suitable for such modest volumes.
Does Espresso Powder Have the Same Effect as Instant Coffee?
Espresso powder is not synonymous with instant coffee. Although they are both created using the same technique and may seem identical, their utility and ability to produce completely distinct coffee drinks are different.
On the other hand, you can use espresso powder in baking, but instant coffee cannot. Instant coffee also has its own specialized uses where espresso powder is not appropriate.
Does espresso coffee taste stronger than instant coffee?
Yes, instant espresso powder has a much pungent profile than instant coffee. Instant coffee is much more convenient to consume. However, instant coffee has more caffeine than a shot of espresso in terms of caffeine level.
Closing Thoughts
Instant coffee and instant espresso powder are fast solutions when matching regular coffee. However, they do an amazing job in that regard. If you’re seeking a speedy caffeine boost without engaging in a coffee routine, any of these will suffice.
For those who want a robust cup of coffee, powdered espresso is the way to go. But, if you want greater control over your coffee, instant coffee is definitely the best option.