Coffee: Instant Versus Filter

Article | Craig Goodall, Creative Services Manager at Blue Stream Academy

For a lot of us, when we start a new day, nothing beats a nice warm cup of coffee.

But can we be bothered with the hassle of preparing actual ground coffee beans, or will some instant coffee just do for a quick fix? Also, from a health perspective, aren’t they basically the same?

Instant Coffee...

Instant coffee is just that - instant. Just a teaspoon full of granules dissolves easily in some hot water when stirred. Instant coffee is predominantly made via two main processes. One is called freeze drying. This is where normal ‘filter coffee’ (akin to what a cafetiere produces) is made from roasted and ground beans (Robusta beans are used widely for instant coffee).

This liquid coffee is then frozen and the frozen liquid is transformed into granules when the temperature drops to -40C. Then, within a vacuum environment (devoid of air and any gases), these new frozen granules are slowly dried and then packaged.

The other process is called spray drying. This is the same as above, but the filter coffee is sprayed into a tall container of hot air. As the droplets fall through the air, they fast-dry into coffee powder as they reach the container’s base. Then the coffee is packaged either as powder or processed into granules. The quality of taste and aroma makes this the most popular method to dry instant coffee.

So, if instant coffee is made using dried filter coffee, from a health perspective, are they the same?

According to healthline. com, in our modern diet, both instant and filter coffee are a great source of antioxidants. Coffee contains niacin, magnesium and potassium and an average mug of black coffee has around 10 calories.

However, instant coffee generally contains less caffeine than filter coffee, but contains more acrylamide which has been linked to health concerns. But, don’t stress, these concerns are apparently only an issue when acrylamide is consumed in large amounts.

Instant Coffee vs Filter Coffee - the PROs

• Instant coffee is quick

• Generally contains less caffeine

• A large range available to buy

• Robusta beans are usually more cost effective for the supplier and these lower costs can benefit the purchaser via lower priced coffee

• There is no need for additional purchases with instant coffee, just some hot water, a mug, a spoon and a jar of instant coffee is all that’s required.

Filter Coffee...

Filter coffee is made from roasted coffee beans that are either ground in a home machine or purchased preground. Generally, more time-consuming to make than instant coffee, filter coffee can be made using a variety of processes. An electric filter machine could be used (some have builtin bean grinders) or a cafetiere (used to plunge the coffee through a filter to remove the solids after waiting approximately 5 minutes).

A pod machine system has become increasingly popular (but some pods may contain a mixture of filter and instant coffee) - so there are many ways a filter coffee can be made to your own preference. People can, of course, abandon the D-I-Y approach totally and go to a coffee shop for a freshly brewed cup.

How are Coffee Beans Produced?

There are many varieties of coffee beans to choose from. Arabica is one of the most popular for filter machines. Around 6 months after the small coffee tree (or shrub) flowers, the fruit (actually a seed) will eventually change to a dark reddish-purple colour called the cherry. These clusters are then picked and usually sundried on trays.

For the next stage, the beans are milled to remove the parchment layer, graded and exported to the purchaser as green coffee beans.

These coffee beans are roasted at 200- 300C, dependent on requirements, and cooled very quickly using water or air. The beans are packaged whole or ground. Speed is important to ensure that freshness is retained for the consumer.

Filter Coffee vs Instant Coffee - the PROs

• Filter coffee is generally more intense in aroma and taste

• Many people prefer the taste

• Easier to choose your bean preference

• Can be consumed in many different ways, for example, latte, cappuccino, espresso etc

• Arguably contains less acrylamide [4]

• Can be seen as the coffee connoisseur’s choice due to its nuances and intriguing bean and method identification.

As is the case for a lot of the food and drink we consume, there are some areas of concern when drinking coffee. But there are potential health benefits as well.

The possible benefits of drinking coffee include:

• May lower stroke risk

• Can make you feel happy and fight depression

• Contains essential nutrients (as discussed) including vitamin B12

• Can help you burn fat.

It’s all Subjective Though...

From a taste perspective, what coffee we prefer or the drinking pleasure we get from it is down to personal preference. Do we drink coffee to gain a moment to savour and appreciate life, or do we glug it down for a quick hit of caffeine to wake us up for the day? The choice is yours - coffee is truly one of the ‘perks’ in life.

After all is said and done though, I’m off to get a cup of tea!