Instant coffee often becomes a subject of debate: some consider it "pseudo-coffee," while others see it as a morning savior. In reality, instant coffee is real coffee, just brewed and dried under industrial conditions. It is made from roasted and ground beans, turning it into a concentrate that is then dried.
☕ Three Types of Instant Coffee
- Powdered — the simplest and cheapest option.
- Granulated — slightly higher quality, with a denser flavor.
- Sublimated (freeze-dried) — premium level: coffee is frozen and dried in a vacuum, which preserves the aroma and smoothness of the taste.
🔬 Why the Taste Can Be Unpleasant
As explained by Russian Barista, bitterness and a "burnt" aftertaste are often related not to the technology, but to producers' cost-cutting:
- they use cheap robusta instead of arabica;
- they process at too high temperatures;
- they mask the taste with flavorings.
💡 What Remains of the Benefits
Instant coffee does retain caffeine, antioxidants, and trace elements, but in lower amounts than fresh ground coffee. Moreover, the drink can be harsh on the stomach, especially if made from cheap raw materials. Sublimated coffee is an exception: it is smoother and closer to natural in its properties.
Instant coffee cannot be called "fake" — it is simply a different form of the familiar drink. The main thing is to choose a quality product and not confuse convenience with compromise.
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