Instant coffee vs. ground coffee: Which should you pick?

Data from the National Coffee Association suggests that it’s the norm in the US to drink coffee daily. In fact, the association’s 2024 survey showed that two-thirds of Americans had a caffeinated drink—whether it was made of instant coffee vs. ground coffee—the previous day.

Some are not fussy regarding the type of coffee they consume, while others are more discerning. If you would like to cultivate your coffee knowledge and see which option is more to your taste, reading this guide is the perfect way to start your journey.

What is instant coffee?

Spoon filled with instant coffee granules held above a small pile on a dark surface (Source: iStock)

Instant coffee refers to a water-soluble product made from coffee beans. One can make a drink from instant coffee by simply dissolving it in water. The history of instant coffee is said to date back to 18th-century Britain.

How is instant coffee manufactured? Producing it involves dehydrating a coffee bean concentrate and turning it into fine powder or granules.

What is ground coffee?

Ground coffee in a wooden spoon with roasted coffee beans on a wooden board (Source: iStock)

Is ground coffee instant coffee? Ground coffee is a product made by washing, roasting, and pulverising coffee beans. At the end of the process, its granules can range from very fine to coarse.

Is ground coffee instant? Making freshly brewed coffee grounds is more complicated, since it typically requires equipment. In several cases, one may also have to use a coffee filter, whose origin can be traced back to German housewife Melitta Bentz.

Ground coffee vs. instant coffee: Which is better for your needs?

Explained in detail below are the major differences between instant and ground coffee:

In terms of cost

Barista holding a bag of coffee while checking supplies in a café (Source: iStock)

The types of coffee beans used to make instant and ground coffee point to one reason for the difference in their price ranges. The former usually comes from Arabica beans, while the latter is typically produced from the less pricey Robusta beans.

In the US, a 12-ounce bag of ground coffee usually costs between $4 and $23. The cost of regular instant coffee also starts around $4 but typically does not exceed $14 for a 12-ounce jar.

In terms of preparation

Barista making drip coffee using a pour-over kettle and dripper (Source: iStock)

Instant and ground coffee do not share the same brewing process. Making a drink from instant coffee is as easy as adding coffee crystals to hot water and stirring.

Meanwhile, brewing coffee using fresh coffee grounds is an experience in itself. Whether you’re using a French press, a moka pot, a drip coffee maker, or another piece of equipment, the process will require water and, in some instances, a coffee filter.

In terms of flavor profile

Hot foamy coffee served in a cup with steam rising (Source: iStock)

When it comes to taste and aroma, instant coffee (vs. coffee grounds) is less complex. Made using Robusta beans, instant coffee also tends to be much more bitter and somewhat tart. On the other hand, roasted Arabica coffee beans give ground coffee its smooth taste and aroma.

In terms of customization

Woman making coffee and stirring it in a mug on a kitchen counter (Source: iStock)

Another difference between instant coffee and ground coffee is the degree of customization that you can have with them. When brewing a drink with instant coffee, the main thing you can customize to your taste is the ratio of coffee extract to water.

Meanwhile, aside from the coffee-to-water ratio, you can choose a specific brewing technique and tools to create a ground coffee brew that suits your taste. Moreover, a wide variety of ground coffee roasts (light, medium, and dark) and granule sizes (from extra fine to coarse) means there are more ways to personalize a cup of coffee.

In terms of nutritional content

Stethoscope lying among roasted coffee beans on a wooden surface (Source: iStock)

Is drinking instant coffee bad for you? Coffee, in general, has been proven to make one live longer, have a healthier liver, and enjoy better mental health. The amount of caffeine in instant coffee is slightly lower than that of ground coffee. This means it’s a better choice for those with caffeine sensitivities.

One study also showed that, compared to other types of brewed coffee, it has higher levels of phenols, which have antioxidant properties. However, it has more acrylamide, which is known to increase one’s cancer risk. But do know that the amount of acrylamide one could consume from instant coffee should not cause too much worry.

In terms of shelf life

Row of glass jars containing roasted coffee beans (Source: iStock)

Does instant coffee go bad? The short answer is yes, but it will take two to 20 years before properly stored instant coffee becomes unsuitable for consumption. 

Ground coffee, if left sealed in its original packaging, is safe to use until its best-before date. However, once opened, it will only remain fresh for up to two weeks.

In terms of eco-friendliness

Brewed coffee served beside fresh coffee cherries and leaves (Source: iStock)

There are opposing beliefs regarding which type of coffee has the most environmental impact. In a 2023 study, it was found that carbon dioxide emissions from instant coffee are five times higher than those from ground coffee. However, coffee filters—used mostly when brewing ground coffee—also generate a significant amount of greenhouse gases.

Have coffee and other groceries delivered through Airtasker

Are you craving some coffee from Starbucks but do not have the time to stop by a store? Let Airtasker’s coffee delivery service providers bring your favorite instant or ground coffee right to your doorstep. You can also request other grocery items to be delivered to you to make the trip worthwhile.

You can do so by visiting the Airtaster website, posting a task with all the relevant details, and connecting with the service provider of your choice.