Is freeze-dried instant coffee good for you? Or should you change to fresh coffee?

For years, instant coffee was the most accessible form of Coffee in the UK. I remember back in the days when a “coffee” in a cafe meant hot water and Nescafé. We’ve come a long way in the world of coffee, and now it’s even being reported that coffee is one of the healthiest morning habits we have. 

I recently changed to fresh coffee, and noticed a difference in my well-being – it got much better. After changing back to freeze-dried coffee, I found my digestion was way off, and I got a strange caffeine buzz. So I decided to do some digging. 

Is Instant coffee actually good for you? 

How is instant coffee made? 

Instant coffee can be produced in two ways: spray drying (solubilization) and freeze drying. Some brands do one or the other, and the appearance is what separates them. 

Spray-drying is quick and cheap, but the drawback is that it strips away much of coffee’s flavour. Usually, to compensate,  additives are introduced to bring the flavour back. 

Freeze-drying is a more delicate process and is how most instant coffee is produced. The coffee is frozen to around minus 50°C and then placed in a vacuum chamber. Through a process called sublimation, the water content of the coffee is removed. The process preserves most of the bean’s natural flavour and some of the nutritional benefits of coffee. 

w

Is Instant Coffee good for you?

Instant coffee has several key benefits; it contains antioxidants and is a source of caffeine. The result is that coffee has been linked with liver disease protection, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and also linked with brain health, focus, lifting mood and longevity. There are other sources that suggest the phytosterol content in coffee can support healthy cholesterol levels, the amino acids increase endurance and support the digestive system. 

The key to whether or not instant coffee is good for you is moderation; too much coffee can start to have an effect on your mood, your digestion and general well-being.

Personally, I have found that Instant coffee gives me a sore tummy and a headache if I have more than 2. I do not find the same with fresh coffee. 

There is one major drawback of instant coffee, and that is down to the fact that it contains more of the chemical acrylamide. This is naturally produced during the roasting process, and is also found in fried potatoes (like chips) and bread. There is a link between acrylamide with cancer; however, there is no definitive evidence suggesting this is entirely true, and as we understand it, the level in instant coffee is low enough for it not to be a concern. 

On balance, there is enough evidence to suggest that a cup or two of instant coffee in the morning may actually be better than not having it at all; however, there is a much, much better alternative. 

Fresh Coffee vs Instant

Fresh coffee tastes better. That’s a fact. It is also much better for your health.

Freshly ground coffee retains the oils, antioxidants, vitamins (B vitamins) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, and manganese) that occur naturally. While they can still be found at trace levels in instant coffee, fresh coffee has them in abundance. There is a synergistic benefit to consuming vitamins and minerals in the way they were intended in nature.

Ground coffee also contains fibre, which protects your gut. I personally find that drinking ground coffee does not give me a sore tummy in the same way that instant does. 

Final thoughts

There is plenty of evidence to link instant coffee with some health benefits – if nothing else it makes you feel alive in the morning. That said, there is a tastier, healthier and more beneficial alternative – fresh ground coffee. You get more benefits and more flavour. Why stick with instant when you could enjoy proper coffee?