A Taste of vietnam
Dispelling myths about
instant coffee
Instant coffee, that was firstly launched around 100 years ago, has become one of the most popular beverages. Its consumption in some countries may account for nearly 50% of the total coffee consumption. It’s quite clear why it is so popular nowadays: instant coffee is easy, fast and convenient to make. However, there are a lot of misconceptions and myths around it which we are going to destroy. But firstly, it is important to learn something about instant coffee and the process of its making.
How is instant coffee made?
Any instant coffee goes through 3 main stages of production: preparation, extraction and transformation of the extract into a dry product.
Firstly, the raw coffee beans are carefully roasted and crushed into numerous pieces. Then the grains are placed in special tanks, where they are boiled until they become thick enough. After that this resulting substance is transferred from a liquid state to a dry one. It can be implemented through spray-drying or freeze-drying method. During the first one the coffee extract is treated with hot air; it quickly dries the droplets and turns them into powder or very small pieces. Another method is implemented the following way: the same coffee extract is frozen and cut into small pieces. Then they are dried at a low temperature under vacuum conditions.
So what kind of myths are there around instant coffee and do they somehow correspond to reality?
Any instant coffee goes through 3 main stages of production: preparation, extraction and transformation of the extract into a dry product.
Firstly, the raw coffee beans are carefully roasted and crushed into numerous pieces. Then the grains are placed in special tanks, where they are boiled until they become thick enough. After that this resulting substance is transferred from a liquid state to a dry one. It can be implemented through spray-drying or freeze-drying method. During the first one the coffee extract is treated with hot air; it quickly dries the droplets and turns them into powder or very small pieces. Another method is implemented the following way: the same coffee extract is frozen and cut into small pieces. Then they are dried at a low temperature under vacuum conditions.
So what kind of myths are there around instant coffee and do they somehow correspond to reality?
Myth №1: Instant coffee is harmful for human health
Actually, instant coffee may be harmful to the same extent as the regular one. A lot of people believe that it negatively affects our stomach and increases blood pressure, but the point is that the harm depends on raw materials, different additives, human helath condition and frequency of drinking coffee. Instant coffee contains the same antioxidants and other nutrients that other varieties of coffee, but in smaller numbers. It means that it helps to prevent diseases and improve the function of our organs less efficiently, but at the same time still contributes to it.
Myth №2: Instant coffee gives no energy lick
It is worth to admit that due to the number of conversions, which coffee beans go through before becoming instant coffee, its caffeine content decreases. For example, average cup of instant coffee contains 60-85 milligrams of caffeine per serving, while brewed coffee offers 75-165 milligrams per serving. So if you want quick boost of energy that will keep you energetic for the whole day, instant coffee may be not the best choice. But still, its caffeine content is enough to cheer up a little.
Myth №3: Instant coffee is made from low quality coffee beans
Many people are sure that instant coffee is mostly made from unripe or spoiled coffee beans. This is not true. Bean and ground coffee have the same origin. The main difference between them is that for packaging whole bean coffee grains of approximately the same size are selected (so that roasting will be more uniform), while others – larger or smaller – are ground and used to make instant coffee.
Actually, instant coffee may be harmful to the same extent as the regular one. A lot of people believe that it negatively affects our stomach and increases blood pressure, but the point is that the harm depends on raw materials, different additives, human helath condition and frequency of drinking coffee. Instant coffee contains the same antioxidants and other nutrients that other varieties of coffee, but in smaller numbers. It means that it helps to prevent diseases and improve the function of our organs less efficiently, but at the same time still contributes to it.
Myth №2: Instant coffee gives no energy lick
It is worth to admit that due to the number of conversions, which coffee beans go through before becoming instant coffee, its caffeine content decreases. For example, average cup of instant coffee contains 60-85 milligrams of caffeine per serving, while brewed coffee offers 75-165 milligrams per serving. So if you want quick boost of energy that will keep you energetic for the whole day, instant coffee may be not the best choice. But still, its caffeine content is enough to cheer up a little.
Myth №3: Instant coffee is made from low quality coffee beans
Many people are sure that instant coffee is mostly made from unripe or spoiled coffee beans. This is not true. Bean and ground coffee have the same origin. The main difference between them is that for packaging whole bean coffee grains of approximately the same size are selected (so that roasting will be more uniform), while others – larger or smaller – are ground and used to make instant coffee.
Myth №4: Instant coffee is mostly made from additives and chemicals
Sometimes it can be true: as a result of the production technology coffee can lose its taste and aroma. Some manufacturers restore it with the help of additives, which can be both natural and artificial. However, a lot of studies have confirmed that everything produced by a conscientious manufacturer has almost no additives. The only exception is the so-called "3 in 1" drink and even in this case, the raw materials are diluted only with sugar and dry milk products.
Myth №5: Instant coffee is useless
Like bean coffee, instant coffee has a number of positive properties. For maximum health benefits, it is recommended to drink it without sugar or cream and no more than 2-3 cups per day. As it was already mentioned before it provides fewer benefits than bean coffee, but still stimulates mental processes, increases attention due to the content of caffeine, protects against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, the development of diabetes and certain types of cancer.
All in all, there is some truth in myths around instant coffee, but generally they don’t correspond with reality. At the same time a lot depends on the manufacturer, human health condition and frequency of coffee consumption.
Follow us to learn about coffee and more!
Sometimes it can be true: as a result of the production technology coffee can lose its taste and aroma. Some manufacturers restore it with the help of additives, which can be both natural and artificial. However, a lot of studies have confirmed that everything produced by a conscientious manufacturer has almost no additives. The only exception is the so-called "3 in 1" drink and even in this case, the raw materials are diluted only with sugar and dry milk products.
Myth №5: Instant coffee is useless
Like bean coffee, instant coffee has a number of positive properties. For maximum health benefits, it is recommended to drink it without sugar or cream and no more than 2-3 cups per day. As it was already mentioned before it provides fewer benefits than bean coffee, but still stimulates mental processes, increases attention due to the content of caffeine, protects against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, the development of diabetes and certain types of cancer.
All in all, there is some truth in myths around instant coffee, but generally they don’t correspond with reality. At the same time a lot depends on the manufacturer, human health condition and frequency of coffee consumption.
Follow us to learn about coffee and more!