Is instant coffee any different in benefits than filter coffee?

Instant coffee is a popular solution for people who need a caffeine boost on the go because it's easy to prepare.

Filtered, machine-brewed or instant coffee are all popular and used daily, but few people pay attention to the differences - Photo: TTO

Coffee in general has health benefits such as improving cognitive abilities, boosting metabolism and preventing the risk of certain diseases.

Instant coffee also has these benefits to varying degrees, as well as the advantages of convenience and cost. However, it also has some potential disadvantages.

What is instant coffee?

Instant coffee is brewed coffee that has been dried into small granules that only need to be mixed with hot water for use. There are two main methods for producing instant coffee: spray drying and freeze drying.

Spray drying is a popular, low-cost method in which brewed coffee is passed through a heated drying chamber to remove water, creating a dry powder. While faster than freeze-drying, the high temperatures can affect the taste and aroma of the coffee.

Freeze-drying is a gentler method of making instant coffee. The coffee is brewed, then frozen and dried under low pressure.

Due to the low temperature, this process takes longer and is often more expensive. However, it helps retain more of the coffee's aromatic compounds and characteristics.

Research shows that freeze-dried coffee has a fluffier texture, but both types of instant coffee are easy to reconstitute with water, making them popular.

Does instant coffee have health benefits too?

Coffee contains many antioxidants and active compounds that have been linked to health benefits such as improved cognition, increased metabolism, and reduced risk of certain diseases. Instant coffee contains many of the same bioactive compounds, providing the same benefits as regular brewed coffee.

Instant coffee also contains a certain amount of caffeine, which helps enhance cognitive ability, helps keep you alert and improves mood.

However, these effects can vary depending on the amount of caffeine in each type of coffee. A cup of regular brewed coffee contains about 92 milligrams of caffeine, and a cup of instant coffee contains about 62 milligrams.

Coffee beans contain chlorogenic acid, which may play an important role in controlling health markers linked to diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

Additionally, drinking instant coffee may aid weight management efforts, as caffeine may contribute to weight loss and body fat reduction.

Many Vietnamese people are now drinking coffee every day - Photo: TTO

The difference between instant coffee and regular coffee

While instant coffee and regular coffee have many similarities, they also have distinct differences. The most obvious difference is brewing time. Instant coffee only requires hot water and coffee grounds, while regular coffee takes longer to brew.

The conventional coffee brewing process also helps the flavor to be more intense than instant coffee, because instant coffee has to go through a drying process.

The same goes for their caffeine content. While it can vary by brand and preparation, regular brewed coffee typically contains more caffeine than instant coffee.

In terms of health benefits, both types of coffee provide antioxidants and improve cognitive function and health. However, the convenience and affordability of instant coffee may appeal to people with busy lifestyles.

Notes on instant coffee

While instant coffee is a convenient and affordable option, there are some downsides, such as instant coffee tends to contain the highest levels of acrylamide, a chemical formed during the roasting process.

Acrylamide is considered a possible carcinogen if consumed in excess, so instant coffee should be consumed in moderation.

Additionally, flavors like the sweetener in instant coffee may contain added sugar, which in large amounts can affect blood sugar control.

Similar to regular coffee, consuming too much instant coffee can also lead to unwanted side effects from caffeine, such as anxiety, insomnia, and digestive problems.

It is essential to pay attention to nutritional content and consume coffee as part of a balanced diet.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ca-phe-hoa-tan-co-khac-gi-ve-loi-ich-so-voi-ca-phe-pha-phin-20250201230036788.htm