Instant Coffee

Caffeine Amount
57 mg
Caffeine strength
MODERATE
Calories
0
Serving size
8 fl oz cup
Apply changes
ml fl oz

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With instant coffee, caffeine measurements are based on the amount of the instant coffee powder used to make the drink.

Here's how some popular instant coffees compare

The caffeine content of coffee itself varies enormously. According to the USDA^*, 1 rounded teaspoon of instant coffee (1.8 grams in weight) contains 57 mg of caffeine. No matter how much water, milk, or creamer you add to the coffee - the amount of caffeine will remain the same. Barone and Roberts^* quote a value of 40-108 mg per 150 ml.

This shows that people vary the amount of coffee powder they use for their drink. The strength and flavor are greatly influenced by the amount of water mixed with the coffee powder.

Instant coffee is made by roasting and grinding the coffee bean and then extracting the flavor. This is done by placing the coffee in a solution of water and then dehydrating the solution (by freeze-drying).

Some instant coffee brands are using micro-ground coffee to boost flavor and caffeine. This is the process Starbucks Via uses.

Caffeine Per Instant Coffee Brand

Brand	Caffeine per 8 fl oz
Waka Columbian	70 mg
Waka Indian	70 mg
Starbucks Via	135 mg
Tasters Choice	98 mg
Moccona (Douwe Egberts)	60 mg
Nescafe	61 mg
Alpine Start	120 mg

Instant coffee tends to have a lower amount of caffeine than brewed coffee. This is because brewing methods (such as drip, percolation, and filter) leave the coffee grinds in contact with water for a much longer time - leading to more caffeine.

Where To Buy

Mount Hagen Organic Freeze Dried Instant Ground Coffee, 3.53 oz
Amazon.com Price $12.20 ($3.46 / Ounce)
(as of 18:50 EST More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee Medium Roast Packets — Pike Place Roast — 1 box (50 packets)
Amazon.com Price $33.55 ($5.78 / Ounce)
(as of 18:50 EST More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals, 8 Ounces
Amazon.com Price $4.99 ($0.62 / Ounce)
(as of 18:50 EST More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

See more Instant Coffee at Amazon.com