Is it Okay to Drink Instant Coffee Everyday?
Instant coffee has made a remarkable breakthrough into the lives of coffee consumers since its invention in 1901; it offers a convenient and hassle-free way of making a cup of coffee. In recent years, health concerns have raised questions about the safety of drinking instant coffee every day.
What is Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee is a powder or granules made by freezing or spray-drying brewed coffee. To make a cup of instant coffee, all you need to do is pour hot or cold water into the powder or granules and stir.
Instant Coffee and Health
Some people are concerned that instant coffee is not very nutritious. According to the World Coffee Research (WCR), instant coffee holds 66% of the flavor and aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and 97% of its antioxidants.
WCR also states that research has also revealed that instant coffee can be just as beneficial for your health as regular coffee. People who drink instant coffee may experience the same positive effects of drinking freshly brewed coffee, such as reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s, improving the efficiency of your metabolism and reducing the risk of heart disease.
However, it is important to note that the effects of drinking a cup of instant coffee may depend on the individual. Different people react to instant coffee in different ways, and the amount of instant coffee consumed on a daily basis can affect the health benefits experienced.
Overall, instant coffee can be a great way to give you a morning boost and can still afford you the same health benefits as drinking freshly brewed coffee.
The Environmental Impact of Instant Coffee
The process of producing instant coffee is not without its negative impact on the environment. The National Coffee Association (NCA) estimates that it takes around 1.5 million gallons of water to produce a single ton of instant coffee. Furthermore, the production of instant coffee results in more greenhouse gases than the production of fresh roasted coffee.
Instant Coffee and Addiction
Another concern is the potential of addiction to instant coffee. It is important to keep track of the amount of caffeine you consume on a daily basis. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), drinking excessive amounts of caffeine can cause sleep disturbances, anxiety, and can even lead to addiction.
The amount of caffeine in a cup of instant coffee may vary depending on the type of instant coffee; however, it can range from 70 to 2,500 milligrams per serving. The AASM recommends that adults should limit their caffeine intake to 400 milligrams per day.
The Bottom Line
It is possible to drink instant coffee every day; however, keep track of your daily caffeine consumption and take into consideration the environmental impacts. Instant coffee can still provide similar health benefits to freshly brewed coffee and can be enjoyed daily.
Nutritional Benefits
Instant coffee is often praised for its convenient lifestyle benefits; however, it should not be discounted for its nutritional benefits. Drinking instant coffee can provide you with essential nutrients for a healthy lifestyle.
One study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health revealed that drinking two or more cups of instant coffee a day could reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Instant coffee is also high in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, manganese and zinc, as well as rich in vitamins including niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid, according to the European Food Safety Authority.
Additionally, instant coffee provides a good dose of antioxidants which help protect the body from free radical damage. Instant coffee can contain several types of antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and cafestol, which can help reduce inflammation, boost immunity and protect against chronic diseases.
These days, there is a range of instant coffee products to choose from, with a variety of different flavors. From flavored instant coffee with added sweeteners to more natural blends that don’t contain any added sugars. It’s important to read the labels of the products before you purchase, as some may contain ingredients that are not healthy or beneficial.
Preservation Properties
Instant coffee can be appreciated for its ability to preserve the flavor and aroma of freshly brewed coffee due to the special techniques used in its production. A vacuum-controlled environment is used to produce the powder, which can retain its desirable flavor for up to 24 months in storage.
Almost all the flavor and aroma components of freshly brewed coffee are preserved during the production of instant coffee. The water-soluble components of the coffee, such as the acids and essential oils, are extracted using a specific technique which helps to retain the desirable flavors and aromas.
Moreover, instant coffee powder is often packaged in an airtight container or packet to protect it from moisture, oxygen and light. This helps to ensure that the quality of the product remains intact. The product can also have a longer shelf-life than other types of coffee, making it ideal for travel.
Coffee Alternatives
While instant coffee has its benefits, there are other coffee alternatives that can offer the same convenient lifestyle benefits with less environmental impacts. For example, cold brew coffee has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it is a drink that can easily be prepared at home. The cold-brew method uses cold water to extract the coffee grounds, resulting in a drink that is slightly sweeter and less bitter than regular coffee. As no heat is used in the process, cold-brew is also less likely to form damaging acid compounds.
Coffee substitutes are another option for those looking for a caffeine-free fix. Chamomile, dandelion, chicory and yerba mate are all caffeine-free beverages that provide the same mental boost as coffee, without the potential for addiction.
Instant Coffee Brands
There are a range of different instant coffee brands available on the market today. The NCA has compiled a list of certified U.S. coffee brands and product lines in its Coffee Library, which makes it easier to look for the product that best suits your needs.
The type of instant coffee brand you choose will depend on the flavor, strength, and quality you prefer. Premium brands such as Starbucks and Nescafe tend to have a richer flavor compared to cheaper brands. The strength of the coffee will also depend on the individual’s preference and needs, with some brands offering milder, decaffeinated and espresso versions.
Variety in Instant Coffee
The variety of instant coffee products available on the market today is vast. From mocha to latte blends, many of the same flavor combinations offered in cafés can also be enjoyed when opting for an instant coffee.
Instant coffee products can now be found in sachets, mugs or even in pods or capsules similar to coffee machines. Instant coffee sachets can be especially convenient, allowing coffee consumers to enjoy a cup of coffee anytime, anywhere.
Instant coffee is also available in a range of different forms; from powder to granules, and even recipes for cold and iced coffee drinks. Instant coffee is also often easier to store, making it ideal for those who have limited kitchen space.
Instant Coffee Alternatives
Instant coffee, while convenient, is not the only coffee alternative available. A variety of coffee-based powders, syrups and creams have entered the market in recent years, offering coffee consumers unique options for a coffee fix.
Powdered coffee creamer, for example, is a popular coffee alternative and can be used to create a variety of beverages, from a classic cup of coffee to a more complex latte. Alternatives such as coffee cubes, powders and syrups also offer a different taste and texture to coffee consumers.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that the individual’s preference, budget and lifestyle should drive their beverage choices. When choosing an alternative to instant coffee, look at what suits your needs best.
