Filter or Instant Coffee: Full Analysis of This Dispute

If one thing is for certain, it’s that these two coffees are very different! The filter or instant coffee debate has long been disputed, but it’s important that we first learn their differences before we can decide on a preference. Check out the key differences and learn about the pros and cons for each, including strength, health benefits, brewing process and cost with this comprehensive guide.

Instant coffee is a beverage made from brewed coffee beans that can be rapidly prepared by adding hot water or milk in either a powder or crystalised form.

Filter coffee is a beverage made by allowing water to pass through paper or mesh filter containing ground coffee.

For instant coffee, manufacturers import fresh coffee beans and roast them in-house. They are then ground, brewed, heated and condensed into a thick concentrated liquid. This is then dried using either of the following two manufacturing processes:

1. Spray-drying method – A fine mist is sprayed from a high tower in large hot air chambers. As the mist falls, the remaining water evaporates and dry crystals of coffee fall to the bottom of the chamber. These are then collected and are ready to be packaged as dehydrated coffee.
2. Freeze-drying method – The concentrated coffee liquid is rapidly frozen to around -40°C before being placed into a vacuum chamber. The high pressure causes the frozen water to rapidly expand into a gas, without passing through the liquid state, in a process called sublimation.

These coffee granules are then packaged and marketed off to be sold to consumers, who then prepare their cup of coffee by adding hot water. The hot water rehydrates the granules back into the concentrated liquid, and one cup of water per teaspoon dilutes it to the ideal strength.

For filter coffee, hot water, ideally just below boiling point, is poured manually or prepared by an electric filter coffee machine over coarsely ground coffee beans. The coffee grounds and water are then filtered before serving via one of two methods:

1. Manually using a paper filter method – This method gives more control over how you saturate the coffee grounds. Hot water is poured evenly over the top of ground coffee, where it brews in the filter paper before slowly dripping into the container below. Remove the filtered coffee grounds and the coffee is ready to drink. Add milk and sweeteners to your taste.
2. With a french press or cafetiere – Coffee grounds are fully immersed in hot water and left to brew before being separated by plunging a coarse mesh filter down through the liquid. For this method, coarsely ground coffee beans and a longer brewing time are recommended for the best percolation results. This method prepares a strong and impactful coffee full of flavours and aromas.

• Taste and quality: Filter coffee is richer and stronger flavour-wise.
• Convenience and preparation time: Instant coffee is quicker and ready-to-go without needing any equipment, outside of a kettle, or time for prep.
• Health benefits: Coffee in all forms can boost metabolism, aid digestion, improve cognitive function and increase focus levels. However, filter coffee takes the win for this one as it boasts higher levels of antioxidants and caffeine due to being less processed.
• Health risks: Overconsumption of coffee, or rather the overconsumption of caffeine, can lead to health problems such as hypertension and insomnia. However, in moderation coffee can actually help prevent heart disease. So you can have too much of a good thing!
• Cost: Is filter or instant coffee more expensive? Instant coffee is widely manufactured and has a very long shelf life, making it easy and cheap to stock in bulk. It’s also cheaper for the consumer because instant coffee doesn’t need any investment in expensive brewing equipment. Just boil some water and it’s ready.
• Caffeine content: Due to their different processes, filter coffee tends to have a higher caffeine content. Because filter coffee is made from freshly ground coffee beans, it maintains more of its original compounds, including caffeine. Manufacturing processes such as spray-drying can compromise or even destroy these compounds, so they get lost in the process.
• Aroma: As filtered coffee made from freshly roasted coffee grounds, it packs more aromas.
• Varieties and customisations: There are many varieties for both, with hundreds of brands, strengths, and flavours available for both ground coffee and instant coffee. Filter coffee allows for more control over the brewing process, whereas instant coffee will only vary by brand. Tailor your coffee to your preference by adding milk or your choice of sweetener.
• Make it your own: Cow’s milk, oat milk, sugars, syrups, sweeteners and spices are compatible and optional with both filter or instant coffee. Check out our wholesale consumables to get your coffee your way.
• Environmental impact: Requiring less manufacturing processes (it’s really just packaging), filter coffee tends to have less of a carbon footprint. However, some instant coffee manufacturers are B Corp certified, while many coffee bean options still aren’t, so either can be eco-friendly and sustainable, depending on the brand.

Which is stronger filter or instant coffee? – Now you know! Filter coffee wins across the board for aroma, taste, and caffeine content due to its freshness. However, when it comes to convenience and speed of preparation, your best coffee instant granules are all you need. It really does just depend on what you value most in your cup of joe.

Has your opinion now changed since reading this guide? Which side of the dispute are you on?

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Did you know, some commercial vending machines offer instant and filter coffee? Browse our extensive range here!