1 teaspoon (medium) of Instant Coffee (2 g) has 5 calories. That works out to 250 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.2 g of carbs, 0.3 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 50 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Instant Coffee?

Instant Coffee is made by brewing roasted coffee beans, then drying the extract into granules that dissolve in water. Add hot water and stir for a quick cup; unlike brewed coffee, there are no grounds to filter or leave behind. It is a convenient form of coffee rather than a particular bean or regional brewing tradition.

Its flavour ranges from mild to bold depending on the beans and roast, and it is usually served black or with milk and sweetener. It fits a quick breakfast or work break, and in many places is also used in iced coffee and baking. Served plain, it is a low-calorie drink and provides coffee’s naturally occurring antioxidants. Add milk for a softer taste, or adjust the sweetener to suit you.

Instant Coffee Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

250

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

60g

· 22% DV

Protein

15g

· 30% DV

Fat

0.3g

· 0% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 79% · Protein 20% · Fat 1%

Instant Coffee Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

9.6mg · 60% DV

0.3mg · 23% DV

0.2mg · 4% DV

0.01mg · 1% DV

Minerals

Potassium ⭐

3600mg · 106% DV

Magnesium

327mg · 78% DV

Manganese

1mg · 43% DV

Iron

5mg · 28% DV

How Nutritious Is Instant Coffee?

Nutrient density

Low

30/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

38/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Instant Coffee Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Instant Coffee

To burn the 250 calories in 100 g:

🚶

62min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

26min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

34min

Cycling

🏊

29min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Instant Coffee Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Instant Coffee Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Instant Coffee Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Instant Coffee Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.1g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.1g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.1g

Compare Instant Coffee

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Instant Coffee vs Iced Tea230 kcal more per 100 g

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Instant Coffee vs Tea249 kcal more per 100 g

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🥛

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37 kcal

🧊🍵

Iced Tea

20 kcal

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1 kcal

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Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Coffee

How do you make instant coffee taste better?

You can improve instant coffee by dissolving the granules in a small splash of hot water before adding the rest. Milk, cinnamon, or a little cocoa can soften its bitterness; avoid boiling the coffee itself, which can make the flavour harsher.

Can you use instant coffee for iced coffee?

Yes, instant coffee works well in iced coffee. Dissolve the granules in a little hot water first, then add cold water or milk and ice; this helps prevent undissolved bits and keeps the drink from tasting watery.

How is instant coffee made?

Instant coffee is made by brewing coffee and removing most of its water from the extract. The dried coffee becomes powder or granules that dissolve when water is added, so there are no grounds to filter from the cup.

Does instant coffee dissolve in cold water?

Yes, instant coffee can dissolve in cold water, but it usually takes more stirring than it does in hot water. For a smoother cold drink, first make a concentrated paste with a small amount of warm water, then add cold water or milk.

Is instant coffee the same as brewed coffee?

No, instant coffee is dried coffee extract, while brewed coffee is made by passing water through or steeping ground beans. Both come from coffee, but their flavour and caffeine per cup can differ with the product and preparation.

How much instant coffee should you use per cup?

A medium teaspoon of instant coffee is about 2 grams and makes a standard cup for many people. Use less for a milder drink or more for a stronger one, and follow the jar’s directions if you want its suggested serving.

Can instant coffee go bad?

Yes, instant coffee can lose its aroma and quality, especially if moisture gets into the container. Store it tightly sealed in a cool, dry place; discard it if it becomes damp, develops mould, or smells noticeably off.

Does instant coffee have more caffeine than regular coffee?

Usually, a cup of instant coffee has less caffeine than a comparable cup of brewed coffee, but the amount varies by brand and how much you use. A larger or stronger serving can narrow that difference.

Does instant coffee dehydrate you?

No, ordinary amounts of instant coffee do not usually dehydrate healthy adults. The water in the drink contributes to fluid intake; caffeine may briefly increase urination, particularly for people who do not consume it regularly.

Does instant coffee keep you awake?

Yes, the caffeine in instant coffee can make it harder to fall asleep, especially if you drink it later in the day. If you notice disrupted sleep, have it earlier or choose a decaffeinated version.

Have another question about Instant Coffee?

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026