Caffeine in Drinks

Instant Coffee

Coffee (Instant)
Caffeine
57 mg
per 8 fl oz
MODERATE
This coffee contains moderate levels of caffeine. How much should you drink? Calculate now →
Energy
0
Calories
Sugar
0
grams

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 Gold or Blend 43 50-90 mg
Alpine Start 120 mg

Instant coffee tends to have a lower amount of caffeine than brewed coffee.

Slower brewing methods (such as drip, percolation, and filter) leave the coffee grinds in contact with water for much longer, leading to more caffeine.

Where to buy

Maxwell House The Original Roast Instant Coffee (8 oz Jar)
Amazon.com price $4.88 ($0.61 / Ounce)
(as of 16:40 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, 8 Ounces
Amazon.com price $6.48 ($0.81 / Ounce)
(as of 16:40 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.)
NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Dark Roast, 1 Jar (10.5 Oz)
Amazon.com price $9.98 ($0.95 / Ounce)
(as of 16:40 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.)

Ingredients in Coffee (Instant)

Freeze Dried, Arabica Or Robusta Coffee Beans

Is Instant Coffee high in caffeine?

Instant Coffee contains 57 mg of caffeine in a 8 fl oz cup.

This equates to 7.12 mg of caffeine for every fl oz and 24.09 mg for every 100 ml.

57 mg
Coffee (Instant)
160 mg
Monster energy
80 mg
Red bull
60 mg
Instant Coffee
35 mg
Coca-cola

Sources

Refer to relevant sources here See other references.

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