It’s hard to imagine what a working day will be like if you don’t drink a strong, invigorating cup of coffee in the morning. Of course, for true coffee lovers, no instant coffee drink compares to freshly ground and brewed aromatic coffee beans.
However, not everyone can afford such a pleasure, since in addition to the high cost, this cooking technology will require additional time. It’s much easier to throw a couple of spoons of the prepared mixture into a glass and pour boiling water over it. It is precisely because of its convenience that instant coffee has ensured wide popularity among lovers of this life-giving drink.
Of all the instant types, freeze-dried coffee is the only one that retains its authentic taste and aroma. The complex procedure for making sublimate includes four stages:
- roasting followed by grinding;
- brewing , which produces a rich coffee extract;
- freezing liquid extract;
- vacuum drying , which removes excess moisture.
Freeze drying is a rather expensive and time-consuming process that takes up to 12 hours.
This prompts some unscrupulous manufacturers to resort to various kinds of tricks, including completely replacing freeze-dried coffee with various cereals. So, under the guise of coffee, you can get a jar of chicory or barley. To avoid such unsuccessful purchases, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the list of the best, which is based on the results of independent laboratory tests of Control Purchase and Roskontrol. POLL: How often do you drink coffee during the day?
How to choose good instant coffee
First, remember that the taste and aroma of an invigorating drink are determined by its quality. A high-grade product should have large granules, no sediment after brewing, and good solubility.
The world saw instant coffee in 1938 thanks to the Swiss chemist, Max Morgenthaler. Today in Russia more than 80% of people drink it.
It is impossible to say which coffee product is the most delicious. This is determined by individual preferences. Some prefer bitterness, while others prefer sourness.
Before purchasing, pay attention to the fact that there are coffee drinks next to high-quality instant coffee. It's not the same thing. The quality of the grains from which these products are made varies. They also differ in price.
Basic selection rules:
- The product packaging must be intact and without damage.
- If the product is sold in a metal can, examine it for rust.
- The container should not have chips or cracks.
- Coffee packaging must have a GOST badge confirming quality.
- The product must not be expired.
Instant coffee varieties are classified according to several parameters:
- type of grains;
- price;
- brewing time;
- presence of sediment;
- granule size.
Popular varieties are Arabica and Robusta. The first is characterized by sourness in taste, and the second by bitterness. 70% of gourmets prefer the first type. It is much more expensive due to the “capriciousness” of growing. But Robusta has also gained a large following. The reason is the nutty notes in the taste.
The aftertaste of an instant drink is determined by the climate in the region in which the raw materials for preparation were grown. Additional factors: degree of roasting and specifics of grinding.
Rating of the best instant freeze-dried coffee from Roskontrol
In this regard, reviews from the independent examination of Roskontrol (the Roskachestvo laboratory has not yet reported on this matter) and real buyers who leave their comments on such auxiliary resources as Ozon and Otzovik will be a good help.
Jardin
Delicious aromatic freeze-dried Arabica coffee, harvested on Kenyan plantations, the cost of which varies from 152 to 294 rubles. per jar depending on volume (75-150 g).
The “botanical Arabica” variety indicated in the label corresponds to reality, as do other components, due to which the physical and chemical characteristics of coffee do not cause the slightest criticism. Everything is in order with the net weight of the goods - there will be no underweight.
the drink has good organoleptic characteristics and natural composition;
does not contain harmful impurities or third-party components not listed in the composition;
medium-roasted beans, due to which the coffee has a pleasant soft taste without bitterness;
affordable price.
not all users like fruity notes in coffee;
inferior in richness to ground coffee;
in some packages there are fractions with an overcooked taste.
Jacobs Monarch
This coffee brand was recognized as completely safe, featuring a 100 percent natural composition and quite decent organoleptic qualities. The only “but” is that for some reason the manufacturer did not indicate the botanical origin of the raw materials used to make the drink, which is quite strange.
In general, all technological processes were followed during the production of the drink, and no third-party impurities or additives were found in the coffee itself. The price of the instant product turned out to be average, ranging from 179 to 834 rubles. depending on the volume of packaging and the materials used to make it (glass is more expensive).
quite strong, aromatic coffee with a specific bitterness (not for everyone) and moderate sourness in taste;
fraction (granules one to one);
high-quality sealed packaging with a convenient zip tape and a protective membrane (relevant for glass jars);
The drink invigorates well not only in the morning, but also at night.
heartburn when drinking large amounts of coffee;
without sugar and cream, the bitterness of the drink becomes very noticeable;
lack of designation of raw materials;
often undissolved particles remain, concentrating on the surface of the drink;
inferior in taste and aroma to coffee made from ground beans.
Today
Another inexpensive brand of instant coffee that has become a bestseller. The success of “Tender Arabica” is explained by such important indicators, confirmed by independent expertise, as safety, naturalness and good organoleptics. In this case, the issue price is 250 rubles. for 95 g of product.
The absence of group B aflatoxin, as well as other toxic substances with foreign impurities, also adds points to the instant drink, while the low caffeine content in comparison with analogues, on the contrary, will disappoint those who like stronger coffee. At the same time, the product was made in full compliance with all current standards and generally accepted technologies, without causing any expert criticism.
a mild taste that will definitely appeal to those who do not like strong coffee with a bitter aftertaste;
very pleasant aroma;
pleasant sourness without excess;
reliable and easy-to-use packaging;
You can drink it in the evening without worrying about the quality of your sleep.
Some people find the coffee too weak, which can result in a decrease in points in the overall rating;
the aroma is without complaints, but the taste is not, there is an evaluative inconsistency in the organoleptics;
not the most budget option if you buy coffee for the whole family.
Tchibo Exclusive
Light (without tachycardia and other unpleasant consequences), safe, non-toxic and quite affordable, this coffee continues to be in high demand, being made from such popular varieties as Arabica and Robusta. The experts have no complaints regarding all other evaluation criteria, since the coffee was produced according to all currently relevant technologies and standards.
In addition, the drink has an average strength and corresponding organoleptic qualities without any super-bright richness or intense aroma. Of course, there are buyers who note the presence of a taste of burnt grain, but we are talking about an exception rather than a pattern.
good composition and high-quality raw materials for preparing the drink;
medium degree of roasting, which makes the coffee taste moderately intense;
convenient preparation without a coffee maker or Turk;
good packaging, both cardboard and glass (stylish design of the jar);
price tag – 250 g will cost buyers 200 rubles. (relevant for paper packaging).
some customers complained about the sharp, burnt taste of the drink;
coffee is not German or Polish, but Russian, from the village of Opalikha, which did not have the best effect on the popularity of the product;
Not everyone likes the low caffeine content of coffee.
"Moscow coffee shop on shares"
The examination fully confirmed the quality of this drink, produced in full accordance with GOST and possessing quite good organoleptic characteristics.
Arabica coffee beans were used to make the product. The asking price is about 600 rubles. for 190 g, which is not very cheap for a domestically produced drink, and even more expensive in soft packaging, in glass.
good degree of roasting;
natural and practically harmless composition without potentially dangerous impurities and toxic substances;
easy-to-use packaging.
the products have contradictory characteristics, and if in one package you come across frankly over-roasted coffee with pronounced bitterness after preparation, then in another the raw materials turn out to be extremely weak, and in order for the drink not to turn out watery, you have to add several spoons to the cup;
In view of the shortcomings listed above, many buyers complain about the price, considering it too high.
Bushido Origina
Not the most budget-friendly (350 rubles per 100 g), but quite tasty coffee, which is sold not only in glass, but also in soft sealed packaging, which allows you to save a lot of money. In addition, this freeze-dried coffee has successfully passed safety testing, demonstrating 100% compliance with the packaging labeling.
excellent organoleptic properties - moderately pronounced bitterness, pleasant aftertaste and delicate aroma;
possibility of brewing without a Turk;
high-quality packaging that retains the smell of freeze-dried coffee long after opening the package.
Almost all buyers complain about the high price and the cunning marketing trick, due to which you may not immediately notice that the package contains only 50 g.
Kinds
Most gourmets prefer a specific premium brand.
There are 3 types of instant coffee: freeze-dried, powdered and granulated. Let's consider each option:
- Sublimated . Professionals often call such raw materials “frozen.” Due to preliminary freezing, its structure is crystallized. Such a product is produced at low temperature through vacuum dehydration. During this process, sublimates appear - small crystals.
- Powdered (emulsified). The production of such a product consists of spraying coffee raw materials in a stream of hot air. During this process, a brown free-flowing powder is obtained. The advantage of such a product is its low cost.
- Granular . To create coffee granules, the beans are pre-soaked in oils. This manipulation makes them porous. Lumps of finished raw materials vary in length and shape. This product is more expensive than the emulsified one.
Sublimated
Granulated
Powdery
Production
Natural and instant drinks have their own technological processing processes. Starts with dry or wet processing. The Arabica will take two to three weeks to prepare under the Brazilian sun.
The most popular variety is Santos. The grain is fermented. Colombian Robusta, which competes with Arabica, is removed from the trees and washed, cleaned and sent to special fermentation containers for 24 hours.
Then the pulp is washed again with a powerful water jet. When the grains are “bare”, they must be dried in the sun and cleaned using a hulling machine. Their weight becomes 18% less. Then the grains are roasted,
Thanks to the heat, their intense flavors are revealed. The amount of caffeine and various additives - organic and inorganic - depends on the level of roasting of the beans. Then, the grains are sorted in factory floors.
Important! And here there are already differences. For premium bean coffee, large and undamaged raw materials are selected. Ground coffee must be sealed in vacuum packaging. The rejected remains are used for blending and for the synthesis of a soluble analogue of brewed drinks.
Then the coffee extract is obtained. The grains are ground and digested for up to several hours. High pressure is used for this process.
The water is then removed from the coffee extracts. Make crystals, granules or powdered coffee using the following methods:
- sublimation—dehydration and freezing in a vacuum;
- for cheap instant drinks, inert gas is sprayed into chambers with high temperature and high pressure;
- the granular product is obtained using steam after the resulting powder in the previous method.
The best choice
Jardine, Nescafe, Jacobs, Black Card are the names of popular coffee brands. There are elite and mass ones among them. The first ones are much more expensive and of better quality, the second ones are more budget-friendly.
60% of Russian gourmets believe that the best instant coffee is Bushido. It is produced in Switzerland and labeled in Japan.
This drink is made only from Arabica beans grown in Central America. Distinctive features of Bushido are the bright black-brown shade of the granules, rich smell and taste with coffee and chocolate notes.
There is no sediment left after brewing, which is a huge plus. But Bushido also has a drawback - the price. For 100 grams of such a product you will have to pay at least 1000 rubles.
Of course, it is impossible to accurately name the best coffee brand. People say: “How many people - so many opinions.” However, it is possible to distinguish a high-quality drink from a low-quality one. But if you don’t know which instant coffee to choose, it is recommended that you read the rating.
Eighth place – rare GRANDOS
Next on our list is the German representative of the instant drink. You will not find this product on the shelves of any supermarket; you will have to hunt for it. The most convenient option for purchasing it is through online stores.
It was loved by true connoisseurs primarily for its composition. The fact is that it contains 100% Arabica. Due to this, it has a deep taste without bitterness.
The price for 100g of product is 300 rubles.
What should you pay attention to when deciding which coffee to choose? This is, of course, the shelf life of the product. Do not forget that this category of goods can be stored for two years, but a good rich taste is obtained when using it during the first year.
Rating
Every year, manufacturers of invigorating drinks make their top list based on consumer demand. To identify good coffee, you first need to pay attention to its packaging.
An important selection criterion is print quality. Records must be clear and easy to read.
Also don't forget to pay attention to the barcode. It must match the country of origin.
The ranking of the best coffee brands includes:
- Egoiste.
- Jacobs.
- Bushido.
- Nescafe.
- Carte noire.
Now let's get acquainted with the best coffee brands that have proven themselves on the Russian market.
Jacobs
This is a good instant product that is produced in the St. Petersburg area. The Jacobs assortment is updated annually. On store shelves you can see this coffee in the form of granules, sublimate. The second variety is stronger in taste.
The drink is made from Arabica beans. Jacobs granulate has a good structure, which makes the brewing process easier. Drink characteristics:
- persistent odor;
- rich brown color;
- pleasant aroma;
- unimpressive taste with a sour note.
This product has virtually no aftertaste. This is its main drawback. Price tag – from 300 rubles.
Seventh place in the ranking – coffee from South Korea
“Gourmet's Choice” - this is the bold name chosen by representatives of the South Korean company for their product. There are two Taster's Choice options. These are representatives of American and Korean production. Coffee lovers prefer the latter option. It can only be found in specialized stores or when purchased online. While the American version can be found on store shelves in the public domain.
The large granules are light brown in color and dissolve quickly in hot water. The rich taste of the resulting drink has a bitter aftertaste with fruity sourness.
The cost of this coffee for 100g is 330 rubles, but it is very profitable to purchase it in packs of 500g for 990 rubles.
Nescafe
The production location is Krasnodar region, but the Nescafe brand belongs to a Swiss company. The quality of this product is without a doubt high.
The modern assortment is represented by all types of instant coffee: powdered, freeze-dried and granulated. The main raw material for the production of these drinks is Arabica beans.
A characteristic feature of Nescafe is its pronounced aftertaste. When you take a sip of this drink, you will feel the rich sourness. The bright and rich taste results from the high caffeine content of 4%.
The granules of the drink are light and uniform. Its aroma is expressive. Some people may find Nescafe to be too bitter. This coffee dissolves well without sediment.
The average price is 350 rubles.
Bushido
This is one of the highest quality coffee brands presented on the domestic market. The drink is distinguished by the presence of chocolate flavor notes.
Due to its high caffeine content, it is strong. Therefore, to soften the taste of Bushido, it is recommended to use sweeteners.
Another characteristic feature is its bright, rich aroma. The pleasant smell of coffee after brewing quickly spreads throughout the house. Price – from 800 rubles.
Harm from drinking the drink and contraindications
Along with the convenience and speed of preparation, instant mixtures acquire undesirable qualities. Sometimes they can cause harm to health.
Compound
The share of dry components of grains in the mixture is about 15%, the remainder includes flavors and dyes. Artificial components are potentially dangerous to human health, so a higher quality natural product is preferable.
Increased acidity
Coffee contains many acids. Their concentration in instant drinks may be higher due to the low quality of raw materials and long shelf life. Acidic compounds are potentially harmful to people with gastrointestinal diseases because... can accelerate the destruction of mucous tissues.
Toxic compounds
This product contains potentially harmful chemicals. The most dangerous is acrylamide, which is formed during high-temperature treatment of seeds.
It is classified as a moderate carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This substance can damage nerve tissue, cause genetic mutations and provoke the development of cancerous tumors.
The soluble mixture also contains oxalates - salts of oxalic acid. With excess consumption of these compounds, stones form in the kidneys.
Lower antioxidant properties
Natural grains contain a high concentration of chlorogenic acids - antioxidants that block the destructive effects of free radicals in the body. When producing a soluble product, the content of such compounds is significantly reduced, and the drink becomes less healthy.
Increases blood pressure
Coffee causes a short-term and sharp increase in blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It's unclear why the spike occurs, but some researchers blame caffeine. Perhaps it blocks the action of a hormone that dilates blood vessels.
Addictive
The instant drink contains high concentrations of caffeine, which is considered a psychoactive substance and is addictive. It suppresses the production of the hormone cortisol, helping to quickly restore strength.
Dependence develops when consuming more than 3 cups daily. Without a new portion, a person has difficulty waking up in the morning and feels chronic fatigue.
Carte noire
Another popular coffee brand. Carte noire is a delicious product, presented only in freeze-dried form. It is distinguished by its strength, sour taste and rich aroma.
The granules of this product are smooth and light, smelling pleasant. The taste is pronounced. Despite the fact that this coffee is made from Arabica beans, its taste has a slight bitterness.
Cost – from 350 rubles.
Number five – Moscow coffee shop on shares
If you ask hardcore coffee lovers which brand produces the best coffee in the country, they will, of course, recommend this company to you. The fact is that this representative has an eighteen-year history, for which he received many different awards.
Even granules of the same size have a beautiful light brown tint. The strength of the resulting drink can be described as above the usual average level.
The price for 100g of product ranges from 350 to 380 rubles.
Egoiste
The countries in which Egoiste is produced are Switzerland and Germany. The range is represented not only by instant, but also by natural and mixed products.
There are no dust parts in granules of this brand. Coffee has a rich taste and aroma. The aftertaste of the drink is nutty and chocolate. Without a doubt, Egoiste is one of the best instant drinks, the price of which ranges from 350-500 rubles.
When choosing, you can rely on the opinion of experts, or experiment. Perhaps you will like a drink that others have not yet fallen in love with. It doesn’t matter what brand of invigorating drink you purchase, the main thing is that it meets quality standards.
Rules for reducing negative consequences
Coffee lovers should adhere to several rules that will help reduce the potential harm of the instant drink:
- Add milk, which will help reduce acidity and compensate for the leaching of calcium from bone structures.
- Do not consume the product on an empty stomach to avoid damage to mucous tissues.
- Drinking a cup of water after drinking an energy drink will help offset the diuretic effects of caffeine.
- Stick to the consumption norm: no more than 3 cups per day.
Experts say the freshness of the product is the most important criterion.
