ORIGIN OF INSTANT COFFEE

What is instant coffee?

Instant coffee, also known as soluble coffee or instant coffee, is a type of coffee that can be easily dissolved in water with a short and quick time.

The reason this type of coffee dissolves quickly in water is because during the processing, manufacturers only isolate, extract, and retain the soluble substances in coffee beans. Insoluble substances and impurities are removed. Usually, instant coffee is in the form of fine powder, combined with sugar, milk powder, and some synthetic substances for drying. When you want to enjoy it, you just need to mix the coffee in the package with hot water and it's ready to use immediately.

Modern production processes create clean and pure coffee products from coffee beans, preserving the delicate natural flavors. The coffee used as raw material for instant coffee is a product with 100% coffee content, the original ingredient after the coffee processing process at the factory/plant.

In trading or cooperative exchanges, instant coffee manufacturers/suppliers sometimes use alternative terms such as pure instant coffee, pure coffee, or black instant coffee powder to clearly distinguish and avoid confusion.

History of Instant Coffee

Instant coffee was first produced in England in 1771. It was called "compound coffee" and was patented by the British government. The first instant coffee in America was created in 1851. It was used in the Civil War, and the "coffee cakes" in trial packs were distributed in rations to soldiers. David Strang in Invercargill, New Zealand, invented and patented instant coffee in 1890.

The first successful method to produce stable coffee powder was invented by Japanese-American chemist Satori Kato in Chicago in 1901. It was patented in 1903.

George Constant Louis Washington, an American-born Belgian inventor, developed his own coffee process after Kato and created his first commercial brand in 1910.

During World War I, instant coffee powder became very popular because the US military bought all available supplies and distributed them in soldiers' rations.

In 1930, Brazil had a large surplus of coffee that would spoil after a longer period, so the Brazilian Coffee Institute requested the creation of a coffee product with a flavor that would help solve the preservation problem and also increase overall coffee sales.

The methods invented at that time had flavors considered inferior and did not dissolve well. After years of research on the issue, a breakthrough came in 1937 when scientist Max Morgenthaler invented a new method of making soluble coffee.

In 1938, the company began selling it, and because the process involved drying the extracted coffee and carbohydrates evenly, it produced an instantly drinkable coffee with better taste and quickly became very popular.

During World War II, instant coffee powder once again became very popular in the military. 

In 1954, a method was developed to produce instant coffee using only coffee without adding stabilizing carbohydrates as before. A better-tasting 3-in-1 coffee was invented in 1960. It used a method called agglomeration, achieved by steaming coffee beans to make them stick together in clumps. The only issue was that reheating it would diminish the coffee flavor. The new method called freeze-drying became a popular method for making instant coffee as it often produced higher-quality products with better taste.

To be produced into packaged coffee, green coffee beans are first roasted to bring out the flavor and aroma. The roasted coffee is then ground and dissolved in water. The solution is then dried using one of two methods: freeze-drying, which removes water by sublimation, or spray drying. Before use, the powder or granules are dissolved in hot water.

How is Instant Coffee Different from Traditional Coffee?

There are differences in form, characteristics, and processes between 3-in-1 coffee and traditional coffee. The difference in brewing speed and convenience is the most noticeable aspect.

Traditional coffee requires a complex brewing process because it requires grinding beans or using many other tools.

What are the Ingredients in Instant Coffee? Instant coffee contains less caffeine than traditional coffee. A pack of coffee contains from 30-90mg of caffeine, while regular coffee contains from 70-140mg. Therefore, this coffee is suitable for those who cannot consume much caffeine or do not want to affect their sleep.

Like other types of coffee, packaged coffee also contains many powerful antioxidants, bringing many health benefits to the body. In fact, the antioxidants in packaged coffee may be even higher due to the production method.

In addition, a serving of instant coffee contains about 4 kcal of energy, providing a small amount of potassium, magnesium, and niacin (vitamin B3).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Instant Coffee

Advantages of Coffee

Instant coffee is a powdered form of coffee mixed with additives such as sugar, milk, cocoa, or coconut milk, fruits, etc.

People often choose to use this coffee when traveling or brewing at the office because of its convenience. You don't need to carry bulky sugar or milk; just hot water is enough for a delicious cup of coffee.

Additionally, this type of coffee, containing caffeine, helps to refresh the mind and provide working energy when consumed. Caffeine also helps improve conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's, and nervous system diseases.

Moreover, packaged coffee is reasonably priced, almost everyone can afford it. The shelf life of this type of coffee is also longer. You can gradually use a jar of coffee for up to two months before it loses its taste and aroma.

Disadvantages

When deciding to buy coffee, you need to research the brand and origin of the coffee because there are many imported coffee brands on the Vietnamese coffee market recently with poor quality. Many brands mix coffee with colorings and flavors, which are harmful to consumers' health.

On the other hand, packaged coffee may not have a rich taste because it has been mixed with many other additives, sometimes too sweet for your taste.

Is Drinking Instant Coffee Good?

From the above analysis, in addition to convenience, 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 coffee helps you avoid coffee drowsiness or side effects. It still provides alertness, inspiration, and health benefits similar to traditional coffee such as: improving metabolism, stimulating brain function, reducing some risks of dangerous diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, hepatitis, type 2 diabetes...), improving negative emotions....

So overall, packaged instant coffee is healthy and you can use it. However, you should choose reputable manufacturers and brands that provide transparent ingredients and standards on the packaging.

Especially, you should rely on your own needs and preferences to choose the most suitable and favorite coffee, whether it is instant or freshly ground coffee.

Currently, this coffee market is very dynamic and there are quite a few types from traditional to new ones. You can fully enjoy a delicious cup of coffee no less than traditional roasted coffee in just 1 minute. However, you need to choose a clean brand to protect your health. Check out S54 Coffee's 3-in-1 coffee now!

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