For those running a regular buffet
You want to measure out each drink quickly and plan ahead for restocking. The stated yield for the specific product you choose can help, provided you take the serving size you actually use into account.
Who are these options for?
For teams preparing iced coffee in advance
You need to allow time for dissolving and cooling the coffee, and plan how to serve it with ice or milk, rather than assuming all instant coffee can be made directly with cold water.
For shoppers comparing format and flavour
You compare how much storage space a product needs, its stated strength or blend, and whether you can offer a decaffeinated option. Don’t assume you can tell how it tastes from the brand name alone.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
First, decide whether you’ll prepare the cold coffee in advance or make it glass by glass. Then choose between measuring from a jar and offering individual portions, and check the instructions for the product you’ve selected.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Buffet yield | The stated number of cups for the exact product and the recommended amount per cup. | When service is regular, I want to plan quantities without changing the serving size from one day to the next. Around 36% of consumers would put this need for a reliable yield first. |
| Preparing cold coffee | The dissolving instructions and how long you’ll need to allow for the drink to cool. | If the coffee needs to be cold when the buffet opens, I need a method the team can prepare in time. This would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Format and flavour profile | The pack size and any strength or blend details shown on the product. | I’m looking for a format that suits my restocking routine and a flavour profile I can try before serving. Around 21% of consumers would make this their main concern. |
| Decaffeinated option | The ‘decaffeinated’ label, pack size and instructions for the product you choose. | To offer another option at the buffet, I need to be able to identify and handle the decaffeinated product separately. This would be the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
What should you watch out for?
-
Assuming all instant coffee dissolves straight into cold water
NESCAFÉ’s iced coffee recipe first dissolves the instant coffee in hot water, then leaves it to cool. You’ll need to plan ahead if the drinks have to be ready when service begins.
Try the instructions for your chosen product with your glasses and the amount of ice you’ll use before building your buffet service around this method.
-
Choosing a large jar without considering how quickly you’ll use it
You need to be able to use and reseal a larger pack properly throughout service. Auchan recommends keeping the jars mentioned tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Choose a size that matches your expected consumption, and check the storage instructions and date on each jar.
-
Confusing black instant coffee with a coffee-based drink mix
A cappuccino or a mix containing milk and sugar should be chosen using different ingredient criteria from those for black instant coffee.
Read the product name and ingredients list for the product you plan to serve, and also check any allergens listed.
Brands to know
Auchan
Two 200 g jars of instant coffee let you compare the details given for each product.
- According to Auchan, its strength 6 product makes around 100 cups, depending on the amount used.
- The Pouce product is labelled strength 7/10; these details don’t describe the whole Auchan range or explain how to prepare it cold.
Carte Noire
The 180 g Classique jar listed by Carrefour is described as an Arabica/Robusta blend.
- You can easily identify the size and blend of this product.
- Check the serving instructions before choosing this jar for iced coffee service.
E.Leclerc Plantation
The range listed by E.Leclerc includes freeze-dried instant coffees in 100 g and 200 g packs, as well as a 200 g decaffeinated option.
- These pack sizes make it easy to spot a decaffeinated option in the range.
- Check the instructions and packaging for your chosen product before deciding where it will go on the buffet.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour lists its Gold instant coffee in 100 g and 200 g packs.
- Two pack sizes are listed for this product.
- The product category is no substitute for checking the packaging for ingredients, serving instructions and how to prepare the coffee cold.
Joybuy products for the buffet
These products offer two ways to serve instant coffee: jars to measure from for regular service, and sticks for individual portions. To serve the drink cold, check the instructions for each product and allow time to prepare and cool it if needed.
Image unavailable
Maxwell House Instant Coffee Filter Quality, 2 x 200 g jars
This pack of two jars suits a service that uses instant coffee regularly. It means you can keep one jar in reserve. For cold coffee, check the product instructions and allow it to cool if the coffee is prepared hot.
Image unavailable
Maxwell House Instant Coffee Filter Quality, 200 g
This 200 g jar of instant coffee is suited to a service where drinks are measured out as they’re prepared. To serve it iced, follow the instructions and try your cooling method before service begins.
Image unavailable
NESCAFÉ Special Filter, 3 packs of 25 sticks, 50 g each
Sticks are suited to individual portions rather than measuring coffee from a jar. Each pack contains 25 sticks and weighs 50 g; check the instructions before planning to serve the drink cold.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make cold coffee with a jar of instant coffee?
Yes, as long as you can prepare and cool the drink before service. NESCAFÉ’s iced coffee recipe first dissolves the instant coffee in hot water. Follow the instructions on your chosen jar rather than assuming it will mix straight into cold water.
How can you estimate the number of drinks per jar?
Start with the yield and serving instructions given for the exact product. Auchan says its 200 g jar of strength 6 instant coffee makes around 100 cups; this figure doesn’t automatically apply to another product or to large glasses of iced coffee.
How should you store an opened jar of instant coffee?
Follow the instructions on the jar you buy. For the Auchan products mentioned, the brand recommends keeping the packaging tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.
What should you check on the label before serving the product?
Check the product name and ingredients for the option you’ve chosen, particularly if you’re comparing black instant coffee with a mix containing milk or sugar. For prepacked food sold in France, the DGCCRF says labelling information must be visible, legible and written at least in French, and any allergens present in the ingredients must be highlighted.
Can a liquid concentrate replace a jar for cold coffee?
It can work for making cold coffee one glass at a time, but it won’t keep in the same way as a dry jar. For its Espresso Concentrate Classic, NESCAFÉ recommends mixing 30 mL of concentrate with 150 mL of water or milk. It also says the bottle must be refrigerated after opening and used within six weeks.