If you’re planning to serve several iced coffees, first choose a size and quantity that suit your gathering, then check how the coffee should be prepared. Standard instant coffee isn’t necessarily designed to be mixed straight into cold water. If the label doesn’t say that you can, prepare it according to the instructions and leave it to cool before adding ice.
If you want to prepare a supply before your guests arrive, compare the net weight of the available sizes and, where stated, the number of cups each one makes. This figure depends on the amount of coffee used.
Check that your chosen product is a jar rather than a refill or individual portions, then look at its net weight.
If you want to mix the coffee straight into cold water, look for clear instructions on the product. Otherwise, follow the preparation instructions and chill the coffee before serving it over ice.
For a gathering, start with how much you need to make and the recipe you have in mind. Then check that the packaging and label information match what you plan to buy.
| What to check | Look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of coffee | Compare the jars’ net weights and, if stated, the number of cups based on the recommended amount. | If I’m serving several coffees at a gathering, I want to have enough in reserve without assuming that the stated number of cups equals the same number of iced drinks. Around 42% of consumers prioritise the quantity available. |
| Making iced coffee | Read the preparation instructions and look for clear guidance if you want to mix the coffee straight into cold water. | If I’m planning to prepare the drinks in advance, I need to know whether I should let the coffee cool before serving. Preparation method comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Product and size | Check that it says “jar”, confirm the net weight and read the label information, including the best-before date. | If I’m looking for a particular brand or packaging for the cupboard, I don’t want to receive a refill instead of a jar. Around 25% of consumers prioritise checking the product details. |
NESCAFÉ France describes iced coffee as coffee that is prepared and then chilled. Cold brew uses a different extraction method, so the two terms don’t refer to the same preparation.
Choose your recipe before buying your coffee, and allow enough time for the drink to cool if needed.
A refill, individual portions and a jar offer different types of packaging. The coffee’s name alone won’t tell you which format it is.
Check the product title and details to confirm the packaging before you order.
When checked, ALDI France’s product page for Barissimo Instant Iced Coffee showed it as unavailable. Seeing it in a catalogue or search result doesn’t mean you’ll be able to buy it for your celebration.
Check that the product you want is available before settling on your recipe.
E.Leclerc lists €co+ freeze-dried instant coffee in a 200 g pack.
Carrefour lists a 200 g jar of Carrefour Extra Gold Instant Coffee.
Carrefour lists Carte Noire Classic Instant Coffee in 100 g and 180 g jars; Auchan also lists the 180 g size.
Auchan’s range includes its own-brand instant coffee in a 200 g size.
ALDI France lists Barissimo Selection instant coffee and a separate product called Instant Iced Coffee.
These two 200 g Maxwell House products are options if you want to stock up on instant coffee; one is a pack of two. To serve the coffee cold, follow the product instructions and let it cool before adding ice if it isn’t specifically designed to be mixed straight into cold water.
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A pack to consider if you want to have enough for several batches at your gathering.
Two 200 g units. Check the instructions on the units you receive before making iced coffee.
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A 200 g size to consider if you’re planning to keep a single jar of instant coffee in the cupboard.
Check the product instructions if you want to mix it straight into cold water.
You can prepare instant coffee according to the instructions and let it cool before serving it with ice. If you want to mix it straight into cold water, check that the product specifically says you can. The words “instant coffee” alone aren’t enough to confirm this.
Compare the net weight with the amount you plan to make. The products mentioned include sizes of 100 g, 180 g and 200 g. A stated number of cups doesn’t necessarily equal the same number of iced drinks, as the amount of coffee you need depends on your recipe.
Check that it’s available before building your recipe around this product: when checked, ALDI France’s product page showed it as unavailable. Its name doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to buy it when you need it.
No, not if you specifically want a jar: the 180 g Carte Noire refill listed on Joybuy comes in a pouch. Check the packaging before choosing between the two formats.