People in a rush in the morning
You want to make a cup with hot water, without using a coffee machine. Instant coffee dissolves in water; check the recommended amount for the product you choose to make your cup.
Who is this choice for ?
Households that keep a jar in the cupboard
You drink instant coffee regularly and are looking for a container that suits your routine. The net weight, stated number of cups and storage instructions can help you choose between different sizes.
People who pay attention to coffee profile
You want to compare the ingredients, stated processing method or strength before choosing. Consider these details alongside the recommended amount, rather than as a promise of a particular taste.
What should you check before buying ?
For your morning coffee, start by deciding whether your priority is making it without a coffee machine, choosing a size to keep in the cupboard or finding a particular coffee profile. Then check the exact product: the stated number of cups and recommended amount may vary.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Make it without a coffee machine | That it’s labelled instant coffee and the recommended amount for one cup. | When there’s little time in the morning, I want to make my coffee directly with hot water, without an appliance. Around 40 % of consumers put this straightforward preparation first. |
| Size to keep in the cupboard | The net weight, stated number of cups and instructions for sealing after opening. | If I keep a jar for regular use, I want it to suit how much I drink and to be easy to store properly. This is the top priority for around 30 % of consumers. |
| Coffee profile | The ingredients, stated strength and recommended amount for the exact product. | For my morning cup, I prefer to choose based on the information about the coffee rather than the size alone. Around 30 % of consumers prioritise this profile. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming strength ratings use the same scale across all brands
Auchan gives its freeze-dried intense instant coffee a strength rating of 6/10 and its agglomerated Classico a rating of 8/10. These ratings aren’t enough to compare the taste of products from different brands.
Use the strength rating to identify a product, then check its ingredients and recommended amount too.
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Leaving the jar open in a damp cupboard
The product instructions we checked say to keep the packaging closed and store it in a cool, dry place.
Seal the jar after each use and follow the storage instructions printed on the one you buy.
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Confusing instant coffee with cappuccino mix
These products may be on the same shelf, but their ingredients may not suit the same coffee preference.
If you want to choose what to add to your cup yourself, check the product name and ingredients list for the one you’re considering.
Instant coffee brands to consider
NESCAFÉ
Instant coffee options in 100–200 g sizes, including Spécial Filtre and decaffeinated varieties.
- The Auchan listing for Spécial Filtre 200 g gives the ingredient as “ 100 % instant coffee ”.
- Check the recommended amount and size of the exact product: details for one variety don’t apply to the whole range.
Carte Noire
Carrefour lists its Classique product as instant coffee in a 180 g jar.
- Its product listing states that it’s an Arabica/Robusta blend.
- This information alone can’t tell you whether you’ll like the taste.
CARREFOUR EXTRA
Carrefour lists its Gold instant coffee in a 200 g jar.
- The listing for this product states “ 100 % instant coffee ”.
- Check the recommended amount and storage instructions for the jar you choose before comparing it with another size.
AUCHAN
The products we checked include 200 g jars of instant coffee and a 100 g decaffeinated option.
- The listings distinguish between freeze-dried intense instant coffee, rated 6/10, and agglomerated Classico, rated 8/10.
- The strength rating is a guide for each product, not a shared scale across all brands.
ECO+ / E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc lists the ECO+ product as 200 g of freeze-dried instant coffee.
- The listing for this product gives the processing method and net weight.
- When choosing this jar, check the recommended amount and storage instructions too.
Instant coffee jars on Joybuy
These options include a 200 g jar, a pack of two 200 g jars and two 100 g sizes, one of which is decaffeinated. Choose according to how much you plan to use and the details provided for each product.
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MAXWELL HOUSE Filter Quality, instant coffee 200 g
A 200 g size to consider if you regularly make instant coffee in the morning.
The Auchan listing for MAXWELL HOUSE Filter Quality 200 g states that it makes 110 cups ; the actual number depends on how much you use.
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Maxwell House Filter Quality, pack of 2 × 200 g
This pack is a good option if you want to keep two jars of instant coffee for regular use. Consider the total quantity before choosing it.
The pack contains two 200 g jars.
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MAXWELL HOUSE Classic Original Blend, instant coffee 100 g
The 100 g size may suit you if you prefer to buy less coffee at a time rather than choosing a 180–200 g jar.
Check the recommended amount on this product to work out how many cups you can make.
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NESCAFÉ Decaf Filter Coffee, decaffeinated instant coffee 100 g
Consider this 100 g option if you’re looking for instant coffee labelled “ decaffeinated ” rather than a large jar of regular instant coffee.
Check the recommended amount on the packaging to see how much to use per cup.
Frequently asked questions
How can I estimate how many cups a jar will make ?
Check the number of cups stated for the exact product, then look at the recommended amount. Auchan listings for some 200 g instant coffees state that they make around 100 cups, while its listing for MAXWELL HOUSE Filter Quality 200 g states 110 : the actual number of cups depends on how much you use per cup.
How should I store instant coffee after opening ?
Close the jar tightly and follow the storage instructions for the product you bought. The Auchan product listings we checked recommend keeping it in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
Do I need a coffee machine to make instant coffee ?
No : simply dissolve the instant coffee in hot water. Follow the recommended amount and water volume shown on your jar to make your cup as intended by the manufacturer.
What should I look for on the label when comparing two jars ?
First check the product name, ingredients list and net quantity, then look at the recommended amount and storage instructions. The DGCCRF explains the labelling information required for prepacked foods; when choosing between two instant coffees, always check the information on the jars themselves.