A 200 g jar is a good choice if you drink instant coffee regularly, while a 100 g size lets you buy a smaller amount. If you want to limit your caffeine intake after dinner, look for ‘decaffeinated’ on the exact product you’re considering. The stated intensity describes the coffee’s profile, not its caffeine content. Unlike coffee pods and capsules, instant coffee from a jar is made directly in a cup.
If you have a coffee after dinner and are sensitive to caffeine, check for the words ‘decaffeinated’. Anses says caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce both sleep duration and quality, although its effects vary from person to person.
If you regularly make coffee without a coffee machine, a jar that you can measure from with a spoon is a practical choice. The 200 g sizes described by Auchan contain more coffee to store once opened.
You can compare the arabica, robusta and intensity details listed for the product you’re interested in. These help you choose a stated coffee profile, but can’t guarantee that you’ll enjoy the taste.
For a coffee after dinner, start with your caffeine needs, then choose how much you’ll use and the coffee profile you’re looking for.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine in the evening | Look for ‘decaffeinated’ on the exact jar; don’t assume based on the intensity. | If I have coffee after dinner, I want to be able to choose an option that limits my caffeine intake. Around 31% of consumers would put this need first. |
| A cupboard staple | Check the net weight, recommended serving and storage instructions after opening. | If I often make a cup without a coffee machine, I prefer to keep a jar that suits how much I drink. This would be a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Coffee profile | Check the arabica, robusta and freeze-dried coffee details, as well as any intensity rating shown on the product. | I want to choose a stated flavour profile rather than relying on the size of the jar alone. Around 23% of consumers would prioritise this factor. |
| Ingredients and labels | Check the ingredients list and any labels on the product you choose. | I want to tell pure instant coffee apart from other coffee preparations, or look for a specific label. This would be the top factor for around 15% of consumers. |
Instant coffee is measured into a cup and mixed with hot water. Pods and capsules are prepared differently, usually using a machine.
If you don’t plan to use a machine, check that the packaging says ‘instant coffee’ and read the preparation instructions.
An intensity rating describes the stated coffee profile, not its caffeine content. According to Anses, caffeine can disrupt sleep.
If you want to limit your caffeine intake in the evening, look specifically for ‘decaffeinated’ on the product you choose.
A 200 g jar contains more coffee to store once opened. Auchan’s product listings for Pouce and Maxwell House say to keep their products away from heat and moisture.
Choose an amount that suits how much you drink, and follow the jar’s instructions for sealing and storage.
A product listing may describe the features you’re looking for, but the jar might not be available when you’re ready to buy.
If you’ve chosen a product for its labels or ingredients, check that it’s available and confirm the exact size before ordering.
Auchan describes its Qualité Filtre product as freeze-dried instant coffee in a 200 g glass jar, with around 110 cups per jar.
Auchan lists a 100 g glass jar of freeze-dried instant coffee, described as rich in arabica and making 55 cups.
Auchan describes its instant coffee as available in a 200 g jar, with a stated intensity of 7/10.
Carrefour’s listing describes a 100 g jar of pure arabica instant coffee and shows the AB and Fairtrade/Max Havelaar labels.
These two 100 g options are suitable if you want instant coffee to keep in the cupboard. NESCAFÉ is labelled Decaf; for any other product you’re considering after dinner, check the label if you want to limit your caffeine intake.
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A good choice for a cup after dinner if you’re looking for decaffeinated instant coffee. 100 g size.
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Keep instant coffee in the cupboard for a cup without a machine. If you want to limit your caffeine intake in the evening, check whether this product is labelled ‘decaffeinated’.
No. Instant coffee from a jar is meant to be mixed directly with hot water in a cup. If you use a machine, choose the pod or capsule format designed for it.
Follow the instructions on the jar you’ve bought. As a guide for the products described by Auchan, the L’OR and Maxwell House listings recommend 1 to 2 spoonfuls per cup, with around 100 ml of hot water just off the boil.
If you want to reduce your caffeine intake, look for a product explicitly labelled decaffeinated rather than one simply described as mild. Anses says caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce both sleep duration and quality; sensitivity varies from person to person.
First, read the wording alongside the date. The DGCCRF distinguishes between a use-by date, which must be followed, and a best-before date, which may pass if the packaging is intact, although the coffee may lose some of its flavour. Also follow the storage instructions and any guidance for after opening.
Yes, as long as you follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought. For the Pouce and Maxwell House instant coffees described by Auchan, these include protecting the product from moisture and closing the container carefully.