Who is this choice for?

People organising a coffee break without a machine

If there’s hot water available but no coffee maker, instant coffee lets you prepare cups without a machine. For the classic Carte Noire and NESCAFÉ Spécial Filtre sticks mentioned here, the instructions recommend one sachet per 100 ml of hot water, according to Auchan and NESCAFÉ.

Offices and larger households planning for 240 servings

Knowing how many sticks are in each box makes it easier to work out how much stock to share. The 80-stick Carte Noire box listed by Auchan means you can get 240 individual servings by buying three boxes of the same size.

People catering for coffee drinkers with different tastes

Before buying in bulk, compare the tasting notes and try a smaller pack. If some attendees prefer to avoid caffeinated coffee, check decaffeinated options too and make sure they’re clearly labelled when served.

Which factors should you consider?

Individual sticks

Choose these if: you want to count out servings in advance and let everyone make their own cup without measuring the coffee.

Bear in mind: the number of boxes needs to match the stock you want; packs of 25 or 100 sticks won’t give you exactly 240 if you buy identical boxes.

Large jar

Choose this if: someone can measure out the coffee and an exact number of individual servings isn’t a priority.

Bear in mind: the amount served may vary from cup to cup; a stated number of cups isn’t the same as a count of sticks.

What matters What to check Who it’s for
Planning for 240 servings Check the number of sticks in each box: the 80-stick Carte Noire product listed by Auchan gives you 240 with three boxes. A pack of 25 sticks gives you 250 with ten boxes. For a meeting where the stock needs to match the number of servings planned, I want to be able to count the portions without being left with a surplus. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise getting the exact number.
Making serving easy Check the recommended dose and amount of water for your chosen product. Auchan and NESCAFÉ both recommend one stick per 100 ml of hot water for the classic Carte Noire and Spécial Filtre products mentioned here. When several people are making coffee without a machine, I prefer a straightforward option with a pre-measured portion. Around 29% of consumers would put ease of use first.
Choosing a crowd-pleasing flavour Compare the product descriptions and, if needed, try a box of 25 sticks before placing a larger order. Everyone’s tastes are different. If the coffee is for a group, I prefer to try a product before buying a large stock. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise a flavour that suits the group.
Offering decaffeinated coffee Check the pack size and number of servings for a separate decaffeinated product, then label it clearly when serving. Auchan’s range includes a stick option. For a group coffee break where everyone should have a choice, I want to make sure the regular and decaffeinated coffee are clearly distinguishable. Around 14% of consumers would rank this option as their top priority.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing the weight of a jar with the number of servings

    A 200 g jar may be listed as making around 100 cups in Auchan’s catalogue, but that figure doesn’t guarantee 100 identical individual portions. So the weight alone isn’t enough to plan for 240 sticks.

    If you need to serve an exact number of cups, work it out using the number of sticks stated on each box.

  • Assuming that boxes of 25 will give you exactly 240 sticks

    Ten identical boxes of 25 sticks add up to 250 servings. The extra ten sticks can be kept as spares, but this won’t give you exactly 240 servings.

    Check the total before ordering multiple boxes; three boxes of the 80-stick Carte Noire product listed by Auchan give you 240 sticks.

  • Only providing regular coffee for the whole group

    People have different preferences when it comes to caffeine. Anses notes, in particular, that its effects on sleep vary from person to person and according to their consumption habits.

    If an alternative would be useful for your group, check the pack size of a decaffeinated instant coffee and clearly label both options.

Brands to consider for these pack sizes

Carte Noire

The classic 80-stick, 144 g product listed by Auchan is an easy way to plan for 240 servings with three boxes.

  • Auchan recommends one stick per cup with 100 ml of hot water, and says to store the product in a dry place away from heat.
  • Carrefour also lists a 25-stick box of Carte Noire, so check the exact pack size before ordering.

NESCAFÉ

The 25-serving Spécial Filtre sticks are a handy way to try this product or top up existing supplies.

  • NESCAFÉ recommends one sachet per 100 ml of hot water and describes Spécial Filtre as an Arabica/Robusta blend with a smooth, balanced flavour.
  • Identical boxes of 25 sticks won’t give you exactly 240 servings: ten boxes contain 250.

Carrefour Extra

The 25-stick, 2 g product listed by Carrefour is a good way to try a smaller individual pack.

  • The Carrefour product page lists instant coffee as an ingredient and also mentions 100 g and 200 g pack sizes.
  • Identical boxes of 25 sticks won’t give you exactly 240 servings.

Auchan

Auchan’s catalogue features instant coffee in several formats, including sticks, jars and decaffeinated coffee.

  • The catalogue includes a 25-serving stick pack, as well as 200 g jars for some products.
  • The stated number of cups for some jars is only an estimate and shouldn’t be treated as a count of sticks.

Instant coffee sticks on Joybuy

These two MAXWELL HOUSE Fine Mousse options are designed for serving individual sticks. The box of 100 and the pack of five boxes can help you plan your stock, but neither pack size gives you exactly 240 sticks.

MAXWELL HOUSE Fine Mousse, box of 100 instant coffee sticks

MAXWELL HOUSE Fine Mousse, 100 sticks (180 g)

A practical choice for serving individual portions in the office. The box contains 100 instant coffee sticks; buying identical boxes won’t give you exactly 240 sticks. Check the preparation instructions on the packaging.

View on Joybuy
MAXWELL HOUSE Fine Mousse, pack of five boxes of 100 instant coffee sticks

MAXWELL HOUSE Fine Mousse, 100 sticks (180 g), pack of 5

A useful way to stock up on individual sticks for several events. The pack of five boxes contains 500 sticks, which is more than the 240 you need. Check the preparation instructions and the recommended cup size.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How can I get exactly 240 sticks for a meeting?

Three boxes of 80 Carte Noire sticks give you 240 individual servings in the pack size listed by Auchan. Check the number on each box before ordering, as Carrefour also lists a 25-stick Carte Noire product.

How much water should I allow for the sticks?

The instructions for the 80-stick classic Carte Noire and NESCAFÉ Spécial Filtre products recommend one stick per 100 ml of hot water, according to Auchan and NESCAFÉ. At this dosage, 240 cups require 24 litres of water, not including any spillage or extra water if you prefer a weaker coffee. Check the instructions for other products.

Are sticks or a jar better for an office?

Sticks make it easier to count and serve individual portions; a jar works well when someone can measure out each cup and the exact total matters less. The number of cups listed for some 200 g jars in Auchan’s catalogue is only an estimate, unlike the number of sticks in a box.

How should I store several boxes of instant coffee?

For its classic 80-stick product, Auchan recommends storing it in a dry place away from heat. Follow the instructions on each product you buy; if you’ve opened a jar, also check the packaging for advice on sealing and storage.

Should I provide decaffeinated instant coffee?

Offering a decaffeinated option gives attendees more choice at a group coffee break. Auchan’s catalogue includes decaffeinated coffee in sticks; check its serving count separately and clearly label the different coffees on offer.