When ordering instant coffee, don’t mistake a ‘pyramid tea bag’ for another name for a coffee stick. NESCAFÉ France describes instant coffee as dehydrated coffee that dissolves in water, while Bourbon Café’s page for pyramid tea bags is about tea. Choose sticks if you want a pre-measured portion, or a jar or refill pack if you’d rather measure out the powder yourself. In either case, check the product description and preparation instructions for the specific product.
If you want to make a cup without measuring out the powder, instant coffee sticks are a handy option. NESCAFÉ France, for example, explains how to prepare its Spécial Filtre stick directly in a cup.
For home use, compare the net weight and the number of cups stated on the product listing, if provided. Also consider how much space you have to store a jar or refill pack.
Check that the ‘decaffeinated’ label applies to the specific product you’re ordering, whether it comes in sticks or a container you measure from.
First, make sure you’re choosing instant coffee rather than a product for brewing. Then decide on the packaging and, if needed, a decaffeinated option.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Type of product | Read the product description, ingredients and preparation instructions: ‘pyramid tea bag’ on its own does not mean instant coffee. | I want to avoid ordering something to brew when I’m looking for powder that dissolves in water. Around 37% of consumers would prioritise checking the format. |
| Single-serve portions | Check the number of sticks and the preparation instructions for the specific product. | At work or on the go, I’d rather have a pre-measured portion than measure out powder. This convenience would come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Decaffeination and ingredients | Check that the exact variant is labelled ‘decaffeinated’ and read its ingredients list. | I’m specifically looking for a decaffeinated version, so I can’t rely on another product in the range looking similar. Around 18% of consumers would prioritise choosing the right variant. |
| Quantity and storage | Compare the net weight and stated number of cups, then read the storage instructions. | I make coffee regularly at home, so I want a container that suits my needs and can be properly resealed. This would be the main consideration for around 18% of consumers. |
A product listed in a tea category won’t necessarily be prepared in the same way as instant coffee powder.
Before ordering, check the product description, ingredients and instructions for making a cup.
You can’t compare a pack of sticks with a jar by looking only at the number of units shown: the amount of coffee and the dose per cup may differ.
Compare the net weight and the stated number of portions or cups, and consider whether you prefer a fixed or adjustable dose.
A similar strength rating or pack design doesn’t confirm that two variants have the same ingredients.
Look for ‘decaffeinated’ in the product description and check the ingredients for the version you’ve selected.
The container you choose should also suit the way you’ll store your coffee between uses. For its intensity 6 instant coffee, Auchan recommends keeping the pack tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.
Check the instructions for the product you receive and make sure its container can be resealed as directed.
Worth considering if you’re choosing between single-serve portions and instant coffee you measure out yourself.
Worth considering if you’re looking for instant coffee in a refill pack.
A brand to consider by checking the listing for the specific product you’re interested in.
An online range where you can browse instant coffee from several brands.
A range to consider if you’re choosing between sticks and instant coffee powder you measure out yourself.
A range to consider if you’re comparing instant coffee to measure out, sticks and a decaffeinated option.
This product is decaffeinated instant coffee to measure out at home, rather than single-serve sticks or tea bags for brewing.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for decaffeinated instant coffee to measure out yourself, rather than a single-serve portion. The stated pack size is 100 g. Before ordering, check the product description, ingredients and information in French on the listing and packaging.
No, not based on the name of the bag alone. NESCAFÉ France describes instant coffee as dehydrated coffee that dissolves in water, while Bourbon Café lists its pyramid tea bag page under tea. Check the product description and preparation instructions for the one you’re interested in.
First, check the product description, ingredients, net quantity and preparation instructions, then compare these details with the packaging you receive. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that food labelling must provide information in French.
Follow the instructions on the packaging for the product you’ve bought. For its intensity 6 instant coffee, Auchan recommends keeping the pack tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.
Yes. Auchan and E.Leclerc list decaffeinated instant coffee in different formats, including sticks and packs you can measure from. Check that the specific variant is labelled ‘decaffeinated’ before ordering.