People who are mindful of their sleep
If you have coffee close to bedtime, look for an explicit ‘decaffeinated’ label. Anses notes that the effects of caffeine on sleep vary from person to person.
Who is this choice for?
People who like to tailor their cup
Instant coffee in a jar lets you adjust the amount in each cup to suit your taste. Check the instructions for the specific product before changing the quantity.
Households choosing the right size
Whether you drink it occasionally or regularly, compare the jar’s weight with how often you use it, and check the closure and storage instructions.
What should you look for?
For instant coffee in a jar to enjoy in the evening, first check for a ‘decaffeinated’ label if you’re concerned about caffeine. Then compare the flavour description, size and label.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine and sleep | Look for an explicit ‘decaffeinated’ label, and consider when you plan to have your cup. | If I drink coffee close to bedtime, I want to take my sensitivity to caffeine into account. Around 36% of consumers are said to put this concern first. |
| Flavour and strength | The flavour profile and strength stated for the product, as well as the recommended serving. | I like being able to adjust my cup rather than choosing solely by the ‘decaffeinated’ label; around 29% of consumers are said to prioritise flavour and strength. |
| Size and storage | The jar’s net weight and the instructions for closing and storing it after opening. | If I only drink instant coffee now and then, I want a size I can use while keeping it in good condition. Size and storage are said to come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and certifications | The ingredients list and, if they matter to you, any certifications shown on the product. | I want to know what’s in my drink and be able to identify the certifications I’m interested in; around 14% of consumers are said to make this their main consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing flavour strength with caffeine content
A strength rating of 6/10, as stated for one Auchan product, is a guide to flavour. On its own, it doesn’t tell you whether the coffee is decaffeinated.
If you’re planning to have a cup close to bedtime, look for the ‘decaffeinated’ label first, then compare the flavour profiles.
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Choosing a large jar without considering how much you drink
A large jar will stay open for longer if you only drink instant coffee occasionally. The storage instructions for the products reviewed emphasise keeping the container closed and protecting it from moisture and heat.
Choose a weight that suits how often you drink it, and follow the instructions on the jar.
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Assuming ‘organic’ or ‘100% Arabica’ means ‘decaffeinated’
Carrefour describes its 100 g jar of Carrefour Bio 100% Arabica instant coffee as certified Fairtrade/Max Havelaar. These features alone don’t tell you whether the coffee is decaffeinated.
If caffeine is your main consideration, check separately for the ‘decaffeinated’ label.
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Assuming a product you’ve seen will be available locally
At the time of checking, a Carrefour listing for a 200 g jar of Nescafé Spécial Filtre Décaféiné showed the product as unavailable. So a listing doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to get that size in your store.
Check the size and availability with your chosen store before travelling or placing an order.
Brands and ranges to know
These ranges give you a starting point for comparing sizes and product labels. A brand name doesn’t replace checking the details of the specific product.
Nescafé
Nescafé offers Spécial Filtre Décaféiné in a 100 g jar.
- The brand recommends one teaspoon per 100 ml of water for this product.
- Check the exact weight of the size you choose: at the time of checking, the Carrefour listing for the 200 g size showed it as unavailable.
Maxwell House
Auchan offers Maxwell House decaffeinated freeze-dried instant coffee in a 200 g glass jar.
- The Auchan listing says this jar makes up to 110 cups, depending on how much you use.
- Don’t assume another Maxwell House product is decaffeinated without checking its label.
Auchan
Auchan offers 100 g of intense decaffeinated instant coffee, with a stated strength of 6/10.
- The listing says this product makes around 50 cups; the number will depend on how much you use.
- If you specifically want a jar, check the type of container for the product you choose.
Carrefour Bio / Carrefour Extra
Carrefour offers, among other products, a 100 g jar of Carrefour Bio 100% Arabica instant coffee, as well as products in the Carrefour Extra range.
- The Carrefour Bio jar is described as organic and certified Fairtrade/Max Havelaar.
- These labels don’t mean ‘decaffeinated’. If you’re having a cup close to bedtime, check this separately.
Plantation (Marque Repère / E.Leclerc)
The E.Leclerc catalogue features a 200 g pack of freeze-dried instant coffee and a 200 g pack of decaffeinated freeze-dried coffee in this range.
- The two product names make it easy to distinguish the decaffeinated option from the other instant coffee.
- Check the name on the product you choose: the shared weight isn’t enough to identify the decaffeinated version.
Carte Noire
The Carrefour category includes Carte Noire Café Soluble Classique in a 180 g size.
- This product gives you a point of comparison if you’re looking for regular instant coffee.
- If you’re having a drink close to bedtime, don’t assume it’s decaffeinated unless the product is explicitly labelled as such.
Instant coffees available on Joybuy
This selection includes one instant coffee explicitly labelled as decaffeinated and two Maxwell House sizes to consider if you drink your coffee earlier or caffeine isn’t your main concern. For the Maxwell House products, check the caffeine information before choosing them for a cup close to bedtime.
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NESCAFÉ Decaf Filter Coffee 100 g
Worth considering if you’re looking for instant coffee labelled ‘decaffeinated’ for your evening cup.
100 g size. Bear in mind that your sensitivity to caffeine is individual.
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Maxwell House Instant Coffee Filter Quality 200 g, pack of 2
This pack may suit a household that drinks instant coffee regularly and can store both containers in the right conditions.
Two 200 g jars. Check the label to see whether this product is decaffeinated before planning to have it close to bedtime.
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MAXWELL HOUSE Instant Coffee QUALITE FILTRE 200 g
This size is worth considering if you drink instant coffee regularly and want a single 200 g jar.
Check the packaging for information on whether it’s decaffeinated, as well as storage instructions for after opening.
Frequently asked questions
Should you choose decaffeinated instant coffee for an evening cup?
It’s the first option to consider if you drink coffee close to bedtime and want to take caffeine into account. According to Anses, caffeine can delay falling asleep and reduce both the duration and quality of sleep. Sensitivity varies from person to person.
How much instant coffee should you use from a jar?
Start with the amount recommended for your product, then adjust it to suit the size of your cup and the flavour you’re after. For Spécial Filtre Décaféiné, Nescafé recommends one teaspoon per 100 ml of hot water. Don’t automatically use the same amount for another product.
How should you store instant coffee after opening?
Close the container carefully and follow the instructions on your product. Guidance for some Auchan and JDE Professional products recommends storing them in a dry place away from heat.
What should you check on the label before buying?
First check the product name, including whether it’s labelled ‘decaffeinated’ if that matters to you. Then check the net weight and ingredients list. The nutritional information and product-specific instructions can also help you compare options.