Busy mornings without a machine
You want to make a short cup with hot water. Choosing a product that specifies espresso-style use and gives a recommended dose helps you prepare the cup you want.
Who is this choice for?
Households that keep coffee in the cupboard
You regularly make instant coffee at home. The jar size and storage instructions matter more than having individual portions.
People who pay attention to coffee profiles
You prefer to choose based on the tasting notes, the intensity within a range or a decaffeinated option, even if it comes in a smaller pack.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you want a short cup without a machine or instant coffee to keep for several servings. Then narrow down your choice by checking the pack size and the profile given for the product.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| A short cup without a machine | Whether the instant coffee is labelled espresso, then the recommended dose and water volume. | If I want a small cup made straight away with hot water, I look for a product that explains how to prepare it this way; around 40% of consumers would put this need first. |
| A cupboard-friendly size | The net weight of the jar and the storage instructions after opening. | If I regularly make several cups at home, I look for a pack size that suits how much I drink; pack size would be the priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Profile and variety | The tasting notes, ingredients and, if desired, whether it is labelled decaffeinated. Compare the intensity within the same range. | If I care most about a particular flavour profile or a decaffeinated option, these details guide my choice; this would be the main priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Common pitfalls to avoid
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Assuming “espresso” means machine-brewed coffee
Instant coffee labelled this way is made by adding water; it doesn’t use the extraction process of an espresso machine.
Check the product name and recommended water volume. If machine extraction is your priority, choose a suitable brewing method.
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Assuming an online product listing guarantees local availability
A product shown online may not be available at your store or through your preferred collection option.
Check availability at your store and for your chosen delivery or collection method before making your choice.
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Overlooking how to store a large jar
A pack intended for several servings needs to be stored according to the instructions for the product you buy.
Close the container securely and follow the pack instructions, particularly those relating to heat and moisture.
Brands to consider for this type of coffee
illy
illy’s instant coffee range includes 95 g packs, including Classico, Intenso and Decaffeinated.
- illy describes Classico as having notes of caramel, orange blossom and jasmine.
- These tasting notes describe the Classico product and may not apply to other varieties in the range.
Carte Noire
Carrefour lists a 180 g jar of Carte Noire classic instant coffee.
- Carrefour’s product listing specifies an Arabica/Robusta blend and the jar size.
- The word “classic” alone doesn’t specify a dose for a short cup.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour Extra Espresso Instant Coffee comes in an 80 g jar.
- Its product listing says it is made from 100% instant coffee and recommends one teaspoon per 10 cl of hot water.
- Check availability at your store and for your chosen collection option.
Plantation / E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc lists freeze-dried Plantation instant coffee in 100 g and 200 g packs.
- The two pack sizes let you choose how much to keep at home for your coffee routine.
- The espresso-style option in this range comes in sticks, so check the packaging if you’re looking for a jar.
Auchan
Auchan offers several own-brand instant coffees in 100 g or 200 g packs, including different intensity levels and a decaffeinated option.
- The range includes Classico intensity 8 in a 200 g pack and freeze-dried Gold Intenso in a 100 g pack.
- Check the variety and its packaging: these details don’t describe the same product.
Lavazza
In France, Lavazza offers whole-bean, ground, capsule and pod coffees for brewing methods other than simply dissolving coffee in water.
- These formats are worth considering if you’re looking for coffee made by extraction.
- For instant coffee in a jar that you can make without a machine, check the product name and format carefully.
Instant coffees available on Joybuy
These two 100 g products are suited to morning coffee: one is classic instant coffee, while the other is decaffeinated filter-style coffee. If you’d like a short, espresso-style cup, check the preparation instructions before choosing.
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MAXWELL HOUSE Classic Original Blend, 100 g jar of instant coffee
A 100 g pack for making instant coffee in the morning without a machine.
If you’re after a short cup, check the recommended dose and water volume on the packaging.
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NESCAFÉ Decaf Filter Coffee, 100 g
A 100 g pack of decaffeinated coffee, rather than a product specifically labelled for espresso-style preparation.
Check the preparation instructions if you’d like to serve a short cup.
Frequently asked questions
Is “espresso” instant coffee made in the same way as machine espresso?
No. It’s made by adding water to instant coffee, without machine extraction. For the short cup intended for that product, follow the recommended dose and water volume.
Should you choose a jar, pot or sticks for your morning coffee?
A pot or jar is a good choice if you regularly make several cups at home and can follow the storage instructions. Sticks are better suited to individual servings; E.Leclerc, for example, lists espresso-style instant coffee in this format.
How should you store instant coffee after opening?
Follow the instructions on the packaging of the product you buy. The instant coffee listings reviewed recommend keeping the product away from heat and moisture, among other things.
Which date should you check on pre-packed instant coffee?
Check the date on the packaging and any instructions for after opening. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that, depending on the product, pre-packed food carries either a use-by date or a best-before date. Check which one is shown on the product you choose.