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Who are these options for?

Parents who enjoy a really strong cup

You want a bold flavour without using a coffee machine. Intensity labels can help you choose a flavour profile, but they don’t tell you how much caffeine the coffee contains.

Parents keeping an eye on their caffeine intake

If you’re breastfeeding, sensitive to caffeine or want to avoid having it later in the day, compare decaffeinated options and factor in your other caffeinated drinks. A strong flavour and caffeine content are two separate things.

Parents making a cup between tasks

You want a simple preparation method and an easy-to-measure portion. Sticks mean you don’t have to measure out the coffee for every cup, and they’re easy to carry. A jar may be better suited to making coffee regularly at home.

What should you look at first?

When choosing a strong instant coffee, consider three separate questions: what flavour are you looking for, how important is caffeine to your choice, and where will you make your cups? An intensity scale helps you compare flavour profiles within the same range; it doesn’t tell you how much caffeine you’ll consume.

What to consider	What to check	Who it’s for
Strong flavour	The flavour description, the brand’s own intensity scale and the recommended amount of water.	I want a small cup with a bold flavour, even if it’s more bitter; around 37 % of consumers may put this flavour profile at the top of their list.
Caffeine	The “decaffeinated” label, caffeine information and how many cups you drink during the day.	If I’m breastfeeding or caffeine affects my sleep, I want to keep track of what I’m consuming in my other drinks too; for around 36 % of consumers, managing caffeine intake may be the priority.
Format and portion size	Whether to choose sticks or a jar, as well as the product’s preparation and storage instructions.	Between tasks or when I’m out, I’d rather make a single serving without measuring out the coffee; for around 27 % of consumers, a convenient format may come before other considerations.

Common mix-ups to avoid

Choosing “strong” to stay awake

Carte Noire distinguishes between a coffee’s flavour intensity and how much it keeps you awake. So a stronger taste doesn’t, by itself, tell you anything about its caffeine content.

Choose an intensity level for the flavour. If caffeine matters to you, check the product information separately and consider how much coffee you prepare.
Counting only your cups of coffee

If you’re keeping track of your caffeine intake, instant coffee isn’t the only source to consider. The European Food Safety Authority’s advice on breastfeeding covers caffeine from all sources.

Remember to include tea, cola, energy drinks and other caffeinated products before choosing between regular and decaffeinated coffee.
Buying a large jar without thinking about how you’ll use it

A jar works well if you make coffee regularly at home, while sticks let you prepare a single serving without scooping coffee out of a shared container.

Choose based on where and how often you’ll make your coffee, then follow the dosing and storage instructions on the packaging.
Assuming a product is available everywhere

Availability can vary by retailer: E.Leclerc says its stores manage their own stock locally.

Before settling on a particular product, check whether it’s available at your local store, for collection or for delivery to your area.

Brands worth knowing

NESCAFÉ

The Espresso Intenso range includes instant coffee in a jar and a stick version for anyone looking for a short cup with an intense flavour.

NESCAFÉ describes Espresso Intenso as 100% Arabica coffee; its preparation instructions recommend a 60 ml cup.
The stated intensity describes the flavour and doesn’t tell you how much caffeine the coffee contains.

Carte Noire

The brand offers guidance to help you understand what coffee intensity means.

Carte Noire explicitly distinguishes flavour intensity from how much a coffee keeps you awake.
Its intensity scale is specific to the brand, so you can’t directly compare a number with one from another range.

Carrefour

An intense instant coffee in a jar may appeal to people who prefer this format.

Carrefour’s product listing describes a 100 g jar of freeze-dried instant coffee from Ethiopia, made with pure Arabica.
Check whether this product is available from your chosen retailer before making your decision.

E.Leclerc / Plantation

The Plantation range includes several instant coffee formats, including jars and sticks.

The E.Leclerc catalogue lists Plantation formats in 100 g and 200 g sizes, as well as sticks.
Not all these formats are described as intense, so check the specific product if a strong flavour is your main priority.

Auchan

Auchan’s listed products let you consider the jar format separately from choosing a decaffeinated coffee with an intense flavour.

Auchan gives an intensity rating of 6/10 for a 200 g freeze-dried instant coffee and for a 100 g intense decaffeinated option.
The 6/10 describes the intensity according to the scale used for these products, not their caffeine content.

A black instant coffee on Joybuy

This product is for making black instant coffee without a machine. If your choice depends on a particular intensity level or caffeine content, check the product information before buying.

Trung Nguyen G7 Instant Coffee Pure Black, 30 g

This black instant coffee may suit you if you want to make a cup without a machine. Check the preparation instructions on the packaging to choose your serving size. If you’re keeping track of your caffeine intake, check the product information too.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Does more intense instant coffee contain more caffeine?

Not necessarily: intensity describes the flavour profile first and foremost. Carte Noire says its scale doesn’t measure how much a coffee keeps you awake, so don’t rely on the intensity rating alone to keep track of your caffeine intake.

What should I check if I’m breastfeeding and want to drink instant coffee?

Consider the caffeine in all your food and drinks, rather than just the coffee’s intensity. The European Food Safety Authority’s advice on breastfeeding takes caffeine from all sources into account. If you need advice tailored to your circumstances, speak to a healthcare professional.

Can you choose a decaffeinated coffee with an intense flavour?

Yes, the two can go together: Auchan describes a freeze-dried decaffeinated instant coffee with an intensity rating of 6/10. However, check the specific product you choose, as “decaffeinated” doesn’t necessarily mean completely caffeine-free.

How much water should I use for instant espresso sticks?

Follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought. For its Espresso Intenso sticks, NESCAFÉ recommends using one stick with 60 ml of steaming water. Don’t assume the same amount applies to other instant coffees.

How should I store instant coffee in a jar after opening?

Follow the instructions on your jar and close it after use. The listings for the Auchan instant coffees mentioned here recommend keeping the product sealed in a cool, dry place.