Instant coffee or tea

Instant coffee or tea refers to beverages made by dissolving dehydrated coffee granules or tea powder directly in hot water. They typically consist of just the soluble extract of coffee beans or tea leaves, sometimes with added sugar, creamer, or flavorings. This convenience-driven preparation method originated in the early 20th century and is now a global staple.

🍳 View the full Instant coffee or tea recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Plain instant coffee or tea is virtually calorie-free and contains no significant carbs, fat, or protein. It primarily provides antioxidants (like chlorogenic acid in coffee) and a modest amount of caffeine, with calorie counts rising only if sugar or creamers are added.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	2 kcal
Protein	0.3 g
Carbs	0.3 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Sodium	5 mg
Potassium	116 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.5 mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.01 mg
Magnesium	7 mg
Manganese	0.04 mg
Phosphorus	3 mg
Copper	0.01 mg
Fluoride	0.3 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Instant coffee was a technological breakthrough during World War II, providing a quick energy source for soldiers. Nutritionally, it retains many of the polyphenols found in brewed versions, making it a surprisingly potent source of antioxidants despite its processed form.