Beverages, coffee, instant, decaffeinated, powder
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
Instant decaffeinated coffee powder is a finely milled, soluble extract that dissolves instantly in hot water, yielding a smooth, mellow brew with a rounded, less acidic flavor profile than regular coffee. Nutritionally, it's a low-fat, moderate-carb beverage base, providing a quick energy boost without the caffeine jitters.
Calorie split: 13% protein · 86% carbs · 1% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its unparalleled convenience and the ability to enjoy a warm, comforting coffee-flavored drink anytime without brewing equipment. Its mild, smooth taste also makes it a versatile base for both hot and cold coffee recipes.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is the potential for a significant blood-sugar spike due to its high carbohydrate content and lack of fiber, which is a concern for diabetics or those monitoring glycemic response. To counteract this, always pair it with a source of protein or healthy fat (like milk, nuts, or a boiled egg) to slow glucose absorption, and be mindful of portion size.
Key benefits
- Zero caffeine, ideal for evening consumption or caffeine-sensitive individuals.
- Very low in fat and contains no sugar in its pure form.
- Provides a quick source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Highly convenient and has a long shelf life.
- Retains some of the antioxidant compounds found in coffee beans.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The process for making instant coffee was first patented in 1901, but it became a household staple during World War II, when it was included in U.S. soldiers' rations for its portability and ease of preparation.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 3.2 g |
| Energy | 351 kcal |
| Energy | 1470 kj |
| Protein | 11.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.20 g |
| Ash | 9.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 76.0 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 140 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 3.8 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 311 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 286 mg |
| Potassium, K | 3501 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 23.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.11 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 1.2 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 17.3 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 1.4 mg |
| Niacin | 28.1 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.10 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 102 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.9 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 122 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.10 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.03 g |
| Threonine | 0.14 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.16 g |
| Leucine | 0.46 g |
| Lysine | 0.09 g |
| Methionine | 0.02 g |
| Cystine | 0.19 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.25 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.16 g |
| Valine | 0.26 g |
| Arginine | 0.05 g |
| Histidine | 0.16 g |
| Alanine | 0.32 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.46 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.9 g |
| Glycine | 0.42 g |
| Proline | 0.34 g |
| Serine | 0.12 g |
FAQ
How does the nutrition differ from regular brewed coffee?
Per 100g of powder, it is much more concentrated in calories and carbs than brewed coffee (which is mostly water). However, a typical serving (2-3g) has similar calories to a cup of black brewed coffee, but may have slightly more carbs depending on the brand's processing.
Is it truly sugar-free?
Pure instant decaf coffee powder contains no added sugar. However, always check labels, as some commercial mixes or flavored versions may contain added sugars or sweeteners.
Can I use it in baking?
Yes, it's excellent for adding a deep coffee flavor to cakes, frostings, and desserts without adding extra liquid. Dissolve the powder in a small amount of hot water first to ensure even distribution in the batter.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.51 kcal/g · 13% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.01 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.