Published On: September 30, 2025
This guide covers:
What ground coffee is
What instant coffee is
How instant coffee is made
The key differences between ground and instant coffee
Why we prefer ground coffee
Ground coffee is roasted coffee beans that have been ground into smaller particles.
You can:
Buy it pre-ground in shops and supermarkets
Grind it fresh at home with an electric or hand grinder
Different grind sizes suit different brewing methods:
Fine → like sugar/salt → Espresso
Medium-fine → slightly gritty → AeroPress
Medium → like coarse sand → Pour over (e.g. V60, Chemex)
Coarse → chunky → French Press
Instant coffee is pre-brewed coffee that has been dried into crystals or powder.
Just add hot water → no brewing equipment needed.
Made for convenience and long shelf life.
Instant coffee usually has a simpler flavour profile than ground coffee, often missing the vibrant floral or fruity notes.
The process:
Roast beans
Grind and brew them into concentrated coffee
Dry the liquid into crystals or powder
Two main drying methods:
Spray drying → common, cheaper, less flavour.
Freeze drying → more expensive, keeps more flavour.
Flavour: Freshly ground single origin coffee has far more complexity and character, with nuanced acidity, sweetness, and balance, plus notes that can range from chocolatey and nutty to bright, fruity, and floral.
Transparency: Single origin coffee is traceable to farm or region.
Fairness: Farmers are paid fairly for Hermanos Colombian specialty coffee.
Choice: More brewing methods and flavour profiles to explore.
Varietals & processing matter – Different coffee varietals and processing methods can completely change the flavour, giving you a unique experience with every cup.
Instant coffee is convenient. But ground coffee gives you control, better taste, and a more conscious way to enjoy coffee.
Instant coffee is quick, cheap, and long-lasting.
Ground coffee takes more time and care — but rewards you with flavour, freshness, and a stronger connection to the people behind the beans.
If you’re moving from instant to ground coffee:
Start simple → try a French Press or V60, and you can get the beans ground to your preference.
Choose tasting notes you enjoy and are looking to experiment with (chocolate, nuts, citrus).
Buy fresh, small batches.
👉 Want a reliable first step? Try our El Fresno — smooth, easy to brew, and a perfect everyday specialty coffee.
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