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Can You Eat Instant Coffee?

Rebecca Hanlon
Last Updated: February 28th, 2023

There is a reason why people love instant coffee. It’s got the right caffeine amount to boost their energy and get through the day but doesn’t take a ton of time to prepare.

Now, while most people drink their coffee, what about eating it? Can you eat instant coffee?

The short answer is yes. However, the long answer is a bit more complicated. Let’s take a deep dive into eating instant coffee to clear up all your questions!

The Reason Why People Eat Instant Coffee

why people eat instant coffee

Many coffee addicts can’t function without their daily dose of brewed coffee. Not only does it boost their energy, but it also boosts their mood.

Now, many coffee lovers get their caffeine kick by drinking instant coffee. But, there are other adventurous individuals that will simply eat instant coffee powder.

The reason why people eat instant coffee powder is that it gives you all the same benefits as you’d get if you drank a cup of brewed coffee. Plus, you won’t feel any acid reflux or heartburn while swallowing the granules.

Additionally, eating instant coffee is also better when you don’t have the luxury of time. Instead of waiting to heat up hot water, you can just eat a spoonful of instant coffee and you’re good to go!

Eating instant coffee is also good for health-conscious individuals. If you’re on a weight loss journey, eating instant coffee can be a good way to avoid all the cream and sugar that so often goes into your standard cup of coffee.

Instead, you can eat your instant coffee and still get the caffeine amount you need without all those added calories.

Eating is also ideal for people who want to add caffeine to their diet but don’t like drinking milk or black coffee.

Instant Coffee’s Nutritional Composition

instant coffee’s nutrition

If you’re thinking about eating instant coffee, you might be curious about the contents of instant coffee powder.

The three major components of this type of coffee are caffeine, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Dietary fibers present in instant coffee are great for the following:

  • maintaining proper digestion
  • better in absorbing nutrients
  • keeping cholesterol levels low.

Instant coffee also contains more dietary phenolic compounds than a brewed cup of coffee. These compounds are responsible for preventing the risks of diabetes and cancer.

They can also help boost your heart’s strength and strengthen your immune system.

The Advantages of Eating Your Instant Coffee

advantages of Instant coffee

If you think eating instead of drinking doesn’t have the same amount of benefits as drinking coffee, you’re wrong.

Eating instant coffee powder also has a good amount of health benefits. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Faster Caffeine Absorption

When you eat instant coffee, your body absorbs all its ingredients faster. This is because the mucus membranes present in your mouth absorb instant coffee.

Faster caffeine absorption means a higher chance of a quick energy boost. So, if you need a quick caffeine fix in the office, eating instant coffee might be your best option.

Contains Fewer Calories

Are you on a diet? Or, are you trying to improve the amount that you eat each day? Well, if you are, instant coffee might be a good pick.

A teaspoon or an ounce of instant coffee only contains 3 calories. In contrast, a cup of coffee can contain anywhere from 10 to 500 calories depending on what you drink!

Eating instant coffee powder lets you all the health benefits of coffee without worrying about your calorie intake.

Enjoy a Healthier Lifestyle

Instant coffee powder contains antioxidants, which help get rid of free radicals. In doing so, these antioxidants can prevent immune system impairment, heart diseases, cognitive impairment, and cancer.

Other exciting health benefits of eating coffee powder are the following:

  • Helps individuals stay active with optimal brain function
  • Can burn fast faster and hasten metabolism
  • Prevents risks of Type 2 diabetes
  • Can lower depression and anxiety risk, improving mental health

The Right Amount of Instant Coffee Powder

amount of instant coffee

Remember that eating instant coffee powder tastes far more bitter than simply brewing a fresh cup of coffee.

With this in mind, the ideal amount to eat should only be a small spoonful. A spoonful contains the same amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee without being overly bitter.

Sometimes, even half a spoon is already too overpowering for most people. Just remember not to take more than a teaspoon, as this can be overly bitter.

FAQs

Now that you know it’s safe and allowed to eat instant coffee, it’s time to answer more related questions.

Here are a couple of FAQs about eating coffee in general.

Can You Eat Roasted Coffee Beans?

You can eat roasted coffee beans without harming your health. They are also better to consume and eat rather than plain coffee beans. This is because plain coffee beans can be stronger and more bitter.

What Will Happen if You Try Eating Coffee Grounds?

Eating coffee grounds puts you at risk of increasing your blood cholesterol levels. So, be mindful of this if you are considering eating coffee grounds. You should speak to your doctor or health professional first.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Overeating Instant Coffee Powder?

Eating excessive instant coffee powder leads to too much caffeine. This can cause restlessness, palpitation, upset stomach, headache, anxiety, and insomnia.

Always eat the recommended amount of instant coffee powder to prevent side effects.

Can You Eat Instant Coffee? Yes, But in Moderation

So, can you eat instant coffee? As it turns out, you can. However, like any food or beverage, consuming instant coffee powder should be in moderation.

So, get ready to whip up some tasty instant coffee recipes or to just chomp down on it raw every now and then!

Do you have any instant coffee recipes that you swear by? Let us know in the comments.

About The Author

Rebecca Hanlon

Rebecca has been a blogger for over 5 years, before that enjoying a number of jobs to fund her passion for travel. She's taught English as a foreign language, a part-time Barista, a waitress, and a tour guide.

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