The Philippines is a nation of coffee drinkers, with the drink being a large part of Filipino culture. Today, coffee is easily accessible for most Filipinos--mostly because of the presence of instant coffee. However, as the country’s coffee culture moves forward, more people are discovering the wonders of brewed coffee. And so, the question of brewed vs instant coffee arises.
On one hand, instant coffee is easily accessible and cheap. However, with the abundance of coffee beans for sale in the Philippines, brewed coffee can just as easily be acquired nowadays. So really, what is the difference between the two?
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur looking to review the merits of instant and brewed coffee or a newbie trying to decide between the two, read more to learn the pros and cons of brewed vs instant coffee!
The Right Taste: Brewed Coffee vs Instant Coffee
Experienced coffee drinkers can tell the difference between brewed and instant coffee. Generally, instant coffee tastes sweeter and creamier. This is especially common for 3 in 1 coffee, which usually has a set amount of sugar and cream in the packet. It’s a good option for Filipinos who are looking for a more convenient option as it gives a coffee lover their daily dose of caffeine in a fast and convenient way.
In contrast, brewed coffee takes a bit more effort to prepare. A common misconception is that brewed coffee tastes bitter or bland. While brewed coffee is usually made plain and black, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t taste great! With the right brewing process and the correct coffee making equipment, coffee drinkers are rewarded with rich, flavorful coffee.
The ever-evolving coffee culture in the Philippines has prompted a lot of innovation when it comes to coffee making and preparation. Today, there are different varieties of instant coffee that you can choose from, which makes getting a proper cup of coffee quite easy. That being said, most instant coffee packs still involve the 3 in 1 kind.
Even better, there’s an abundance of coffee beans and roasts that offer a range of flavors so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with bitter, black coffee. Experts have also continuously explored and developed how to make the perfect coffee, so there’s a lot of coffee making processes that you can choose from.
In terms of taste, brewed coffee also offers you a deeper, richer variety of flavors because of the range of coffee beans that you can get them from.
Here are two of the most common varieties of coffee beans commonly used in the Philippines:
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Liberica - If you like “Kapeng Barako,” then you’re probably familiar with Liberica beans. This variety gives off a complex flavor with a subtle fruitiness reminiscent of jackfruit. Liberica beans give off one of the most recognizable flavors here in the Philippines.
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Robusta - Described to have a profile flavor similar to burnt rice, Robusta beans are actually the variety that’s used in instant coffee. The flavor is because of the high caffeine content found in Robusta beans, but don’t worry--the final product always tastes really good.
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Arabica - Arabica coffee beans offer a unique, natural flavor. It’s less bitter than Robusta beans, mostly because of the lower caffeine content. These beans make a mild, smooth brew that’s sure to satisfy new coffee lovers and seasoned coffee connoisseurs alike.
Health Benefits of Brewed Coffee vs Instant Coffee
Gone are the days when everybody thought that drinking coffee was a bad thing. In fact, several studies show that depending on how you take your coffee, your daily caffeine order could actually be helping in keeping you healthy.
If you want to get the full health benefits of coffee, then most experts would say that you should switch to brewed coffee. Because ground coffee is processed less than instant coffee, brewed coffee drinkers get to consume more antioxidants that can lessen the risk of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
Additionally, if you’re trying to avoid sugar, then you might want to consider making the switch to brewed coffee. Unlike instant coffee, brewed coffee doesn’t come with sugar premixed which makes it an excellent choice for those monitoring their glucose levels. Of course, if you really want to add a dash of sweetness to your morning brew, you can add in natural sweeteners like Stevia or diabetic-friendly sweeteners like Equal.
Brewed Coffee vs Instant Coffee: Which is cheaper?
Brewed coffee sounds like the fancier, more expensive option but it’s actually an affordable option for people who consume large amounts of coffee or need a bigger dose of caffeine.
One of the biggest advantages of instant coffee is that it’s usually pre-packaged in small packs. If you’re someone who doesn’t need to drink several cups of coffee, then perhaps instant coffee packs would last a long time for you. If you’re looking to consume a large batch of coffee, then you might want to go for brewed coffee. Of course, not every brewing process is sure to make a large batch of coffee so check accordingly.
If you need a stronger dose of caffeine from your coffee fix, then instant coffee might not be the best choice. Since instant coffee has a fixed dose of caffeine, most people tend to take two (or more!) packets just to give them the burst of energy they need. If you need a bigger burst of caffeine, then it might be more beneficial to invest in high quality coffee beans and coffee equipment. More caffeine is extracted the longer you let the coffee sit in the water, so make sure that you pay attention to your brewing process.
The Final Verdict: Brewed Coffee vs Instant Coffee
The final verdict for this long standing debate will really depend on individual coffee drinkers. Whether you like your coffee sweet, bitter, or as black as the night, there’s bound to be something for you!
If you want to try something new, you can read up more on the entire brewed vs instant coffee and decide on which kind you like best. As always, finding the perfect cup of coffee can only be possible by trying out and drinking different kinds of coffee. Try out a variety of instant coffee and coffee grounds--there’s something out there for everyone.
