Sometimes, kitchen terminology can get pretty confusing. One ingredient or appliance can have a huge variety of names that differs from person to person.
A good example of this is espresso powder vs instant espresso. You’ll hear both these phrases tossed around, especially when it comes to baking.
If you’re wondering what the difference is between these ingredients, you’re in the right place. We’ll catch you up to speed on them here.
Espresso Powder vs Instant Espresso: What’s the Difference?
Espresso powder and instant espresso are names for the same thing. They’re made the same way, which is from espresso beans that are ground, brewed, dried, and then crushed into a fine powder. Thus, if you see a recipe calling for espresso powder or instant espresso, you can be confident they’re referring to the same product.
This powder is generally used for baking, although you’ll sometimes see it used in more savory recipes. For instance, it can be used in a spicy vegan chili because it adds a deep, earthy tone to the dish.
Read Also: Where to Find Espresso Powder in the Grocery Store
Can You Drink Instant Espresso Powder?
Espresso powder is not intended for drinking, although it dissolves quickly into liquid. If you were to try and make a cup of coffee out of it, you’d get something that doesn’t taste nearly as good as freshly ground espresso.
The reason why it doesn’t taste as good is that it’s extremely concentrated. A cup of java made with espresso powder will taste overwhelming.
If you’re in desperate need of some coffee and all you have around is espresso powder, you can use it as a last resort. Just be prepared for it to taste different from what you’d normally get at your favorite coffee shop.
Is Instant Coffee Stronger than Espresso?
Because espresso powder is sometimes called instant espresso, you might think it’s the same as instant coffee. It’s a fair enough question to wonder which one is stronger than other.
As you might have guessed, espresso is stronger than coffee in terms of caffeine. The average espresso will have 58-185 milligrams of caffeine per serving, while instant coffee carries 40-108 milligrams.
Wrap Up
The next time you hear someone say espresso powder or instant espresso, you’ll understand that these terms can be used interchangeably. Don’t let the differences confuse you.
If you’re into baking, espresso powder is a vital addition to your kitchen. You’ll love the way it adds a deeper note to your desserts.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
