Coffee is an enjoyable morning ritual enjoyed by millions worldwide, whether to meet up with a friend, power through their workout session, or just wake up and go! There are various brewing methods to choose from – drip, cold brew and espresso are among them – and there are even those who prefer grinding their own beans as part of their morning ritual. Others opt for instant coffee sachets from stores as an easy solution – but are they healthier options?

Instant coffee (also referred to as soluble or coffee crystals) is created by dehydrating brewed coffee into powder or granules that can then be reconstitute with hot water and consumed instantly without the need for a brewing machine. Instant coffee has proven its versatility on camping trips, travel trips and everyday use alike; being low in calories while rich with antioxidants it may help lower risk factors associated with certain diseases.

Add sugar or syrup and your instant coffee quickly becomes high in both calories and saturated fat, increasing your risk for heart disease. Furthermore, creamers may increase acrylamide intake which has been linked with an increased risk of cancer and other illnesses.

Another issue related to instant coffee is its caffeine content. A serving can vary in terms of how much instant coffee granules were spooned into each mug as well as water temperature; an average mug of instant coffee contains around 63 mg compared to 92 mg in traditional brewed coffee cups; individual tolerance varies greatly and it’s important to limit how much instant coffee is consumed at any given time.

Even freshly ground coffee poses some health risks. Although freshly ground, whole bean, instant or fresh ground can contain antioxidants and other beneficial components, however the chemical treatments used to protect against mold mildew & fungus may deplete some of these compounds from its grounds.

If you want to provide your team with the healthiest option possible, try switching out instant coffee for a bean-to-cup machine. While the upfront investment may seem more expensive, your team will appreciate its healthier and more natural taste while you eliminate added sugars, additives and saturated fats found in instant sachets as well as any risks of contamination in brewing machines. Until that day arrives though, stock the office pantry with some instant packs as a safe and convenient alternative!