Coffee is one of the most polarizing beverages out there, loved by some for its energy-boosting effects and rich, roasted flavor, while hated by others due to its bitter, burnt taste that doesn’t compare with freshly brewed. Still, coffee remains an invaluable pantry ingredient; perfect if time is tight or living without access to a Keurig or coffee maker!

Instant coffee is a powder created by spray-drying or freeze-drying liquid coffee, then reconstituting it by mixing with hot water, creating an identical cup as regular brewed coffee minus any hassle or expenses incurred from purchasing pre-packed pods from local grocery stores. Instant coffee has become incredibly popular since it offers instant gratification without breaking the bank on special machines or pods from specialty coffee vendors.

Not many people realize this, but unlike ground coffee, instant can contain up to twice more acrylamide, a carcinogen. This occurs due to coffee beans being exposed to higher temperatures when being sprayed or freeze-dried due to Maillard reactions which occur when foods are cooked – these processes have been linked with neurodegeneration and nerve damage in animals; research on humans remains limited. If opting for instant coffee it’s wise to limit yourself to only drinking two cups per day for best results.

How Can You Select The Ideal Instant Coffee? Thanks to technological innovations and up-and-coming brands, instant coffee has seen its glory days return. Some new products available online or at grocery stores employ single origin beans from various regions that have been roasted using various styles, allowing you to customize its flavor profile. When searching for instant coffee granules that dissolve quickly when mixed with some water.

However, it should also be remembered that no matter your preferred brewing method, you are still exposed to acrylamide when eating or drinking anything that has been cooked or roasted, including seared steaks, roast potatoes or drinking hot chocolate or tea. If acrylamide concerns are important to you, stick to freshly brewed or decaf coffee that uses lower sugar and non dairy alternatives or purchase brands using those as your daily dose of caffeine.