Substitute for Instant Coffee: 1 Smart Options
The best substitute for instant coffee is Instant Espresso Powder at a Use 75% ratio. There are 2 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Instant Espresso Powder
Use 75%
Instant Espresso Powder works as a substitute for instant coffee in many recipes. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. This option is more concentrated than instant coffee, so small adjustments make a noticeable difference.
What are the other substitutes for instant coffee?
Brewed Coffee (strong)
1 tbsp strong brewed coffee per 1 tsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp water
Brew double-strength coffee. Use in baking, desserts, and beverages where instant coffee is called for.
Flavor/texture:Fresher, more nuanced coffee flavor. Less bitter than instant. Better for recipes where coffee is a primary flavor.
Avoid when:Adds more liquid than instant coffee dissolved in water. May need to reduce other liquids in baking recipes. Less concentrated flavor.
Cocoa Powder
1 tsp cocoa powder per 1 tsp instant coffee
Adds depth and richness similar to coffee in chocolate recipes. Coffee and cocoa complement each other, so this works when coffee is used to enhance chocolate flavor.
Flavor/texture:Chocolatey and bitter instead of coffee-flavored. Adds similar depth to chocolate recipes.
Avoid when:Not a coffee flavor. Only works in chocolate-based recipes where coffee is used as a flavor enhancer, not the primary taste.
What should you know before substituting instant coffee?
Instant Espresso Powder is the easiest starting point because it stays closest to instant coffee in everyday cooking. Use 75% of the original amount to start, then adjust if needed. Focus on whether you need the closest flavor, the right texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.
How do you substitute instant coffee in a recipe?
When a recipe calls for instant coffee and you need an alternative, there are 3 tested substitutes available. Instant Espresso Powder is the best overall replacement, used at a Use 75% ratio. The right substitute depends on the role instant coffee plays in your recipe: whether it provides flavor, texture, moisture, or structure.
The best substitute for instant coffee depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Instant Espresso Powder (Use 75%), which works well for most recipes.
If you need a different option, Brewed Coffee (strong) (1 tbsp strong brewed coffee per 1 tsp instant coffee dissolved in 1 tbsp water) is another reliable choice. Brew double-strength coffee. Use in baking, desserts, and beverages where instant coffee is called for.
When substituting instant coffee, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for Instant Coffee?
Instant Espresso Powder is the best place to start for instant coffee. Use 75% of the original amount and then adjust after tasting if the dish needs a little more intensity or balance.
How many substitutes are there for Instant Coffee?
This page lists 1 substitute for instant coffee. The best pick depends on whether you want the closest flavor, similar texture, or simply the easiest pantry backup.