How many scoops of NESCAFÉ coffee per cup for your perfect brew?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Nescafé, one heaped teaspoon (approximately 1.8g) per mug is the standard serving suggestion for a smooth brew. However, understanding precisely how many scoops of NESCAFÉ coffee per cup to use is a personal journey, as the perfect ratio depends entirely on your desired strength and flavor.

Quick Summary

This comprehensive guide explores the recommended instant coffee-to-water ratios for creating the perfect cup. Learn to tailor your Nescafé based on strength preference, cup size, and product type, with simple tips for a consistently flavorful result.

Key Points

Standard Scoop: One heaped teaspoon of Nescafé per 200ml mug is the official serving suggestion for a balanced flavor.
Adjust for Strength: To make your coffee stronger, simply add more granules, or for a weaker brew, use less.
Use the Right Temperature: Avoid boiling water, as it can make the coffee taste bitter. Use water slightly below boiling (around 80-85°C).
Consider Cup Size: For larger mugs, increase the number of scoops proportionally. Use two heaped teaspoons for a 400ml cup to maintain the standard ratio.
Add a Froth: For a creamy finish, whisk the coffee granules with a small amount of water and sugar before adding the rest of your hot water.
Product Specifics: Recipes vary by product. Always check specific instructions, especially for premixes or concentrates.

The Standard Recommendation: Nescafé's Official Serving Size

For most of its classic instant coffee products, including NESCAFÉ Original and NESCAFÉ Gold Blend, the official recommendation is straightforward. The standard is one heaped teaspoon of coffee granules for a 200ml mug of hot water. This provides a balanced, full-flavored coffee that is not too bitter or too weak for the average palate. This ratio can be easily adjusted to suit your personal taste, which is the beauty of instant coffee.

Adjusting for Personal Taste and Desired Strength

Not everyone prefers a standard brew. If you find the official recommendation too weak or too strong, the solution is simple: experiment. You can modify the ratio in a few easy steps:

For stronger coffee: Add an extra half or full teaspoon of coffee granules to your cup. For a rich, bold cup, some enthusiasts may even use two full teaspoons from the start. Just be aware that using too much can result in a more bitter taste.
For weaker coffee: Start with a half or three-quarters of a teaspoon. Alternatively, you can achieve a milder flavor by using the standard amount of coffee with a slightly larger volume of water.
The Golden Rule: The key is to start with the standard recommendation and make small, incremental adjustments. Keep track of what works best for you and your preferred cup size.

Factor in Your Cup Size

The standard 200ml serving suggestion assumes a medium-sized mug. If you’re using a larger mug, simply double your scoops. For a 400ml or larger cup, two heaped teaspoons is a good starting point. Remember that larger volumes of water will dilute the flavor more, so increasing the coffee quantity is essential to maintain strength.

How Product Type Affects Scoop Count

Nescafé offers a wide range of products, and the ideal scoop count can vary depending on what you're using. Pre-mixed sachets, for example, have a pre-measured quantity of ingredients, so no scooping is necessary.

Comparison of Nescafé Serving Suggestions


Nescafé Product	Recommended Scoop	Water Volume	Notes
NESCAFÉ Classic/Original	1 heaped teaspoon	~200ml	Standard, balanced brew. Can be adjusted.
NESCAFÉ Gold Blend	1 heaped teaspoon	~200ml	Similar ratio to Classic, but with smoother flavor.
Iced Coffee (Instant)	2 teaspoons	~200ml (cold)	Recommended amount for a bolder flavor that stands up to ice.
3-in-1 Sachets	Entire sachet	~200ml	Pre-proportioned for convenience, no scooping needed.
Espresso Concentrate	Small shot	Varies	For customizable iced drinks, not based on scoops.

Tips for the Perfect Brew

To get the most out of your Nescafé, consider these extra tips:

Water Temperature: Don't use boiling water. Water that is too hot can burn the coffee granules, resulting in a bitter flavor. Instead, let the water cool slightly to around 80-85°C (175-185°F) for optimal flavor extraction. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply let the kettle sit for a minute or two after boiling.
Froth your coffee: For a creamier, frothier texture, you can whip the coffee granules with a small amount of hot water and sugar before adding the rest of the hot water and milk. This creates a rich, decadent top layer.
Measure Accurately: While scooping with a teaspoon is the norm, for maximum consistency, consider using a digital kitchen scale. One teaspoon of Nescafé instant coffee is about 1.8 grams. This level of precision can help you replicate your perfect cup every single time.
Consider Add-ins: Milk, creamer, and sugar all alter the perceived strength and flavor. Using more milk or sugar can mellow out a stronger brew, while drinking it black will emphasize the coffee's intensity.

How to Make Your Nescafé

Heat Your Water: Heat water to just below boiling, around 80-85°C. This prevents burning the delicate coffee granules.
Add Coffee and Sugar: Place your desired number of scoops of NESCAFÉ coffee into your favorite mug, along with any sugar if you use it.
Mix Thoroughly: Pour a small splash of the hot water into the mug and stir vigorously to dissolve the granules completely. This ensures a smooth, lump-free brew.
Add Remaining Water: Fill the rest of the mug with hot water, leaving room for milk or cream if desired.
Enjoy: Add milk or cream to taste, stir, and enjoy your perfectly brewed cup. For further inspiration on recipes, you can visit the official Nescafé website.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single right answer to how many scoops of NESCAFÉ coffee per cup, as it comes down to personal preference. The official recommendation of one heaped teaspoon per 200ml mug is an excellent starting point for a well-balanced brew. From there, you can easily adjust the quantity of granules to increase or decrease the intensity. By paying attention to factors like water temperature and your cup size, you can consistently achieve a brew that perfectly matches your taste, making every instant coffee moment a great one.

Frequently Asked Questions

To make Nescafé coffee stronger, increase the number of granules you use per cup. Start by adding an extra half a teaspoon and adjust until you find your preferred strength. You can also use less water with the same amount of coffee for a bolder, more concentrated flavor.

For a standard 400ml large mug, a good starting point is two heaped teaspoons of Nescafé instant coffee. The key is to maintain the recommended ratio of one teaspoon per 200ml and adjust according to your taste.

Yes, one heaped teaspoon (scoop) is the standard recommendation for a 200ml cup, providing a balanced and flavorful coffee. Whether it's 'enough' depends on your personal preference for coffee strength.

The ideal water temperature for preparing Nescafé is between 80°C and 85°C (175-185°F). Using water that is boiling hot can burn the coffee and create a bitter taste. Let your kettle cool for a minute or two after it has boiled.

Yes, Nescafé instant coffee dissolves easily in cold water, making it suitable for iced coffee. The recommended amount is typically two teaspoons for a stronger brew that isn't overwhelmed by the ice and cold water.

To create a rich froth, place your Nescafé granules and sugar (if desired) in your mug. Add a small splash of hot water and whisk vigorously with a small whisk or spoon until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Then, add the rest of your hot water and milk.

For standard instant coffee varieties like Classic and Gold, the serving size is generally consistent at one heaped teaspoon per mug. However, special products like 3-in-1 sachets or Espresso concentrates have pre-determined serving sizes that don't rely on scooping.