How much NESCAFÉ for 1 cup? A guide to the perfect instant coffee

According to NESCAFÉ's official guidelines, a standard serving for a mug of instant coffee is one heaped teaspoon, which typically equates to 1.8g to 3g of granules, depending on the product. However, the perfect amount is a matter of personal preference, and can be easily customized for a stronger or milder flavor.

Quick Summary

This article explores the recommended and customized amounts of NESCAFÉ instant coffee to use per cup, explaining how to adjust measurements for your preferred strength and flavor. It details the process for different products and offers tips for a better brewing experience.

Key Points

• Standard Serving: Use one heaped teaspoon of NESCAFÉ (approx. 1.8-3g) per 200ml cup for a balanced brew.

• Adjust for Strength: Increase the amount of coffee for a stronger, bolder flavor, or decrease it for a milder cup.

• Optimal Water Temperature: Use hot, not boiling, water (around 80°C) to prevent a bitter, burnt taste.

• Thorough Stirring: Ensure all granules are dissolved before adding milk or creamer for a smoother, lump-free coffee.

• Customization: Experiment with mug size, water volume, and additions like spices or flavored syrups to find your perfect taste.

• Sachet Products: For 3-in-1 or All-in-1 products, use one full sachet with the recommended water amount, as they are pre-measured.

Finding Your Ideal NESCAFÉ Measurement

Getting your instant coffee just right is a simple process that starts with understanding the basic recommendations and then tailoring them to your taste. While NESCAFÉ provides a standard guideline, there are several factors that influence how much coffee you might want to use, including your mug size, desired strength, and the specific type of NESCAFÉ product you are using. Mastering this balance is key to enjoying your daily brew to its fullest.

The Standard Recommendation

For most of its instant coffee products, including NESCAFÉ Original and Gold Blend, the brand suggests using one rounded or heaped teaspoon (approximately 1.8g to 3g) per mug. This is designed for a medium-strength cup with about 200ml of hot water. The process is straightforward:

• Step 1: Add one teaspoon of NESCAFÉ granules to your mug.
• Step 2: If desired, add sugar or other sweeteners at this stage.
• Step 3: Pour 200ml of hot water, ideally not boiling (around 80°C or 175°F), over the granules.
• Step 4: Stir well until all granules are dissolved.
• Step 5: Add milk or creamer as preferred, then enjoy.

Adjusting for Strength: Strong vs. Mild Coffee

For many coffee drinkers, one teaspoon might not be enough to achieve the desired intensity. The beauty of instant coffee is the ease with which you can modify the recipe.

For a Stronger Cup:

• Use more coffee: Increase the amount of NESCAFÉ to 1.5 or even 2 teaspoons per cup. This will yield a bolder, richer flavor.
• Use less water: A smaller volume of water concentrates the coffee flavor. For a double-shot espresso-like experience, use a smaller cup or half the standard water amount with your usual measure of coffee.

For a Milder Cup:

• Use less coffee: Start with a half or three-quarters of a teaspoon. This is perfect for those who enjoy a lighter, less intense coffee taste.
• Use more water: Simply fill your mug with more hot water. This dilutes the coffee, reducing its strength and boldness.

Special NESCAFÉ Products: Sachets and Specific Blends

Some NESCAFÉ products, like the 3-in-1 or All-in-1 sachets, come pre-measured for a single serving. For these, the instructions are even simpler:

• Empty the contents of one sachet into your mug.
• Add the recommended amount of hot water (usually 120-150ml).
• Stir and serve.

For products like NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso, the recommendation may vary slightly from the standard instant coffee, so always check the product packaging. The US version recommends 1 tsp per 6 fl oz (approx. 180ml).

NESCAFÉ Serving Size Comparison Table

Desired Strength	Teaspoons of NESCAFÉ	Water Volume (Approx.)	Flavor Profile
Mild	½ - ¾ tsp	200-220ml	Smooth, subtle coffee flavor
Standard	1 heaped tsp	200ml	Balanced, medium intensity
Strong	1.5 - 2 tsp	180-200ml	Rich, bold, and intense
Espresso-style	1 tsp	60-90ml	Very strong, concentrated flavor
Sachet (All-in-1)	1 sachet	120-150ml	Creamy, sweet (pre-mixed)

Tips for a Better Instant Coffee Experience

1. Use the right water temperature: Avoid using boiling water directly on your coffee granules. Extremely hot water can scorch the coffee, resulting in a bitter taste. Aim for water that is hot, but not boiling (around 80°C or 175°F). Allow freshly boiled water to rest for a minute before pouring.
2. Stir thoroughly: Ensure all granules are completely dissolved before adding milk or sweeteners. This prevents clumping and creates a smoother coffee.
3. Experiment with additions: Personalize your cup with flavored syrups, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or different types of milk.
4. Try different products: NESCAFÉ offers a wide range of instant coffees with varying roasts and flavor profiles. If one type doesn't satisfy your taste, another might be a better fit.

Conclusion

While a single heaped teaspoon of NESCAFÉ per cup is the standard starting point, the ideal amount ultimately depends on your personal taste and how you like your coffee. The flexibility of instant coffee allows you to easily experiment with different quantities to achieve your perfect brew, whether you prefer it mild and smooth or rich and strong. By using the guidelines and tips provided, you can consistently prepare a delicious cup of NESCAFÉ every time.

Need more coffee inspiration? Check out NESCAFÉ's official website for more tips and recipes. https://www.nescafe.com/mena/en-ae/coffee-culture/coffee-knowledge/make-perfect-coffee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official NESCAFÉ recommendation for one cup?

The official recommendation from NESCAFÉ is to use one heaped teaspoon of instant coffee for a mug with about 200ml of hot water. This can vary slightly depending on the specific product.

How do I make a stronger cup of NESCAFÉ?

To make a stronger cup, simply add more NESCAFÉ granules to your mug. Using 1.5 or 2 heaped teaspoons instead of one will result in a bolder, more intense flavor.

Can I use less NESCAFÉ for a milder coffee?

Yes, for a milder coffee, you can use less instant coffee. Starting with a half or three-quarters of a teaspoon is a good way to achieve a smoother, more subtle coffee flavor.

Why shouldn't I use boiling water for my instant coffee?

Using boiling water can burn the delicate coffee granules, which results in a more bitter taste. It's best to let freshly boiled water cool for a minute or two before pouring it into your mug.

How much water should I add per teaspoon of NESCAFÉ?

For a standard cup, around 200ml of water is recommended per heaped teaspoon of NESCAFÉ. However, you can use less water for a stronger brew or more for a milder one.

What if I'm using a different type of NESCAFÉ?

For products like pre-mixed sachets (e.g., 3-in-1), follow the instructions on the packaging, as the serving size and water volume are often specific to that product. For different roasts like NESCAFÉ Gold, the standard teaspoon rule usually applies.

Is it better to add milk or water first when making NESCAFÉ?

For best results, add the hot water to the coffee granules first and stir until they are fully dissolved. You can then add milk or creamer to finish your drink.