Tag: Coffee basics

According to the National Coffee Association, 76% of American home brewers use pre-ground coffee for its convenience. Despite this popularity, a common point of confusion persists: are coffee and ground coffee the same? In reality, they are two distinct products that come from the same origin but differ significantly in processing, preparation, and flavor.

A traditional espresso shot is made from just two simple ingredients: finely-ground coffee beans and hot water. This brewing process, which forces pressurized hot water through the grounds, results in a rich, concentrated coffee that is inherently dairy-free.

According to a 2024 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission, Robusta beans, often used in instant coffee, make up a significant portion of global coffee production. The question, 'Is ground coffee real coffee?' arises from this distinction between different preparation methods. Ground coffee is unequivocally real coffee, consisting of roasted beans that have been crushed into particles ready for brewing, unlike instant coffee, which is a processed, dehydrated product.