What plant is NESCAFÉ made from?

The average coffee tree produces only enough cherries each season to yield about half a kilogram of roasted coffee. This incredible fruit is the source of all coffee beans, and it's the very plant that provides the raw ingredients for NESCAFÉ, which is not made from one type but a strategic blend of beans.

Quick Summary

NESCAFÉ is made from the processed and dried beans of the coffee plant, using a blend of two primary species: the Coffea arabica (Arabica) and Coffea canephora (Robusta) plants. The beans are harvested, roasted, brewed, and dried into soluble granules.

Key Points

• Source Plant: NESCAFÉ is made from the beans of the Coffea plant, also known as the coffee tree.

• Dual Bean Blend: The brand uses a blend of two main coffee bean species: Arabica and Robusta.

• Flavor Profile: Arabica beans contribute a delicate, sweet flavor, while Robusta beans add boldness and intensity to the blend.

• Instant Process: The beans are roasted, ground, brewed into an extract, and then dried into soluble granules using either spray-drying or freeze-drying techniques.

• Product Variation: NESCAFÉ uses different bean blends and drying methods across its product lines to achieve specific flavors and characteristics.

• Sustainability Efforts: The brand actively works with farmers to improve crop yields and promote more resilient coffee plants.

The Botanical Source: The Coffea Plant

NESCAFÉ is made exclusively from the beans of the Coffea plant, a genus of flowering plants native to tropical Africa and Madagascar. What we call a 'coffee bean' is actually the seed found inside the fruit of this plant, known as a 'coffee cherry'. NESCAFÉ uses carefully selected beans from two of the most popular and commercially significant species of this plant: Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, more commonly known as Arabica and Robusta, respectively.

Arabica and Robusta: The Perfect Blend

NESCAFÉ's distinct flavor profile is achieved by blending beans from both the Arabica and Robusta varieties. These two types of coffee plant are grown in different regions and offer unique characteristics that complement one another in the final instant coffee product.

Arabica Beans

• Originate from the Coffea arabica plant, which grows best at higher altitudes in cooler, subtropical climates.
• Prized for their smooth, delicate flavor profile, often featuring hints of fruit, chocolate, and nuts, with a brighter acidity.
• Contain less caffeine than Robusta beans, typically around 1.2-1.5% by weight.

Robusta Beans

• Sourced from the heartier Coffea canephora plant, which thrives at lower altitudes in warmer, more humid climates.
• Known for their bold, intense flavor and characteristic bitterness, with earthy and grainy overtones.
• Contain significantly more caffeine, with levels reaching 2.2-2.7% by weight.

The Journey from Bean to Granule

The process of turning coffee beans into soluble granules for instant coffee is a sophisticated multi-stage procedure that involves precision and expertise.

1. Harvesting: Coffee cherries are picked from the Coffea plants when they are at peak ripeness.
2. Processing: The beans are extracted from the cherries and undergo a cleaning and drying process before being sorted.
3. Roasting: The green beans are roasted in rotating cylinders to develop their flavor, aroma, and color.
4. Grinding: The roasted beans are ground into a coarse powder.
5. Extraction: The coarse grounds are then brewed in large-scale equipment with hot, pressurized water to create a concentrated coffee extract.
6. Concentration and Drying: The water is removed from this extract using either spray-drying or freeze-drying methods to leave behind the fine instant coffee powder or granules.

Instant Coffee Manufacturing Methods

NESCAFÉ uses two primary methods for drying its concentrated coffee extract to create instant coffee granules. The choice of method affects the final product's quality, cost, and flavor retention.

Criteria	Spray Drying	Freeze Drying
Process Overview	Concentrated coffee extract is sprayed into a stream of hot air, evaporating the water and creating fine powder.	Concentrated extract is frozen, then vacuum-dried to remove the ice through sublimation, leaving behind granules.
Cost	Generally lower cost, suitable for high-volume production.	Higher cost due to slower, more energy-intensive process.
Flavor Retention	Good, but some loss of delicate volatile compounds due to high heat.	Superior flavor retention as the low-temperature process preserves more volatile aromas.
Final Product	Fine, rounded powder that is often texturized into granules.	Porous granules that dissolve easily, often associated with premium instant coffee.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NESCAFÉ is not made from a single type of plant, but from a strategic blend of beans derived from two main species of the coffee plant, Arabica and Robusta. These beans, each with their own distinct characteristics, undergo a meticulous process of harvesting, roasting, and drying to create the soluble granules enjoyed by millions. This blending and advanced manufacturing technique allows NESCAFÉ to create a consistent, reliable instant coffee product that balances desirable flavor with convenience. Ultimately, the next time you enjoy a cup of NESCAFÉ, you can appreciate the journey the coffee beans have taken from the flowering Coffea plant to your mug. For more information on NESCAFÉ’s products and sourcing, visit the official website.

NESCAFÉ official site

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NESCAFÉ made from real coffee beans?

Yes, NESCAFÉ is made from 100% real coffee beans. The beans are processed to extract their flavor and aroma, with water then removed to leave behind a soluble coffee powder or granule.

What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans in NESCAFÉ?

Arabica beans provide a sweeter, more delicate flavor with a higher acidity, while Robusta beans offer a bolder, stronger, and more bitter taste. NESCAFÉ blends these two bean types to achieve its signature flavor.

How is instant coffee made from coffee beans?

Instant coffee is made by roasting and grinding coffee beans, brewing them to create a concentrated coffee extract, and then drying that extract using methods like spray-drying or freeze-drying to create a dehydrated, soluble product.

Does NESCAFÉ use only one type of coffee bean for all its products?

No, NESCAFÉ uses either Arabica, Robusta, or a blend of both, depending on the specific product. For example, NESCAFÉ Gold is a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans.

Why does instant coffee sometimes taste different than ground coffee?

The flavor difference arises from the manufacturing process. Instant coffee loses some volatile oils and flavor compounds during drying, which can alter the final taste profile compared to freshly brewed ground coffee.

What is a 'coffee cherry'?

A coffee cherry is the fruit of the Coffea plant. The 'coffee bean' is actually the seed found inside this cherry.

Are coffee beans roasted before being made into instant coffee?

Yes, the coffee beans are roasted to bring out their flavor and aroma, just like for regular coffee, before being ground and used to create the coffee extract for instant coffee.