Which coffee has the most kick?

From instant to espresso and brewed coffee, we find out if one has more bang for buck.

We've seen plenty of discussions at 9Kitchen about the various pros and cons of instant v brewed coffee, so after one that revolved around whether or not instant coffee hits you harder than a good old espresso, we thought it was time to ask an expert if there was any science behind it. Zoe Bingley-Pullin is a chef, nutritionist and founder of Falling in Love with Food and she knows a thing or two about coffee, including the key differences between brewed, espresso and instant.

"They're all made from coffee beans, but are processed differently," says Bingley-Pullin, pointing out that the simple variations in processing can be described as: 

•    Instant: brewed coffee, spray or freeze dried into large particles which dissolve in boiling water 
•    Brewed: boiling water poured over ground coffee beans and filtered for a short duration – separating the coffee and the bean
•    Espresso: forcing water through finely ground coffee beans over a very short period of time 

It's the processing method that affects the caffeine content. 

"Generally speaking espresso, due to its concentration, has the highest caffeine content, followed by brewed and then instant." 

Whether or not one type of coffee preparation gives you more of a buzz than another will come down to a few factors according to the nutritionist. 

"This includes the type of beans, the roasting process, whether it's consumed on an empty or full stomach, your body’s natural ability to process caffeine, your sleep the night before and whether the coffee is diluted with milk or water."

Making it a little more complex than just which method you chose that morning. But at the end of the day is there one kind of brewing/preparation method that's better for you than another (assuming that the milk and sugar you add is the same for all of them)?

"This really comes down to an individual preference and always opting for the best quality available," says Bingley-Pullin. "For example, if it's organic it will be better for you. As the roasting can involve the use of chemicals, choosing organic helps reduce chemical exposure," she says. 

"Instant coffee contains less caffeine, so it may be a good choice for those who are easily affected by caffeine. Freeze/spray drying can help preserve the antioxidant content of coffee. However acrylamide—a chemical that forms when coffee beans are roasted—is believed to be more concentrated in instant coffee. 

"Overall, opting for an organic form of whichever you enjoy the most is the best option. If going to a café and ordering coffee is a relaxing ritual for you, do it. If you prefer to stay at home and slowly brew your favourite roast, choose this. If you thrive on the ease of instant, and it gives you more time, pick instant."

But make it organic if you can and at least that's a step in the right direction.