Ultimate Guide to Espresso Powder, Ground Coffee, and Instant Coffee

Ever wondered if espresso powder is the same as instant coffee or coffee grounds? You’re not alone. Many people, myself included, have no idea how to tell each one apart. In fact, before I wrote this article, I thought those recipes with coffee, e.g., espresso cookie, use instant coffee, the same ones we buy for drinking coffee. It turns out instant coffee is not made for baking and that if I want to make a coffee cake, I will have to use espresso powder.

What is espresso powder?

Espresso powder is ground coffee, brewed and dried. It’s darker and more intense than an instant coffee. It easily dissolves in water and is used not for drinking coffee but as an ingredient for baking or cooking; hence it’s also called the “Baker’s Coffee.” It originated in Italy in the 20th century and is created by pressing finely ground beans with steam and water.

Is espresso powder the same as espresso coffee?

While they’re both made from ground coffee, espresso powder, and espresso coffee are not the same. While espresso coffee is used for making coffee, espresso powder is typically used for baking.

Espresso powder enhances the flavor of other baking ingredients, such as chocolate and vanilla bean. This is not recommended for drinking as it’s not as flavorful as regular coffee.

Is espresso powder the same as ground coffee?

The simple answer is no; espresso powder differs from ground coffee. An espresso powder is coffee crystals made from regular coffee beans and is water-soluble. It’s less bitter and is used to enhance sweet flavors. On the other hand, ground coffee is not soluble; it has a more intense flavor and is used for creating coffee drinks.

Is espresso powder the same as instant coffee?

No, espresso powder and instant coffee are not the same. Instant coffee is made from the dried coffee extract and is meant for drinking. On the other hand, espresso powder is made from coffee beans that have been roasted, grinder, brewed, and dried; it’s used for baking or cooking.

25 best espresso powders to buy

We’ve listed down the best espresso powders, instant coffee, and ground coffee that you can buy.

#1 King Arthur Espresso Powder ($89.99)

This espresso powder is manufactured by King Arthur, a USA-based baking company founded in 1790. It’s a 3oz jar of dark espresso powder that you can use for your favorite recipes, such as brownies, cookies, and cakes.

#2 DeLallo Instant Espresso Powder ($24.24)

This espresso powder is made by Delallo, an Italian food shop that has been around since 1950. The jar contains 1.94 oz of espresso powder. It dissolves quickly and is gluten-free. It has that rich roasted coffee flavor making it an ideal baking ingredient.

#3 Illy Classico Espresso Ground Coffee ($23.90)

This espresso ground coffee is sold by illy, a well-known Italian coffee company. It’s available in three intensity levels: Classico medium roast, Forte dark roast, and Intenso bold roast. The canister contains 8.8 oz of finely ground espresso. If you like Arabica coffee, this is one of the best you can buy.

#4 Mount Hagen Organic Cafe Decaffeinated ($10.48)

From Mount Hagen, a German company, this instant coffee is USDA Organic certified. The coffee undergoes a freeze-dried process and is made of 100% Arabica coffee beans. This is best for those who want organic, instant decaffeinated coffee.

#5 Ferrara Instant Espresso Coffee ($2.04)

This instant espresso coffee uses 100% choice coffee from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico. It’s manufactured by Ferrara Cafe, the first pasteria and espresso bar in the USA. It has a strong, bitter taste, ideal for creating lattes like a mocha latte.

#6 Rapid Fire Keto Coffee ($14.97)

This instant coffee is manufactured by Rapid Fire, a nutritional shop specializing in keto and paleo products. The canister contains 7.93 oz of coffee mix and is available in classic and hazelnut flavors. If you are in a ketogenic or paleo lifestyle, you’ll be happy to know that there’s coffee made just for you. This coffee is low-carb and sugar-free, with coconut and MCT oil powder and grass-fed butter powder.

#7 Medaglia D’Oro Italian Roast Espresso Style Ground Coffee ($77.88)

Rowland Coffee Roasters Inc produces this Medaglia d’Oro ground coffee. If you prefer dark Italian roast, you will enjoy this ground coffee. It has a robust, great flavor that will instantly perk you up. It’s so good it’s one of the bestselling coffee grounds on Amazon.

#8 Chock Full o’Nuts Ground Coffee ($24.26)

This famous ground coffee is produced by Chock full o’Nuts, a New York-based roasting company that started in 1926. This ground coffee is available in 13 flavors: Original Roast, Gourmet Roast, French Vanilla, Heavenly Hazelnut, Colombian Roast, French Roast, Cuban Roast, Dark and Bold Roast, New York Roast, Uptown Express, Donut Shop, Decof Medium, Roast, and Heavenly Half Caffeine. If you want variety, this brand is for you. They make full-flavored, aromatic blends that you will surely enjoy.

#9 Dunkin’ Original Blend Medium Roast Ground Coffee ($40)

Dunkin’, the American doughnut company, is known not only for its delicious doughnuts but also for its coffee. In fact, many people name Dunkin’ coffee as their most favorite fast-food chain coffee. And if you like their coffee, why not brew your own at home? The company offers six blends to choose from; Original Blend, Cold, Espresso Style, Colombian, and Midnight Dark Roast.

#10 Maxwell House Ground Coffee ($112.17)

Maxwell House, a well-known American coffee brand that’s been around since 1892, sells this huge canister (30.6 oz) of medium roast ground coffee. It’s made of 100% pure bold coffee beans. It has dark and rich flavors, and you can make great coffee with it via a drip coffee maker or with an espresso machine. It’s available in five flavors; Breakfast Blend, House Blend, Original Roast, 100% Colombian, and French Roast.

#11 Death Wish Coffee Dark Roast Grounds ($18)

Death Wish Coffee Co., an American coffee company specializing in bold and smooth coffee, produces these dark roast coffee grounds. It’s USDA Organic certified and is available in three variants, Espresso Roast, Dark Roast, and Medium Roast. The coffee grounds are made with robusta and arabica beans. The company prides itself on creating the world’s strongest coffee, so if you need more kick out of your daily coffee cup, this is the best option for you.

#12 Anthony’s Organic Espresso Baking Powder ($11.99)

This organic espresso baking powder is produced by Anthony’s Goods, an American company that sources natural food products from farmers worldwide. This espresso powder is perfect for baking. It’s gluten-free and non-GMO. This espresso powder is for you if you are vegan or like organic products. Note that this is meant for baking, not for drinking.

#13 Kicking Horse Smart Ass Coffee ($12)

This medium-roast ground coffee is sold by Kicking Horse Company, a 25-year-old Canadian coffee company. This USDA-Organic coffee has dark chocolate, cacao nibs, brown sugar, and roasted hazelnut tasting notes. You can make coffee with this ground coffee with drip, pour-over, or cold brew methods.

#14 Seattle’s Best Coffee House Blend Ground Coffee ($13.49)

Seattle’s Best, a coffee chain that’s been around since the 70s, makes its own blends. Its ground coffee is available in five variants; House Blend, Henry’s Blend, Hazelnut, Decaf Portside, and Dark Roast. The company sources its 100% arabica beans from Latin America. You can enjoy a delicious blend of rich, aromatic coffee with this ground coffee.

#15 Cafe Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee ($95.63)

This instant coffee is a hit within the Latin communities in the US. It’s produced by Cafe Bustelo, a company specializing in the ground and espresso-style instant coffee since 1928. If you’re a fan of Latin coffees, known for rich, nutty, and chocolatey tasting notes, Cafe Bustelo’s instant coffee will be your next favorite home-coffee staple.

#16 Starbucks Sumatra Ground Coffee ($29.70) 

Starbucks, the largest coffee chain in the world, also offers its own blend of coffee. One of its well-loved ground coffee is Sumatra, dark roast coffee. It’s made of 100% arabica and is known for its bold, smoky flavors and fruity notes. If you have a drip machine at home and have a taste for acidic coffee, you will love Starbucks’s Sumatra roast.

#17 Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee ($14.50)

Folgers, a well-known brand for making coffee, was founded in 1850. The company’s instant coffees are a staple in many American homes, and one of its best-selling products is the classic roast instant coffee. It’s everyone’s go-to morning coffee; easy to make, aromatic, and delicious.

#18 Gevalia French Roast Ground Coffee ($12.65)

Gevalia Coffee is a Swedish coffee company established in 1853. With over 150 years under its belt, the company spent a long time perfecting its coffee. They use 100% Arabica coffee, slow-roasted and packed in a resealable bag. If you want dark roast coffee without bitterness, try this French roast.

#19 Allegro Coffee Decaf French Roast Ground Coffee ($20.30)

Allegro Coffee is a specialty coffee producer from Colorado that’s been around since 1977. This French roast ground coffee is decaffeinated and USDA Organic certified. It’s sweet and smoky, with tasting notes that include molasses and black pepper. This is a fantastic choice if you enjoy French roast but want to go easy on the caffeine.

#20 Lavazza Espresso Italiano Ground Coffee ($25)

Lavazza is a family-owned coffee and coffee products manufacturer from Italy, established in 1895. This fragrant medium roast blend is 100% arabica and non-GMO. It has floral and fruity notes with 5/10 intensity. You can use a French press, drip machine, or espresso machine to make coffee with this coffee ground.

#21 Nescafe Gold Espresso ($19.69)

Nescafe Gold, one of the market’s most popular instant coffees, is produced by Nescafe, a coffee brand under Nestle. It’s made of premium hand-picked Arabica beans and is known for its smooth taste and lovely aroma. Even people who prefer coffee grounds have remarked how good this instant coffee is. It’s perfect for those who have high standards in coffee but want to be able to whip one up quickly without compromising the quality and the taste.

#22 Caffe Vergnano Arabica 100% Ground Coffee ($10.81)

Caffe Vergnano, the oldest Italian coffee roasting company, makes this coffee ground. It’s available in three variants, Arabica 100% Moka, Arabica 100% Espresso, and Decaffeinato Espresso. This coffee has an excellent smooth flavor. You can make coffee with it using a moka pot or an espresso machine.

#23 New England Coffee Blueberry Cobbler Ground Coffee ($18)

New England Coffee is a coffee company owned by two Greek brothers. It’s available in different flavors: French Vanilla, Hazelnut Creme, Hazelnut Creme Decaf, Blueberry Cobbler, Butter Pecan, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Cappuccino, Cinnamon Hazelnut, Pistachio Creme, Pumpkin Spice, and Breakfast Blend and French Vanilla. If you’re looking for the best-tasting flavored coffee, try this product.

#24 Stone Street Cold Brew Coffee ($15)

Stone Street is an artisan coffee company based in New York. They offer single-origin ground coffee made of 100% arabica. This coffee is best for a cold brew; it’s dark roasted with well-balanced flavors and robust but with low acidity. It comes in different flavors, including Blueberry, Caramel Nut, Chocolate, Chocolate, Hazelnut, Vanilla Hazelnut, and French Vanilla.

#25 No Fun Jo Organic Decaf Ground Coffee ($14)

Jo Coffee is a USDA Certified American coffee brand established in 2013. This coffee is cRc Kosher Certified, non-GMO, and is 100% arabica. The company offers this ground coffee in three variants, Cold Brew Jo Decaf, No Fun Jo Decaf, and Smooth Jo Decaf. This is one of the best options if you want delicious and organic decaf coffee.