Why Fancy Coffee Isn't Always Worth It
As a devoted coffee enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with coffee. From artisanal blends to instant packets, I’ve tasted it all. And here’s my hot take: fancy coffee isn’t always worth it.
Sure, there are coffee snobs who swear by their single-origin beans, meticulously ground to the perfect consistency and brewed at a precise temperature. They might turn their noses up at instant coffee or anything less than a cup made from the finest equipment. But in reality, the gap between “good” coffee and “bad” coffee isn’t as vast as many would have you believe.
The Great Coffee Divide
Let’s talk about what constitutes “good” coffee. For some, it means a cup loaded with milk, sugar, and flavored syrups. For others, it’s about the purity of the beans, the grind size, and the exact bean-to-water ratio. There’s a spectrum of preferences, and each person’s definition of “good” coffee can vary dramatically.
The perception that instant coffee is inferior is widespread. However, in my experience, instant coffee can taste just as good as coffee that’s been meticulously prepared. In fact, I’ve found that Café Bustelo instant espresso tastes better than nearly every home-brewed coffee I’ve ever had. Nespresso and Folgers instant varieties are also quite enjoyable.
Convenience and Accessibility
One of the main reasons I advocate for instant coffee is its convenience. When you’re pressed for time or don’t have access to fancy equipment, instant coffee is a lifesaver. It’s quick, easy, and delivers a consistent flavor every time. For those of us who need our caffeine fix without the fuss, instant coffee is a practical solution.
At work, we have free coffee available, and while it might not always be brewed to perfection, it does the job. There’s no need to lug around fancy coffee equipment or spend precious minutes preparing the perfect cup. The office coffee might be a bit strong or occasionally burnt, depending on who made it and when, but it’s free and readily available. That’s a win in my book.
The Cost Factor
Let’s not overlook the cost. Fancy coffee can be expensive. Single-origin beans, high-end grinders, and state-of-the-art brewing machines can cost a small fortune. While it’s true that investing in good equipment can enhance your coffee experience, it’s not a necessity for enjoying a decent cup of joe.
In contrast, instant coffee is affordable and doesn’t require any special equipment. You can make it anywhere, anytime, with just a cup and hot water. For those of us on a budget or with busy lifestyles, instant coffee is a practical and economical choice.
The Psychological Aspect
There’s also a psychological component to consider. The ritual of making coffee can be just as important as the coffee itself. For some, the process of grinding beans, measuring out the perfect amount, and brewing it to perfection is a form of relaxation and enjoyment. But this doesn’t mean that the end result is objectively better than a cup of instant coffee.
Sometimes, the belief that fancy coffee is superior is rooted in the effort and expense that goes into making it. If you’ve invested time and money into your coffee setup, it’s natural to believe that the result must be better. However, this doesn’t necessarily align with the actual taste or quality of the coffee.
The Taste Test
Taste is subjective, and what one person considers delicious, another might find unremarkable. In blind taste tests, instant coffee often holds its own against more expensive, gourmet options. The differences in flavor can be subtle, and many people might not even notice a significant distinction.
For example, I’ve compared instant coffee to freshly brewed coffee from high-end beans, and the results were surprising. The instant coffee was just as enjoyable, if not more so, than the so-called superior alternatives. It had a robust flavor, a satisfying aroma, and delivered the caffeine kick I needed.
Breaking Down the Snobbery
Coffee snobbery can create an unnecessary divide among coffee drinkers. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype surrounding expensive beans and intricate brewing methods, but it’s important to remember that enjoying coffee is a personal experience. What matters most is that you like what you’re drinking, not how much it costs or how it’s made.
There’s no shame in enjoying instant coffee or the free brew at work. These options are accessible, convenient, and can taste just as good as their pricier counterparts. By breaking down the barriers of coffee elitism, we can appreciate coffee in all its forms and make it more inclusive for everyone.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, coffee is meant to be enjoyed. Whether you prefer a meticulously crafted cup from freshly ground beans or a quick and easy instant coffee, what matters is that it brings you joy and helps you start your day on the right note. Fancy coffee isn’t always worth the extra effort and expense, and there’s no need to feel pressured into adopting a snobbish attitude towards your daily brew.
So, the next time you reach for that jar of instant coffee or pour yourself a cup of the office brew, know that you’re not compromising on quality. You’re simply choosing a practical, delicious, and perfectly acceptable way to enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures. Cheers to that!
In reference to JASON DIAMOND (September 18, 2022) “Good Coffee Is Now Bad”
https://meltedcheeseonwhitefish.substack.com/p/good-coffee-is-now-bad
