Whether you want a quick and easy way to brew espresso or add a coffee kick to baked goods, espresso powder is what you need. Thanks to its bold, punchy flavor and quick dissolving, it beats instant coffee for baking with or adding to smoothies or shakes.
You won't need much to add to recipes, but you can get through a lot when drinking it by the cup. Civilized Coffee Espresso Coffee Powder is a great choice, made from quality Colombian coffee beans.
It's easy to assume that espresso powder is the same as the finely ground coffee you use to brew espresso, but there's a significant difference.
You can buy espresso powder in small 1- to 2-ounce canisters that are about the right size to fit in a spice rack. This package size is great for people who only use a teaspoon of espresso powder occasionally in baking recipes, smoothies or shakes. At the other end of the spectrum, you'll find larger 5 to 8-ounce packages. These are good for people who use espresso powder to make their daily coffee or two do a lot of baking.
Single-origin espresso powder uses beans that all come from the same region. While it doesn't necessarily equal a better-tasting coffee, it's a sign that the producer thought carefully about which beans to use rather than simply buying whichever beans they could get their hands on. As such, a single-origin designation can signal a quality product.
It might not matter to all buyers, but some people only buy organic products or prefer to buy them when available. Look for the USDA organic certification.
A resealable container helps keep instant espresso fresh for longer. However, if you use it infrequently, it's best to transfer it to a completely airtight container. Otherwise, it can absorb moisture and harden.
You should grind the espresso powder finely to help it dissolve more easily. This means you can add it to a cake batter or other thick mixture, and it will dissolve without being mixed with water first.
Most espresso powder costs $5-$10, but some offer better value than others, so compare the price per ounce as well as the overall cost.
A. Instant coffee is similar to espresso powder but not the same. While standard instant coffee is brewed coffee that's been dried to remove all the liquid, espresso powder is brewed espresso that's been dried. The difference is the intensity and flavor of the coffee once rehydrated or added to a recipe. When you're looking for an intense coffee flavor, espresso powder packs more of a punch, making it a great choice for espresso martinis, coffee frosting and anything else where a coffee flavor is the star of the show.
A. If you can't get espresso powder easily or you need it now and don't have any to hand, instant coffee is the most similar substitution. However, you should use slightly more and will need to dissolve it in a tablespoon or two of hot water, which isn't the case with espresso powder as it's fine enough to dissolve in cold liquids or cake batters.
Alternatively, you can use brewed espresso or strong brewed coffee in some recipes, though you'll need to make adjustments for the additional liquid you're adding.
Civilized Coffee Espresso Coffee Powder
What you need to know: Made from 100% Colombian beans, this great-tasting espresso powder is perfect for all kinds of uses.
What you'll love: It comes in an easily resealable container with a sifting lid for easy dusting. America's Test Kitchen voted it the number one espresso powder. It dissolves easily in all kinds of recipes.
What you should consider: It doesn't contain anti-caking ingredients so it can absorb moisture and turn hard if you take too long to use it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Anthony's Organic Espresso Baking Powder
What you need to know: This 5-ounce bag brings down the cost for those who regularly use powdered espresso.
What you'll love: Not only is it non-GMO, it's also USDA-certified organic. The bag is resealable, or you can transfer it to an airtight container. It's finely ground, so it dissolves easily.
What you should consider: Some buyers received short-dated powder, but this doesn't seem to be a common issue.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: Whether you use it in baking or to make strong coffee, it has a rich, complex flavor.
What you'll love: It comes in a 3-ounce jar, which isn't so small you'll use it quickly or so large you won't get through it before it expires. The lid screws on tightly, keeping it fresh. It's kosher certified and non-GMO verified.
What you should consider: It can clump, so it's a good idea to sift it into recipes.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
