Difference Between Coffee and Nescafe: A Look at Their Distinctions and Benefits
For many of us who start our mornings with the aroma of coffee, understanding the difference between coffee and Nescafe is quite important. Although both beverages are made from coffee, they have fundamental differences. In this article, we’ll explore the key distinctions between coffee and Nescafe, and help you decide which one is the better choice when you crave a hot and energizing drink.
Despite being used interchangeably, coffee and Nescafe are actually two different drinks with their own unique features. Let’s take a closer look at how they differ from various aspects and what makes the best kind of coffee stand out.
What is Coffee?
Coffee is a beverage made from roasted and ground coffee beans. After roasting, the beans are ground and brewed using different methods such as Turkish coffee, espresso, or French press. Coffee has a rich flavor and complex aroma, which is why it’s one of the most beloved drinks worldwide.
Many cafés in Iran use premium specialty coffee beans to prepare their brews, and several coffee beans suppliers in Iran offer a variety of roasted coffee beans for cafés and restaurants.
What is Nescafe?
Nescafe is actually a brand name of instant coffee introduced by Nestlé in 1938. Today, however, in Iran and many other countries, the word “Nescafe” is used to refer to all kinds of instant coffee.
It is made by brewing coffee once, and then drying it into powder through a special process.
Difference in Production Process
The main difference between coffee and Nescafe lies in how they are produced.
Coffee production: Coffee is made directly from roasted coffee beans that are ground and brewed. This process preserves the natural oils and aromatic compounds of the beans, giving coffee its deep and authentic flavor.
Nescafe production: The process is more complex. First, coffee is brewed normally, and then the water is removed either through freeze-drying or spray-drying. In freeze-drying, brewed coffee is frozen and then dehydrated; in spray-drying, it’s sprayed into hot air to form fine dry granules.
Difference in Taste and Aroma
One of the biggest distinctions between coffee and Nescafe is the taste and aroma. Freshly brewed coffee has a stronger aroma and a more complex flavor, thanks to the natural oils released during brewing.
Nescafe, on the other hand, has a milder taste and aroma because some of these natural compounds are lost during the drying process.
For people who prefer a lighter taste, this can actually be an advantage. Brands such as Diamante Coffee specialize in coffee roasting and produce different types of specialty coffee beans in Iran and coffee blend powder for export, offering varying levels of aroma and intensity to suit every taste.
Which Has More Caffeine: Coffee or Nescafe?
A common question is: “Does Nescafe contain more caffeine than coffee?”
Contrary to popular belief, freshly brewed blended coffee usually has more caffeine than Nescafe. A regular cup of coffee contains about 70–140 mg of caffeine, while a cup of Nescafe has about 30–90 mg.
However, caffeine content depends on several factors – such as the coffee bean type, brewing method, and amount of coffee used. Coffees made from Robusta beans generally contain more caffeine than Arabica, but Arabica ground coffee wholesale in Iran remains popular for its smooth and balanced flavor.
Nescafe is often made from Robusta beans, yet during production, some caffeine is lost. Meanwhile, Arabica coffee powder for export and Robusta coffee powder for export are both available for those seeking specific caffeine levels and taste profiles.

Difference Between Coffee and Nescafe: Ease of Preparation
One of the most obvious differences between coffee and Nescafe lies in how they are prepared. Nescafe can be made quickly and easily without any special equipment – you just need to mix some instant coffee powder with hot water or milk. That’s why it’s a popular choice for people who don’t have time to brew coffee.
In contrast, coffee requires more preparation. Depending on the brewing method, you may need tools like a coffee maker, Moka pot, French press, or espresso machine. Many cafés and wholesale coffee suppliers for trade events in Iran use fresh coffee beans for roasting to create a richer flavor experience.
Difference in Price and Availability
When it comes to price and availability, there’s also a noticeable difference between coffee and Nescafe. Nescafe is usually cheaper than premium specialty coffee and can easily be found in most supermarkets.
Premium coffee brands in Iran, such as Diamante Coffee, offer various types of high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee at different prices, making it easier for coffee lovers to enjoy good-quality brews without spending too much.
Specialty coffee is often more expensive, especially when it’s made from high-grade beans, but its flavor and aroma make it worth the price. Today, thanks to premium coffee exporters in Iran and coffee beans for distributors in Iran, access to high-quality beans has become much easier.
Difference in Coffee Bean Types
Another major difference between coffee and Nescafe is the type of coffee beans used.
Specialty coffee is typically made from Arabica beans, which are known for their delicate aroma and refined flavor. These beans are often grown at higher altitudes, giving them a unique and pleasant taste.
In contrast, Nescafe is usually made from Robusta beans, which are cheaper and contain more caffeine. Robusta beans tend to have a stronger and more bitter taste, but they are more resistant to pests and easier to cultivate. Some high-end Nescafe varieties, such as Nescafe Gold, use a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans.
In Iran, many premium coffee beans suppliers, Arabica & Robusta coffee exporters, and Iranian coffee brands offer blends specifically designed for espresso, including the best Robusta for espresso in Iran, ideal for businesses and cafés seeking consistency and quality.
Difference in dissolution in liquids of coffee and Nescafe
Another key distinction between coffee and Nescafe is how they mix with liquids.
Nescafe dissolves easily in hot water or milk and doesn’t leave residue at the bottom of the cup, making it perfect for preparing cold drinks like iced coffee.
On the other hand, ground coffee doesn’t dissolve in water – it needs to be brewed. After brewing, the coffee grounds must be filtered out. In some brewing methods like Turkish coffee, the grounds settle at the bottom of the cup. This characteristic makes brewed coffee less convenient for making cold beverages.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we explored the differences between coffee and Nescafe from several perspectives – including production process, flavor and aroma, caffeine content, preparation method, and bean type.
We saw that both drinks have their own unique qualities and dedicated fans. Whether you prefer the quick convenience of instant coffee or the deep flavor of freshly brewed premium specialty coffee, the choice ultimately comes down to personal taste.
Thanks to brands like Diamante Coffee and other premium coffee exporters in Iran, finding high-quality roasted coffee beans wholesale in Iran is now easier than ever. What truly matters is that you enjoy your favorite cup of coffee – whether it’s made instantly or brewed with care.