Why does instant coffee foam (should instant coffee foam + more information)?
Should instant coffee foam? If you prefer making instant coffee at home and have noticed foam, you have probably asked this question. Keep reading to learn why instant coffee foams.
Instant coffee foams because it contains air spaces; hence when it dissolves in water, the air is let out, making it foam. Whenever I am making instant coffee at home, I always note the formation of foam on top of my coffee mug. Initially, I thought my instant coffee might have expired. I decided to research and asked several people whether their instant coffee foamed; I learned it was normal. I researched further to learn why it happens. Therefore, I have written this article to enlighten you on why instant coffee foams and whether it is good or bad for you, so read till the end.
Table of Contents
Why does instant coffee foam?
Instant coffee foam releases air that is trapped in the coffee granules. Instant coffee is made by freeze-drying coffee granules. The granules are then made light and powdery with a lot of air spaces tucked inside them. Therefore, when the granules are added to water, the water fills the air spaces in the granules as they dissolve. As air is let out for water to fill these spaces, it causes the formation of bubbles. The bubbles form bombastically on top of the instant coffee promoting the formation of foam.
Also, according to scientific studies, during coffee roasting, carbon dioxide is formed, which later causes the establishment of foam in instant coffee. Also, instant coffee contains polysaccharides and protein-like fractions that promote foam stability and foamability, respectively.
Is foaming instant coffee bad for you?

No, foaming instant coffee is not bad for you. You can drink the foamed bubbles on top of your coffee though they could be bitter, especially when you have not added sugar and stirred in your instant coffee. However, in case you are not comfortable drinking your instant coffee with foam, wait for a while for the foam to clear out for you to consume your coffee.
Foaming instant coffee shows that the air trapped in the coffee granules is being replaced with water as the coffee granules dissolve in water. Therefore, they are not bad for you and are like the foam in soda. Instant coffee foam cannot affect you and are not unhealthy when you consume them.
Also, scientific studies show that foam is a sign of high-quality instant coffee. This is because instant coffee foam shows that the coffee granules have dissolved well in water without leaving any filtrate.
FAQ Section
Does foaming instant coffee mean it is expired?
No, foaming instant coffee does not mean it is expired.
Do all instant coffees foam?
Yes, all good instant coffee foam.