Best Coffee Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Coffee in a Recipe?
Use 16% of the called-for amount (so if the recipe calls for 1 cup Coffee, use 0.17 cup Instant Espresso). Mix 2.5 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup hot water for equivalent strength to 1 cup brewed coffee.
Looking for the best Coffee substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 4 reliable Coffee replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store. The top pick is Instant Espresso — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 16% of the amount. Mix 2.5 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup hot water for equivalent strength to 1 cup brewed coffee.
Want exact ratios calculated for your specific recipe? Use the free SubSwap calculator.
Get ratios for Coffee →All Coffee Substitutes (4 options)
Mix 2.5 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup hot water for equivalent strength to 1 cup brewed coffee.
Concentrated liquid extract; use 0.5 tsp per 1 cup brewed coffee called for, as it's highly potent.
More concentrated than regular brewed coffee; use half the volume for equivalent strength and add water if needed.
Dissolve 1.5 tbsp instant coffee powder in 1 cup hot water to approximate 1 cup brewed coffee.
As an Amazon Associate, SubSwap earns from qualifying purchases.
Tips for Substituting Coffee
For most recipes, Instant Espresso is the best starting point. Mix 2.5 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup hot water for equivalent strength to 1 cup brewed coffee. Watching your grocery budget? Instant Coffee Powder is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Coffee substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Coffee Substitutes
The best substitute for Coffee is Instant Espresso. Use about 16% of the amount called for. Mix 2.5 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup hot water for equivalent strength to 1 cup brewed coffee.
Instant Espresso is the closest substitute for Coffee — use it at a 1.1562:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Mix 2.5 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup hot water for equivalent strength to 1 cup brewed coffee.
Instant Espresso is the closest substitute for Coffee — use it at a 1.1562:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Mix 2.5 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup hot water for equivalent strength to 1 cup brewed coffee.
Instant Espresso is the closest substitute for Coffee — use it at a 1.1562:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Mix 2.5 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup hot water for equivalent strength to 1 cup brewed coffee.
Instant Espresso is the closest substitute for Coffee — use it at a 1.1562:1 ratio for most baking and cooking applications. Mix 2.5 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup hot water for equivalent strength to 1 cup brewed coffee.
This guide lists 4 Coffee alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
New ingredients and substitutions added regularly. Get notified first — no spam.
SubSwap is free. If it saved your recipe, consider buying me a coffee ☕
☕ Buy me a coffee