What can I substitute for coffee?
Running low on coffee? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About coffee
Coffee is a brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans, used in cooking and baking to add a deep, bitter, and complex flavour. It enhances chocolate-based dishes by amplifying cocoa notes without imparting a strong coffee taste. It can also provide a rich, dark liquid base for sauces, marinades, and desserts.
Best substitute
espresso
Espresso is a highly concentrated form of coffee that delivers the same flavour profile in a much smaller volume. Dilute with hot water to match the strength required, or use a smaller quantity for an intensified coffee flavour.
Use 1 shot (30ml) diluted to ¾ cup with hot water for every 1 cup of brewed coffee
bakingdessertssaucesmarinades
Alternative
instant coffee dissolved in water
Instant coffee granules dissolved in hot water closely replicate the flavour and colour of brewed coffee. Adjust the concentration to taste by adding more or fewer granules.
Use 1 cup (1–2 tsp instant coffee dissolved in hot water) for every 1 cup of brewed coffee
bakingdessertssaucesglazes
Alternative
chicory coffee
Chicory root brewed as a coffee substitute has a similarly dark, slightly bitter, and earthy flavour. It works well in baking and desserts where a coffee-like depth is needed, though it lacks caffeine.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of brewed coffee
baking
What is coffee called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | coffee |
| United Kingdom | coffee |
| United States | coffee |
Common names for coffee
brewed coffeefilter coffeedrip coffeeblack coffeelong black