Instant coffee has long been a go-to for coffee lovers seeking convenience, affordability, and speed. However, the creamy texture and foamy layer of a café latte often feel missing. Starbucks is now addressing this gap with a new product that promises to bring the frothy experience of espresso to instant coffee.
The coffee giant has introduced Crema Collection Premium Instant Coffee, a product designed to create a thick layer of foam over its 100% arabica grounds in just seconds. Available in three flavors—Salted Caramel, Madagascar Vanilla, and Molten Chocolate—the new instant coffee can be found in grocery stores nationwide.
In espresso brewing, “crema” refers to the velvety foam that forms atop a fresh shot of espresso, contributing to its rich mouthfeel and slightly bitter flavor. Starbucks is positioning its Crema Collection as a “one-of-a-kind innovation,” designed to meet the demand for more convenient, flavor-packed coffee that lifts consumers’ spirits, particularly in the afternoon.
A spokesperson for Starbucks Coffee at Home shared with Food & Wine that insights gathered from coffee drinkers revealed a desire for easy-to-make, flavorful beverages that bring a café-like experience to the home. The Crema Collection, according to the company, stands out from other instant coffees with its unique foam texture, providing a luxurious, café-quality experience without leaving the house.
Preparing the Crema Collection is simple: mix 1.5 tablespoons of the coffee with 8 ounces of hot water (or 4 ounces for iced coffee), and stir until a thick froth forms. Starbucks suggests finishing the drink with Caramel Macchiato Creamer, but any milk or milk alternative can be used. While the exact process behind the froth remains a mystery, the ingredient list, which includes anhydrous milk fat, may offer some clues.
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