Coffee Concentrate or Coffee Extract: What Is the Difference?

In Russia, “coffee concentrate” and “coffee extract” are two names for the same product: liquid brewed coffee from which a drink is assembled at the point of sale. The difference lies in the words and in what the buyer hears behind them. Below: what this product is, how it differs from instant coffee and what to ask a supplier.

The same thing under different names

Producers put both “concentrate” and “extract” on the pack, often on the same label. The ingredients are usually simple: water and natural roasted ground coffee. Most often it is made by hot extraction, like espresso but in a large volume, and packed without air.

European rules draw a precise line. EU Directive 1999/4/EC defines liquid coffee extract as a product containing 15 to 55% coffee solids by weight, and it may be called “concentrated” only if the solids content is above 25%. In other words, a concentrate is simply a stronger extract.

Why the word “concentrate” puts people off

For many people “concentrate” sounds like “not real coffee”: it brings to mind juice from concentrate and powdered drinks. That is why customer reviews sometimes confuse liquid coffee with instant coffee, even though they are different products.

At DrinkX we call it coffee base or extract. These words describe the product more accurately: it is brewed coffee, not a powder.

Concentrate, extract and instant coffee compared

Concentrate / extractInstant coffeeFormliquidpowder or granulesWhat was done to itbrewed and packedbrewed, then driedAromalike freshly brewed coffeepart of it is lost in dryingHow the drink is madedosed and diluted by the equipmentdissolved in waterWhere it is usedfuel stations, stores, cafés, chains, officesat home, vending

What to ask a coffee base supplier

Who makes coffee extract

In Russia, one of the main producers is Cool Brew; its facilities also make concentrate for other brands. P!P Industry makes cold extract. Worldwide there are Cafitesse by JDE Professional (sold in Japan by UCC), Finlays and Nestlé Professional. More about producers →

Which drinks you can make

The coffee base covers the whole classic range: espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, and cold drinks too. Black coffee keeps its taste thanks to precise dosing, the right water temperature and aeration, which creates the foam.

How it works at DrinkX

In DrinkX equipment the ULTRABREWER module doses the coffee base and aerates it in two stages, which gives espresso and americano their foam. FLOW-X brings the water to the right temperature with an accuracy of ±1 °C, and AEROMILK froths the milk. A drink is ready in 30 seconds, and only the tap and the order screen sit on the counter.

Coffee extract for business → · What coffee extract is →