MOSCOW – QAHWA WORLD

Russia has officially revised its national standard for instant coffee, marking the first update since 1994. According to Readovka, the previous GOST standard, introduced in January 1994, applied only to powdered instant coffee. The newly adopted regulation significantly broadens the classification and aligns it with today’s market realities.

Expanded Product Classification

Under the updated standard, three categories of instant coffee are now formally recognized:

  • Powdered instant coffee

  • Granulated instant coffee

  • Freeze-dried (sublimated) instant coffee

This expansion reflects the technological evolution of the sector and the diversity of products currently available to consumers.

Clearer Quality Parameters

As outlined by Rosstandart, the revised standard introduces specific quality indicators for each type of instant coffee. These include:

  • Appearance of the powder or granules

  • Color of the dry product

  • Aroma

  • Taste of the prepared beverage

The new GOST prohibits the presence of foreign impurities and any off-flavors or odors not characteristic of coffee. Flavorings are permitted; however, manufacturers are required to clearly declare them in the ingredient list.

Stricter Technical Requirements

The updated regulation also establishes precise technical benchmarks:

  • Complete dissolution in hot water (96–98°C) within 30 seconds

  • Dissolution in cold water (18–20°C) within a maximum of three minutes

  • Moisture content not exceeding 6% in the dry product

These measures aim to ensure product consistency, performance, and consumer transparency across all categories.

Market Context: Health and Pricing Pressures

Previous reports have suggested that moderate coffee consumption may be associated with a 10–15% reduction in overall mortality. However, these potential benefits can be offset when sugar or flavored syrups are added in significant amounts.

Meanwhile, the coffee market has faced notable price increases over the past two years, with costs rising more than 2.5 times. The surge is largely attributed to a global shortage of green coffee beans and ongoing supply chain disruptions.

The revision of Russia’s instant coffee standard signals a broader effort to modernize regulatory frameworks and raise quality benchmarks in a market that continues to evolve rapidly.