Costa Smooth Medium Roast exists as a functional tool for the modern coffee enthusiast who demands a balanced and approachable experience inspired by the signature Mocha Italia style. Unlike standard granules, this medium roast is structured to provide a smoother sipping profile that remains technically superior to basic soluble options. By utilising 10 percent finely ground roasted beans, it offers an authentic depth and a velvety microfoam crema. It is the reliable all rounder of the coffee cupboard, perfect for a mid morning pause or sharing with guests who prefer a less aggressive roast profile in 2026.
By marrying the convenience of instant coffee with the structural integrity of roasted grounds, Costa has created a blend that feels like a fresh extraction. The medium roast preserves the delicate caramel sweetness and toasted nut notes that are often lost in darker, more intense blends. Whether enjoyed black to appreciate its clean finish or with milk to highlight its creamy body, this coffee offers a consistent excellence that honours the coffeehouse craft.
☕ The Taste Profile
-
Medium Roast Balance: ●●●●● (5/5) Versatile and rounded character suitable for all day drinking.
-
Nutty Undertones: ●●●●○ (4/5) Classic toasted nut aromatics for a comforting finish.
-
Caramel Sweetness: ●●●●○ (4/5) Subtle and smooth sweet notes that pair perfectly with milk.
-
Body Silkiness: ●●●●● (5/5) Exceptional velvety mouthfeel from the micro ground inclusion.
Teas.co.uk Curator Rating: 4.7/5 — Our expert verdict.
🌍
🍃 The Story Behind the Costa
Costa Coffee was founded by the Costa brothers, Italian immigrants Bruno and Sergio, in Lambeth, London, in 1971. They opened their first roastery on Old Paradise Street, perfecting a slow-roasted Mocha Italia blend that is still served in every Costa cup today. Now part of The Coca-Cola Company, Costa is the UK’s largest coffeehouse chain by store count and a Rainforest Alliance partner across its bean range.
Sustainable Standards
Costa is a leader in sustainable coffee production, ensuring that every component of this product respects the environment and the livelihoods of growers.
-
Rainforest Alliance Certified: 100 percent of the coffee beans used are certified, protecting biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
-
Sustainable Sourcing: Beans are sourced from high altitude regions to support long term soil health and agricultural stability.
-
Pure Formulation: This is a chemically clean product, free from artificial additives, preservatives, or added sugars for a sugar free coffee ritual.
-
Recyclable Architecture: The metal tin is designed to protect the granules from oxidation while being fully recyclable to support a circular economy.
🔍 How Does Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g Compare to:
- Nescafé Gold: Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g offers a more distinct flavour profile and competitive pricing versus the mass-market alternative; the difference is most noticeable in the second half of the cup when Nescafé Gold starts to thin out.
- Starbucks Premium: where Starbucks Premium leans into a single dominant note, Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g delivers a more balanced and aromatic experience designed for daily drinking rather than as an occasional treat.
- Costa Coffee: both occupy a similar price band and shelf-position, but Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g differentiates through its certified sourcing, ethical packaging and the Costa brand heritage outlined above.
🔥 Brewing The Perfect Cup
To unlock the full potential of your Costa Smooth Medium Roast, specific thermal techniques are required to protect the 10 percent micro ground portion from scorching.
The Barista Home Serve Brewing Guide
-
Measure: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons (approx. 1.8g) to a favourite pre warmed mug.
-
Water: Use hot but not boiling water at approximately 80°C to 85°C. Allow the kettle to rest for 30 seconds after boiling.
-
Pour: Add 200ml of water directly over the granules.
-
Stir: Stir briskly to dissolve the powder and activate the natural microfoam crema layer.
-
Expert Tip: Perform the “Oxygenation Shake” by shaking fresh water in a bottle for 10 seconds before boiling to improve the delivery of the nutty aromatics.
The Smooth Iced Coffee Ritual Brewing Guide
-
The Prep: Dissolve 2 teaspoons of granules in a small splash of hot water to create a potent coffee concentrate.
-
The Chill: Fill a tall glass with large ice cubes and pour the hot concentrate directly over them.
-
The Serve: Top with cold water or milk. The medium roast profile ensures a refreshing iced coffee that is crisp and never bitter.
The Velvet Latte Brewing Guide
-
The Base: Prepare a strong concentrate using 1 heaped teaspoon of coffee dissolved in 50ml of hot water.
-
The Milk: Gently heat and froth 150ml of milk or a plant based alternative until a dense microfoam forms.
-
The Combine: Pour the frothed milk over the coffee base. The intensity level 3 profile provides a mild and creamy latte that highlights the subtle chocolate and nut hints.
⚠️ Safety And Dietary Information
Nutrient Note: Contains the natural compounds (polyphenols, antioxidants or warming actives) characteristic of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g, supporting general wellbeing as part of a balanced diet.
Dietary Status: Vegan, Vegetarian, and gluten free.
Chemical Cleanliness: Sugar free and free from artificial additives or preservatives.
Stimulant Alert: Contains caffeine. This is a potent central nervous system stimulant.
Sensitivity Note: Individuals with caffeine sensitivity, hypertension, or those who are pregnant should monitor their intake.
Child Safety: Keep out of reach of children.
Ingredients & Nutrition
| Component |
Details |
| Soluble Coffee |
90 percent base body and caffeine from Colombia, Peru, and Vietnam |
| Micro-Ground Beans |
10 percent finely ground roasted beans for authentic aroma and texture |
| Roast Level |
Medium Roast for a balanced, smooth, and nutty profile |
| Technique |
Premium freeze-dried granules blended with micro-ground coffee |
| Origin Summary |
Responsibly sourced global beans, roasted and blended in the UK |
Care and Preservation
To ensure your Costa instant coffee remains at peak quality and maintains its signature “Smooth Medium” depth:
-
Environmental Care Store the tin in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
-
Integrity Always replace the resealable lid tightly after each use to protect the freeze-dried granules from oxidation and loss of aroma.
-
Humidity Control Prevent moisture from entering the tin; always use a dry spoon to ensure the powder doesn’t cake or lose its ability to produce a smooth crema.
-
Isolation Coffee is highly porous; keep the tin sealed to prevent it from absorbing strong kitchen odours like spices or cooked food.
Sustainability and Diet
Costa Coffee maintains a high standard for environmental and ethical responsibility, making this an ideal choice for the conscious consumer seeking a quality coffee shop experience in their own kitchen.
-
Lifestyle Naturally Vegan, Gluten Free, and suitable for vegetarians.
-
Certification This product is Rainforest Alliance Certified, ensuring your morning brew supports sustainable farming and forest conservation.
-
Yield High-efficiency format providing approximately 55 servings per 100g tin.
-
Packaging Presented in a durable metal tin with a resealable lid, designed to lock in freshness and be easily recycled.
Technical Specifications
| Property |
Details |
| Product |
Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee |
| Format |
Freeze-Dried Soluble Coffee with Micro-Ground Beans |
| Net Weight |
100g |
| Serving Count |
Approx. 55 servings |
| Condition |
New and Sealed Metal Tin |
Nutritional Analysis
| Component |
Value |
| Energy |
< 2 kcal |
| Caffeine |
Present |
| Fat |
Trace |
| Sugar |
0g |
| Salt |
Trace |
*Typical Values Per Prepared Mug (Based on one teaspoon in 200ml water).
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Flavour Science
Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee utilizes a precise interaction between high quality soluble granules and 10% micro ground roasted beans to provide a premium instant coffee alternative. Replicating the signature Costa Coffee shop experience, this medium roast is designed to energize the body and support your daily coffee routine with an approachable, velvet like finish.
☕ Micro Ground Integration: The excellence of this blend lies in the 10% finely ground roasted beans mixed within the soluble matrix. People frequently associate this technology with a barista style coffee because it provides a secondary layer of particulate density. This allows for the formation of a natural, velvety layer of crema on top, ensuring the brew maintains a legitimate coffee backbone that isn’t found in standard instant varieties.
🧬 Extraction Stability: The structural integrity of the coffee is maintained through an advanced freeze drying process that locks in the volatile organic compounds of the Arabica and Robusta beans. Customers often search for this when looking for a smooth coffee because it ensures the bright finish and delicate chocolate notes remain prominent. This biological action provides a consistent and high quality morning coffee that avoids the harshness associated with lower grade blends.
🥛 Protein and Volatile Balance: This medium variant is specifically prized for its ability to balance with dairy or plant based proteins. Health conscious consumers often choose this as a base for home made lattes or flat whites because the coffee volatiles are technically engineered to cut through the creaminess. In terms of wellbeing, this creates a harmonious sensory experience where the nutty undertones and caramel hints are amplified by the milk.
✨ Aromatic Signaling: The rich and inviting aroma released immediately upon hydration serves as a sensory trigger for mental alertness and calm. Many users look for this in a medium roast because it offers very low bitterness and a rounded body for an easy drinking experience throughout the day. For those seeking metabolic balance, this smooth profile satisfies the palate without the requirement for added sugar or syrups.
Recipe Ideas
Each sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g is more versatile than the back of the box suggests. Eight builds below cover hot, iced, frozen, blended, baked and one viral favourite that adopted lockdown as its launchpad.
Eight Ways To Enjoy Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g
The Proper Hot Latte📎
Empty one sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g into a warmed mug and pour over 50ml of just-boiled water. Stir for 10 seconds until the powder is fully dissolved (no lumps; if there are, give it 10 more seconds). Top with 150ml of milk steamed to about 65°C , whole milk for richness, oat for a sweeter cup, skimmed if you want caffeine but not calories. Spoon the foam on last and finish with a fine dusting of cocoa or cinnamon. Drink while the foam still holds.
Iced Latte (TikTok Tall Glass)📎
Dissolve one sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g in 80ml of hot water and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla syrup while warm so it melts cleanly. Fill a tall 350mL glass with ice cubes (proper cubes, not crushed , crushed dilutes too fast), pour over the concentrate, then top with 200ml of cold milk of your choice. Stir vigorously for 5 seconds with a long-handled spoon and drink before the ice has done its damage. Best on a warm afternoon with a paperback in the shade.
Whipped Dalgona Coffee (The Original Viral Build)📎
In a small bowl combine 1 sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g, 2 tablespoons of caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of icy-cold double cream. Whisk on high with an electric hand whisk for 3 to 4 minutes until thick, glossy and the whisk leaves trails , it should hold a peak. Fill a tall glass with 200ml of cold milk and a few ice cubes, then spoon the whipped foam on top in a peaked cloud. Stir before drinking. This was the lockdown drink for a reason.
Espresso Martini (Cheat Version)📎
Brew 1 sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g with 80ml of hot water and stir in 1 teaspoon of caster sugar until dissolved. Cool completely (the freezer for 10 minutes is fine). In a cocktail shaker filled with ice combine the cooled coffee, 50ml of vodka and 25ml of coffee liqueur (Kahlúa, Tia Maria, or a decent supermarket version). Shake hard for 15 seconds until ice-cold and frothy. Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass and finish with 3 coffee beans on the foam in a classic triangle.
Affogato (Two-Minute Showstopper)📎
Place a generous scoop of good vanilla ice cream in a chilled coupe. Brew one sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g with 80ml of very hot water in a separate jug, stirring quickly so the granules dissolve fully. Pour the hot brew directly over the ice cream and serve immediately, before the ice has melted more than halfway. Eat with a long spoon and a crisp amaretti biscuit alongside.
Coffee Caramel Mug Cake📎
In a deep mug whisk 4 tablespoons of self-raising flour, 2 tablespoons of caster sugar, 1 sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Stir in 3 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until just smooth. Push a soft caramel chocolate into the centre so it disappears below the surface, then microwave at full power for 90 seconds. Eat with a spoon, straight from the mug, while the caramel centre is still molten.
Frozen Mocha Lolly (Older-Kid Friendly)📎
Dissolve 1 sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g in 100ml of hot water with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of sugar, stirring to a smooth paste. Add 300ml of cold whole milk and stir well. Pour into 6 lolly moulds, drop a single chocolate chip into each, push in the sticks and freeze overnight. The mocha pops are a brilliant for-older-kids freezer treat , adults steal them too. (Caffeine is non-zero so save these for over-12s if you’re cautious.)
Coffee Banana Smoothie Bowl📎
Blend 1 sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g dissolved in 50ml of hot water with 1 frozen banana, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, 200ml of cold oat milk, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder and 4 ice cubes. Blend on high for 30 seconds until thick and creamy. Pour into a wide bowl and top with granola, banana coins, a swirl of peanut butter and a small handful of cacao nibs. Eat with a spoon. A perfectly respectable breakfast on a morning when you can’t face sitting down to it.
Got a brilliant recipe of your own? Email hello@teas.co.uk and we will test it in our kitchen. If it earns its place we will add it to the page with a credit.
Dirty Cocoa Mocha (Hybrid with Drink Me Chai Chocolate Chai Latte, 225g)📎
Dissolve one sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g in 80ml of hot water in the bottom of a warmed mug. Add 1 teaspoon of Drink Me Chai Chocolate Chai Latte, 225g → powder (or one cocoa sachet) and stir until smooth. Top with 200ml of milk steamed to 65°C. Dust with cocoa, finish with a single chocolate-covered coffee bean. The cocoa cuts through the bitter coffee notes for a velvet finish.
Three-Way Coffee Tasting Flight (Starter Pack)
Prepare 3 small espresso cups: 1 sachet of Costa Smooth Medium Roast Coffee, 100g in 80ml of hot water, 1 sachet of Teapigs Chocolate Flake, 15 Tea Bags 37.5g → in 80ml of hot water, 1 sachet of Drink Me Chai Chocolate Chai Latte, 225g → in 80ml of hot water. Serve all three side by side with a small glass of water for palate cleansing. Compare directly. Tasting flights are how cafes sell premium coffee; this is how to do it at home for under a fiver.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.