Holiday on July 24, 2026 — Instant Coffee Day: History and Fun Facts
Every year on July 24, the world celebrates Instant Coffee Day. It was on this day in 1938 that Nestlé began large-scale production of this popular beverage. At the same time, there are several dates in the coffee industry that can be considered the “birthdays” of instant coffee, as they are linked to its invention, its first presentation, and the start of mass production.
The History of Instant Coffee
The first attempts to create instant coffee were made long before 1938. Inventors sought to develop a product that could be easily stored and quickly turned into a ready-to-drink beverage using hot water.
In the 1930s, Brazilian coffee producers approached Nestlé with a request to help preserve their surplus coffee stocks. As a result, Swiss chemist Max Morgenthaler developed a technology for producing instant coffee. In 1938, the company began large-scale production of the beverage, which was named Nescafé.

Why July 24 Is Considered the Birthday of Instant Coffee
The date of July 24 is specifically linked to the start of large-scale production of instant coffee by Nestlé in 1938. This marked an important milestone in the beverage’s history and contributed to its global spread.
At the same time, there are other dates associated with the history of instant coffee. For example, even earlier, the first samples of the beverage were presented, and inventions emerged that laid the foundation for modern production technologies.
How Instant Coffee Is Made
To produce instant coffee, a concentrated coffee extract is first prepared. Water is then removed from it to obtain a dry product that later dissolves easily in hot water.
Today, various production technologies are used. During freeze-drying, the coffee extract is frozen, and the water is removed under vacuum. Another common method is spray drying, during which the extract is converted into fine droplets and dried with hot air.
Why Instant Coffee Became Popular
The main advantage of instant coffee is its simplicity and speed of preparation. To make a cup of coffee, all you need to do is add hot water to the coffee powder or granules.
It is this convenience that has made instant coffee popular among millions of people. It’s easy to take with you when traveling, or to prepare at work or at home without a special coffee maker.
How to Celebrate Instant Coffee Day
This is an unofficial holiday, so everyone can celebrate it in their own way. The simplest way is to brew a cup of your favorite instant coffee and reflect on the history of this beverage.
You can also try a new type of coffee on July 24, compare different kinds of instant coffee, or learn more about how it’s made.
Interesting Facts About Instant Coffee
- Instant Coffee Day is celebrated annually on July 24.
- It was on July 24, 1938, that Nestlé began large-scale production of instant coffee.
- The first attempts to create instant coffee were made long before mass production began.
- Instant coffee has several important historical dates related to its invention, first presentation, and industrial production.
- Instant coffee is primarily produced in the form of powder, granules, or freeze-dried crystals.
- To produce the beverage, water is removed from the coffee extract, after which the product can be dissolved again in hot water.
- Instant coffee became popular due to its quick preparation and convenience.
- Today, this beverage is one of the most widely consumed coffee products in the world.