Is this instant? I don't have a coffee machine. Can I just add hot water?

This is NOT instant. Preparation: Follow directions for how much you want to prepare. Without getting up from the computer and relying on my memory, I believe it was 1 cup of water to 1 Tablespoon of Chicory granules (this is dried chircory root - looks a bit like ground coffee). Put your water and chicory root in a saucepan based on the recommended measurements on the package. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes. When your beverage is ready, you will have to pour the hot beverage through a strainer to remove the chicory grounds. If I make four cups of chicory, I pour it through a strainer into a large heat resistant measuring cup, and transfer the grains-free hot beverage into a mug or into a carafe. If I have made a large amount of the beverage, I may have to pour some of the beverage, then stop, then remove the strainer, empty the filled measuring cup into a carafe or into mugs, put strainer back onto the large heat resistant measuring cup, and continue pouring to empty the saucepan. It's like making "cowboy coffee", which is water and fresh coffee grounds made in a saucepan on top of the stove or over a campfire, where you have to pour your coffee out of the pan carefully so you don't introduce too many coffee grounds into your drinking container. It's not a big deal to do this if you want to make a hot chicory drink. Just more steps than a Kpod or a typical coffee maker. I don't recommend trying it in a coffee maker. The chicory needs to steep in the hot water on the stove over the heat in order to produce the proper result.

Is this gluten free? I've heard sometimes it's mixed with barley which is bad for celiacs like me.

It has a smooth nutty taste. Yes, it is gluten free, chicory root is a natural prebiotic fiber and is good for the digestive system. It does not have barley in it. Hope this helps 😊

What are the exact ingredients?

It is just chicory root... To brew you add hot water and use a drip or french press.

Is it sugar free? What is the sugar content?

There is no sugar in this product at all. It says 0 sugar content on the back of the bag. I really enjoy my coffee alternative, I buy my Great Value Hazelnut coffee creamer for good flavor.