Best Instant Coffee
January 12, 2022| Kurt Parker
We’ve all had a lazy day where brewing coffee seems more like a “fuss” than a “joy”. And even if we do think that it’s a chore, we still want that delicious cafe-grade goodie pronto. I mean, who doesn’t?
There’s nothing wrong with drinking instant coffee, even if you’re a coffee connoisseur. This product’s main advantage is its speed and efficiency. Without any expensive gear or equipment, you can go from coffee-free to savoring a cup in a matter of minutes. You don’t need to ground the beans or use a French press to make this coffee. Simply combine instant coffee crystals with hot water in a cup and you’re good to go.
How would I find the Best Instant Coffee? One might ask. Well, no need to look further! As self-proclaimed coffee addicts and proven-experts, we have tried literally everything in the Instant Coffee market to make sure that our – and your – caffeine levels stay stable… even on a lazy brewing day!
What’s in this article:
- Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee (Best Overall)
- Nescafe Gold Espresso Instant Coffee (Most Flavorful)
- Folgers Classic Roast (Most Balanced Flavor)
- Waka Coffee (Most Aromatic)
- Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee (Best Dark Roast Instant Coffee)
- Douewe Egberts Pure Indulgence (Strongest Blend)
- Vinacafe 3 in 1 Instant Coffee Mix (Sweetest Mix)
- Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Mix (Best Organic Coffee)
The 8 Best Instant Coffees
Here are eight of our favorite Instant Coffees.
#1 Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee – Best Overall
Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee hails from Germany. This is one of the most sought out Instant Coffees for its USDA Organic Certified status.
It comes in a glass jar that exudes quality . It also ensures that your bottle arrives fresh to your kitchen counter. There is also a boxed version with single packets.
Mount Hagen is made from 100% Arabica beans. It’s freeze dried or underwent extreme temperature changes. This is to dehydrate brewed coffee into yummy, high quality Instant Coffee.
Positive Reviews
- It is smooth and bold without the burnt-aftertaste that most Instant Coffees sport.
- It has great aroma and a smoky profile that stood out.
- It’s relatively cheap for Coffee that’s organic.
Negative Reviews
- It’s cheap for an Organic Coffee but still expensive for its quality. Item price didn’t feel justified.
- The jar was smaller than anticipated.
It’s exactly right, as one could remark. If you don’t like huge packets of powdered coffee, Mount Hagen appears to be the finest instant for you.
A Mount Hagen Organic Dried package comes in a black box. Which extends the coffee’s shelf life by blocking off light. You may take these packets on vacation, to work, and, of course, at home because they are so little and convenient.
Mount Hagen is created from 100% organic Arabica beans. Sourced from farmers who agree to follow environmentally friendly coffee production practices. Such as not using pesticides or other chemicals around or in the coffee beans. It’s certified USDA organic and Fair Trade.
Mount Hagen has a solid track record, having created the first certified organic instant coffee in the world. It’s hard to say whether the taste of this coffee is attributable in part to the fact that the beans were cultivated organically.
It’s better than almost anything else you could buy freshly brewed. It’s a medium-roast composed entirely of Arabica beans, with a rich and strong flavor that’s neither bitter nor acidic.
#2 Nescafe Gold Espresso Instant Coffee – Most Flavorful
Nescafe Gold is a premium Instant Coffee variety from the Swiss Company Nestle. It’s what you generally see at your local grocery store. So its pretty much available everywhere.
Despite being a kitchen staple, Nescafe does not disappoint.
It’s made from 100% hand-picked Arabica beans to ensure the best coffee in your cup. This espresso coffee powder shares a likeness to real espresso. With its velvety reddish-brown crema. It sits heavenly on the top of your piping coffee and makes for a nice Americano.
Positive Reviews
- It mimics espresso crema down to the creaminess and aroma.
- Extremely versatile for your coffee recipes . You can enjoy it black or experiment with recipes.
- Insanely flavorful coffee without unpleasant bitterness.
Negative Reviews
- Some reviews said that this blend was too bitter for their tastes.
- A stale-like aftertaste was also the complaint of the coffee world reviews.
- The packaging was not durable, some complained that the item arrived with a cracked lid.
This is just the flavor I was searching for in iced espresso! I’ll definitely add this my favorites and re-order spree.
Smooth, rich, with just the right amount of robustness. Because it’s espresso, you only need a minimal quantity of powder to make this instant coffee. Because it’s a fine powder, it mixes well and produces a dark black liquid on the bottom with a light brown crema layer on top. The coffee is so smooth that you may drink it straight without adding anything like milk.
Nescafe is the industry leader in high-quality, delicious instant coffee. Excellent flavor; even in cold water, it dissolves rapidly. This is an outstanding product.
#3 Folgers Classic Roast – Most Balanced Flavor
Good old Folgers Coffee has been around since 1850. Roasted in New Orleans Louisiana, this freeze dried option puts the fancy to its coffee crystals.
Folgers Classic Roast is easily one of the most known Instant Coffee brands in the market. It’s a delicious inexpensive Instant Coffee option. That is praised for its nice, full body flavor.
It’s also easily adjustable to your palette. Because it comes in a big container as opposed to coffee packets.
Positive Reviews
- It’s a medium roast with a balanced flavor profile.
- Its flavor profile is perfect for your regular cup of coffee and culinary use, i.e. coffee flavored desserts.
- Contrary to other Instant Coffee, this doesn’t kick you awake but soothes you to alertness which is a pleasant feeling.
Negative Reviews
- There is a faint metallic aftertaste which was commented on by a few people.
- The coffee is quite acidic and not great if you have a weak stomach, another reviewer expressed.
If you grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, you remember Folgers as the “best part of waking up.” While the brand today faces fierce competition. It still commands a significant percentage of the instant coffee industry.
Unlike Nescafe, Folgers exclusively sells the original “classic roast”. Which is available in tiny batches (eight ounces each), single servings, or a large container. Also, because you receive so much, you may use the coffee crystals in other dishes (like cake) to enhance taste without diluting the meal.
This coffee is moderate and adaptable, which is appealing.
#4 Waka Coffee – Most Aromatic
Initially sold through single serve instant coffee packets, Waka Coffee is now offering a bigger bag of their coffee goodness.
This Single-Origin freeze dried coffee is made from 100% Arabica coffee. Specifically a Colombia variety. Waka Coffee Colombia offers a complex flavor profile that is unrivaled with yummy aromatics that’ll rouse your senses.
Waka Coffee also contributes 4% of their proceeds to a clean water program called “Add Water, Give Water”.
Positive Reviews
- The flavor profile mimics brewed coffee which is tres bien for a lot of buyers.
- It’s also packed in a resealable bag that’s biodegradable which is great for you and the environment.
- They give back to the community!
Negative Reviews
- A butter-like feel or texture was noted by some reviews to which was not to their liking.
- It was noted to have a dusty aroma that wasn’t appetizing.
- Another review commented on the taste being akin to vinegar rather than the expected citrus.
When it comes to instant coffee, Waka is one of the most famous brands since it is made entirely of Arabica beans. They employ innovative freeze-drying technology to make their instant coffee, as opposed to most other companies, who use a bulk spray process that compromises flavor.
They provide a variety of roast degrees to suit your preferences, as well as selections from diverse origins.
So, if you’re a big fan of immediate, don’t think twice about trying Waka; once you do, you’ll be hooked.
#5 Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee – Best Dark Roast Instant Coffee
Starbucks never disappoints with their coffee. Sure, some aficionados think Starbucks is overrated but its that exact critique that has enabled the coffee company to stay on top of the game.
Here’s a dark roast on our list, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Starbucks’ VIA instant coffee isn’t just potent; it’s incredibly potent. Not only that, but the business has managed to replicate the flavor of freshly brewed coffee in a grande or venti. Replete with bitterness – that your barista would offer you in person. Starbucks VIA is the store’s Instant Coffee variety which comes in different flavors.
Instant coffee may appear to be monotonous, but it isn’t.
I can make a mocha by adding a scoop of chocolate Ovaltine. Starbucks is a coffee powerhouse, so it’s no surprise that it sells instant coffees of its specialty roasts.
Positive Reviews
- This VIA dark roast is rich and flavorful.
- All varieties are available in single-serve packets at a surprisingly low price.
- This coffee is silky smooth, with a pleasant roasty flavor that isn’t overpowering.
Negative Reviews
- Because it’s a Starbucks coffee, it’s a little more expensive than the others.
- It has a relatively dull texture. But that contributes to the coffee’s overall subtlety.
The roasters wanted to create a profile that was balanced enough that no single taste stood out, and they succeeded with this mix. The beans are a cross between Central and South America. Because it’s a Starbucks coffee, it’s a little more expensive than the others.
Our best guess as to what their secret is?
If you make this instant coffee, you could discover some at the bottom of your cup. If you’re not a huge lover of dark roasts, adding some creamer or sugar to your coffee can be a smart idea.
Starbucks also makes an instant Italian roast with extra sweetness. An instant house blend based on their original in-store mix, and numerous distinct lattes (including a tasty white mocha latte).
#6 Douewe Egberts Pure Indulgence – Strongest Blend
Pure Indulgence describes this coffee well.
I normally avoid instant coffee since I recall the cardboard flavor of others back in the day. But I never have time to prepare a proper cup owing to time restrictions at work and in life, so the quest began.
At work, this coffee is dubbed “Bam” because of its incredible potency; after just two sips, you’re ready to take on the day. I typically drink four cups of conventional brewed coffee every day. But with this, I just need one terrific cup in the morning to get ready for 14 hours of hectic work.
Positive Reviews
- It smells exactly as coffee should, with no bitterness. Just a wonderful scent and a nice tasting.
- It has a robust taste.
- Also, the scent is incredible.
Negative Reviews
- Pure Gold’s Arabica bean mix has a robust scent that doesn’t fully prepare you for the smooth, mild flavor of the coffee
- It’s a bit costly.
This is something I usually have on hand for those times when I’m in a pinch. It’s made in the Netherlands (which has a large population of dedicated coffee aficionados). Marketed at a reasonable price, and even found in certain supermarkets.
Douwe Egberts Pure Indulgence is worth a try if you want a more strong instant without paying for VIA.
This is something I always have on hand for those days when I need a strong cup of coffee.
We first encountered it when out shopping in England on a particularly blustery day. Previous attempts to obtain a hot beverage had failed miserably, and we had tried both tea and chocolate.
We tried a Douwe Egberts after the store attendant recommended it, and it has since been our favorite. When we initially saw it on Amazon, we thought it was costly. But as we calculated how many cups of coffee we could get from a jar, we realized it was well worth the money.
This coffee comes highly recommended by me to everyone who appreciates a robust cup of coffee in the morning to get their engines going. It’s one of those coffees that you immediately notice when you taste it.
#7 Vinacafe 3 in 1 Instant Coffee Mix – Sweetest Mix
Vinacafe brand instant coffee is, in my opinion, a very tasty and simple to prepare instant coffee.
If you enjoy coffee, but haven’t tried Vietnamese coffee, I strongly advise you to do so.
I enjoy making a cup of coffee whenever I feel like it. There are no coffee grounds to clean up, nor is there a pot or machine to clean.
Simply add boiling water, mix, and proceed. I wasn’t expecting much because it was so cheap for 2 lbs of instant coffee, but WOW, I don’t want Starbucks anymore. This tastes great, and at only 90 calories per cup, it’s a no-brainer. This instant coffee is fantastic!
It already has sugar and creamer in it. It’s not overly sugary, and I’m not sure what it is about this coffee that makes it taste so good! I bring them to work for a quick and simple cup of coffee, iced or hot.
Positive Reviews
- It sells it for a very low cost!
- Has a deep rich taste
- Only contains 90 calories
Negative Reviews
- A little too sugary
- Not good for people who prefer their coffee black
For iced coffee, simply dissolve in a little hot water and pour over ice. It’s a little too sweet but a very great cup of coffee overall. The product has 13 grams of sugar, not the 10 grams shown in the photo. 8 oz. is the precise amount I would recommend. Or less for a deep, rich taste
It has a lengthy shelf life, but you’ll finish it before it goes bad. I bought them mostly for convenience and calorie control (one cup contains exactly 90 calories). The sweetest coffee on our list is VinaCafe 3-in-1 Instant Coffee. This is owing to the coffee’s addition of cream and sugar.
For a balanced contrast of flavors, Vietnamese coffee is generally brewed using dark roasted Vietnamese coffee beans and sweetened condensed milk. This instant coffee choice accurately represents the authentic flavor of Vietnamese coffee. You should avoid this choice if you want your coffee black.
If you’re new to instant coffee or coffee in general, though, this is a terrific alternative. Some people may find the VinaCafe 3-in-1 Instant Coffee to be overly sweet, in which case they should opt for a conventional instant brew and add their own cream and sugar or condensed milk.
#8 Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Mix – Best Organic Coffee
These coffees are to die for, and they’re so simple to make! Because I can’t drink a lot of caffeine, I just use one packet at a time, then add my honey and creamer, as well as my vanilla ghee, and voila! You have a great cup of coffee ready for drinking.
I’m capable of determining what’s excellent and what isn’t on my own, and I have to say this one is good.
This coffee is one of my favorites. I was skeptical because most mushroom-based meals and supplements are foul-tasting, but this isn’t one of them. It has a deep earthy flavor that isn’t at all unpleasant.
Positive Reviews
- Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee has received positive feedback, with assertions that the mushrooms reduce the jittery sensation associated with coffee intake.
- It has a chocolaty scent and a fruity, lively flavor.
- This coffee also has the benefit of being organic.
Negative Reviews
- It has a flat, muted mouthfeel, which is the one thing our crew dislikes about it.
- Another drawback is the cost, which is too high for what it is.
I’m generally sensitive to caffeine. But this combination is excellent; it provides me a morning boost. Without causing heart palpitations or shaking.
I’ve discovered that buying in bulk can save me roughly $2 each box. The Four Sigmatic instant coffee is the most unusual coffee on our list. There are two mushrooms in this blend: Lion’s Mane and Chaga.
The Lion’s Mane mushroom is thought to help with cognitive function, while Chaga is thought to help with immunity.
Despite the fact that it contains mushrooms, this coffee is ranked eight on our list because it tastes fantastic.
The beans are Arabica beans from Mexico that are 100 percent Arabica.
Brewed Coffee VS Instant Coffee
Coffee lovers who have a specific preference. Especially Coffee puritans, tend to compare Brewed Coffee and Instant Coffee. By pitting them against one another. That should not be the case as they are from a different class . Brewed Coffee will always be the supreme caffeine-infused goodness. And Instant Coffee will never measure up! But that doesn’t mean that we can’t enjoy the best of both worlds, right?
The Rise of Instant Coffee
Instant Coffee has colonized the world market for its accessibility. Ease in preparation and taste. Instant Coffee was never created to replace Brewed Coffee forever. It functions as an alternative for people who love to enjoy coffee in all shapes, variety and forms. Don’t shun Instant Coffee. Just because you think that it’ll earn you points in the Coffee Community.
Is Instant Coffee worth the hype?
! If you’re not a coffee purist and a lazy brewer in one. You should definitely celebrate Instant Coffee like your life depended on it. It’s an easy and fast way to enjoy your daily dose of caffeine. Without the meticulous step-by-step process of brewing coffee from the bean.
instantcoffee
Regular or decaf coffee
Decaffeinated Instant Coffee
You could believe that decaf coffee is caffeine-free. That isn’t fully correct, though. It’s hard to eliminate all of the caffeine from the beverage. Because coffee beans contain it naturally. Instead, decaf coffee provides a lower energy boost than normal coffee.
Decaffeination: How does it work?
Ludwig Roselius invented the first recorded process of decaffeination in 1905. Roselius extracted caffeine from damp green coffee beans using benzene. Because benzene is now proven to be a carcinogen, this method is not recommended. But, all current decaffeination techniques begin in the same way.
The caffeine in green coffee beans is extracted after they have been wet to make it soluble. To cut caffeine, they simply employ a variety of methods. If you have a caffeine sensitivity. Or simply prefer to forgo the energizing effect of caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee is a terrific alternative.
There are still so many questions revolving around decaffeinated instant coffee. These are some examples:
Can decaf coffee, on the other hand, be considered specialty coffee? Is it possible to find decaffeinated micro-lot coffees that taste just as good? And how does decaffeination operate in the first place? There are several frequent misunderstandings regarding decaf coffee’s quality and health dangers.
Let’s dive into a close look at reality.
Coffee enthusiasts who are avoiding caffeine for whatever reason. Whether temporarily or permanently. But still want the unrivaled experience that coffee provides. Should be welcomed with open arms since they’re here for what truly gets our hearts: flavor!
So as long as the caffeine feel is there. And the taste is there without having to risk certain factors. Such as getting anxiety from instant coffees. Then decaffeinated instant coffee might also jam with your preferences.
If you want a full list of the best decaf coffee beans, we got it here.
Elevating Your Instant Coffee Game
Who said that Instant Coffee had to be boring? There are numerous Brewed Coffee recipes. That you could easily replicate with Instant Coffee. There is even an Instant Coffee craze that you can ONLY do with Instant Coffee. Here are a few ways you can elevate your Instant Coffee Game:
#1 Use Hot Milk instead of Hot Water
Although the instructions on the labelling are always ADD HOT WATER. You could do it one better by adding HOT MILK. As someone who enjoys coffee with milk, this has become a complete game changer. My Instant Coffee comes out thicker and creamier just by doing this method. It’s not just HOT coffee. You could totally dissolve your coffee granules or powder with hot milk. And then add your ice for a delicious iced coffee made easy.
#2 Mix 2 or more Coffee Mix Variety
Coffee beans of different varieties can be mixed together to create a unique blend. And, the same goes when mixing 2 or more coffee varieties. To achieve a more delectable and delightful instant coffee experience.
#3 Customize with Syrups and Sauces
You can also opt to purchase additional syrups or sauces. That might complement the taste of your instant coffee. There are so many of them in the market nowadays. And you’ll be surprised at the richness they’ll add to your instant coffee.
Instant Coffee and its Instant Appeal
Obviously, Instant Coffee appeals to many coffee consumers for its ease in preparation. Good instant coffee is as subjective as your love for caffeine and preparation.
Things to consider when buying an instant coffee:
Caffeine:
A typical 8-ounce serving of instant coffee contains between 27 and 173 mg of caffeine. However, most coffees have a caffeine content of 65-90 mg. As a result, make an informed selection. As different instant coffees contain varying amounts of caffeine. As well as varying degrees of flavor and potential adverse effects.
Convenience:
The ease and speed with which immediate is prepared provides a benefit of convenience. Instant coffee powder is frequently kept in airtight jars. This allows you to easily enjoy the flavor of your favorite beverage. As a result, the majority of them are already packaged in containers, making them easier to handle. Additionally, check for Fair Trade and USDA Certified Organic marks. To ensure that farmers are compensated fairly for their efforts.
What Makes The Flavor So Good?
Any instant coffee with a low bitterness level is a nice thing. It’s also great if they have a lot of taste. It’s a huge victory when instant coffee tastes like freshly made coffee.
What’s Wrong With This Variant?
We believe instant coffee is harsh and unpleasant in general. Some of the lower-quality products also have a rubbery, chemical odor. Complexity and clarity are also more difficult to notice. Than in freshly brewed coffee.
What Else Should You Think About?
Aside from the flavor. We looked at the packaging. To see if the instant coffee brand was acceptable for bringing outside or traveling. So, for example, does it come in a bottle or a stick packet?
We have lots of coffee bean suggestions for you here, just in case.
Final words…
Now that you’ve learned everything there is to know about instant coffee, go out and try one of the brands we’ve highlighted.
For our top pick, we chose the Mt. Hagen Instant Coffee because of it’s excellent taste. Then it’s packaging and it’s delightfully strong flavor. Which overall makes instant coffee taste like top-tier coffee.
Instant coffee is adaptable, quick to prepare, readily customized, and surprisingly flavorful. The perfect combination for a quick caffeine fix, as long as you choose a good brand.
Learn more about the world of coffee brewing by reading our guides and reviews.