Quick Navigation
Instant coffee is an excellent substitute for coffee pods and ground coffee for those looking for a quick and convenient coffee without a coffee machine or coffee maker.
It’s the best trade-off: Convenience and affordability in exchange for taste and flavor.
In recent years, Nescafe, Nestle, Starbucks, Folgers, Maxwell House, and Mount Hagen have seriously upgraded their instant coffee to meet the needs of those who can’t travel without coffee mugs, or when the average Jane or average Joe demands more from their cup of Java.
You can make your fastest-ever cup of joe by replacing your classic coffee with “just add hot water” varieties of instant coffee which are tucked into packets like tea bags and coffee bags or placed in fold-out pour-overs.
As grocery store owners increase the quality and availability of high-quality wines, specialty coffee roasters are bringing us single-origin blends of instant coffee at the same time.
Most of our readers don’t know that instant coffee is in the midst of an epic renaissance as instant coffee sales are going up in 2021 as more and more readers begin making their daily joe at home. But most of our readers don’t know that: Can it be made with hot and cold water? Can they only make one cup at a time? What is the dissolvability and flavor of different brands? Which are the best instant coffee brands?
So we’ve found out for our readers the best instant coffee brands out there that deliver a cup of joe just as delicious as one brewed with a drip machine or French press.
We rounded up these best brands of instant coffee after nearly four weeks of caffeine-fueled taste tests by our readers, editors, family, and friends in 2021. We make this effort to make your hassle-free morning brew even better.
Before writing this article, we prepared each “instant coffee” according to the product package’s instructions, a hot cup, and a cold one۔ Then we made three types of hot cups and three types of cold instant coffee from each product to taste: one only with instant coffee without sugar and milk, the other with just a little addition of milk, and the third with both milk and sugar for better testing.
We rated these best coffees based on affordability, quality of ingredients, nutrition facts, processing, ease of use, and functionality.
By selecting one of our top picks, you can better whip into Dalgona or whipped coffee, or you can take on your next backpacking trip or hiking adventure. You can better enjoy it by spending some of your extra time on this quick guide to better instant coffee.
Product Name | Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals, 8 Ounces |
Brand | Folgers |
Product Origin | USA |
Coffee Beans | Arabica and Robusta (100% pure Folgers) |
Roast Level | Medium Roast |
Flavour Name | Classic Roast |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Item Form | Instant Coffee |
Package Information | Jar |
Size | 8 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
Customer Reviews | 12864 |
Customer Rating | 96.85/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.6/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.4/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.5/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.3/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy Amazon |
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals, Contains 1 – 8 ounce easy-open flip-top Jar of Folgers classic roast instant coffee crystals.
Expertly roasted and blended instant coffee packets of Folgers have Irresistible taste and aromas to make your day instantly better.
Coffee is not suitable for children because they do not need caffeine, and coffee can be bitter for them, but this bitterness may be your favorite. This cup of Folgers has the edge of bitterness that you want. It can be a top priority in your daily beverages. It has vanilla, a slightly nutty flavor, and a sweet chocolate aroma. The extra splash of dairy aids and cream has added to its importance.
Product Name | Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee Dark Roast Packets |
Brand | Starbucks |
Product Origin | USA |
Coffee Beans | 100% Arabica Beans |
Roast Level | Dark_roast |
Flavour Name | French |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Item Form | Instant Coffee |
Product Information | 0.11 Ounce (Pack of 8) |
Weight | 0.17 Pounds |
Customer Reviews | 9,653 |
Customer Rating | 96.42/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.0/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.7/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.5/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.3/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy Amazon |
Whether it’s a moment at the start of your new day, or as a reward at the end of a long one, you can make your perfect cup of coffee easy to enjoy with Starbucks VIA Instant packets.
Although they are similar to packs of Earl Grey, they are not tea bags. Open a (tea-like bag) packet of this instant coffee and you might think you’ve been falling in love in an instant. This balanced and nutty, single-serve, medium-roast, specialty coffee has a remarkable finish that’s dry with notes of toasted walnut and herbs. You can steep it in hot water like tea.
Most of our readers and tasters like the straightforward, adored dark roast, light-bodied with low acidity and features an intense and smoky notes blend. But you should try medium roast prepared with 100% micro-ground arabica coffee beans that are toasty brown and lightly sweetened with cane sugar. You can get a coffee drink specially crafted for mixing with cold water.
If you have a problem and want to enjoy your café without caffeine, their Decaf Italian Roast, 3.3-Gram Packages option is single origin and boasts a mellow flavor with low acidity. This blend of 100% Arabica is naturally decaffeinated, you can enjoy the robust and bold taste of coffee that is roasted and sweet with hints of molasses.
Product Name | Nescafe Taster’s Choice House Blend Instant Coffee, 7 Ounce (Pack of 2) |
Brand | Taster’s Choice |
Product Origin | USA |
Coffee Beans | Arabica and Robusta coffee beans |
Roast Level | Light/Medium |
Flavour Name | House Blend, French Roast, Colombian, Hazelnut |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Item Form | Instant Coffee |
What’s in the box? (Product information) | Contains 2 pack of 7 OZ Nescafe Taster’s Choice House Blend Instant Coffee |
Weight | 14 Ounces |
Customer Reviews | 5662 |
Customer Rating | 95.85/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.0/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.5/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.4/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.2/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy on Amazon |
Nescafe taster’s choice of french roast is the best instant coffee in 2021. It is a fair trade organic instant coffee that results in a balanced, smooth cup of coffee without any overpowering flavors or bitterness.
You can pick up packets or a jar of Nestle instant coffee, medium light-roast decaf blend to enjoy after dinner (best served with dessert) while maintaining a rich taste with inviting flavor.
Our readers and tasters preferred this cup over the cheaper brands; although it’s at around $0.34 per cup, it is worth it.
Product Name | Maxwell House International French Vanilla Cafe Beverage Mix. |
Brand | MAXWELL HOUSE |
Product Origin | USA |
Coffee Beans | Arabica and Robusta coffee beans |
Roast Level | Dark Roast |
Flavour Name | French Vanilla, Cafe Francais, Decaf Suisse Mocha, Hazelnut, Orange, Suisse Mocha, Variety Pack. |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Item Form | Instant Coffee |
Volume | 408 Fluid Ounces |
Weight | 2.1 Ounces |
Customer Reviews | 8812 |
Customer Rating | 96.57/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.2/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.6/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.5/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.3/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy on Amazon |
Maxwell House International French Vanilla Cafe Style Instant Coffee Beverage Mix comes in an 8.4-ounce resilient container to keep the flavor off between uses. There are four canisters in the pack, and each canister serves about nine.
The rich, creamy taste and flavorful aroma of this option smelled like walking into … well, a bustling Maxwell House International French Vanilla Café-Style Instant Coffee Beverage Mix.
What’s more, each cup has its consistent signature taste that is good to the last drop. The smooth and balanced cup of the café-style instant French vanilla coffee, with dark chocolate color and toasted nut flavor, looked and tasted as good as it smelled. Most of our readers and tasters preferred to happily enjoy a cup of this instant right at home instead of braving the morning commute crowd. With dietary restrictions, you can check out their little decaf, sugar-free and dairy-free options.
Product Name | Mount Hagen 7.05 oz Organic Fair Trade Freeze Dried Instant Coffee Bulk Resealable Doypack Bag, Kosher Award-winning Single-origin 100% Arabica Freeze Dried Coffee Packets, Instant Coffee For Camping |
Brand | Mount Hagen |
Product Origin | USA |
Coffee Beans | 100% Arabica beans |
Roast Level | Medium Roast |
Flavour Name | Coffee |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Item Form | Instant Coffee |
Servings in one 7.05 oz. bag | 7 oz bag is approx 100 servings |
Weight | 7.05 Ounces |
Customer Reviews | 478 |
Customer Rating | 96.00/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.1/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.5/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.4/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.2/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy on Amazon |
If you are one of those, who prefer to greet the day with a mild roast rather than a kicked-up cup of coffee, this smooth and balanced mellow blend is perfect for you.
Rich and smooth flavors with low acidity and a slight resemblance with black tea make this easy-drinking joe a great way to start your morning or enjoy after dinner.
Moreover, each pack only costs $11 and contains 100 cups of coffee…yep, that is, you’d pay just 11 cents for a high-quality cup of coffee.
Product Name | Medaglia D’Oro Instant Espresso Coffee, 2-Ounce Jars (Pack of 3 |
Brand | Medaglia D’Oro |
Product Origin | USA |
Coffee Beans | 100% Arabica beans |
Roast Level | Dark Roast |
Flavour Name | Instant Espresso |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Item Form | Instant Coffee |
What’s in the box | Pack of 12 Instant Espresso Coffee |
Weight | 5.5 Pounds |
Customer Reviews | 1820 |
Customer Rating | 96.57/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.2/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.6/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.5/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.3/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy on Amazon |
The intensely chocolatey aroma of this vibrant, aromatic, and delicious
Instant Espresso Coffee, straight from the packet, cues you right away that this isn’t your average (cup of) joe. The fruity, nuanced flavor of this cup-o-joe is a true blessing on a cold winter’s morning.
What blows our tasters away is how it froths, and the creamy texture is incredible.
Plus, It’s got an incredible taste, even unsweetened, add a cube of sugar, and it’s heaven.
Product Name | Trader Joe’s 100% Colombian Instant Coffee 3.5oz (Pack of 2) |
Brand | Trader Joe’s |
Region of Origin | Colombia |
Coffee Beans | 100% Colombian Arabica Beans |
Roast Level | Dark Roast instant coffee |
Flavor Name | Colombian |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Item Form | Instant Coffee |
What’s in the box | Pack of 12 Instant Espresso Coffee |
Weight | 3.5 Ounces |
Customer Reviews | 253 |
Customer Rating | 96.43/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.3/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.7/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.4/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.1/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy on Amazon |
Our tasters test this coffee, thinking they would switch if they liked it, and it proves yummy. You may forget everything you think you know about instant coffee — the exceptional balanced flavor notes of this complex cup may exceed your expectations in almost every way and keep you curious until the last sip.
It tastes so fresh and authentic that you will never know that this is instant coffee without reading the word instant on the jar.
It is the best instant coffee our tasters have ever found through the years! The sweet, milk chocolatey smell gave way to a robust and citrusy flavor that they should try even if a person is not an instant coffee drinker. It has an easy, convenient, and excellent taste that was zingy but not overwhelming.
Product Name | Café Bustelo Espresso Style Instant Coffee |
Brand | Café Bustelo |
Region of Origin | Colombia |
Coffee Beans | 100% Colombian Arabica Beans |
Roast Level | Dark Roast |
Flavour Name | Coffee |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Item Form | 21 Ounces |
Size | 7.05 Ounce (Pack of 2) |
Weight | 3.5 Ounces |
Customer Reviews | 1067 |
Customer Rating | 96.42/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.1/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.6/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.5/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.3/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy on Amazon |
If you want to have instant espresso on hand for the occasional recipe that calls for it, then Café Bustelo Instant Coffee is for you. What’s you love in your morning cup of joe? A drop of cream or sugar! This full-bodied blend holds up to any of your favorite add-ins.
After reading reviews, blogs and tasting a lot of coffees, our tasters settled on this brand.
You may like the complex, citrus-forward flavor, milk chocolate smell, and smooth finish of this brew. Although the price point is high, it’s worth it.
Product Name | Maxim Mocha Gold Mild Coffee Mix |
Brand | Maxim |
Region of Origin | Product of Korea |
Ingredients | Sugar, Corn syrup, instant coffee, coconut oil |
Roast Level | Dark Roast |
Flavor Name | Mocha |
Caffeine Content | Caffeinated |
Item Form | Instant |
Package Information | Box |
Weight | 1200 Grams |
Customer Reviews | 3445 |
Customer Rating | 97.28/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.3/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.7/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.7/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.4/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy on Amazon |
Our tasters and readers loved the full-bodied and citrusy character of this instant coffee blend. And what’s about the flavor? The hints of coconut, fresh berries, and corn left us savoring every sip.
This option is handy for you if you are traveling or camping where there is no coffee shop. But when you’re enjoying it, spend a little more time on it because it contains a little more caffeine — and it’s a little more valuable than your average latte.
Maxim Korean instant coffee comes in with three names: Maxim Mocha Gold, Maxim White Gold, and Maxim Original. The differences between the three are: Mocha gold has the best taste, White gold has more milk taste, while Original is normal.
There is a sign that says “sugar control,” most of the sugar in the stick is there so that you can control it.
It is more interesting than most instant coffees.
The coffee is flavored with sugar, corn syrup, instant coffee, and coconut oil.
Product Name | Hills Bros. Instant Cappuccino Mix, Sugar-Free French Vanilla Cappuccino Mix |
Brand | Hills Bros |
Region of Origin | USA |
Size | 12 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
Roast Level | Light Roast |
Flavor Name | French Vanilla |
Caffeine Content | Decaffeinated |
Item Form | Instant |
Package Information | Canister |
Weight | 0.85 Pounds |
Customer Reviews | 16530 |
Customer Rating | 96.29/100 |
Service Rating | 10/10 |
Easy to Use Rating | 10/10 |
Freshness Rating | 9.2/10 |
Aroma Rating | 9.4/10 |
Flavour & Taste Rating | 10/10 |
Strength Rating | 9.5/10 |
Value for Money Rating | 9.3/10 |
See Price at Amazon | Click to Buy on Amazon |
This instant coffee is firmly rooted in its name and its unwavering commitment to quality 137 years ago. This delicious Hills Brothers instant cappuccino packet contains 0 sugar, 8 grams of carbs, and only 50 calories. Pleasant, creamy vanilla flavor. You can make a hot, melting cup or a cold, ice-capped cappuccino just by adding water. This canister of French vanilla cappuccino mix makes 28 cups of delicious cappuccino.
The flavor is excellent.
It is best for those who don’t like a strong coffee flavor.
Many instant coffees have an undesirable grain/corn aftertaste, but its flavor profile is well-balanced.
You can make a good cappuccino without an expensive coffee machine.
Hard to mix.
Great price.
Instant coffee is a type of coffee made from dried coffee extract. Like how regular coffee is brewed, the extract is made by brewing ground coffee beans, although it’s more concentrated.
Instant coffee is a concentration of regular coffee made from ground coffee beans converted into coffee crystals by a spray-dried or frozen-dried process. Its brewing speed is fast, and its shelf life is long.
There are countless brands of instant coffee, and each brand has different instant coffee products. As far as the amount of caffeine is concerned, the level of caffeine in each product may be different. If you want to check the status of caffeine in any instant coffee product, you can find out by clicking on this link.
Pour 1 or 2 teaspoons of instant coffee into the cup or glass you want to drink, depending on your needs and taste. Add two tablespoons of warm water and leave to set for 30 seconds. Boil 120–250 ml of water in a separate pot and let it cool for 30 seconds, then mix it into your cup of instant coffee. Stir well with a spoon and enjoy.
The fact is that instant coffee is as good for you as regular coffee, but if you have a caffeine problem, then instant coffee is more beneficial for you because it has less caffeine and more acrylamide. It contains as many antioxidants as regular coffee.
There are nine significant differences between ground coffee and installed coffee, which are as follows:
Whether it’s Nespresso, Dolce Gusto, Tassimo coffee pods, Keurig K-cups, or ESE pods, instant coffee and all coffee pod types have the same differences as ground and instant coffee. But there are some similarities between these coffee pods and instant coffee. The first similarity is that coffee pods are also used to make coffee drinks with less time and less effort, and instant coffee is also used for the same purpose. Another similarity is that coffee pods and instant coffee both have a longer shelf life than ground coffee.
The difference between instant coffee and coffee bags is the same as between ground coffee and instant coffee because even coffee bags are filled with grinding beans. The brewing time of coffee bags is a bit higher than instant coffee, but it does not matter. As far as taste is concerned, the beverage made from coffee bags is a thousand times better and fresh than instant coffee. Instant coffee has longer shelf life than coffee bags.
Although instant coffee tastes bad compared to ground coffee and coffee pods, it instantly meets your coffee needs. So when you don’t have a bean-to-cup coffee machine or a machine that uses coffee pods to make espresso, latte, or cappuccino, or your coffee machine is out of order, instant coffee may be the best option for you.
I have mentioned some important instant coffees in the above table. Choose the instant coffee of your choice, enjoy hot coffee or cold brew, and make your morning memorable.
For the best instant coffees, you need hot water. You do not need to grind beans or store them and do not need to wait for your coffee to brew, and no cleaning after brewing. It allows you to immediately enjoy your hot or cold brew or cup of joe.
Instant coffees contain potassium, magnesium, and niacin. It also contains less caffeine, more acrylamide, and the same antioxidants as regular coffee. Overall, instant coffee is healthy and is linked to the same health benefits as other types of coffee.
We searched high and low for some of the best instant coffees on the market, pored over reviews, and taste-tested them to come up with our top picks. They take only 30 seconds to have a steaming cup of hot coffee or cold brew at your beck and call.
Many popular instant coffee brands sell instant blends. They offer a variety of instant coffee flavors, like French Vanilla, Toasted Hazelnut, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and more. These brands are mentioned in the above text. So, choose them according to your taste and preference.
Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee Mix is quickly gaining popularity among coffee lovers and more health-conscious connoisseurs of caffeinated beverages than other instant coffees. It contains dried and milled mushroom powder that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria and contributes to healthy gut flora.
Waka Coffee is a brand that exclusively sells instant coffees and teas; it can be prepared with cold water, meaning you won’t have to wait for your brew to chill in the fridge to make a glass of cold coffee. Waka Coffee proves that coffee can be both instant and high quality. You will feel a myriad of flavorful caramel, sweet, and smooth tones. The finish also has some nice fruity tones.
Alpine sells dirty chai latte, which is delicious coffee made with real coffee beans (100% Colombian Arabicas), traditional chai spices, black, and soy milk. It is best for chai and coffee drinkers. It delivers a spicy, bold, creamy chai latte that you can enjoy anytime. For more details, check out the below link.
Copyright © 2024 CoffeeAim.com