Since its birth in the 1800s, instant coffee has come a long way in innovation and taste, with brands like Starbucks and Nescafe providing classic blends alongside cappuccino sachets, bold espresso styles, and tasty decafs.
Instant coffee has become a go-to option for many coffee drinkers who crave a quick and convenient cup of coffee without sacrificing flavor.
In this article, we’ll delve into instant coffee, exploring its types, best brands, and the factors that make the perfect cup of instant coffee.
Additionally, we’ll reveal the results of a blind taste test conducted by coffee experts, ranking the top-rated instant coffees of 2024.
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The Best USA Instant Coffee Brands
We are here to help hunt down your best brew and share the best instant coffee in the UK that you can buy online from supermarkets.
What is Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee, or soluble coffee, is derived from brewed coffee beans. It is made by freeze-drying or spray-drying brewed coffee, resulting in a convenient, soluble form that can be quickly dissolved in water. This method allows for an extended shelf life and easy preparation, making it a popular choice for busy individuals and coffee enthusiasts.
How is instant coffee made?
Creating instant coffee involves brewing a concentrated coffee solution, which is freeze-dried or spray-dried to create coffee crystals or powder. This allows for easy and quick dissolution in hot water, delivering a swift cup of coffee without the need for traditional brewing methods.
What are the different types of instant coffee?
Instant coffee is available in various forms, including powder, granules, and single-serve packets. Additionally, different roast levels, such as light, medium, and dark roast instant coffees, cater to a wide range of flavor preferences.
Is instant coffee the same as regular brewed coffee?
While instant coffee is derived from brewed coffee, there are differences in flavor and aroma due to the processing methods. Instant coffee often has a milder taste than freshly brewed coffee, but it offers convenience and quick preparation, making it a suitable alternative for many coffee drinkers.
How to Choose the Best Instant Coffee
Several factors should be considered when selecting the best instant coffee to ensure a satisfying coffee experience. The roast level, brand reputation, and brewing methods all play a significant role in determining the quality of instant coffee.
What factors should be considered when choosing instant coffee?
When choosing instant coffee, key factors include the roast level, flavor profile, caffeine content, and the coffee’s origin. Additionally, brand reputation, quality of ingredients, and sustainability practices adopted by coffee roasters also contribute to the overall selection process.
What are the best instant coffee brands of 2024?
In 2024, several top-rated instant coffee brands have captured the attention of coffee enthusiasts, including Starbucks VIA, Maxwell House, Café Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee, Verve Coffee Roasters, and Canyon Coffee, among others. These brands have consistently delivered exceptional instant coffee products, earning recognition for their quality and flavor.
How does the roast level impact the taste of instant coffee?
The roast level significantly influences the flavor and aroma of instant coffee. Light roast instant coffees offer a more delicate and nuanced flavor profile. In contrast, medium and dark roast instant coffees exhibit deeper, more decadent flavors with hints of caramel and dark chocolate. Understanding personal taste preferences is crucial when selecting the most suitable roast level for an enjoyable coffee experience.
Blind Taste Test Results: The Top-Rated Instant Coffees
A blind taste test conducted by seasoned coffee experts was employed to rank the top-rated instant coffees of 2024. The evaluation involved rigorous criteria to assess each instant coffee brand’s flavor, aroma, and overall quality, resulting in a comprehensive ranking of the best options available on the market.
What were the criteria for the blind taste test?
The blind taste test criteria included flavor complexity, aroma intensity, acidity, and body. Each instant coffee brand was meticulously evaluated to provide an unbiased assessment of its taste and overall appeal, ensuring fair and accurate rankings.
Which instant coffee brand was rated as the best overall?
After meticulous evaluation, Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee emerged as the top-rated instant coffee of 2024, earning acclaim for its rich flavor profile, enticing aroma, and exceptional overall quality. The brand’s commitment to delivering a delightful coffee experience was reflected in the blind taste test results, solidifying its position as the best instant coffee choice.
How does the taste of instant espresso compare to regular brewed espresso?
Instant espresso offers a convenient alternative to traditional espresso, boasting a similarly bold and intense flavor profile. While there may be subtle differences in taste and crema due to processing methods, instant espresso provides a satisfying experience in a convenient, easy-to-use format.
Creating the Perfect Cup of Instant Coffee
While instant coffee offers quick and hassle-free preparation, various brewing methods and enhancements can elevate the coffee-drinking experience, resulting in the perfect cup of instant coffee tailored to individual preferences.
What brewing methods work best for instant coffee?
Standard brewing methods for instant coffee include pouring hot water over the coffee crystals or powder or incorporating them into recipes for specialty coffee drinks such as lattes and iced coffee.
Experimenting with different brewing techniques allows for customization and exploration of diverse flavor profiles.
How can creamers and flavorings enhance the taste of instant coffee?
Creamers and flavorings present an opportunity to enhance the flavor and richness of instant coffee. Options such as flavored creamers, syrups, and spices can introduce depth and complexity to the coffee, resulting in a personalized and delightful coffee-drinking experience.
What are the recommended serving suggestions for instant cold brew?
Instant coffee can prepare a cold brew for a refreshing and invigorating beverage. SSteeping the coffee in cold water for an extended period yields a smooth and mellow iced coffee perfect for warm weather, providing a delightful alternative to traditional hot coffee.
Exploring Different Roast Levels in Instant Coffees
The diversity of roast levels in instant coffees offers a spectrum of flavors and intensities, catering to the preferences of various coffee enthusiasts. Understanding the characteristics and impact of different roast levels can guide individuals toward the most suitable instant coffee choices.
What are the characteristics of dark roast instant coffee?
Dark roast instant coffee is distinguished by its bold, robust flavor with notes of dark chocolate and smoky undertones. The extended roasting process contributes to the intense flavor profile, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a profoundly satisfying and full-bodied coffee experience.
How does the roast level affect the caffeine content in instant coffee?
The roast level influences the caffeine content in instant coffee, with darker roasts typically having slightly less caffeine than lighter roasts. While the variance is not substantial, it is a consideration for individuals seeking a specific caffeine level in their coffee.
Which brands offer the best single-origin instant coffees?
Specialty coffee roasters such as Verve Coffee Roasters and Canyon Coffee are renowned for their exceptional single-origin instant coffees from distinct coffee-growing regions.
These offerings highlight the unique flavor profiles of specific coffee beans, showcasing coffee’s intricate and diverse world encapsulated in convenient instant form.
VIA Colombian Roast Instant Coffee Sachets
It may not change on their ubiquitous iced creations, but Starbucks ‘ new instant range could fool you into thinking you are sipping on one of their fresh filter coffee.
Many blends are accessible, but we particularly rate this medium-roasted Colombian, which comprises instant and micro-ground coffee.
The beans are a hundred percent Arabic, too, so there is no bitter aftertaste, just a well-rounded and nutty taste.
The Sachets are undoubtedly more perfect and somewhat less costly than buying a takeaway from your domestic branch, but they are still slightly pricey when considering the price per cup.
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Espresso Noir Instant Coffee
Using a Robusta blend just to its benefit, this dark, punchy roast boasts six strengths and all the intensity of authentic espresso.
It is not a barista blend, but Percol has made a divine-smelling instant that makes a crema atop your cup.
Without a doubt, this is just one for lovers of intense, rich coffee, but it is also perfect for use in iced or baking coffee, as it is perfectly ground to mimic an espresso powder.
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Fairtrade Super Special Organic Arabica Coffee
This gourmet instant is made from freeze-dried, hundred percent Colombian Arabica beans for a fruity, citrussy finish and is valued every penny more than their classic range.
Accessible in this family-sized 500g box or a more modest 100g jar.
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Nescafe Taster's Choice House Blend Instant Coffee, 7 Ounce (Pack of 2)
$17.98 in stock
Features
- PREMIUM INSTANT COFFEE: Savor smooth, well-balanced flavor with NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice House Blend Instant Coffee. This light to medium roast coffee delivers smooth, inviting flavor in every cup—includes two 7-ounce jars
- EXCEPTIONAL TASTE: NESCAFÉ invites you to elevate the taste of the coffee in your cup with our bolder, richer taste that's crafted to perfection
- PURE QUALITY: Crafted with respectfully grown, high-quality coffee beans from around the world, NESCAFÉ is proud to be the world’s best-selling coffee brand**
- EASY TO PREPARE: It's never been easier to get a perfect cup of coffee. Simply scoop 1 teaspoon of NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice Instant Coffee, add 6 fluid ounces of hot water, stir and enjoy
- MAKES UP TO 210 CUPS: These two 7-ounce jars make up to a total of 210 cups of real, premium instant coffee that satisfies with every sip, whether you like your coffee black or with cream and sugar
Mount Hagen Organic Freeze Dried Instant Ground Coffee, 3.53 oz
$12.19 in stock
Features
- INSTANT COFFEE THAT DOESN’T TASTE LIKE IT: When you need that coffee boost and you need it quickly, choose Mount Hagen. Our advanced freeze-drying process retains the true coffee flavors and aromas of the fresh Arabica beans, resulting in a wonderfully smooth coffee with a rich, full-bodied taste. Plus, our instant coffee dissolves beautifully in cold water or milk for instant iced coffee.
- CONVENIENT & AFFORDABLE: Forget costly brew equipment or coffee machines taking up prime counter space. With Mount Hagen’s compact 3.53oz glass jar of organic coffee, all you need is hot water and you have (approx) 50 cups of flavorful coffee. And the best part- no cleanup required!
- AWARD-WINNING: Mount Hagen consistently tops lists of best instant organic coffees, becoming many a connoisseur's favorite joe-on-the-go. (Google it, and you’ll see!) Our superior instant coffee is made from 100% USDA Organic, Fairtrade Arabica beans. Mount Hagen coffee is also gluten-free and certified OU Kosher.
- MASTERS OF OUR CRAFT: A sip of our balanced, smooth instant coffee is a taste of its history in the lush mountains around Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea. Since 1986, we’ve been perfecting our brew so you can enjoy its naturally mild taste with low acidity & no bitterness.
- MOUNT HAGEN: The trailblazer of organic Fair Trade coffee production, we pride ourselves on coffee that not only tastes good but DOES good too. Every granule of our organic Fair Trade coffee is planted, cultivated, harvested, processed and packaged by workers being paid fairly and respectably; families thriving on the infrastructure we provide; and communities gaining the power of education, health and hope. Scroll up, click buy now and support their future.
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals, 12 Ounces (Pack of 6)
$47.94 in stock
Features
- Contains 6 - 12 Ounce Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee
- No need for brewing equipment
- Same rich Folgers taste guests know and love from home
- Use hot or cold water
Medaglia D'Oro Espresso Style Instant Coffee, 2 Ounces (Pack of 12)
Features
- Contains 12- 2 ounce jars of instant espresso coffee
- A blend of imported espresso coffees, double-roasted for that traditional espresso coffee flavor
- Specially prepared for that traditional espresso flavor, it’s so easy to make—just add hot boiling water. Presto
- Medaglia d’Oro coffee starts with the finest quality coffee beans. These beans are roasted and ground for a rich aroma and robust espresso flavor
- Fluently sipped since 1924, Medaglia d’Oro coffee continues the tradition of fine Italian espresso coffees. La tradizione continua
Mount Hagen: Organic café liofiliza Café Instantáneo (Pack of 3 x 3,53 oz) (Pack of 3)
Features
- INSTANT COFFEE THAT DOESN’T TASTE LIKE IT: When you need that coffee boost and you need it quickly, choose Mount Hagen. Our advanced freeze-drying process retains the true coffee flavors and aromas of the fresh Arabica beans, resulting in a wonderfully smooth coffee with a rich, full-bodied taste. Plus, our instant coffee dissolves beautifully in cold water too!
- CONVENIENT & AFFORDABLE 3 PACK: Forget costly brew equipment or coffee machines taking up prime counter space. With Mount Hagen’s multipack compact 3.53oz glass jar of organic coffee, all you need is hot water and you have (approx) 50 cups of flavorful coffee per compact 3.53oz glass jar. And the best part- no cleanup required!
- AWARD-WINNING: Mount Hagen consistently tops lists of best instant organic coffees, becoming many a connoisseur's favorite joe-on-the-go. (Google it, and you’ll see!) Our superior instant coffee is made from 100% USDA Organic, Fairtrade Arabica beans. Mount Hagen coffee is also gluten-free and certified OU Kosher.
- MASTERS OF OUR CRAFT: A sip of our balanced, smooth instant coffee is a taste of its history in the lush mountains around Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea. Since 1986, we’ve been perfecting our brew so you can enjoy its naturally mild taste with low acidity & no bitterness.
- MOUNT HAGEN: The trailblazer of organic Fair Trade coffee production, we pride ourselves on coffee that not only tastes good but DOES good too. Every granule of our organic Fair Trade coffee is planted, cultivated, harvested, processed and packaged by workers being paid fairly and respectably; families thriving on the infrastructure we provide; and communities gaining the power of education, health and hope. Scroll up, click buy now and support their future.
Cafe Tastle Gold Freeze Dried Instant Coffee, 17.85 Ounce (COMINHKG059965)
Features
- Freeze Dried
- This provides a much finer higher quality instant that dissolves much more efficiently
- In a unique super-sized 17.85 ounce "jumbo" container
- Makes 270 cups
- BPA-free reusable plastic container
Mount Hagen Organic Freeze Dried Instant Coffee, 3.53-Ounce Jars (Pack of 6)
Features
- INSTANT COFFEE THAT DOESN’T TASTE LIKE IT: When you need that coffee boost and you need it quickly, choose Mount Hagen. Our advanced freeze-drying process retains the true coffee flavors and aromas of the fresh Arabica beans, resulting in a wonderfully smooth coffee with a rich, full-bodied taste. Plus, our instant coffee dissolves beautifully in cold water or milk for instant iced coffee.
- CONVENIENT & AFFORDABLE 6 PACK: Forget costly brew equipment or coffee machines taking up prime counter space. With Mount Hagen’s multipack compact 3.53oz glass jar of organic coffee, all you need is hot water and you have (approx) 50 cups of flavorful coffee per compact 3.53oz glass jar. And the best part- no cleanup required!
- AWARD-WINNING: Mount Hagen consistently tops lists of best instant organic coffees, becoming many a connoisseur's favorite joe-on-the-go. (Google it, and you’ll see!) Our superior instant coffee is made from 100% USDA Organic, Fairtrade Arabica beans. Mount Hagen coffee is also gluten-free and certified OU Kosher.
- MASTERS OF OUR CRAFT: A sip of our balanced, smooth instant coffee is a taste of its history in the lush mountains around Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea. Since 1986, we’ve been perfecting our brew so you can enjoy its naturally mild taste with low acidity & no bitterness.
- MOUNT HAGEN: The trailblazer of organic Fair Trade coffee production, we pride ourselves on coffee that not only tastes good but DOES good too. Every granule of our organic Fair Trade coffee is planted, cultivated, harvested, processed and packaged by workers being paid fairly and respectably; families thriving on the infrastructure we provide; and communities gaining the power of education, health and hope. Scroll up, click buy now and support their future.
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Colombia Coffee, 50-Count
Features
- Starbucks VIA INSTANT COFFEE—Starbucks delivers exceptional coffee cup after cup with this 8-count box of Starbucks VIA Instant Colombia medium roast instant coffee
- COLOMBIA—Colombia is a balanced single-origin medium roast with subtle notes of nuts and fresh herbs
- FRESH TASTE—Starbucks adheres to the highest quality standards—freshly shipping you the same carefully roasted 100% arabica coffee beans we brew in our cafés
- MAKE IT YOUR OWN—The perfect everyday cup is easy to enjoy in an instant—whether it's at the start of a new day, or as a reward at the end of a long one
- ETHICALLY SOURCED—Starbucks is committed to 100% ethical coffee sourcing in partnership with Conservation International
NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Instant Coffee, 100 g Jar - Imported from Canada
$13.62 in stock
Features
- Made from premium hand-picked Arabica beans
- Featuring a smooth blend of espresso coffee and a velvety layer of Crema
- Easy to experiment and customize to your own perfect cup
- Great for making a traditional espresso, or a delicate cup of Americano
- 1 x 100g jar
Anthony's Organic Instant Coffee,14oz, Ultra Fine Microground, Gluten Free, Arabica, Non GMO
Features
- Anthony's Premium Organic Instant Coffee Batch Tested and Verified Gluten Free
- Instant Microground Coffee - easily dissolves when added to water!
- Made with Organic High Aroma Arabica Beans - Provides Plant Based Energy
- USDA Organic, Non-GMO, Gluten Free
- Product of Latin America, Packed in California
NESCAFE CLASICO, Dark Roast Instant Coffee, 12 boxes (84 packets)
Features
- SAVOR rich, bold coffee flavor instantly with NESCAFE CLASICO Dark Roast's pure coffee taste
- ELEVATE the taste in your cup instantly with this full-bodied, dark-roasted instant coffee packed with flavor
- ENJOY premium quality crafted with 100% real coffee beans grown respectfully around the world
- EASILY prepare the perfect cup just by adding hot water to a packet - enjoy whenever and wherever
- GET 12 boxes with 84 single-serve instant coffee packets per box
Maxwell House Original Medium Roast Instant Coffee (12 oz Jar)
Features
- One 12 oz jar of Maxwell House Original Roast Ground Instant Coffee
- Maxwell House Original Roast Ground Instant Coffee has a consistently great taste
- Smooth, full-bodied flavor offers a classic taste
- Features custom-roasted coffee beans
- No brewer is required for this instant coffee
Starbucks Premium Instant-Coffee — Medium Roast — 100% Arabica — 3 Tins (up to 120-cups total)
Features
- PREMIUM INSTANT COFFEE: Starbucks Medium Roast Premium Instant Coffee is crafted with the same high-quality 100% arabica beans we brew in our cafés, and these 3 tins make up to 105 cups
- SMOOTH & NUTTY: Starbucks Medium Roast coffee is a perfectly balanced blend with smooth notes of chocolate and nuts
- MADE TO BE YOURS: Starbucks Premium Instant Coffee lets you adjust how much coffee you add, so you can stir up Starbucks coffee just the way you like in an instant
- EASY TO PREPARE: It’s easy to make a smooth and delicious cup of instant coffee—simply add instant coffee, pour hot water, stir and enjoy premium-tasting instant coffee at home
- RECYCLABLE: Our tin container packaging is recyclable. See label for more instructions
Bustelo Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz
Features
| Part Number | - |
| Size | 3.5 Ounce (Pack of 1) |
