Instant coffee is known for its convenience, but often criticized for lacking the boldness of freshly brewed options. In my quest to find a high-quality instant coffee, I tested 10 popular brands to discover if there was one that stood out from the rest. Spoiler alert: I found a winner that’s light, smooth, and had a delightful nutty flavor!
In this article, I’ll dive into the details of each brand I tested, sharing insights on flavor, texture, and value. If you’re in a hurry but still want a decent cup of coffee, these reviews will help you choose the best instant coffee for your taste.
Why Instant Coffee?
Instant coffee offers the convenience of a quick cup without the need for machines, grinders, or a long brewing process. Whether you’re on a camping trip, rushing to a morning meeting, or just want a fast caffeine fix, instant coffee is an easy solution.
Plus, with improved techniques like freeze-drying and better bean selection, modern instant coffees have come a long way from the bitter brews of the past.
How Instant Coffee Is Made
Instant coffee is essentially brewed coffee that has been dehydrated. After brewing, the water is removed through freeze-drying or spray-drying, leaving behind a concentrated coffee powder or granules that dissolve in hot water.
This method retains much of the original coffee flavor but often sacrifices the rich aroma and some of the depth found in fresh brews.
The 10 Instant Coffee Brands Tested
1. Taster’s Choice By Nescafé
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 2 calories, 0g fat, 4mg sodium
- Price: $8.29 (18 packets)
- Taste: Light to medium roast, with a smooth texture and a slight nutty flavor. No bitterness and a well-balanced finish made it a top pick for approachable, mild coffee drinkers.
- Final Thoughts: The smooth, slightly nutty profile made Taster’s Choice a favorite.
2. Starbucks Premium Instant Dark Roast
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 2 calories, 0g fat, 0g sodium
- Price: $9.99 (3 oz)
- Taste: Bold and chocolaty, with a strong aroma and noticeable bitter aftertaste.
- Final Thoughts: Great for those who prefer strong, dark roasts, but may be too intense for some.
3. Folgers Classic Roast
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 1 calorie, 0g fat, 5mg sodium
- Price: $4.29 (3 oz)
- Taste: Smooth but slightly watery. A mild flavor that’s not overpowering, but lacked richness.
- Final Thoughts: A basic option that’s decent but not memorable. Best when adjusted with more coffee for a stronger taste.
4. Great Value Classic Roast (Walmart)
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 2 calories, 0g fat, 0mg sodium
- Price: $5.42 (8 oz)
- Taste: Middle-of-the-road smoothness with minimal bitterness. A good base for adding milk or sugar.
- Final Thoughts: Affordable and balanced. A reliable option if you’re on a budget.
5. Maxwell House
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 2 calories, 0g fat, 5mg sodium
- Price: $7.99 (8 oz)
- Taste: Dark, slightly bitter. Lacks distinctive flavor notes and has a somewhat flat finish.
- Final Thoughts: Not unpleasant, but unimpressive compared to others. Suitable for those who prefer a stronger, bitter brew.
6. Illy Classico
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 1 calorie, 0g fat, 0g sodium
- Price: $10.20 (3.3 oz)
- Taste: Smooth and balanced with a hint of boldness. No bitterness, and enjoyable for multiple cups.
- Final Thoughts: A solid mid-tier option. Great for those who prefer a mild yet flavorful cup.
7. Nescafé Clasico
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 1 calorie, 0g fat, 2mg sodium
- Price: $7.29 (6 oz)
- Taste: Pleasant and mild, with a slightly fruity flavor. Creamy texture when blended with milk.
- Final Thoughts: A versatile choice that works well with or without milk. Recommended for fans of medium roast coffee.
8. Ferrara Instant Espresso
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 2 calories, 1g fat, 4.7mg sodium
- Price: $5.99 (2 oz)
- Taste: Bold with a distinct espresso flavor. Slightly tart but smooth with a robust finish.
- Final Thoughts: Ideal for espresso lovers. Bold but not overwhelming.
9. Café Bustelo Instant Espresso
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 1 calorie, 0g fat, 5mg sodium
- Price: $7.39 (7 oz)
- Taste: Nutty and bold with a rich flavor. Slightly sour but smooth.
- Final Thoughts: Great for those who love a strong espresso. Ideal for iced coffee or a quick caffeine hit.
10. 365 By Whole Foods
- Nutrition (Per Serving): 0 calories, 0g fat, 0mg sodium
- Price: $8.69 (3.5 oz)
- Taste: Bold with a noticeable bitterness. Minimal aftertaste but lacks depth.
- Final Thoughts: Affordable, but its bitterness may not suit everyone’s palate.
My Top Pick: Nescafé Taster’s Choice
After tasting 10 different instant coffee brands, Nescafé Taster’s Choice emerged as my favorite. Its light to medium roast flavor was smooth, slightly nutty, and free from bitterness. It’s an approachable cup of coffee that many would enjoy, whether black or with cream and sugar.
The best part? It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect companion for busy mornings.
Nutritional Comparison Table
| Brand | Calories (per serving) | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Taste Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taster’s Choice | 2 | 0 | 4 | Light, smooth, slightly nutty |
| Starbucks Premium Instant | 2 | 0 | 0 | Bold, chocolaty, bitter |
| Folgers Classic Roast | 1 | 0 | 5 | Smooth, mild, watery |
| Great Value | 2 | 0 | 0 | Balanced, affordable |
| Maxwell House | 2 | 0 | 5 | Bitter, flat |
| Illy Classico | 1 | 0 | 0 | Mild, smooth, balanced |
| Nescafé Clasico | 1 | 0 | 2 | Fruity, creamy |
| Ferrara Instant Espresso | 2 | 1 | 4.7 | Bold, espresso flavor, tart |
| Café Bustelo Espresso | 1 | 0 | 5 | Rich, nutty, slightly sour |
| 365 by Whole Foods | 0 | 0 | 0 | Bold, bitter |
Conclusion:
Instant coffee has come a long way, and while it may not fully replicate the depth of a freshly brewed cup, many brands offer a satisfying and convenient solution. Nescafé Taster’s Choice takes the crown with its smooth, slightly nutty flavor, but other brands like Starbucks and Café Bustelo are great options for those who prefer bolder flavors.
Whether you’re in a rush or just want a quick coffee fix, these instant coffees offer a variety of options for every palate.
FAQs
1. Can I Improve The Taste Of Instant Coffee?
Yes! Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, use hot milk instead of water, or try adding vanilla extract for extra flavor.
2. What’s The Best Way To Prepare Instant Coffee?
Use water just below boiling, around 195-200°F, for a smoother taste. Follow the brand’s instructions for coffee-to-water ratio.
3. Can I Use Instant Coffee In Recipes?
Absolutely! Instant coffee works great in baking or adding a coffee flavor to smoothies, desserts, or ice cream.
4. How Long Does Instant Coffee Last?
Unopened, instant coffee can last up to two years. Once opened, try to use it within six months for the best flavor.
5. Is Instant Coffee As Healthy As Brewed Coffee?
Yes, instant coffee contains most of the antioxidants and nutrients found in regular coffee, with slightly lower caffeine content.
