Best Instant Coffees you can buy today
Instant coffee, a convenient alternative to traditionally brewed coffee, is made by brewing ground coffee beans and then freeze-drying or spray-drying the brew to create a soluble powder or granules. This method preserves the rich flavors and aroma of coffee while providing a quick and easy way to enjoy a cup without the need for specialized equipment. Popularized in the early 20th century, instant coffee has become a staple for busy individuals seeking a caffeine fix on-the-go. It offers versatility, as it can be mixed with hot water for a traditional cup or incorporated into various recipes for a coffee-infused twist. Despite its convenience, instant coffee has a varied reputation; some appreciate its ease and long shelf life, while purists may prefer the depth of flavor in freshly brewed coffee.
- 1
Maxwell House Instant Cafe-Style Beverage Mix, Easy to Prepare, 1 Canister, for Quick Morning Coffee or Afternoon Treat, Vanilla Caramel Latte, Kosher Dairy, 8.7 oz best from "MAXWELL HOUSE"
MAXWELL HOUSE
Product highlights #1 from MAXWELL HOUSE
- MAXWELL HOUSE CAFE-STYLE COFFEE DRINK: One 8.7 oz canister of Maxwell House Vanilla Caramel Latte Instant Cafe-Style Beverage Mix
- SIMPLY SPOON, STIR & ENJOY: Our indulgent cafe-style coffee drink is easy to prepare
- ENJOY ANYTIME: Ideal for a quick morning coffee, afternoon treat or pick-me-up
- CAFE-STYLE DRINK AT HOME: Offers an elevated coffee experience with rich flavor that you can enjoy from the convenience and comfort of your home
- EASY TO PREPARE: Mix into boiling water, hot milk or milk alternative; add ice to make an iced coffee drink
- RESEALABLE CANISTER: Store in a cool, dry place
- MAKES ABOUT 5 SERVINGS: Each 8.7 oz canister of instant coffee mix makes about 5 servings
- 2
NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Medium Roast Coffee, Colombia, 1 Jar (6 Oz) best from "Nescafe"
Nescafe
Product highlights #2 from Nescafe
- PREMIUM INSTANT COFFEE: Savor the smooth and balanced flavor in an instant with the pure coffee taste of NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Colombia Medium Roast Instant Coffee
- EXCEPTIONAL TASTE: NESCAFÉ invites you to elevate the coffee in your cup with delicate fruity notes and a mild, medium intensity—creating a flavor crafted to perfection
- HIGH QUALITY: Crafted from 100% Colombian Arabica coffee beans. Each coffee bean is picked by farmers committed to NESCAFÉ’s quality and sustainability standards
- EASY TO PREPARE: It's never been easier to get a perfect cup of coffee. Simply scoop 1 teaspoon of NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO instant coffee, add 6 fluid ounces of hot water, stir and enjoy
- MAKES UP TO 85 CUPS: When prepared as directed, this 6-ounce jar makes up to 85 cups of real, premium NESCAFÉ instant coffee that satisfies with every sip, whether you like your coffee black or with coffee syrup or cream and sugar
- 3
NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, 1 Jar (10.5 Oz) best from "Nescafe"
Nescafe
Product highlights #3 from Nescafe
- PREMIUM INSTANT COFFEE: Savor rich and bold flavor in an instant with the pure coffee taste of NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Dark Roast Instant Coffee
- 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 responsibly sourced, 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 CLÁSICO instant coffee, add 6 fluid ounces of hot water, stir and enjoy
- MAKES UP TO 150 CUPS: When prepared as directed, this 10.5-ounce jar makes up to 150 cups of real, premium NESCAFÉ instant coffee that satisfies with every sip, whether you like your coffee black or with coffee syrup or cream and sugar
- 4
Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee, 8 oz Jar best from "MAXWELL HOUSE"
MAXWELL HOUSE
Product highlights #4 from MAXWELL HOUSE
- One 8 oz jar of Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee
- Enjoy our smooth, delicious coffee, take in the rich aroma and savor the strong, full-bodied flavor — no brewer required
- Classic and rich from the first sip to the last
- A consistently great taste that you can easily prepare to take your day "to your max"
- Give your brain a break, unplug a little and gear up for what's next with a cup of Maxwell House coffee
- Simply stir instant coffee into boiling water or hot milk
- Roasted in the USA since 1892
- Maxwell House inspires the kind of coffee break that helps you pause, reset and take on whatever comes next as a renewed you
- Certified Kosher ground coffee
- For maximum freshness, store our 8-ounce jar of coffee in a cool, dark and dry place
- 5
NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Blonde, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz best from "Nescafe"
Nescafe
Product highlights #5 from Nescafe
- CAFÉ-QUALITY ESPRESSO: Experience the rich flavor of NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Blonde with café-style crema for a velvety, smooth taste
- ESPRESSO EXPERIENCE: Ready in an instant without expensive equipment, this flavorful espresso delivers an uplifting espresso experience
- RESPONSIBLY SOURCED: This high-quality instant coffee uses responsibly sourced, golden-roasted Arabica beans
- READY IN AN INSTANT: It's never been easier to get a perfect cup of coffee. Simply scoop 1 teaspoon of NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso instant coffee, add 2 fluid ounces of water if making an espresso or 6 fluid ounces for an Americano, stir, and enjoy
- MAKES UP TO 50 CUPS: When prepared as directed, this 3.5-ounce jar makes up to 50 cups of espresso as a base for an Americano and other café-style beverages, no machine needed. You want to succeed your way, so start your day strong and make your world
- 6
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee, 8 Ounces best from "Folgers"
Folgers
Product highlights #6 from Folgers
- Contains one (1) 8-ounce jar of Folgers instant coffee
- The classic Folgers taste you love in instant coffee form
- Just add water or milk and stir
- Enjoy hot or iced
- Proudly roasted in New Orleans
- 7
NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice Instant Coffee, Light Medium Roast, House Blend, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each) best from "Nescafe Taster's Choice"
Nescafe Taster's Choice
Product highlights #7 from Nescafe Taster's Choice
- 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
- 8
NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, French Roast, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each) best from "Taster's Choice"
Taster's Choice
Product highlights #8 from Taster's Choice
- PREMIUM INSTANT COFFEE: Savor complex and bold flavor with smoky overtones in an instant with the pure coffee taste of NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice French Roast Instant Coffee
- EXCEPTIONAL TASTE: NESCAFÉ invites you to elevate the taste of the coffee in your cup with this bold, dark-roasted coffee that's crafted to perfection
- HIGH QUALITY: Crafted with 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: When prepared as directed, these two 7-ounce jar makes up to 210 cups of real, premium NESCAFÉ instant coffee that satisfies with every sip, whether you like your coffee black or with coffee syrup or cream and sugar
- 9
365 by Whole Foods Market, Instant Coffee, Dark Roast, 3.5 Ounce best from "365 by Whole Foods Market"
365 by Whole Foods Market
Product highlights #9 from 365 by Whole Foods Market
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market
- Instant coffee
- Instant coffee vienna roast
- Our instant coffee in Vienna roast is great hot or iced!
- 10
NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz best from "Nescafe"
Nescafe
Product highlights #10 from Nescafe
- CAFÉ-QUALITY ESPRESSO: Experience the intense, rich flavor of NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense with café-style crema for a velvety, smooth taste
- ESPRESSO EXPERIENCE: Ready in an instant without expensive equipment, this flavorful espresso delivers an uplifting espresso experience
- HIGH QUALITY: This instant coffee uses high quality golden-roasted Arabica beans
- READY IN AN INSTANT: It's never been easier to get a perfect cup of coffee. Simply scoop 1 teaspoon of NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso instant coffee, add 2 fluid ounces of water if making an espresso or 6 fluid ounces for an Americano, stir, and enjoy
- MAKES UP TO 50 CUPS: When prepared as directed, this 3.5-ounce jar makes up to 50 cups of espresso as a base for an Americano and other café-style beverages, no machine needed. You want to succeed your way, so start your day strong and make your world
A Guide to Selecting an Instant Coffee
Introduction to the Instant Coffee
Instant coffee has become a staple in many households due to its convenience and quick preparation time. Whether you are a busy parent, a student rushing to an early class, or just someone who appreciates the simplicity of your morning routine, choosing the right instant coffee can make all the difference. With the overwhelming choices available on the market, finding that perfect cup of coffee can be daunting. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process, assisting you in selecting the best product to suit your taste and lifestyle.
Best Instant Coffee Brands
When it comes to instant coffee, the brand can significantly impact taste, quality, and satisfaction. Renowned brands in the world of instant coffee include Nescafé, Folgers, and Starbucks. Each of these brands offers a wide range of options, from classic offerings to exotic blends. Exploring the unique characteristics and strengths of these brands can help you discover your preferred cup of joe.
- Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee known for preserving the rich taste reminiscent of the company's in-store brews.
- Nescafé offers a satisfying cup with a range of varieties to suit different tastes.
- Waka Coffee is also gaining popularity for its use of 100% Arabica beans, providing a higher quality instant experience.
Features of an Instant Coffee
Understanding the features of instant coffee can help you choose the ideal product. Here are some key features to consider:
- Flavor: Naturally, flavor is the foremost concern for many coffee drinkers. Instant coffee comes in various flavors, from bold and robust to mild and smooth.
- Aroma: A rich aroma can elevate the coffee drinking experience, so consider coffees noted for their pleasant scents.
- Packaging: Instant coffee is available in jars, sachets, or sticks, adding to the convenience factor. Consider which packaging suits your lifestyle best.
- Solubility: High-quality instant coffee dissolves completely with no clumps, providing a smoother experience.
By focusing on these features, you'll have no trouble pinpointing the instant coffee with milk or one cream and sugar that best fits your morning routine.
Most Important Factors to Consider When Buying Instant Coffee
While personal preferences play a role, certain factors are universally important when purchasing instant coffee:
- Taste: Naturally, your enjoyment of coffee will hinge on whether you like the taste. Many brands offer variety packs, allowing you to sample options without committing to a full purchase.
- Ingredients: Ingredients can affect taste, health, and dietary restrictions. Look for instant coffees made from pure coffee beans without additives unless you specifically want instant coffee for cold brew or additional flavors.
- Caffeine Content: If you are sensitive to caffeine or concerned about your intake, take note of the caffeine content, which can vary between different products.
- Price: Price is always a consideration. While premium options may cost more, they often deliver superior flavor and quality.
Advantages and Disadvantages Instant Coffee
Instant coffee has both upsides and downsides. Evaluating these pros and cons can help you make a more informed choice:
- Convenience: Instant coffee's biggest advantage is its convenience. It is quick to make, requiring just hot water, making it ideal for travelers and busy individuals.
- Shelf Life: Instant coffee has a longer shelf life than freshly ground coffee, making it easier to stock.
- Customization: Adding ingredients such as milk, cream, and sugar is effortless, allowing easy customization to suit personal taste.
- Flavor: Some coffee aficionados argue that instant coffee lacks the complexity and richness of freshly brewed coffee. The gap has been bridged significantly over the years with advances in freeze-drying and brewing technology.
Conclusion on Instant Coffee
Selecting an instant coffee boils down to personal preferences and specific needs. This versatile option can be customized with ease, whether you prefer instant coffee with milk or something more specialized. By considering the features, comparing brands, and weighing the pros and cons, you will discover the instant coffee best suited to your lifestyle, ensuring every cup is as enjoyable as the last. Indulge in the world of instant coffee and relish the rich flavors and aromas that modern instant coffee now offers.
Buy Now Guide Newsletter
Get exclusive articles, recommendations, shopping tips, and sales alerts.