Best Instant Coffee of 2023 – Reviews and Buying Guide

Coffee comes in different shapes, sizes, and attitudes.

For some, grinding up some fresh coffee is a coveted part of their morning ritual. It creates a wonderfully aromatic, relaxing experience that prepares you well for a busy day.

But, it’s time-consuming. Not everyone can afford the time it takes to go through the entire process of making coffee. Pre-ground coffee is a good in-between for those who like to make it fresh but don’t have a ton of extra time. This removes one step but still allows you some control over the strength of your coffee.

This method of brewing coffee grounds is the most common way for people to make coffee, be it in the morning or at any other time of day. However, it’s still a process. Some people may not even have this much time in the morning, or perhaps they just don’t want to exert the effort.

It’s also a hassle when you’re traveling.

Many trips have busy schedules and you don’t want to waste time in the morning. It’s also cumbersome, dragging an entire bag or tin of coffee with you on the road. This is where instant coffee comes in. It’s fast and easy to make and you can carry only what you’ll need if you’re going somewhere.

The problem with instant coffee is that not all of it is made equal. Much of it is cheap and flavorless.

It often requires you to sacrifice quality, flavor, and even strength in the name of speed and convenience. You don’t have to settle, though. If you just do a little digging, you’ll find that the best instant coffee products still offer a quality coffee experience despite being so quickly made.

But If you don’t know how to pick right type of instant coffee, read below…

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How to Choose the Best Instant Coffee For You

You’re looking at instant coffee because you’re busy. You have a full schedule and you need your mornings to go smoothly and be as hassle-free as possible – hence the desire for the fastest possible coffee.

You already know you want instant, so what else should you be on the lookout for?

1. The Roast

Coffee comes in light, medium, and dark roasts. Many have a personal preference or favorite, so be on the lookout for the roast you like. Not all instant coffee will be available in every roast, so find one that has what you need.

2. Caffeine

For many, the point of a morning coffee is to get an energy boost for the day ahead. Instant coffee may be fast and easy, but if it doesn’t provide the boost you need then what’s the point?

Keep an eye on caffeine levels and ensure they’re up to your needs and standards.

3. Flavor

Lastly, the flavor is extremely important to most. If you’re one of them, make sure you pay attention to flavor. Coffee can be deep and rich or it can be light and sweet. Identify the flavor notes to find exactly what you’re looking for. Different locations often produce distinct flavor profiles.

Got it?

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What are the Best instant coffee of 2021

Now scroll a bit below for some of the best instant coffee of 2021 on the market. These coffees offer you the perfect combination of speed, convenience, taste, and quality.

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After brief overview, let’s discuss these delicious babies in detail…

1. Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Coffee

Lots of people are faithful Starbucks customers but don’t always have the time to go into an actual coffee shop. Thankfully, this instant coffee blend allows you to enjoy your favorite coffee while on-the-go or in a hurry.

It also comes in decaf so you can enjoy it at any time of the day without experiencing caffeine jitters, still allowing you to sleep at night.

This particular blend is ethically sourced and made from 100% Arabica coffee beans. It strives to offer you the smooth, rich aroma of a real cup of Starbucks coffee. This product comes with 50 individual packets of coffee and only requires you to dissolve it in water.

You can also choose a regular Italian dark roast that’s not decaf, or a Starbucks house blend. The product also allows you to choose the size that you purchase, with options ranging from packs of 12 to 72.

PROS

• It replicates the traditional Starbucks quality and flavor without having to actually go to the store.
• It comes in individual packets, perfect for travel.
• You can choose from a variety of flavors and types.
• It’s available in decaf.

CONS

• One packet might not be strong or flavorful enough for some coffee drinkers.

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2. Trung Nguyen Instant 3-in-1 Coffee

This unique coffee blend offers 100 individual instant coffee sachets. The powder dissolves quickly in 75ml of hot water allowing you to make the most of your mornings.

The coffee itself is made from a combination of beans from around the world – Jamaica, Brazil, Vietnam, and Ethiopia. This creates a strong, unique, and aromatic coffee with a smooth, potent flavor.

The company believes that coffee goes beyond just being a beverage – it’s a way of life and an important part of the culture. This is why they’re dedicated to creating top-notch products. They are invested in providing you the best possible mix of convenience and quality with their premium instant coffee blend.

This particular blend also comes with sugar and non-dairy creamer already mixed in. This saves you even more time as you can just dissolve and go – you don’t have to add anything to balance it out.

The individual instant packs also offer you the ability to take just a handful of them if you’re going on the road, rather than packing up the whole bag. It’s the perfect coffee for on-the-go and/or a busy home-life at the same time.

PROS

• The mix includes beans from different parts of the world which creates a powerful and unique flavor.
• It comes in individual packets making it ideal to take on trips and vacations.
• The company believes in coffee as an important part of culture and this is reflected in their quality.

CONS

• The inclusion of sugar and non-dairy creamer is a deterrent for those who like to drink their coffee black.
• The powerful blend may be too strong and bold for some.

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3. Vinacafe 3-in-1 Instant Coffee Mix

Vinacafe is passionate about their coffee and strives to offer the best possible blends. Their instant coffee mix is bold and versatile. It combines both arabica and robusta coffee beans to offer you the best of both worlds in terms of taste and aroma.

The instant coffee mix can be enjoyed hot or cold and can be made just as quickly either way.

With this blend are a few options. Their original is available for those who don’t want change. They also offer an upgraded, premium blend that includes higher quality beans. These have been grown and roasted in Vietnam before being imported and delivered to you in the form of convenient, instant coffee.

PROS

• The mix is a blend of both arabica and robusta beans to give you the best of both types of beans.
• It offers a quality flavor while giving you a solid energy boost at the same time.
• The mix includes creamer and sugar to allow for an even faster and easier process.

CONS

• Fans of original Vietnamese coffee don’t think this blend quite matches the flavor.
• Some may find it too sweet due to the addition of sugar.

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4. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Instant Coffee

This instant coffee blend features some unique and very healthy ingredients. They’ve added 500mg of organic Lion’s Mane + Chaga mushroom powder while reducing the caffeine by half. These ingredients serve to increase focus and creativity. They’ve also been shown to support cognitive function and memory, while the Chaga mushroom offers immune support.

These additional benefits go hand-in-hand with the general energy boost that coffee is supposed to bring you. Especially if you’re making your coffee in the morning before you start a busy day, the added focus and concentration will complement the usual benefits of regular coffee.

While the mushroom powder is present in the coffee, it adds no “mushroom” flavor – you’re still getting your desired aromatic coffee experience.

This blend is also a perfect complement to any diet – paleo, keto, vegan, dairy-free, etc as it’s made from only natural, organic ingredients, and no artificial flavors.

PROS

• Organic and all-natural.
• It includes Lions’ Mane and Chagra mushroom powder for additional cognitive and immune support.
• It’s approved for most special diets.
• It comes in individual packets for easy transport.

CONS

• It has less caffeine than most coffee blends.
• It’s less affordable than many other instant coffee blends.

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5. Douwe Egberts Pure Gold Instant Coffee

This freeze-dried, instant coffee is imported from the Netherlands and made with a blend of the best quality beans roasted using the traditional Douwe Egberts way. It’s both well-balanced and aromatic, offering a wonderful flavor that truly makes it a premium choice of instant coffee, designed to be enjoyed at any time of the day.

The coffee strength is rated around three out of five and is a medium roast. Customers love this product for an affordable price coupled with a high-quality taste. The brand has been around for 200 years and it’s fantastic reputation precedes it. This coffee is a Dutch staple.

It dissolves fast and evenly. This makes it perfect for those on the go who need a quick kick but don’t want to sacrifice the rich, powerful taste of the coffee.

The coffee is also grown conventionally, making it a healthier choice for the consumer and kinder to the environment than other instant coffees.

PROS

• Affordable without compromising quality and taste.
• The company has a good reputation for creating quality products.
• The coffee dissolves quickly for maximum convenience.
• It’s imported right from the Netherlands.

CONS

• It’s only medium strength which may not be enough for everyone.
• It comes in a glass jar which means you need to be careful when handling it.

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6. Jacobs Kronung Instant Coffee

This instant coffee is imported from Germany, where Jacobs originated in 1985 and boasts a rich, superior flavor. Since then it’s inception, Jacobs has built a reputation for its unique blend, signature flavor, and wonderful aroma. Popular in Germany, it’s also well-loved overseas.

This instant blend offers a true Jacobs experience with less hassle and effort than ever before. Jacobs has a wide range of coffees to enjoy, and this instant version comes just about as close as you can get to freshly brewed coffee. This means you can have the taste and energy boost you want with the speed and convenience you need.

This blend also comes in a glass jar, meaning you can recycle it afterward, or reuse it after a quick clean!

This blend is a potent, flavorful coffee from a popular brand that’s been around for a full century. You can’t beat customer loyalty and reputation.

PROS

• A fast and convenient way to experience the true, premium Jacobs coffee.
• It comes in a glass jar.
• It’s imported from Germany where it’s made with high-quality beans.
• The company has been around for over 100 years and has always carried a good reputation.

CONS

• It doesn’t come in individual packets, making it less than ideal for travel.
• The jars are small meaning it’s not a great option for buying in bulk and/or daily drinkers.

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7. Nescafe Tasters Choice House Blend 

This blend of instant coffee is mildly roasted, offering a well-balanced, smooth flavor. It’s a 100 percent pure, premium coffee that’s made with beans that have been responsibly sourced, giving you peace of mind. It comes packaged in a glass jar, keeping its freshness and potent aroma locked in.

This instant coffee is both fast and simple. Simply add the instructed amount of coffee for the size of cup you want, and add hot water – it will dissolve in no time.

They’ve selected premium, 100 percent pure coffee beans from around the world to ensure a well-rounded flavor. They strive to be the coffee you rely on every morning for a fast, convenient cup of quality coffee.

The company is also currently working on improving their factories to reduce energy use and waste. For someone who wants to live a more eco-friendly and socially conscious life, this company is one you can get behind.

PROS

• It comes packaged in a glass jar.
• It contains a well-rounded blend of coffee beans from around the world.
• The company strives to improve its factories to become more eco-friendly and efficient.
• The instant coffee mimics the classic Taster’s Choice coffee, making it a favorite among fans of the brand.

CONS

• It isn’t great for on-the-go or travel as there are no individual-size packets.
• The blend is on the lighter side which may not appeal to all coffee drinkers.

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8. Mount Hagen Organic Fair Trade Freeze Dried Instant Coffee

Mount Hagen’s instant coffee is among the top organic, fair trade instant coffee blends in the industry. The blend has won many awards and sits at the top of many “best of” lists. This alone should instill confidence in customers that they’re getting a quality product, for a very reasonable price no less!

The coffee is single-origin, coming from the paradise that is Mount Hagen is Paua New Guinea. The beans are 100 percent arabica and the blend is kosher.

The flavor is mild and velvety, boasting both complexity and sophistication. There is no doubt about the quality of this blend, and the superior, premium taste that it offers, even in instant form. No sacrifices are necessary here – taste and convenience come hand in hand.

The coffee comes in a glass jar and makes approximately 50-60 cups of coffee. This particular blend can be used for hot or iced coffee – each being just as fast and easy to make. They also suggest using milk or a milk alternative for a quick latte taste if you want something a little different.

PROS

• It comes in a glass jar.
• It’s made from 100 percent Arabica beans.
• The beans are organic, fair-trade, and single-origin.
• The coffee has won many awards and tops many lists.
• It can be made hot or as iced coffee.

CONS

• The taste might be a bit strong for those who prefer something milder.
• It doesn’t come in individual packets which is less convenient for travel.

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9. Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee Dark Roast Packets 

This Starbucks instant coffee blend offers a rich and unique experience. Made exclusively with high-quality arabica coffee beans, this Italian dark roast blend is roasty and sweet with a hint of caramelized sugar flavor.

This dark roast blend specifically is known for its intensity and sweetness. The flavor is deep and potent, offering a similar experience to freshly ground Starbucks coffee, but in your own home and on your own schedule. The flavor also holds up well with the addition of cream and/or sugar, meaning you can tailor the coffee exactly to your liking.

This blend will mix quickly and easily with both hot and cold water. The cold water requires a little more time to mix fully, but it’s still faster and more convenient than brewing it fresh. Starbucks also prides itself on offering instant coffee blends that aren’t made with wheat or gluten and are 100 percent pure.

This Starbucks product is versatile too as it allows you to choose from a variety of flavors/roasts and package sizes. Whichever amount you choose to get, they come in convenient single-serving packages to allow for maximum speed when making your coffee.

PROS

• It comes in single-serving packages making it ideal for travel or on-the-go lifestyles.
• It offers a faster alternative to having to go to Starbucks for your favorite Starbucks coffee.
• The beans are 100 percent pure and come from a variety of regions.
• This blend allows for hot or iced coffee.

CONS

• It has a high sugar content which might be too much for some people.
• Not as much bang for your buck as the product only comes with a few single-serve packets.

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10. Nescafe 3-in-1 Instant Coffee Sticks

Nescafe has taken its original instant coffee blend and created a brand new and improved 3-in-1 formula. The point of instant coffee is to reduce the amount of time it takes to make and drink your coffee. A 3-in-1 blend takes this a step further by removing yet another step from your coffee routine – cream and sugar.

This blend has creamer and sugar mixed right in so you don’t have to add it later. It dissolves with the coffee to create an instant, creamy concoction. This has your coffee-making process taking only 30 seconds from start to finish.

This blend is creamier and more aromatic than the original. They promise that fans of the original instant coffee blend will be even more pleased with this improvement.

The blend is made in Malaysia and is also Halal certified, giving those with a limited diet an instant coffee option that they can have.

PROS

• It’s an improvement on the original blend that customers already love.
• It comes in individual packets for optimal speed and convenience.
• It comes with creamer and sugar already included in the blend for a balanced taste.
• You can use this formula for iced coffee as well.
• It’s Halal certified.

CONS

• The product only includes 28 servings of the coffee.
• It’s not ideal for those that prefer their coffee black or without sugar.

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11. Waka Coffee Quality Instant Coffee 

This coffee is made from 100 percent pure, Arabica beans and freeze-dried to preserve the original flavor and potent aroma of the beans. The medium roast offers a smooth, well-balanced flavor with notes of citrus. They’ve worked hard to create an instant coffee that tastes and feels exactly like a freshly brewed cup.

Many professionals have rated this as one of the best instant coffees they’ve ever tried, giving customers confidence that they’re purchasing something well-crafted and high-quality.

The coffee is packaged in California and comes in single-serve packets that are perfect for taking on-the-go, dissolving almost immediately into hot water.

For those who appreciate a socially conscious company, you’ll be happy to know that Waka Coffee donates 4% of its proceeds to charity. They support a company that works to bring clean drinking water to 26 countries in need around the world.

PROS

• It’s among the very top-rated instant coffees.
• It comes in single-serve packets for total convenience.
• You can make hot or iced coffee.
• The formula is good for baking mocha-flavored goods.
• The company donates some of its proceeds to charity.

CONS

• It’s on the more expensive side compared to many other blends.
• It only comes with a small number of individual packets.

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12. Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals

Folgers is a well-known, reputable name in the coffee industry, with its original coffee maintaining a loyal customer base. They’ve now turned their lovable original coffee into an instant blend for those who need their coffee made fast in the morning. The blend features a medium-dark roast and rich flavor while being Kosher certified.

The instant coffee crystals dissolved instantly into water, drinks, batters, and sauces alike, depending on what you want to do with the blend.

The classic, original taste makes it the perfect addition to any recipe that needs a shot of caffeine as well as a coffee flavor. Recipe ideas are available on Folger’s website.

Folgers prides themselves on creating carefully-crafted coffee no matter what format, meaning your instant coffee will bear a perfect likeness to a freshly brewed cup of Folgers.

PROS

• This instant blend offers a flavor that rivals an original, freshly brewed cup of classic Folgers.
• The crystals dissolve almost instantly, creating a smooth cup with no effort.
• It’s Kosher certified.
• It can also work in lattes, smoothies, and baking recipes.

CONS

• It doesn’t come in individual packets making transport slightly less convenient.
• Many find a lot of crystals are needed to achieve the strength and flavor they want.

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What Else You Need to Look for in Instant Coffee

Even once you find the best possible combination of roast, flavor, and caffeine, not all instant coffees are made equal. Even companies with the best of intentions for their blend can fall short and produce coffee that’s bland and ineffective.

Look for the following attributes when searching for the best instant coffee:

1. Freeze Dried

Instant coffee doesn’t have the same freshness that coffee beans or even freshly ground coffee do. This means that it needs to be preserved properly to achieve the best results.

Freeze drying the coffee is the best way to preserve both the freshness and aroma of an instant blend.

2. Glass Packaging

While it may not seem important, the way instant coffee is packaged will also have an impact on its quality and durability. A glass jar is one of the best ways to lock in freshness and preserve the aroma further.

It’s also a more eco-friendly option as the jar can either be recycled or reused once the coffee is finished.

3. A 3-in-1 Blend

The point of instant coffee is to make things faster and easier, right? Some blends go the extra mile and include coffee creamer and sugar right in the blend. This eliminates yet another step from the process, delivering a creamy, well-balanced, flavorful coffee immediately without adding anything.

Not all instant coffee blends do this, however. So, if you’re someone who wants this extra level of efficiency, look for a 3-in-1 blend that includes it all for you.

On the flip side, if you’re someone who prefers your coffee black and slightly more bitter, make sure you get a coffee that doesn’t include this. If creamer and sugar aren’t things you want in the coffee, a 3-in-1 blend will only disappoint.

4. Individual Packets

Much like the 3-in-1 option, if what you’re after is the fastest, most efficient coffee-making experience possible, you should look for individual packets.

This means the ideal serving size is already prepared for you. No measuring is necessary, just grab the pre-packaged amount, pour, stir, and you’re done!

This is also ideal for traveling. If you’re shopping for a travel-friendly instant coffee option, you must ensure you find a product that comes with individual packets.

Not only will this make life easier on the road, but it will take up less space when you’re packing as you’ll need to bring only the exact amount of coffee you’ll need for the trip.

5. Diversity

Lastly, don’t forget to pay attention to the diversity of the product. For the most part, you’ll be preparing your instant coffee either in the morning or on-the-go, and you’ll drink it as is. However, instant coffee can also be used to create iced coffee, lattes, or even baked goods.

If these other options are something you’re interested in, make sure the blend you’re buying is compatible with these methods of preparation. Lots of blends can be prepared either hot or cold, and this is important to some people.

However, not all blends work as well for baking or specialty drinks. Be on the lookout for this if you think you may ever want to do something different with your instant coffee.

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Final Thoughts – Don’t Settle for Less

Many people assume that since they’re looking for instant coffee, they must sacrifice flavor, aroma, and quality. This simply isn’t true!

Don’t settle for sub-par – do your research and wait until you find the best option. There is an instant coffee out there to suit everyone. You don’t have to give up your love of quality, rich, flavorful coffee just to make things faster in the morning.

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