According to a survey, 79% of Americans prepare their coffee at home by themselves, thanks to the best instant coffee brands. Well, this makes sense, as no one likes spending half of their monthly salary on a cup of coffee alone.
The aroma and flavor of coffee are indeed one of the biggest attractions that help me get out of bed each morning. Most people can’t function properly until they have their much-needed cup of coffee when starting their day.
Americans are literally obsessed with coffee. Did you know Americans get 75% of their caffeine from coffee only? That’s right; coffee is the way of life here.
A cup of instant coffee can be a lifesaver when you are running late and don’t want to go through the hassle of brewing coffee. It can also come in handy at times when you are in the middle of a movie or an assignment and want a quick dose of caffeine.
All hail instant coffee packets!
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Instant Coffee is Not a Myth!
Most of the time, people with strong caffeine tolerance don’t appreciate instant coffee because they think it lacks taste and flavor…but that’s a misconception that is all!
If you have never had a decent cup of instant coffee, the chances are that you have fallen prey to the wrong brand of instant coffee. And no one should ever have to go through that kind of disappointment again!
This is why I am writing this article so that next time you want to relish a good, flavorful cup of coffee… you have it available in your pantry.
In this article, we are going to discuss some of the instant coffee brands that make them stand out from other brands in the market. You’ll also get the insight of which instant coffee has the most caffeine.
Best Instant Coffee Brands – Product Reviews
1. WAKA Coffee Quality Instant Coffee
If convenience and coffee is something you fancy when you open up your eyes each morning, WAKA coffee has got it covered for you. For people who like premium brand coffee because of their taste and aroma but are done paying big bucks, this instant coffee brand is your best bet then.
WAKA instant coffee has medium roast beans with a smooth texture and roasted flavor that gives your coffee a rich and flavorful taste. It is made of 100% Arabic beans, which is the reason WAKA coffee comes close to the freshly brewed coffee where instant coffee brands are concerned.
The pleasant thing about WAKA coffee is that it doesn’t have that bitter taste, which is often associated with instant coffee. The unique taste of citrus makes it all the more delicious.
WAKA uses advanced freeze-drying technology to preserve the maximum flavors and aroma. Freeze-drying is much better than the air-drying method. Air-drying the coffee can give it acidic taste, which can be a real buzz kill for a coffee lover.
Each box includes eight packs that mean 8 cups of a delicious, hassle-free quick cup of coffee each morning. If you are someone who is always on the move but can’t compromise on your caffeine needs, WAKA coffee packs are the best tasting instant coffee packs in the market.
Take it with you on the hike, vacations, office, or anywhere you go.
Pros
- Resolve quickly, no residue
- Tastes more like freshly brewed coffee
- Cheaper than premium brands
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Suitable for making hot and cold coffee.
Cons
- Not very strong flavor
- Pricier than some other options
2. Starbucks VIA Instant Italian Roast Dark Roast Coffee
I know what you must be thinking here. Starbucks….again? But give it a chance, Okay?
So Starbucks VIA instant coffee is all the buzz among coffee lovers who use instant coffee. It is the most high-rated and coveted coffee brand all over the world. And rightly so! But is the instant coffee brand of Starbucks really worth it?
Let’s find out here.
Starbucks VIA instant coffee has a diversity of flavors and blends that will just blow you away. One of the many things I love about Starbucks. The dark Italian roast is made from 100% Arabic beans with a deep and rich taste of caramelized sugar.
ssVIA dark roast has that smooth and creamy flavor that is so welcomed in those lazy hasty mornings where caffeine is your only savior. True, it cannot be compared to the premium taste of a freshly brewed cup of coffee. But it is so much better than so many instant coffee brands available on the market.
Another thing that makes Starbucks via coffee stand out is that it dissolves quickly and smoothly, leaving no lines behind. You literally just need a cup of hot water (or cold if you may) and voila! Trust me; it doesn’t get any more instant than that!
For light backpackers, who are always on the lookout for instant coffee packets, this is your guardian angel peeps. While traveling, weight is a significant issue, and this is when Starbucks via coffee packs comes in the picture.
One bag makes 8 cups of coffee. Apart from that, you can use it in cooking, baking, and other stuff. Enjoy your cup of Joe anywhere and everywhere now!
Pros
- Lightweight, ideal for traveling
- Tastes like freshly brewed coffee
- Comes in tons of different blends and flavors
- No additives
- Easy to make
Cons
- Expensive compared to some other brands
3. Mount Hagen Organic Freeze Dried Instant Coffee
If you are a coffee snob and hardly gets satisfied with instant coffee brands, its time you tried Mount Hagen organic freeze-dried coffee. First things first, mount Hagen coffee is purely natural, which means no additives, pesticides, or anything that does not belong in your cup of coffee.
I love the fair trade Motto of Mount Hagen which means that those involved in coffee production are getting proper compensation and better work conditions. After knowing this, I was totally sold.
Taste-wise, you are in for a pleasant surprise. If you are not a fan of that burnt after taste that is common in Starbucks coffee, well Mount Hagen is your best bet. It actually tastes closer to fresh brew and has that light sweet taste that makes it all the more delicious.
As one Amazon reviewer says. “there is no substitute for fresh, properly brewed coffee or espresso. But for an instant product, this is really quite good.”
For people who like their coffee a bit mild and smooth, this coffee is perfect. I personally don’t like the bitter and acidic aftertaste of coffee, so for me, Mount Hagen is an ultimate choice. Did I mention that apart from being organic and fair trade, this instant coffee brand is reasonable too?
One 3.53 oz. The jar will make 60 cups according to Mount Hagen, but if you like your coffee a bit more robust, this ratio is not absolute. It all depends on your preference and consumption, really.
Pros:
- Organic and fair trade
- Reasonably priced
- Close second to freshly brewed
- Gets dissolved instantly, no residue
- Reusable glass jar
Cons:
- A bit mild for people with strong caffeine tolerance.
4. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Instant Coffee
Blending instant coffee with the herb is a great new concept and the one that is gaining popularity rapidly. Jim Ferris endorse the instant mushroom coffee by Four Sigmatic highly. which is why people are crazy about this product.
However, I would recommend you to lower your expectations while having this coffee because it will certainly not “light you up like a Christmas tree.”
Infused with lion’s mane and Chaga mushroom, the four sigmatic instant coffee claims to boost your neurotic functions and help you focus and concentrate better. It also helps you with your memory support. Health and taste, hand in hand? Well, I dig it.
Understandably, most people are skeptical about buying mushroom coffee because of the taste factor. Four sigmatic mushroom coffee tastes more like coffee than mushrooms. The taste is something you get hooked to very quickly. For black coffee lovers, this is an ultimate deal.
Alternatively, you can also add some almond milk and cream to make it even more relishing. People who like to try different things and are not afraid to experiment will definitely go for this. The slight nutmeg and spicy taste pleasantly surprise you.
Moreover, the mushroom coffee gives you a mental edge and clarity that is a much-needed boost in the busy lives we millennials are leading.
Apart from that, if you trying to cut back on your caffeine intake, or you want a good cup of Joe while traveling out of the city for a conference, etc. these best tasting instant coffee packets by four sigmatic is your holy grail.
Pros
- Give you a mental edge along with several other health benefits
- An addictive and unique taste
- Travel-friendly
- Easy to dissolve
Cons
- Expensive
- Not for people who don’t like a new experiment
5. Anthony’s Organic Instant Coffee
Anthony’s organic instant coffee is best tasting instant coffee, and people just can’t stop raving about it. There are many reasons why it has such great reviews all over the internet.
Well, for starters, this coffee is ORGANIC. So people who are really into holistic healing or are well aware of the side effects of pesticides and chemicals will be too glad to find out that Anthony’s organic coffee is here to save the day. Did I mention that it is also gluten-free?
Not only is this organic but also has that smooth and flavorful taste that is not bitter at all. No acidic or burnt off-taste either. What could be better than enjoying your organic cup of excellent tasting coffee in just 30 seconds?
The zip lock bag is convenient to handle and store, so that is an added benefit too. One reviewer mentioned that “Anthony’s organic instant coffee doesn’t give you that coffee breath.”
The blend is mild and perfect for people who don’t like strong flavor coffee. I would recommend you experiment with the proportion a bit to suit your preferences. Do not stick to label instructions always.
Anthony’s organic coffee is considered the best instant coffee brand because not only is it organic and has great taste, but it is also very economical. You got nothing to lose here, really.
Pros
- Organic coffee best for health
- Infused with antioxidants
- Quite cheap compared to other organic brands
- The rich and flavorful taste
- Great value for the money
Cons
- A bit powdery grain
Our Guide to Select Best Instant Coffee
We don’t choose our instant coffee in just an instant. No, that’s not what happens. In fact, we have strict criteria against which we test the instant coffee brands so that the outcome is well worth your money. Because there is no big disappointment on earth than a bad cup of coffee, right?
Here are a few things we keep in mind while reviewing the best instant coffee brands:
Reviews– because there is no guide like firsthand reviews from people who have tasted the coffee you are about to buy.
Packing– Well, it makes all the difference. Most instant coffee users prefer it while traveling, so lightweight, travel-friendly packaging is always a bonus.
Taste– There is no compromise on taste where a cup of coffee is concerned. PERIOD! Everyone has different taste buds, so it is crucial to look out for the best-tasting coffee.
Price tag– Let’s face it. No one can afford to splurge on star bucks every morning. I mean instant coffee is cheaper and more convenient, which is why most people prefer it. So a good-tasting coffee that is not too hard on the pocket is always desirable for coffee lovers.
Read More: Caffeine Anhydrous: What you Need to Know?
Some Things to Keep in Mind while Buying Instant Coffee
Roast
The roasting process is what determines the intensity of the flavor of your coffee. The coffee beans are green but through the roasting process, they are transformed to varying degrees of brown. The aroma and flavor of coffee are enhanced via roasting. There are several degrees of roasting-medium, dark, or medium dark, indicating the level of flavor intensity and strength.
Beans
Your coffee beans will decide whether you will love or hate your instant cup of coffee. Basically, there are two types of coffee beans: Coffee Robusta and Coffee Arabic. Now, which one you prefer is totally up to your taste palates. Mostly, the blend of both is used in instant coffee. Robusta is mainly grown in Asia and is associated with that bitter coffee taste. While Arabic has that sweetened, smooth taste that is mainly linked with a gourmet beverage.
Flavor
Light, medium, or dark-choose whatever you like. American coffee is typically medium roasted, and most people like it that way. French and Italian coffee is often associated with dark roasted.
Best Instant Coffee Brands – Some FAQs
1. Is instant coffee good for health?
In recent times, there is much buzz about coffee-related health benefits. Instant coffee is no doubt good for your health if consumed in moderate amount. Instant coffee is enriched with powerful antioxidants that are high in amount compared to some other form of coffee. It also has a decaf option that contains less caffeine then freshly brewed or regular coffee.
2. What is the best instant coffee brand?
Coffee snobs are always busy dissing instant coffee because of low-quality taste and aroma, but the truth is, some instant coffee brands are worth a try. Check out our list above to know about the best tasting instant coffee brands. WAKA Coffee is a personal favorite because it is close to freshly brewed coffee.
3. What is the best way to store instant coffee to last long?
Instant coffee has a long shelf life if stored properly. You must store instant coffee in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. The sealed packets are perfect for storage, but if your instant coffee is packed in glass or plastic jar, consider moving it to the better quality jar. That way, they will not absorb the moisture and won’t go bad quickly.
4. Can we make cold coffee by using instant coffee?
Well, it is no rocket science, and of course, you can make a pretty kickass cup of iced coffee by using instant coffee. Just take cold water in a cup and stir in some instant coffee, creamer, and voila! Remember that iced coffee takes time to dissolve compared to hot coffee, but just give it a minute or two to dissolve completely.
5. Can coffee help me lose weight?
Well, that depends on what sort of coffee you are consuming. Don’t expect to shed crazy pounds while smothering your coffee with cream and milk. If you want to lose weight, Black Coffee is your best bet because it has a low-calorie count. Also, caffeine helps boost your metabolism that will eventually help you shed some pounds.
