13 Best Brands of Instant Coffee, Ranked

Finding the best instant coffee can be a game-changer for your mornings, especially when you’re short on time. Instant coffee has come a long way from its early days, now offering flavors and quality that can rival brewed coffee. I’ve put together a list of the best instant coffee brands, ranked from good to absolutely fantastic. This guide is here to help you discover which brands are worth trying, whether you’re looking for a strong caffeine kick or a smooth, mellow cup. Each brand has its own unique qualities, so there’s something for everyone.

13. Maxwell House Original Roast

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Maxwell House Original Roast is a staple in the instant coffee world, known for its consistent taste and affordability. The brand has been around for decades, earning a reputation for delivering a reliable coffee experience. The flavor profile is smooth and mild, making it a safe choice for everyday drinking. It is particularly popular among those who prefer a less intense coffee flavor. Maxwell House offers various packaging options, including convenient single-serve packets. Its widespread availability in supermarkets makes it an accessible option for many coffee drinkers.

12. Folgers Classic Roast

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Folgers Classic Roast is another well-known brand that has been a household name for years. It is praised for its rich and full-bodied flavor that many coffee enthusiasts appreciate. The instant version captures the essence of its ground coffee counterpart, providing a comforting and familiar taste. Folgers uses a blend of robusta and arabica beans, ensuring a balanced flavor profile. Its classic roast is versatile, suitable for both hot and iced coffee preparations. Folgers’ affordability and convenience make it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.

11. Nescafé Classic

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Nescafé Classic is a globally recognized brand that delivers a strong and robust flavor. It is made from a blend of high-quality arabica and robusta beans, giving it a distinctive taste. The brand’s freeze-drying process helps preserve the rich aroma and flavor of freshly brewed coffee. Nescafé Classic is known for its quick dissolution in water, making it an excellent choice for those on the go. The brand offers a range of packaging sizes, from single-serve sticks to larger jars. Its widespread availability makes it a convenient option for instant coffee lovers worldwide.

10. Jacobs Kronung Instant Coffee

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Jacobs Kronung Instant Coffee is a premium brand that hails from Germany, known for its smooth and well-balanced flavor. The coffee is made from carefully selected beans, which are expertly roasted to bring out their natural flavors. Jacobs uses a unique freeze-drying process to ensure that the coffee retains its rich aroma and taste. The result is a cup of coffee that is both aromatic and flavorful, appealing to those who enjoy a more refined coffee experience. Jacobs Kronung is often praised for its consistency and quality, making it a favorite among instant coffee enthusiasts.

9. Starbucks Via Instant Coffee

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Starbucks Via Instant Coffee brings the café experience to your home with its premium instant coffee offerings. Made from 100% arabica beans, Starbucks Via delivers a rich and bold flavor that is characteristic of the brand’s in-store brews. The coffee is micro-ground, not brewed, to preserve the beans’ essential oils and flavors. Starbucks Via offers a variety of flavors, including Italian Roast, Pike Place Roast, and Colombia. The convenience of single-serve packets makes it easy to enjoy a quality cup of coffee anywhere. Starbucks Via is a great choice for those who want a premium coffee experience without the need for brewing equipment.

8. Mount Hagen Organic Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee

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Mount Hagen Organic Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee is a top choice for those who prioritize organic and fair-trade products. This coffee is made from 100% arabica beans, which are sourced from organic farms. The freeze-drying process preserves the coffee’s rich aroma and flavor, resulting in a smooth and well-rounded cup of coffee. Mount Hagen is known for its commitment to sustainability, using environmentally friendly practices in its production process. The coffee has a mild and balanced flavor, making it a great option for daily consumption. Its organic certification and high-quality taste make it a favorite among health-conscious coffee drinkers.

7. Cafe Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee

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Cafe Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee is a favorite among those who enjoy a strong and bold coffee flavor. This coffee is inspired by Latin American coffee culture, delivering a rich and robust taste. Made from a blend of high-quality beans, Cafe Bustelo provides a full-bodied coffee experience that is perfect for espresso lovers. The instant version retains the brand’s signature dark roast flavor, with notes of chocolate and caramel. Cafe Bustelo is versatile and can be used to make traditional espresso drinks, as well as iced coffee and lattes. Its bold flavor and versatility make it a popular choice for coffee enthusiasts.

6. Death Wish Instant Coffee

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Death Wish Instant Coffee is known for its high caffeine content and bold flavor. It is made from a blend of robusta and arabica beans, which are roasted to perfection to deliver a strong and smooth coffee. Death Wish Coffee is often touted as the world’s strongest coffee, making it a great choice for those who need an extra boost of energy. The instant version captures the brand’s intense flavor and aroma, providing a quick and convenient way to enjoy a powerful cup of coffee. Death Wish is also organic and fair-trade certified, appealing to those who value sustainability.

5. Waka Coffee Quality Instant Coffee

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Waka Coffee Quality Instant Coffee is a newcomer in the instant coffee market but has quickly gained popularity for its high-quality taste. The coffee is made from 100% arabica beans, which are freeze-dried to preserve their natural flavors. Waka Coffee offers a smooth and well-balanced flavor profile, with notes of citrus and chocolate. The brand is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and sourcing beans from sustainable farms. Waka Coffee is praised for its clean and crisp taste, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter coffee. Its commitment to quality and sustainability makes it a standout in the instant coffee market.

4. Joe Coffee Company The Daily Specialty Instant Coffee

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Joe Coffee Company The Daily Specialty Instant Coffee offers a premium coffee experience with its high-quality instant coffee. The coffee is made from 100% arabica beans, which are roasted to perfection to bring out their natural flavors. Joe Coffee uses a proprietary process to create its instant coffee, ensuring that it retains the rich aroma and taste of freshly brewed coffee. The Daily Specialty Instant Coffee has a smooth and well-rounded flavor, with notes of caramel and nuts. It is a versatile coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for specialty coffee drinks. Joe Coffee’s commitment to quality and flavor makes it a favorite among coffee connoisseurs.

3. Swift Cup Coffee

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Swift Cup Coffee is a specialty instant coffee brand that offers a range of high-quality coffee options. The coffee is made from carefully selected beans, which are roasted and brewed to perfection before being freeze-dried. Swift Cup Coffee is known for its rich and complex flavor profiles, with notes of fruit, chocolate, and nuts. The brand offers a variety of single-origin and blend options, catering to different taste preferences. Swift Cup Coffee is also committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and sourcing beans from sustainable farms. Its high-quality taste and commitment to sustainability make it a top choice for instant coffee lovers.

2. Intelligentsia Instant Coffee

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Intelligentsia Instant Coffee is a premium brand that offers a high-quality coffee experience. The coffee is made from carefully selected arabica beans, which are roasted to perfection to bring out their natural flavors. Intelligentsia uses a proprietary process to create its instant coffee, ensuring that it retains the rich aroma and taste of freshly brewed coffee. The coffee has a smooth and well-balanced flavor, with notes of fruit, chocolate, and nuts. Intelligentsia is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and sourcing beans from sustainable farms. Its high-quality taste and commitment to sustainability make it a favorite among coffee connoisseurs.

1. Verve Coffee Roasters

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Verve Coffee Roasters takes the top spot for its exceptional instant coffee. The coffee is made from high-quality arabica beans, which are roasted to perfection to bring out their rich and complex flavors. Verve uses a proprietary process to create its instant coffee, ensuring that it retains the aroma and taste of freshly brewed coffee. The coffee has a smooth and well-rounded flavor, with notes of caramel, chocolate, and nuts. Verve is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and sourcing beans from sustainable farms. Its premium taste and dedication to sustainability make it the best instant coffee brand for 2024.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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