I Tried 6 Brands Of Instant Coffee, And There’s Only One I’d Never Buy Again

As someone who can’t function without caffeine but lacks the patience for brewing methods, instant coffee has become my morning savior.

When my favorite brand disappeared from store shelves last month, I embarked on a week-long taste test adventure.

Armed with nothing but hot water and a spoon, I sampled six popular instant coffee brands to find a worthy replacement – and discovered one that will never again grace my cupboard.

1. Nescafé Taster’s Choice: The Reliable Old Friend

Nescafé Taster's Choice: The Reliable Old Friend
© Narcity

Morning fog hadn’t lifted when I first ripped open this classic red jar. The aroma hit immediately—rich and inviting without being overwhelming. My sleepy brain perked up before the first sip even touched my lips.

The flavor balanced nicely between bold and smooth, lacking the chemical aftertaste that plagues many instant coffees. I particularly appreciated how it maintained its character even as it cooled, something rare in the instant coffee world.

While not quite matching freshly brewed coffee (what instant truly does?), Taster’s Choice earned its reputation as a pantry staple. I’d happily reach for this on camping trips or hectic mornings when every second counts.

2. Starbucks VIA: Premium Price, Premium Taste

Starbucks VIA: Premium Price, Premium Taste
© Lux Cafe Club

Skepticism filled me as I tore open the fancy single-serve packet. Could Starbucks really capture their café experience in instant form? The aromatic punch that escaped suggested they might have cracked the code.

First sip revealed complexity I hadn’t expected—notes of chocolate and subtle fruitiness that elevated it beyond typical instant territory. The texture impressed me most—almost creamy without adding anything but hot water.

Price remains the obvious drawback. At nearly a dollar per serving, it’s significantly pricier than competitors. Yet for those moments when you crave Starbucks flavor without the drive-thru line, VIA delivers a surprisingly authentic experience worth keeping in your desk drawer.

3. Folgers Classic Roast: Nostalgia In A Jar

Folgers Classic Roast: Nostalgia In A Jar
© Sam’s Club

Childhood memories flooded back with the first whiff from this iconic red container. Grandma’s kitchen on Sunday mornings. Dad’s travel mug before dawn fishing trips. The scent alone warranted a moment of appreciation.

Unfortunately, nostalgia couldn’t mask the harsh reality in my cup. The flavor hit with an aggressive bitterness that no amount of sugar could tame. What followed was a lingering artificial taste that clung stubbornly to my tongue.

While budget-friendly and widely available, Folgers Classic instant proved disappointing compared to its ground coffee counterpart. I wanted to love it for sentimental reasons alone, but my taste buds staged a rebellion I couldn’t ignore. Some childhood memories are best left undisturbed.

4. Mount Hagen Organic: The Eco-Conscious Surprise

Mount Hagen Organic: The Eco-Conscious Surprise
© Amazon.com

Glass jar in hand, I immediately noticed something different—no overwhelming coffee smell punched my nostrils when opening. Instead, a subtle, almost delicate aroma wafted up. My initial concern about weak flavor vanished with the first taste.

Mount Hagen delivered a clean, smooth experience without the typical instant coffee bitterness. The organic certification wasn’t just a marketing ploy; I could taste the difference in its balanced profile and gentle finish. No weird chemical aftertaste lingered.

The higher price point initially made me hesitate, but the quality justified every penny. For environmentally conscious coffee lovers who refuse to sacrifice taste, this German-made organic option proves you don’t need to choose between principles and pleasure.

5. Café Bustelo: Bold Flavor That Demands Attention

Café Bustelo: Bold Flavor That Demands Attention
© Cafe Bustelo

Yellow canister brightness practically shouted from my cupboard at 6 AM. Half-awake, I measured the dark powder into my mug, noting its rich espresso-like appearance even before adding water.

Holy intensity! The robust flavor kicked me awake better than an alarm clock. Strong, unapologetically bold, with distinct notes of chocolate and spice, Café Bustelo doesn’t pretend to be anything but what it is—powerful instant coffee with Latin character.

Perfect for those mornings when gentle nudging won’t cut it, this instant version captures much of what fans love about the brand’s ground coffee. While too intense for afternoon sipping, it earned permanent residence in my emergency caffeine arsenal. Bonus points for making excellent iced coffee when summer temperatures soar.

6. Maxwell House: The Never-Again Disappointment

Maxwell House: The Never-Again Disappointment
© Home Tester Club

Blue plastic container in hand, I approached with an open mind despite the bargain price tag. The smell seemed promising—mild but definitely coffee-adjacent. My optimism lasted precisely three seconds after the first sip.

Words fail to describe the strange flavor that assaulted my taste buds. Imagine licking an ashtray that someone sprinkled with artificial sweetener. The aftertaste clung desperately, refusing to leave even after brushing my teeth twice.

I tried everything—adding milk, sugar, cinnamon—nothing masked the peculiar chemical profile. The remainder went straight to the trash, a rare occurrence for this waste-conscious consumer. Life’s too short for bad coffee, especially when so many decent instant options exist. Maxwell House earned its permanent ban from my shopping list.