8 Instant Coffee Brands Ranked Worst To Best
As a coffee lover who’s often short on time, I’ve had my fair share of instant coffee moments.
When the morning rush hits and there’s no time for pour-overs or French presses, these quick-dissolve granules become my caffeine salvation.
I’ve sipped my way through countless brands, from budget options that taste like liquid cardboard to premium varieties that genuinely surprise.
Let’s explore which instant coffees deserve a spot in your pantry and which should stay on the store shelf.
1. Folgers Classic Roast: The Disappointing Staple
My grandma swore by Folgers, keeping that iconic red container prominently displayed on her countertop for decades. Unfortunately, nostalgia can’t save this instant coffee from its harsh reality.
The flavor profile reminds me of watery, slightly burnt toast with an artificial aftertaste that lingers uncomfortably. During a camping trip last summer, I brought only Folgers as my morning brew and regretted it with every sip.
What’s particularly disappointing is how the coffee lacks any complexity or depth. Even when prepared with hot milk instead of water, it maintains that characteristic staleness. For a brand with such history, Folgers instant should deliver more than just caffeine in a cup.
2. Maxwell House Original Roast: Mediocrity In A Jar
Remember that slogan “Good to the last drop”? Well, I’ve found myself wondering if they tested that claim on their instant version. Maxwell House Original sits firmly in the realm of mediocrity – neither offensive nor impressive.
During my college days, this was the communal dorm coffee that nobody complained about but nobody praised either. The flavor is predominantly flat with vague coffee notes that disappear almost immediately after swallowing.
What saves it from last place is its consistency and availability. When I’m desperate at a relative’s house who only stocks Maxwell House, I can drink it without grimacing. The mild, inoffensive character makes it suitable for coffee emergencies, but you won’t catch me recommending it to friends.
3. Great Value Classic Roast: Budget Buyer’s Gamble
Walmart’s store brand coffee surprised me – and not necessarily in a good way. The first time I tried Great Value instant, I was stuck at a rental cabin with limited options and braced myself for the worst.
The aroma actually offers some promise, with hints of roasted notes that suggest a decent cup ahead. Sadly, that initial hope fades with the first sip, revealing a thin, somewhat sour profile that lacks the roundness of proper coffee. I’ve found it works better as an ingredient in baking recipes than as an actual beverage.
Price is obviously the selling point here. For those truly pinching pennies, it delivers caffeine without breaking the bank. Just don’t expect any complexity or satisfaction beyond the most basic coffee function.
4. Nescafé Taster’s Choice: Middle-Of-The-Road Reliability
Those little glass jars of Taster’s Choice remind me of hotel room coffee stations. The first time I encountered this brand was during a business trip when I desperately needed caffeine before an early meeting.
The flavor sits squarely in the middle range – recognizably coffee-like with a slightly nutty undertone that distinguishes it from lower-tier options. I appreciate how it dissolves completely without leaving those mysterious floating bits that cheaper brands often do.
My sister keeps this in her pantry as her “guest coffee” because it’s inoffensive enough for most palates. While I wouldn’t seek it out specifically, finding Taster’s Choice in someone’s kitchen doesn’t fill me with dread. It’s the definition of acceptable – not memorable, but certainly not regrettable.
5. Café Bustelo: Bold Surprise In Instant Form
The bright yellow container of Café Bustelo caught my eye at the grocery store during a particularly exhausting week when I needed serious caffeine reinforcements. This Cuban-style coffee doesn’t mess around!
Unlike many instant options, Bustelo brings genuine intensity and richness that resembles actual espresso. The robust flavor carries notes of dark chocolate and smokiness that stand up impressively to milk and sugar. My colleague from Miami introduced me to this brand, suggesting I try it with a splash of condensed milk.
What prevents it from ranking higher is its somewhat one-dimensional boldness. While strong and satisfying, it lacks the nuanced flavor profile of premium instant coffees. Still, for those who like their coffee to pack a punch, Bustelo delivers an authentic Latin coffee experience in instant form.
6. Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee: Coffeehouse Convenience
Those little Starbucks VIA packets saved me during a cross-country road trip last year. When quality coffee seemed impossible to find, these slim packets in my glove compartment delivered surprisingly decent cups.
The Italian Roast variety particularly impresses me with its smoky depth and caramel undertones that genuinely resemble freshly brewed coffee. Starbucks achieves this through their “microground” technology – essentially incorporating tiny particles of actual coffee alongside the instant powder.
The main drawback? The price point makes me wince. At nearly a dollar per serving, it’s significantly more expensive than jarred options. However, the convenience of individual packets and legitimately good flavor makes VIA my go-to travel companion. For instant coffee that doesn’t announce itself as instant, Starbucks has created something special.
7. Mount Hagen Organic: Eco-Friendly Excellence
My first Mount Hagen experience happened at an environmentally conscious friend’s house. She handed me a cup and challenged me to guess if it was instant – I failed spectacularly, assuming she’d brewed it fresh!
This German-produced organic coffee offers a clean, well-balanced flavor with gentle acidity and subtle fruit notes that most instant coffees can’t achieve. The freeze-drying process they use seems to preserve coffee characteristics that other methods destroy. I’ve found it makes an exceptional iced coffee, maintaining its smooth profile even when cold.
Beyond taste, the organic certification and fair trade practices make me feel better about my consumption choices. The glass jar packaging adds another eco-friendly element. While not quite matching freshly ground beans, Mount Hagen stands as proof that instant coffee can be both ethical and delicious.
8. Waka Coffee Quality Instant: The Game-Changing Champion
“You paid HOW much for instant coffee?” my partner asked incredulously when I first ordered Waka online. After my first cup, I had zero regrets about the splurge.
This Colombian Arabica instant coffee delivers a revelatory experience – bright citrus notes, caramel sweetness, and a clean finish that genuinely rivals freshly brewed methods. Founded as a specialty instant coffee company, Waka focuses exclusively on creating premium freeze-dried coffee rather than treating instant as an afterthought.
The light, resealable packaging makes it perfect for travel, camping, or office drawers. I’ve converted several coffee snob friends with blind taste tests using Waka. While definitely pricier than supermarket options, it costs less than daily coffee shop visits. For those moments when brewing equipment isn’t available but compromising on taste feels unbearable, Waka stands triumphantly as instant coffee’s greatest achievement.