Best Instant Coffee of 2025

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Instant coffee is a popular and convenient option for coffee lovers who are always on the go. It is a type of coffee that has been pre-brewed and then dehydrated to create a powder that can be rehydrated with hot water. This type of coffee is perfect for those who want a quick and easy cup of coffee without the hassle of brewing and waiting for it to cool down. It is also great for camping trips or other outdoor activities where a coffee maker may not be available. Instant coffee comes in a variety of flavors and strengths to suit different tastes.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals Cover #TOP 1
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Blonde Instant Coffee Cover #TOP 2
NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Blonde Instant Coffee
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Starbucks Medium Roast Instant Coffee Cover #TOP 3
Starbucks Medium Roast Instant Coffee
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Instant Coffee

#TOP 1

Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals

025500206295
8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals Cover
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee, 8 Ounces

Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals is a delicious, 100% pure medium roast coffee that is ready in seconds. It comes in an 8 ounce easy-open flip-top Jar and makes up to 120 suggested strength 6 fluid ounce servings per canister. It can be mixed with hot water or milk for a great cup of coffee.

What We Like
Great taste
Convenient and easy to use
Adjustable strength
Cost-effective compared to K-cups
Reusable containers
What We Don't Like
Decent, but not everyone's favorite
#TOP 2

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Blonde Instant Coffee

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Blonde Instant Coffee Cover
NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Blonde, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz

NESCAFÉ Espresso Blonde offers you the rich, café-quality taste of espresso right at home. With its smooth crema, you can enjoy a velvety beverage without needing any fancy equipment. In just moments, you can prepare a delightful espresso or Americano by simply mixing the instant coffee with hot water. Plus, this product is made from high-quality, responsibly sourced Arabica beans, ensuring that you’re enjoying a premium coffee experience. Each 3.5-ounce jar can make up to 50 cups, making it a convenient choice for coffee lovers who want to savor great flavor every day.

What We Like
Exceptional coffee quality
Smooth and rich flavor
Quick and easy preparation
Airtight packaging for freshness
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issues
#TOP 3

Starbucks Medium Roast Instant Coffee

Medium Roast
Starbucks Medium Roast Instant Coffee Cover
Starbucks Premium Instant Coffee, Medium Roast, 100% Arabica Beans, 3 Pack (3.17 Oz Each)

Starbucks Medium Roast Premium Instant Coffee is crafted with the same high-quality 100% arabica beans used in their cafés. This 3-pack case makes up to 120 cups total, and is easy to prepare with just hot water. It has a smooth and balanced flavor with creamy notes of milk chocolate and nuts. Customers love it for its convenience and great taste, and it's also recyclable.

What We Like
Amazing flavor for instant coffee
Convenient and easy to prepare
Adjustable strength to taste
Great for travel
Enjoyed by non-coffee drinkers
What We Don't Like
Not equivalent to fresh brew
#TOP 4

Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee

00043000082713
Blue
8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee Cover
Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee, 8 oz Jar

Maxwell House Original Roast Ground Instant Coffee is an 8 oz jar of smooth, full-bodied flavor with custom-roasted coffee beans. No brewer is required for this instant coffee, just stir the mix into hot water and enjoy. It has a consistently great taste and is packaged in a resealable jar to help lock in flavor.

What We Like
Affordable price
Great flavor
Easy to prepare
Good for quick coffee
Long-standing brand
What We Don't Like
Not as good as drip coffee
Some packaging changes
#TOP 5

NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee

6 Ounce (Pack of 1)
NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee Cover
NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Colombia, Medium Roast Instant Coffee, 6 oz. Jar

NESCAFÉ Instant Coffee offers a delightful coffee experience with its rich aroma and flavor. Made from 100% Arabica beans, you can enjoy the fruity and aromatic notes that each cup provides. The quality is top-notch, as the beans are sustainably sourced from around the world. For those who love a creamy coffee, this medium roast blends seamlessly with milk or creamer, ensuring a smooth and satisfying taste. Plus, preparing your coffee is a breeze—just scoop a teaspoon, add hot water, stir, and savor your perfect cup. With up to 85 servings in a jar, you'll have plenty to enjoy.

What We Like
Good-tasting coffee
Fast shipping
Arrives in good shape
Easy to mix
Mild and medium flavor
What We Don't Like
Flavor inconsistency during Covid

Starbucks Dark Roast Instant Coffee (3 Tins)

Dark Roast
Starbucks Dark Roast Instant Coffee (3 Tins) Cover
Starbucks Premium Instant Coffee, Dark Roast, 100% Arabica Beans, 3 Pack (3.17 Oz Each)

Starbucks Dark Roast Premium Instant Coffee is crafted with the same high-quality 100% arabica beans used in their cafés. This 3-pack case makes up to 120 cups total and has a sweet and toasted flavor with delicious notes of dark chocolate. It's easy to make a smooth and delicious cup of instant coffee—simply add instant coffee, pour hot water, then stir and enjoy premium-tasting instant coffee at home.

What We Like
Best tasting instant coffee
Convenient and quick preparation
Customizable strength and flavor
Good value for quality
Lasts a long time
What We Don't Like
Expensive for instant coffee

Anthony's Organic Instant Coffee

6M-DIIT-KMQS
Anthony's Organic Instant Coffee Cover
Anthony's Organic Instant Coffee,14oz, Ultra Fine Microground, Gluten Free, Arabica, Non GMO

Anthony's Organic Instant Coffee is a high-aroma Arabica bean coffee made with USDA organic and non-GMO ingredients. It is a medium roast, caffeinated, and gluten-free coffee that easily dissolves in water. Customers love its nutty flavor, convenience, and affordability.

What We Like
Great flavor and aroma
Convenient for quick preparation
High-quality ingredients
Fine granule dissolves easily
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Can taste slightly bitter
#TOP 8

Nescafe Taster's Choice House Blend Instant Coffee

Brown
7 Ounce (Pack of 2)
Nescafe Taster's Choice House Blend Instant Coffee Cover
NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice Instant Coffee Light Medium Roast, House Blend, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each)

Nescafe Taster's Choice House Blend Instant Coffee is a light- to medium-roasted coffee with a smooth, well-balanced flavor. It is crafted with high-quality coffee beans from around the world and is easy to prepare. Each 7 oz. jar makes 105 cups of real, premium instant coffee. Customers have praised its rich flavor and convenience, as well as its affordability.

What We Like
Strong coffee flavor
Convenient and easy to use
Affordable compared to cafes
Long-lasting supply
Versatile for different tastes
What We Don't Like
Price could be lower
May require additional flavoring
#TOP 9

Illy Intenso Instant Coffee

Intenso Dark Roast
Illy Intenso Instant Coffee Cover
illy Instant Coffee- 100% Arabica Coffee – Intenso Dark Roast – Warm Notes Of Cocoa & Dried Fruit - Easy Preparation - Convenient Coffee Instant Format - Roasted In Italy – 3.3 Ounce

Illy Intenso Instant Coffee is a bold roast blend with intense, robust and full-flavored taste with notes of deep cocoa. It is made with a unique blend of 100% natural Arabica coffee, micro-ground for instant coffee preparation. It is composed of 9 of the finest Arabica coffee sources worldwide with a smooth, rich and full-bodied taste. Customers have praised its surprisingly good taste, rich flavor, and ease of preparation.

What We Like
Excellent taste
Smooth and aromatic
Dissolves easily
Good value for quality
Convenient for quick caffeine
What We Don't Like
Higher cost than average
Milder than expected for dark roast
#TOP 10

Mount Hagen Organic Freeze Dried Instant Coffee - 2 pack

TRTAZ11A
multi
Mount Hagen Organic Freeze Dried Instant Coffee - 2 pack Cover
Mount Hagen 3.53oz Organic Freeze Dried Instant Coffee - 2 pack | Eco-friendly Coffee Made From Organic Medium Roast Arabica Beans | Fair-Trade Coffee Instant [2 x 3.53oz Jar]

Mount Hagen Instant Coffee is the perfect solution for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a flavorful cup of coffee without the hassle of brewing equipment or complicated machines. Made from organic medium roast Arabica beans, this coffee is freeze-dried to retain its rich aroma and full-bodied taste. It dissolves beautifully in hot or cold water, making it a great choice for a quick coffee boost on the go. With the 2 pack, you get 2 compact 3.53oz glass jars, each containing approximately 50 cups of coffee. Mount Hagen Instant Coffee is also gluten-free, certified OU Kosher, and made from 100% USDA organic and Fairtrade beans. Try it today and taste the history of Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea.

What We Like
Outstanding flavor and aroma
Fair trade and organic
Easy and quick preparation
Consistent strength and flavor
Great for travel
What We Don't Like
Higher price than some brands
Plastic top on packaging
Buying Guide Image

The Right Instant Coffee for You

Introduction

Instant coffee, also known as soluble coffee, is a type of coffee that is made from dried coffee extract that has been dissolved in hot water. It is a convenient option for many coffee lovers, as it requires no brewing and can be prepared quickly and easily. However, with so many different brands and varieties of instant coffee available on the market, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. In this article, we will discuss some key factors to consider when choosing the right instant coffee for you.

The Importance of Quality

When it comes to choosing instant coffee, the most important factor to consider is the quality of the coffee itself. The best instant coffee is made from high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans that are carefully selected and processed to retain their natural flavors and aromas. Look for instant coffee that is made from 100% Arabica beans, which are known for their rich, smooth flavor and pleasant aroma. Avoid instant coffee that is made from lower-quality Robusta beans, as these tend to have a bitter, harsh taste and lack the delicate flavors of Arabica beans.

The Roasting Process

The roasting process is also crucial in determining the quality of instant coffee. The beans are roasted at high temperatures to bring out their flavors and aromas, but if they are roasted for too long or at too high a temperature, they can become burnt and bitter. On the other hand, if the beans are not roasted for long enough, they will lack flavor and aroma. Look for instant coffee that is made from beans that are roasted to perfection, using a gentle and slow roasting process that preserves their natural flavors and aromas.

The Extraction Process

The extraction process is another important factor to consider when choosing instant coffee. The coffee extract is made by brewing the coffee beans and then removing the water, leaving a concentrated liquid that contains all the flavors and aromas of the coffee. The quality of the extraction process can affect the flavor and aroma of the instant coffee, so it is important to choose a brand that uses a high-quality extraction process. Look for instant coffee that is made using a gentle and slow extraction process, which will help to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas of the coffee.

The Packaging

The packaging of instant coffee is also an important factor to consider. The coffee needs to be packaged in an airtight container to preserve its flavor and aroma, and to prevent it from degrading over time. Look for instant coffee that is packaged in a vacuum-sealed container, which will help to keep the coffee fresh and prevent it from losing its flavor and aroma. Avoid instant coffee that is packaged in a bag or a container with a loose lid, as this can allow air to enter and degrade the quality of the coffee.

The Flavor and Aroma

Finally, the flavor and aroma of the instant coffee are important factors to consider. The best instant coffee has a rich, smooth flavor and a pleasant aroma that will awaken your senses and provide a satisfying and enjoyable coffee experience. Take the time to sample different brands and varieties of instant coffee to find one that has the flavor and aroma that you enjoy the most.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right instant coffee for you. Look for instant coffee that is made from high-quality Arabica beans, using a gentle and slow roasting and extraction process, and packaged in a vacuum-sealed container. Sample different brands and varieties of instant coffee to find one that has the flavor and aroma that you enjoy the most. With a little bit of research and experimentation, you can find the perfect instant coffee for your tastes and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between instant coffee and regular coffee?

The main difference between instant coffee and regular coffee is the preparation process. Instant coffee is made from dried coffee extract and is more concentrated. It is created through a quick drying or freeze-drying process, resulting in a powdered coffee extract. When hot water is added, it quickly dissolves to create a cup of coffee.

2. Is instant coffee the healthiest?

Instant coffee can offer numerous health benefits and may even contain more antioxidants than other types of coffee. It provides an easily customizable cup in terms of caffeine and flavor. Additionally, it can be a more sustainable option with less waste compared to other brewing methods.

3. Why is instant coffee better for you?

Instant coffee can have higher levels of important antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and polyphenols compared to brewed coffee. These antioxidants have potential health benefits. However, it is important to note that the overall healthiness of coffee depends on various factors, including the individual's health and consumption moderation.

4. Which is better instant coffee or ground coffee?

While instant coffee offers convenience and affordability, the flavor and quality of freshly ground Arabica coffee cannot be matched. Ground coffee provides a wider range of flavor profiles, offering a more enjoyable and flavorful coffee experience.

5. Does instant coffee taste better than regular coffee?

Freshly brewed coffee retains more essential oils and chemical compounds, resulting in a fuller and more subtle taste compared to most instant coffees. Fresh coffee also offers a greater variety of flavors to explore.

6. Is instant coffee hard on your stomach?

Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can be problematic for some individuals due to the acidity present in coffee. Additionally, the caffeine content in both instant and regular coffee can cause stomach discomfort for some people. It is advisable to consume coffee in moderation and with food to minimize potential stomach issues.

7. Is instant coffee good for the liver?

Coffee, including instant coffee, has been associated with various liver benefits. It can lower the risk of liver conditions like fibrosis and cirrhosis. Drinking coffee, regardless of the preparation method, has shown beneficial effects on liver health. However, it is important to consume coffee in moderation and as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Editor's Notes

During our instant coffee research, we found 24 instant coffee products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 272,740 customer reviews through our big data system to write the instant coffee list. We found that most customers choose instant coffee with an average price of $13.79.

The instant coffee are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of instant coffee, including Folgers, Starbucks, MAXWELL HOUSE, Anthony's, Illy. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Instant Coffee Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Folgers NESCAFÉ Starbucks MAXWELL HOUSE NESCAFÉ Starbucks Anthony's NESCAFÉ Illy Mount Hagen
Item Form Instant Powder Instant Powder Granule Instant Instant Granule Granule Granule
Flavor Classic Roast Blonde Medium Roast Medium Roast Unflavored Dark Roast Arabica House Blend Intenso Dark Roast Coffee
Caffeine Content Description Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated Caffeinated
Roast Level Medium Roast Light Roast Medium Roast Medium Roast Medium Roast Dark Roast Medium Roast Medium Roast Dark Roast Medium Roast
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
Where to Buy