After taste-testing the 'black' instant coffee, we added a light stream of whole milk and determined how the dairy influenced the taste and acidity.

We first sampled the instant coffee without any additional ingredients, which gave us the opportunity to evaluate the flavors and aromas minus potential obstructions. Instant coffee crystals can be dissolved in water at any temperature, but because the majority of instructions on the packages themselves recommended hot water, we made each instant brew using water that was freshly boiled, then allowed to cool for one to two minutes to prevent burning. Price: Instant coffee can be a smart move for budget-conscious drinkers, so we compared the size of each container to its retail price to find the instant coffee that offers the greatest value. Some of the specific characteristics that we looked for included acidity, bitterness, and multiple taste layers.Īroma: One of the most attractive aspects of brewed coffee is its fragrance, so we evaluated the aroma of each instant coffee to see if it reminded us of the scents we love from coffeeshop coffee or home-brewed coffee. Runners-Up: Café Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee, Nescafé Clásico Dark Roast Instant Coffeeīest Bargain: Signature Select Instant Coffee Crystalsīest for Travel: Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals What We Looked For When Ranking Instant Coffeeįlavor: Because flavor is the most commonly criticized trait of instant coffee, we paid particular attention to how well each brand's crystals delivered an appealing flavor profile with similarities to brewed coffee. We tried five popular (and widely available) instant coffees to find the ones that pack the greatest punch in terms of flavor, aroma, and caffeine content.īest Overall: Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee in Pike Place Roast In these situations, instant coffee can seem like a total lifesaver. Plenty of coffee aficionados choose to brew their own java from pre-ground beans or from whole beans that they grind themselves, but a hurried, gotta-get-out-the-door morning doesn't leave room for full-scale coffee making. While swinging by a favorite coffeehouse for a quality to-go cup is an option, budget and time constraints can make that challenging. For many workers, students, and adults in general, a cup of coffee is a non-negotiable must-have in the morning (and, for some, throughout the day).

Instant coffee caffeine content