Looking For A Quicker Coffee?

Instant coffee can be a lifesaver or an instant regret. Some brands deliver a rich, satisfying cup, while others leave you disappointed. So, we've taken the time to sift through reviews and expert opinions to compile a list of the worst and best instant coffee brands to help you choose the right one for you. If you're looking to find a cheaper and quicker cup of joe to start your mornings with, then keep reading!

1. Maxwell House

Bitter, overly roasted, and lacking depth, Maxwell House instant coffee doesn't live up to its reputation. Made with lower-quality Robusta beans, it delivers a harsh flavor with little balance. That famous "good to the last drop" slogan? For many coffee lovers, one sip is more than enough.

2. Folgers Classic Roast

Folgers may be a household name, but Classic Roast instant coffee falls short on flavor. Flat and uninspiring, it leans heavily on Robusta beans, resulting in a cup that lacks brightness and complexity. Despite its widespread popularity, the forgettable aftertaste is the only thing genuinely classic here.

3. Nescafé Original

Nescafé Original delivers more bite than balance thanks to its Harsh and overwhelmingly bitter taste. High-heat processing strips the beans of their natural depth, which leaves behind an artificial, almost burnt aftertaste. Its widespread availability may make it convenient, but this one misses the mark when it comes to flavor.

4. Seattle's Best

Expectations run high for a brand backed by Starbucks, but Seattle's Best Instant Coffee tells a different story. The first sip hits with a sharp bitterness, followed by a burnt aftertaste that lingers too long. Any hint of natural sweetness has been roasted away; all left is a metallic edge.

5. Death Wish Coffee

More caffeine doesn't always mean better coffee. Death Wish instant coffee packs an overwhelming punch but sacrifices flavor. The result? A cup that's aggressively bitter with a lingering, earthy aftertaste. Energy seekers may appreciate the kick, but true coffee enthusiasts won't return for another sip.

6. Community Coffee

Muted flavors and a slightly sour finish make Community Coffee's instant variety a letdown. Though their whole-bean offerings earn praise, the instant version lacks structure. Instead of delivering a well-balanced profile, it veers towards bitterness and an unpleasantly dry sensation on the palate.

7. Luzianne Coffee & Chicory

Adding chicory can enhance coffee's richness, but in Luzianne's case, it creates an overly harsh, earthy bitterness. High acrylamide levels raise additional concerns, making this a poor choice for taste and health-conscious consumers. Traditionalists may enjoy it. However, many find the flavors jarring and unrefined.

8. Melitta Traditional Premium Roast

Bitter and lacking balance, Melitta's instant blend fails to impress. Despite the "premium" label, it relies on harsh, over-roasted notes that drown out any subtlety. Beyond the disappointing taste, concerns about its chemical composition add another drawback, making this a less-than-ideal pick for both flavor and well-being.

9. Safeway Instant Coffee

Supermarket generics rarely shine, and Safeway's instant coffee is no exception. It is astringent and flat while offering little beyond a vague burnt taste. Lacking acidity or sweetness, this coffee barely qualifies as drinkable. Even adding milk and sugar does little to redeem its shortcomings.

10. Taster's Choice

If you're considering complexity, this one won't make the cut. Watery and lacking depth, Taster's Choice leans more toward bland than bold. Its dominant notes resemble charred wood rather than well-roasted beans, leaving a dry, uninspired finish. For a brand that suggests refined taste, this cup falls surprisingly short.

These brands miss the mark, but others prove that convenience and quality can go hand in hand. Now, let's move on to the instant coffees that don't just compete with Starbucks; they surpass it.

1. Mount Hagen Organic Instant Coffee

Some instant coffees try too hard, but Mount Hagen keeps it smooth. With a natural sweetness and just the right hint of cocoa, every sip feels like a well-earned coffee break. Thanks to low-temperature freeze-drying, the flavors stay intact—because good coffee should never taste rushed.

2. Waka Coffee

The first sip surprises with a burst of brightness and just the right touch of sweetness. Waka Coffee doesn't taste like an instant; it tastes like the real deal. Made from 100% Arabica beans and freeze-dried to preserve delicate floral notes, it delivers a freshly brewed cup no matter where you are.

3. Swift Cup Coffee

From the first sip, Swift Cup delivers a smooth, vibrant experience that feels anything but instant. Its carefully sourced single-origin beans pack in bright fruit notes and a clean finish, which creates a cup that's lively yet balanced. Specialty roasters add their touch to make each brew taste expertly crafted—because it is.

4. Cometeer Coffee

More than just instant, Cometeer offers frozen coffee pods that preserve the integrity of specialty beans. This innovative approach locks in aromas and flavors, producing a cup that mirrors a fresh pour-over. Its chocolatey depth and velvety body redefine expectations for instant coffee.

5. Equator Coffees

Are you a coffee lover seeking quality and consistency? Equator Coffees delivers just that. Sourced from Sumatra, Kenya, Colombia, and Honduras, it is an instant brew with bold flavors and deep fruit undertones. Each sip captures the richness of its whole-bean counterparts.

6. Joe Coffee: The Daily

Mornings deserve more than a dull cup, and Joe Coffee delivers. This medium roast blends comforting cocoa and toasted almond notes into a smooth, balanced brew. Sourced from high-quality Arabica beans, it skips the bitterness and keeps the richness. Whether enjoyed black or with a splash of milk, every sip feels like a coffee shop moment.

7. Café Altura Organic Instant Coffee

With sustainable farming practices, this brand caters to both taste and environmental consciousness. Café Altura delivers a rich, full-bodied instant brew without compromising on quality. Its subtle caramel undertones make it a satisfying alternative to fresh-brewed coffee. Great flavor, guilt-free sourcing; what's not to love?

8. Black Rifle Coffee

This is coffee with an edge—bold and smoky. From the first sip, Black Rifle's instant brew delivers a full-bodied punch that fuels early mornings and long adventures. Designed for those who need great coffee anywhere, it proves that convenience doesn't have to mean compromise.

9. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Mix

Four Sigmatic redefines instant coffee by blending high-quality Arabica beans with functional mushrooms. Its unique combination reduces acidity while enhancing natural sweetness, creating a mellow, chocolate-kissed finish. This cup delivers the best of both worlds for those seeking bold flavor and wellness benefits.

10. Saturnbird Instant Coffee

The aroma hits first, warm and rich with promise. As you take the first sip, caramelized sweetness and deep, toasty notes take center stage, making it hard to believe this came from an instant packet. Saturnbird defies expectations and proves that speed and quality coexist in perfect harmony.