I'm a coffee fanatic, and I'm all about going the extra mile to make that perfect cup of joe. From meticulously picking the finest beans to choosing the brewing method that hits the spot, finding that ideal travel mug, and even fine-tuning our coffee techniques, I'm there for it all. You might think it's a bit odd, then, for me to suggest that instant coffee is worth a shot. I mean, the words "best instant coffee" might sound like a contradiction, right? But wait, don't write it off just yet! The world of instant coffee has evolved big time.
It's not just about the old-school giants like Folgers anymore. We've got craft brands in the game now, and they're brewing up instant coffee that's, dare I say it, actually pretty darn good.
Okay, I get it. If you're a die-hard coffee connoisseur, instant coffee might not be your go-to for your daily caffeine fix. But trust me, a quality instant coffee can be a lifesaver when you're out camping, traveling, or dealing with one of those chaotic mornings.
When there's no way you can hit up your favorite coffee joint, instant coffee is like the ultimate coffee cheat code: a couple of stirs, some hot water, and boom, you're good to go. But let's be real, not all instant coffees are created equal. They vary a ton from brand to brand. Some instant coffee packs deliver a rich, fragrant cup with layers of flavor that'll blow your mind, while others leave you with a sad mug of that old-school, diner-style coffee that tastes like it's been sitting there forever.
What is instant coffee?
Let's get down to the basics of instant coffee. It's a quick and convenient way to enjoy a cup of coffee. Here's how it works: real coffee beans are brewed into a concentrated liquid, and then the water is removed, leaving you with coffee crystals. When you're in a hurry or don't have access to a coffee machine, you can easily whip up a cup of coffee by adding hot water and giving it a good stir. No fancy equipment or barista skills needed.
The great thing about instant coffee is that it's incredibly shelf-stable, so you can keep it in your pantry for a long time without worrying about it going bad. It's a practical option to have on hand for those moments when you need a quick caffeine fix.
Now, here's the catch: not all instant coffees are made equal. Some brands use better beans and more refined methods, resulting in a tastier cup, while others might leave you with a less satisfying coffee experience.
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Best Instant Coffee
Mount Hagen Freeze Dried Instant Coffee
It's one of the smoothest and tastiest instant coffees you can lay your hands on. My first encounter with it was on a road trip, and get this—I didn't even bother mixing it with hot water, as the brand suggests. Yet, I was so taken with the flavor that I've now got a jar of it stashed in my kitchen for those times when I don't feel like brewing a whole pot of coffee. Plus, like most instant coffees, Mount Hagen is a trusty companion for camping trips.
Now, the flavor itself might be a bit on the generic side, but it's in a good way. It strikes a balance between a mild acidity and those deep, roasted notes, resulting in a well-rounded cup that won't slap your taste buds around like some other instant coffees tend to do.
You can grab Mount Hagen's instant coffee in different forms: jars, pouches, or single-serve sticks. That variety really comes in handy. Sure, it might be a tad pricier than your typical budget instant coffee brands, but trust me, the flavor more than makes up for the extra cost. Take, for example, the 3.53-ounce jar—the one I usually go for—giving you about 60 servings. And on top of all that goodness, Mount Hagen Instant Coffee also boasts that Certified Organic label.
Medaglia D'Oro Instant Espresso Coffee
One of the things I absolutely adore about this coffee is, no surprise, its taste. Medaglia D'oro serves up a rich, full-bodied flavor that's right up my alley because I'm all about that strong coffee. I usually go for the Italian Roast, and if you're a coffee enthusiast, you probably know that Italian Roast means business. The way this coffee is ground, almost like a fine powder, guarantees that robust kick every time. Plus, you don't have to go all out with the coffee quantity every brew because of that fine grind.
Now, my second favorite coffee, in a close race with Starbucks, is Medaglia D'oro's ultimate brew. It's right up there with Starbucks for me because it packs a punch, and you can actually savor that coffee goodness on your tongue. You know what I mean, right? The best coffees have that quality where you can feel the coffee's full flavor on your tongue, and it's a game-changer.
Medaglia D'oro is an espresso ground coffee, which means it's finely ground. I lean towards the finer grind coffees because they just brew better in so many ways. Like I mentioned earlier, the fine grind leaves that delightful, slightly gritty sensation on your tongue, which does wonders for the overall taste experience. And the best part is, with a fine grind like this, you don't need to use as much coffee as you would with a coarser grind. It's a win-win!
Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee
When it comes to two of the finest culinary treasures on Earth – coffee and pasta – Italy knows how to do them best. However, there's a Mediterranean coffee preference that many of us across the pond just can't quite embrace, and that's the Italian roast coffee. Italian roast beans go through a roasting process that turns them into a deep purplish-black shade, and in the process, it roasts away all of the coffee's terroir – those unique flavor characteristics that come from the coffee bean's origin and growth.
Now, Italian roast coffee is a whole different ballgame. It's super dark, intensely bold, and packs a punch with low acidity, a noticeable bitterness, and smoky hints that dance on your taste buds. If you're picking up any flavors in the Starbucks VIA Instant Italian Roast Coffee, you're likely to detect rich cacao and charred marshmallow notes.
Now, here's the scoop: among the Starbucks instant coffees on this list, the Italian roast comes the closest to mimicking a freshly brewed cup of coffee. However, it does have one thing working against it – it tends to be a bit on the greasier side, leaving a film in your mouth after that last sip, which isn't everyone's jam. The dark roast might not be everyone's favorite, but you can always switch things up and use hot milk to create a more café au lait style. And here's the kicker – the Starbucks Instant Italian Roast won't break the bank, costing you about a buck a cup, definitely less than a visit to an actual Starbucks.
Juan Valdez Colombian Coffee
According to Juan Valdez, their freeze-dried coffee granules are as close as you can get to a freshly brewed cup. However, our experience with this product didn't exactly start on the right foot. When we added hot water to the crystals, the aroma we got was far from delightful. It had that burnt and stale scent, reminding us of some of the lower-tier brands like Folgers and Maxwell House.
The instructions provided didn't specify the water quantity, so we went with 8 ounces, which resulted in a rich, deep black coffee concentration. But after that first sip, we were left scratching our heads, wondering if we'd missed something. Because, well, we couldn't taste much of anything at all. It turns out that the instructions do call for 1 teaspoon of coffee granules per cup, which was puzzling given the almost non-existent flavor. So, we decided to double up and add another teaspoon.
Finally, after doubling down on the product, we got a real taste of the coffee, and it was quite a pleasant surprise. The initial smell might have thrown us off, but it turns out that this instant coffee is made with quality Colombian coffee, known for its smooth and enjoyable flavor, which some say even rivals Arabica beans. Juan Valdez Instant Colombian Coffee strikes a pleasing balance between bold and bright, but it only delivers when you double up on those coffee crystals.
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee
Folgers' instant coffee has quite the fan club on Amazon, boasting over 15,500 five-star reviews. Many folks praise how it manages to nail that classic coffee taste, almost like your everyday brew. And considering the price, it's a tough deal to pass up. If your main goal is getting your caffeine fix in the easiest, most budget-friendly way, and you're not too picky about diving into the finer points of flavor profiles and roast levels, then this budget-friendly option might be just what you're looking for.
The coffee this brand serves up is a bit on the bitter and greasy side. It starts off as a decent medium roast, but the beans they use are of such low quality and age that they spoil any hope of enjoying the roast's true flavors. You're left with a mouth-coating film and a not-so-pleasant aftertaste that you might want to mask with a generous dose of sugar and cream.
Now, we're all for affordable, everyday coffees that don't break the bank. Not every cup needs to be a high-brow, single-origin, artisanal masterpiece. But even in the realm of daily coffee brands, there are far better options than Folgers Classic Roast. That being said, if you're in a pinch with only a single dollar to spare and you're standing in the aisles of Target, it's worth noting that Folgers Instant Coffee will get you seven servings without breaking the bank. It may not be the best, but it's certainly affordable.
Conclusion
So there you have it, our whirlwind journey through the world of instant coffee, uncovering the gems and passing over the duds. We've sipped our way through the flavorful, robust cups of Medaglia D'oro and the bold Starbucks VIA Instant Italian Roast. And while we appreciate the convenience and budget-friendliness of Folgers Classic Roast, we've learned that it might not be everyone's cup of coffee.
But what's clear is that instant coffee is no longer the bland, bitter brew it used to be. Brands like Mount Hagen prove that you can enjoy a rich, smooth cup without sacrificing convenience. So, whether you're a dedicated coffee connoisseur or just looking for a quick caffeine fix, the world of instant coffee has a lot to offer. It's a versatile, accessible, and affordable option that, in the right hands (or cups), can deliver a satisfying coffee experience. Cheers to discovering your favorite instant brew!
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