Instant Coffee Guide: Find the Right Coffee for Any Occasion

Need a quick cup of coffee without the hassle of a coffee machine? For many, instant coffee is the ideal solution. It's fast, convenient, and only requires hot water. But with so many options on the shelves, choosing the right jar can be a challenge. This guide is designed to help you find an instant coffee that suits your taste and budget, based on clear product information.

Instant Coffee Buyer's Guide

Before we dive into our recommendations, here are a few key points to consider when choosing instant coffee.

1. Production Method: Freeze-Drying vs. Spray-Drying

The way coffee powder is made significantly impacts its flavour. There are two common methods:

• Freeze-dried coffee: In this process, the brewed coffee is frozen and then dried in a vacuum. According to manufacturers, this helps to better preserve the aromas and flavours, often resulting in a milder and more complex taste.
• Spray-drying: This involves spraying the liquid coffee into a stream of hot air, which evaporates the water and leaves behind a powder. This is a faster and more cost-effective process, which often leads to a stronger, more robust flavour.

2. Bean Type: Arabica and Robusta

Just like with regular coffee beans, instant coffee is typically made from Arabica or Robusta beans, or a blend of the two.

• Arabica: Known for a smooth, aromatic, and slightly acidic taste.
• Robusta: Has a stronger, fuller, and often slightly bitter taste, and generally contains more caffeine.

The ratio of these beans determines the final flavour profile of the coffee.

3. Package Size

Instant coffee is available in various sizes. A jar of 200g instant coffee is a popular choice for households and offices. It's a convenient size that lasts a while, but isn't so large that the coffee loses its freshness before the jar is empty.

Popular Instant Coffee Choices

Below is a selection of popular instant coffees that are currently in high demand. The descriptions are based on manufacturer specifications.

Nescafe Gold Instant Coffee - 200 g

Why It Stands Out According to Nescafé, this coffee is made from a blend of lightly roasted Arabica coffee beans. The focus is on a mild taste and a rich aroma, making it a sophisticated choice within the instant coffee segment.

Pros

• Made with Arabica beans for a smooth flavour.
• According to the manufacturer, 100% responsibly sourced coffee.
• Packaged in a glass jar to preserve the aromas.

Who It's For? For the coffee drinker who prefers a milder, aromatic cup and appreciates the refined taste of Arabica beans.

Nescafé Original Instant Coffee - 200 g

Why It Stands Out This is the classic, recognisable flavour that many people associate with Nescafé. The blend of Arabica and Robusta beans creates a strong and full-bodied taste.

Pros

• A blend of Arabica and Robusta beans for a robust flavour.
• The familiar, iconic taste of Nescafé Original.
• A great choice for those who enjoy a strong, straightforward cup of coffee.

Who It's For? Ideal for anyone looking for a bold and reliable cup of coffee to start their day. A no-nonsense choice for a powerful flavour.

G'woon Instant Coffee Gold - 200 g

Why It Stands Out G'woon offers an accessibly priced option that uses a freeze-drying process. According to the product information, this coffee combines the smooth aroma of Arabica with the powerful taste of Robusta. The Rainforest Alliance certification is an added bonus.

Pros

• Produced via the freeze-dried coffee process.
• Rainforest Alliance certified, which supports sustainable agriculture.
• A balanced flavour thanks to the blend of Arabica and Robusta.

Who It's For? For the budget-conscious consumer seeking a good balance between taste, price, and sustainability. A great everyday coffee.

Looking For Something Else?

If your ideal match isn't here or you're curious about other varieties, such as decaf or specialty coffees, a wide range of options is available.

Check out our full range of instant ground coffee for more choices.

View More Instant Coffee

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Coffee

1. What is the difference between instant coffee and filter coffee? The main difference lies in the preparation. Filter coffee is made by pouring hot water over ground coffee beans, allowing the beverage to drip through a filter. Instant coffee has already been brewed and then dried into a powder or granules. You only need to add hot water to rehydrate the coffee.

2. How do you make a good cup of instant coffee? For a better taste experience, it's best to let the water cool slightly after boiling (to about 90-95°C) before pouring it over the coffee powder. Boiling water can give the coffee a burnt taste. Stir well until all the granules have dissolved. The amount of coffee powder is a matter of personal preference, but start with one teaspoon per cup and adjust to your taste.

3. Does freeze-dried coffee taste better? Many manufacturers and coffee lovers indicate that the freeze-drying process better preserves the delicate aromas of the coffee compared to spray-drying. This can result in a milder and more nuanced flavour. However, whether it's truly "better" remains a matter of personal taste.