These Instant Coffees Will Make You Ditch Your Coffee Pot
Take your favorite coffee everywhere you go.
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There's nothing like a stiff cup o' joe to start the morning, but whether you are traveling, on-the-go, or just in a rush, you may not always have the time—or the appliances—needed to brew your favorite roast. While you can always stop at a coffee shop, the quicker—and more affordable—option is instant coffee. Now, we will admit that instant coffee has a bad rap, but there are some options out there that are delicious, and will leave you so satisfied you may find yourself neglecting your coffee pot. To help you out, we gathered up our favorite instant coffees out there that are available today. Look below for our top picks, and reviews on each one.
The 6 Best Instant Coffees of 2022
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How We Selected
To find the best instant coffees among the many options out there, we looked at expert-tested reviews from trusted sources. We then took into account flavor, amount, caffeine levels, and grittiness. Finally, we consulted reviews written by people who’ve bought these products on sites like Amazon, to settle on the instant coffees you'll find below.
Looking for some more great coffee related products? Check out our favorite espresso machines and gifts for coffee lovers.
This coffee may not have the most reviews, but it has some of the most overwhelmingly positive ones. Multiple customer reviews claim that this is the best instant coffee they have ever had, and praise it for being flavorful and lacking bitterness. Many say they enjoyed drinking it black.
Key Specs
| Roast | medium |
|---|---|
| Amount | 8 ounces |
| Organic | yes |
If you want something you can take camping, or just shove a few in a purse, small packs like this are the way to go. Though these come in a few different roasts, the French is best if you prefer something dark. It is rich, well-rounded, and smooth. Because it is so dark and smokey, however, make sure you mix in enough water or you will be in for a strong mouthful.
Key Specs
| Roast | French |
|---|---|
| Amount | 50 packets |
| Organic | no |
For a basic medium roast, you can look to one of the originals—Maxwell House. This may not be a craft cup of coffee, but it is light, balanced, and very drinkable. If you are looking for a budget option, this is definitely one, coming in at only $5 for 8 ounces.
Key Specs
| Roast | medium |
|---|---|
| Amount | 8 ounces |
| Organic | No |
If you prefer Americanos (or just a strong, dark coffee), you may prefer these instant espresso packets. The flavor is bold yet smooth, and it is a favorite for making cafe con leche, though it is delicious on its own or with a splash of cream as well.
Key Specs
| Roast | Espresso |
|---|---|
| Amount | 24 packets |
| Organic | No |
Not only is this coffee pleasant to look at, it offers many different flavors and roasts including the light roast, which has notes of florals, caramel and brown sugar. Instant coffee can also have some unsavory additives, but this one uses only freeze-dried beans, which makes for a delicious and clean cup.
Key Specs
| Roast | light |
|---|---|
| Amount | 8 packets |
| Organic | no |
If you are sensitive to caffeine, you may want to opt for a gentler option. This one is made not only with coffee, but from mushrooms as well. Believe it or not though, coffee is all you will taste. It contains only 50 mg of caffeine (about half the amount in a standard cup of coffee), and includes Lion's Mane and chaga, which help with focus, productivity, and creativity.
Key Specs
| Roast | mushroom blend |
|---|---|
| Amount | 10 packets |
| Organic | Yes |
Before joining Runner's World, Gabrielle Hondorp spent 6 years in running retail (she has tested top gear from shoes, to watches, to rain jackets which has expanded her expertise—and her closets); she specializes in health and wellness, and is an expert on running gear from head-to-toe. Gabi began her journalism career as a Digital Editorial Fellow for Runner’s World and Bicycling Magazine, and has since advanced to a Runner's World Editor specializing in commerce. She has a double degree in English and Media and Communication from Muhlenberg College where she also ran cross country and track.
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