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7 Best Instant Coffees of 2025 That Taste Delicious
Written By Natalie Wilkinson
We’ve all been there—coffee that doesn’t hit the spot. Maybe it’s bitter, watery, or too strong. Everyone likes their coffee differently. Some prefer a rich, bold roast, while others lean toward something milder and more balanced.
No one wants to start their day with a cup that doesn’t deliver
Coffee is personal. And the taste of bad coffee lingers—it sticks with you. But when it’s good? You want more. Some love a strong grind, while others prefer a mellow brew. We ranked the seven best instant coffees on the market. After careful consideration, we voted the VitaCup Slim Instant Coffee as best overall. Want options? Find out who snagged the runner-up spot below!
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7 Best Instant Coffees of 2025
VitaCup Instant Coffee
Best Overall
Coming in as our best overall instant coffee, the VitaCup Instant Coffee offers a lot to love if you’re looking for more than just coffee. Instead of focusing purely on taste, this fortified coffee is designed to help with weight management. Ingredients-wise, it’s infused with Garcinia cambogia, natural fiber, and B vitamins—superfoods that support your fitness goals and help curb snack cravings.
While the runner-up (below) delivers a delicious cup, the best overall goes beyond with its blend of Arabica beans and wellness-boosting ingredients. Each of the 24 single-serve packets offers a bold, smooth flavor while helping you stay on track with your diet. So, if you want a coffee that tastes great and supports your weight loss journey, this is the one.
Starbucks Instant Coffee
Best Light Roast
A “blonde roast” is actually a real term. It refers to a light roast coffee. Shorter roasting times result in more fruity and delicate flavors. The Starbucks Instant Coffee perfectly captures this, offering a smooth, subtle cup with hints of toasted malt and milk chocolate. With a 4.5-star rating from over 7,700 happy customers and ranked #15 in Instant Coffee on Amazon, it’s clear why this blend is a fan favorite and our runner-up.
The reputable brand worked with Latin American coffee farmers for decades to craft this brew. Essentially, each of the 50 single-serve packets brings you a bright, mellow coffee taste that pairs beautifully with milk.
Waka Instant Coffee
Best Flavored Coffees
I love drinking flavored coffee on the weekends. What flavors are the best? This brand’s instant coffee lineup has something for everyone, with decadent brews like Dark Chocolate and Maple Mocha. But if you prefer to stick with something classic, the Waka Medium Roast is a great choice. Flavor-wise, it offers a smooth, well-balanced taste with subtle citrus notes.
Moreover, this coffee comes in 8 single-serve packets, perfect for quick cups anytime. Plus, it’s freeze-dried to preserve the rich aroma and freshness. This results in a quality cup of coffee every time.
Folgers Instant Coffee
Budget-Friendly Pick
Not a fan of single-serve packets? The Folgers Instant Coffee comes in a full-size container for when you need more. Flavor-wise, this grind is a medium roast and delivers “a taste that’s loved by millions.” With over 22,000 reviews, it’s no surprise it holds a rock-solid 4.7-star rating. It’s also ranked #3 in Instant Coffee on Amazon, with over 10,000 sold just this month.
So, whether you’re brewing a quick morning coffee or refilling throughout the day, this grind is affordable and yummy. Essentially, each 8-ounce jar gives you the perfect cup with just a teaspoon.
Maxwell House Mocha Instant Coffee
For Chocolate Lovers
For those who love chocolate and coffee, meet your new favorite: Maxwell House Mocha Instant Coffee. With a rich, creamy flavor, this café-style mocha latte is perfect for mornings or as an afternoon treat. It holds a solid 4.6-star rating from over 2,300 happy customers. And ranks #11 in Instant Coffee on Amazon.
Of course, if mocha isn’t your thing, the brand offers many flavors, including French Vanilla, Vanilla Caramel, and even Decaf Sugar-Free Suisse Mocha. Each 8.5-ounce canister makes about nine servings, and the resealable lid locks in that delicious flavor between uses. So, whether you stir it into hot water or milk, or use it as a creamer, this mix guarantees a smooth, flavorful cup every time.
Anthony’s Organic Instant Coffee
Best Eco-Friendly Grind
Do you prefer organic coffee? With Anthony’s Organic Instant Coffee, there’s no guesswork—it’s pure and simple with just one ingredient: organic coffee. In essence, this ultra-fine coffee, made from high-aroma Arabica beans, dissolves easily for a quick and delicious cup every time.
Moreover, the beans are sourced from Latin America and packed in California. This java is ideal for anyone who values both quality and sustainability. With a #16 ranking in Instant Coffee and over 5,100 reviews, it’s a top choice for organic coffee lovers. A delighted customer shared the following review: “I’m genuinely impressed. The rich, robust flavor is surprisingly comparable to freshly brewed coffee, and the aroma is wonderfully inviting.” —Paul & Rachelle
Mount Hagen Instant Coffee
Best Organic Coffee
Rounding out our list is a coffee you don’t want to miss. The Mount Hagen Instant Coffee is all about bold flavor with a conscience. This grind is made from 100% organic Arabica beans and delivers a rich, smooth taste that’s often called the best in organic instant coffee. It’s clear this brew is loved by many, with a 4.6-star rating from 5,700+ happy customers.
So, what makes it special? It’s Fair-Trade certified, meaning every sip supports sustainable farming and worker well-being. Further, each jar packs about 60 servings of full-bodied, aromatic goodness, perfect for both hot and iced coffee. Essentially, this brand stands out as the go-to for organic coffee drinkers who won’t compromise on flavor.
Choosing the Best Instant Coffee: A User's Guide
7 Benefits of Drinking Instant Coffee Regularly
- Boosts energy: increases alertness and reduces fatigue by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep.
- Improves focus: caffeine can enhance focus and cognitive performance in the short term.
- Rich in antioxidants: coffee is a major source of antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Supports metabolism: caffeine has been shown to boost metabolic rate, which may contribute to fat-burning and weight loss.
- Improves mood: caffeine stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin, which can elevate mood.
- May lower disease risk: studies link regular coffee consumption to reduced risk of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes.
- Supports liver health: research suggests coffee may protect against cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer.
5 Things You Need to Consider When Choosing Instant Coffee
Whether you like a light roast, a bold, dark brew, or something with added benefits (hello, VitaCup Slim), here’s what you should consider when picking your next instant coffee.
1. Roast Level
One of the first things to consider is the roast level. Do you like something light, medium, or dark? Personally, I gravitate toward a light roast because I enjoy the fruity, delicate flavors. But, I’ll admit, I can appreciate a medium roast when I’m in the mood for something bolder.
If you’re unsure, ask yourself: Do I prefer a smoother, less intense flavor (light roast)? Or do I want something with a bit more depth (medium or dark roast)? For example, if you like a light roast with notes of chocolate, you might love the Starbucks Blonde Roast. But if you’re leaning toward a fortified roast, the best overall, VitaCup Slim, could be a game-changer with its extra health benefits.
2. Flavor & Additives
Do you want pure coffee or something with a bit of extra flavor? Some instant coffees include delicious added notes like vanilla, mocha, or caramel. If you’re like me and sometimes crave a flavored cup, brands like Waka Coffee’s flavored varieties might be perfect.
However, it’s not just about taste—think about additives too. VitaCup Slim is packed with superfoods like Garcinia cambogia and B vitamins, which are great if you want something that supports your fitness routine.
3. Convenience
Okay, we all know instant coffee is supposed to be convenient. But how it’s packaged makes a big difference. Are you the type of person who loves single-serve packets (quick and easy)? Or do you prefer a container that you can scoop from when you need a larger batch?
For example, VitaCup Slim comes in easy-to-use single-serve sticks, while the Folgers Classic Roast offers a full-size container for people who drink coffee more regularly. If you’re like me and always on the go, I can’t recommend single-serve packets enough—they’re quick and easy.
4. Sustainability
If sustainability is important to you, pay attention to certifications. Some brands, like Mount Hagen (our last pick), offer organic and Fair-Trade options. They’re perfect if you want to feel good about your coffee’s environmental impact. Personally, I love knowing my coffee is sourced responsibly.
5. Price vs. Value
We can’t ignore price—especially if you’re drinking coffee daily. How much are you willing to spend on coffee? If you’re looking for affordability, you might find that options like Folgers are more budget-friendly. But if you want something with added value, like VitaCup Slim, you might be okay with spending more for the health benefits.
I like to balance price with quality—sometimes it’s worth investing in a brand that offers extra benefits or a flavor you love.
My Secret to the Perfect Cup of Coffee
Let me tell you about the time my friend took a sip of my coffee and stopped in her tracks. She looked at me and said, “What is this? Why does it taste so good?” I just smiled, letting her enjoy a few more sips before spilling my secret.
The truth? It wasn’t anything fancy—it was the condensed milk. Just a teaspoon along with my homemade coffee creamer turned my cup of instant into something decadent. To take it to the next level, try frothing it up with a milk frother. My friend couldn’t believe it was instant coffee. And that’s the thing—a medium roast with condensed milk adds a creamy sweetness that makes a huge difference without overpowering the flavor.
So now, whenever she comes over, the first thing she asks is, “Do you have any of that magic coffee?” And I know exactly what she means.
Instant Coffee FAQs
Is there scientific proof that coffee reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
While there is evidence that suggests coffee may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, it's not entirely conclusive. Several studies have found associations between regular coffee consumption and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s, but more research is needed to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Which coffee tastes the best?
If you’re after the best-tasting coffee, I think VitaCup Slim is the clear winner. It's a medium roast with hints of caramel that people rave about.
When would you choose Starbucks Instant Coffee over VitaCup Slim Instant Coffee?
You’d choose Starbucks Instant Coffee over VitaCup Slim if you prefer a lighter roast. VitaCup Slim is fortified with Garcinia cambogia, fiber, and B vitamins, making it great for those focused on weight management or extra wellness support. On the other hand, Starbucks' blonde roast is ideal if you’re after a subtle cup with hints of toasted malt and milk chocolate.
Which instant coffee is the most affordable?
Folgers Instant Coffee is the most affordable coffee on our list.
Can you drink VitaCup Instant Coffee cold?
Yes, you can enjoy VitaCup Slim both hot and cold! Simply mix the instant coffee with hot water for a traditional cup, or with cold water to make iced coffee.
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