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10 Best Instant Coffees 2022 | UK Coffee Barista Reviewed

We seem to have a bit of a love/hate relationship with instant coffee, but according to the British Coffee Association, 80% of UK households stock it in their cupboards. Coffee snobbery aside, there’s no denying it’s convenient for rushed mornings, camping trips, or stashing in your drawer at work. Plus it’s cheaper than both your local coffee shop and a bag of ground!

Instant coffee has come a long way in terms of flavour and innovation, with brands like Nescafé and Starbucks offering classic blends alongside cappuccino sachets, tasty decafs, and bold espressos. We’re here to assist in hunting down your perfect brew, as well as sharing the 10 best instant coffees to buy online from Amazon, eBay and supermarkets like Asda and Tesco.
Last updated 28/03/2024
Celeste Wong
Expert
Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger
Celeste Wong

Celeste Wong: Actress & Top Coffee Barista. Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Celeste is has held top positions in leading artisan cafes all over the world for over a decade. Since migrating to the UK, she has been listed as one of London’s top five Baristas in The Financial Times and noted for her excellence in a plethora of other publications.

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Table of Contents

With Specialist Advice From Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger Celeste Wong

With Specialist Advice From Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger Celeste Wong

An actress & Top Coffee Barista. Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Celeste has held top positions in leading artisan cafes all over the world for over a decade. Since migrating to the UK, she has been listed as one of London’s top five Baristas in The Financial Times and noted for her excellence in a plethora of other publications.


Keep up-to-date with The Girl in the Cafe and all things coffee on her Instagram and YouTube channel, and you might discover some hidden gems along the way!


  • Disclaimer: Celeste does not endorse, nor is she affiliated with any of the brands in our top 10 list. The products recommended have been independently selected by our team at mybest UK. 

How to Choose an Instant Coffee in the UK – Buying Guide

First of all, forget the notion that instant is going to taste exactly the same as fresh, and accept it as a quick, tasty coffee that’s easy enough to make even when you’re still half asleep. Here are some top tips on picking a café-quality instant.

1

Choose 100% Arabica for the Highest Quality or a Robusta Blend for a Cheaper Option

Choose 100% Arabica for the Highest Quality or a Robusta Blend for a Cheaper Option
The two main species of coffee grown are Arabica and Robusta, with Arabica making up 60% of the world’s production and generally considered as the better quality, better-tasting bean. It’s known for delivering a nuttier, easy-to-drink coffee with rich notes of chocolate, berries, and fruit, and is also more expensive to produce.


Robusta, on the other hand, is smokier, earthier and more bitter, as well as being cheaper to grow and produce. Most instant coffees will use a blend of the two to cut down on costs, and to utilise arabica’s sweetness and flavour as a way to balance out robusta’s bitter notes.


If it’s a premium, top-tier instant coffee you’re after, we would suggest looking for claims of “100% arabica” on the box, bearing in mind that if it says nothing, it’s more than likely a blend of the two. The main draw of blends is that they’re more budget-friendly, though you may just prefer the addition of robusta’s dark bitterness.

Celeste Wong
Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger
Celeste Wong

Personally, I generally prefer Arabica across the board, I just enjoy the taste more. But yes, it is also is generally higher quality. It is likely more expensive because it takes longer to grow and develop, is often grown at higher altitudes and needs a bit more care and attention to its more hardy, easier grown cousin, Robusta.

2

Look for Freeze-Dried Instants for a Better Flavour

Look for Freeze-Dried Instants for a Better Flavour
Another tip for determining whether an instant coffee is of high quality (and therefore has a better flavour) is to check whether it is freeze-dried. If it’s not freeze-dried, then it’s spray dried, which is a more inexpensive way of processing that exposes the coffee to temperatures of up to 250 degrees.


Most java drinkers know that you should always use hot, and never boiling, water to prevent the coffee from burning and tasting charred and bitter, so it makes sense that spray-dried coffee is the lesser recommended of the two.


Freeze drying, of course, uses much colder temperatures to dry the coffee extracts, which is said to better preserve the aromas and ensure the final result is smoother and more palatable. Again, if the label does not say it is freeze-dried, it probably isn’t, and once again the cheaper processing method will make for a cheaper product price.

Celeste Wong
Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger
Celeste Wong

Instant coffees are often brewed at really strong concentrations and are able to trap the aromas to re-infuse at the later stage of the process, so you get a double hit of strong coffee and aroma.

3

Light, Medium, or Dark Roast – Pick Your Favourite

Light, Medium, or Dark Roast – Pick Your Favourite
A big part of choosing your coffee is making sure you get one with a taste you enjoy, as you’re probably the one that’s going to be drinking it every day! Before instant coffee is dried, it’s roasted. Unfortunately, stating whether the roast is light, medium, or dark is not as common on an instant coffee’s label as it is on a bag of beans or ground.


Alternatively, some instants feature a scale from 1-5 on the packaging to describe the coffee’s roast from light to dark, or even a strength scale, which can also help you select to your preferences. Here is a brief explanation of each type for those that do state the roast:


  • Light Roast: Roasted at the lowest temperature of the three, light roasts retain most of the original coffee bean’s characteristics, and also most of its caffeine. They are lightest in flavour, as well as being fruity and more acidic.

  • Medium Roast: This roast makes for a dark yet caramel-sweet flavour and is the most well-liked as it strikes that perfect “just-right” balance between bitterness and acidity.

  • Dark Roast: Roasted for the longest amount of time at the highest temperature, which reduces the caffeine content and makes for a nutty, chocolate flavour. Terms such as bold, deep, and full-bodied describe dark roasts, so if you see these on the label it may well be a dark roast.
Celeste Wong
Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger
Celeste Wong

Coffee is so interesting, mainly because it is also quite subjective. Generally, the darker the roast the stronger or intense it will taste. Lighter roasts will seem more delicate in comparison.

4

Consider Barista Blends With Added Ground Coffee for a More Convincing Taste

Consider Barista Blends With Added Ground Coffee for a More Convincing Taste
The latest innovation in instant coffees is to add a small amount of ground coffee into the mix, which often results in a taste more similar to that of your favourite coffee shop’s Americano. Percentages will vary, with some adding 3% and others up to 15%.


Go for a greater percentage for the most convincing taste, which is also delicious when recreating iced coffees and frappes. They tend to market themselves as “barista blend”, or “barista-style”, but it’s always worth scanning the ingredients for mention of ground coffee if this is something that appeals to you.

Celeste Wong
Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger
Celeste Wong

I think if you are going to add fresh ground coffee to instant coffee, it sort of negates the purpose of instant coffee which is to make it quickly and with the least fuss possible. It might enhance the instant coffee slightly, but really only adds something in a half-hearted way.


If you are going to drink instant coffee, experiment with some different brands that offer different roasts to see what you enjoy most; or alternate your coffees with fresh ground coffee. Maybe instant coffee can be your weekday brew and freshly ground coffee for special occasions where you have more time, like at the weekends.

5

Other Types of Instant Such as Pre-Mixed Cappuccinos Save on Takeaway Coffees

Other Types of Instant Such as Pre-Mixed Cappuccinos Save on Takeaway Coffees
For convenience when travelling or on the go, you could also consider instant coffees that are pre-mixed with other ingredients such as milk powder to replicate cappuccinos, lattes, or traditional white coffees. Nowadays, they often come in a variety of tempting flavours too. 


They’re life-saving when you don’t have access to a fridge or milk, and savvy if you’re trying to cut costs on takeaway lattes and other treats. Do consider the fact some of them contain sugars, sweeteners and other additives, so if you take your coffee without or don’t fancy the extra calories, choose unsweetened varieties.

Celeste Wong
Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger
Celeste Wong

Let's be honest. Nothing replaces a real, cafe, barista-made cappucino, but when needs must, this can be a good alternative. It's definitely a good one to keep in the cupboard when you've run out of milk!

6

Decide Which Packaging Type Would Suit You Best

Finally, ensure that you pick an instant coffee with a container that suits your needs and is sized appropriately for you or your household’s coffee consumption. Here we’ll discuss the draws of the main varieties you’ll come across when browsing online.

Glass Jars Are Reusable and Retain Freshness but Are Often Expensive

Glass Jars Are Reusable and Retain Freshness but Are Often Expensive
Sealed with foil and a screw-top lid, glass jars of instant coffee keep the contents dry and fresh. And once you’ve bought one, you can top it up with refill packets that are sold online in varying sizes from 150 g and even up to 600 g.


This is worth remembering when you notice their steeper price tag because their higher production cost is inevitably passed onto you as the consumer. Glass jars can also be reused or repurposed for many other things, or easily recycled at home.

Celeste Wong
Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger
Celeste Wong

With sustainability and climate change in the forefront of our minds (well I hope it is at least something you're aware of), we do need to look at packaging and containers that are recyclable, reusable and eco-friendly


It doesn't always seem like our own waste is much, but if you think what if your whole street bought the same product, you can really see it mount up in a significant way. Check labels for recycling, look for brands that are actively making improvements before you purchase.

Boxes and Tins Are a Match for Bulk Buyers and Large Households

Boxes and Tins Are a Match for Bulk Buyers and Large Households
Lidded boxes or tins are available in average-household 100-150 g sizes, but you’ll also find much larger sizes (particularly online), which will weigh in at 500 g or even a mighty 1 kg.


These larger sizes are an economical option for fuller households, those of you who sip on several cups a day, or anyone who wants to stock up and save money by buying in bulk. Just be sure to only buy an extra-large size if you know you will be able to drink it before it loses its freshness.

Celeste Wong
Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger
Celeste Wong

Instant coffee has a longer shelf life than fresh coffee, so if you are an institution, like a school or a company that does charity events or the like, you can often save what's leftover for the next event if you buy in bulk.

Sachets and Sticks Are Portable and Convenient but Servings Are Predetermined

Sachets and Sticks Are Portable and Convenient but Servings Are Predetermined
Sachets are the packaging of choice for pre-mixed instant coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes, as well as instant coffee grounds or the more simple coffee-plus-milk varieties. They are the most portable options so are excellent for travel or work, or for those who don’t get through an open jar quickly enough.


As for their disadvantages, they are usually more expensive per hundred grams than larger containers, and may not suit you if you like especially weak or strong coffee because they are already portioned out

Celeste Wong
Coffee and Lifestyle Blogger
Celeste Wong

This is exciting because there are actually a handful of really good speciality coffee roasters making beautiful tasting instant coffee. The thing I like about it is that it tastes so much better than any of the instant coffee I've had from supermarkets and it tastes pretty close to a speciality coffee filter brew. So it has a nice flavour, it's not too heavy and manages to hold interesting flavour characteristics and a degree of complexity! 


Now, if you're a hardcore instant coffee fan, then this might be a bit of a leap, both in flavour and in price. But if you are keen to dip your toe into speciality coffee, then this could be an easy "taster". As a speciality coffee drinker, it's great because after a long hike in cold London or if you're camping - taking these sachets with only hot water saves me bringing my equipment! My favourite so far is Voila coffee if you're interested!

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10 Best Instant Coffees in the UK

Now you know what makes a good instant coffee, it’s time to get your caffeine! We have included a decaffeinated option on our list, however, for those who’d like all of the taste and none of the jitters. Here are our picks, ranked by value, quality, and deliciousness.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Café Direct

Fairtrade Machu Picchu Instant Coffee2 x 100 g

Café Direct Fairtrade Machu Picchu Instant Coffee 1

£9.85

High Mid

The Ultimate Instant Coffee

2

Nescafé

Azera Americano Instant Coffee100 g

Nescafé Azera Americano Instant Coffee 1

£4.00

Mid

Instant Americano for Everyday Enjoyment

3

Clipper

Fairtrade Super Special Organic Arabica Coffee100 g

Clipper  Fairtrade Super Special Organic Arabica Coffee 1

£4.00

Mid

Super Special Organic Deliciousness

4

Douwe Egberts

Pure Gold Instant Coffee190 g

Douwe Egberts Pure Gold Instant Coffee 1

£5.00

Mid

A Balanced Medium Roast for Every Palate

5

Nescafé

Gold Unsweetened Cappuccino Sachets50 Sachets

Nescafé  Gold Unsweetened Cappuccino Sachets 1

£13.86

High Mid

A Low-Fat, Low-Sugar and Velvety Smooth Cappuccino

6

Kenco

Millicano Americano Decaff Instant Coffee100 g

Kenco Millicano Americano Decaff Instant Coffee 1

£2.49

Low Mid

Barista-Style Coffee, Minus the Caffeine

7

TrueStart

Barista Grade Instant Coffee100 g

TrueStart Barista Grade Instant Coffee 1

£5.99

Mid

Ethically Sourced Instant From a British Family Company

8

Nescafé

Cap Colombia Arabica Instant Coffee500 g

Nescafé Cap Colombia Arabica Instant Coffee 1

£25.65

High

A Family Favourite Goes Gourmet

9

Starbucks

Caramel Latte Premium Instant Sachets5 Sachets

Starbucks Caramel Latte Premium Instant Sachets 1

£2.69

Low Mid

A Sweet Option for Starbucks Addicts

10

Kenco

2-in-1 Instant Smooth White Coffee Sachets5 Sachets

Kenco 2-in-1 Instant Smooth White Coffee Sachets 1

£1.00

Low

Coffee Sticks for the Working Week

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Café DirectFairtrade Machu Picchu Instant Coffee2 x 100 g

Fairtrade Machu Picchu Instant Coffee 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.85
High Mid
Reference price
£9.85
High Mid

The Ultimate Instant Coffee

There’s no doubt about it, this coffee is utterly divine! Full-bodied, 100% arabica beans from sought-after coffee region Machu Picchu provide depth without bitterness, and the self-described dark chocolate overtones alongside a nutty, smooth finish give it a luxuriously rich flavour.

Plus, with Café Direct you’re buying Fairtrade, and from a company who invest half of their profits back into coffee farming communities. This delicious instant has well and truly earned its position at the top!
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No.2

NescaféAzera Americano Instant Coffee100 g

Reference price
£4.00
Mid

Instant Americano for Everyday Enjoyment

Containing a robusta/arabica blend of instant and 5% roasted and ground coffee, Nescafé’s Azera Americano is about as realistic as it gets when it comes to instants. This blend really works in its favour, resulting in an easy-to-drink, medium-style roast with a fruity aroma.

The powdered consistency dissolves impressively well and is also wonderful in frappes, mochas, or any other barista-inspired creations you feel like whipping up at home. Plus the tin is smart enough to put on display, recyclable, and available in decaf for everyone to enjoy.
No.3

Clipper Fairtrade Super Special Organic Arabica Coffee100 g

Reference price
£4.00
Mid

Super Special Organic Deliciousness

Clipper may be famous for their tea, but if it’s a brew with a conscience you’re after, you'll want to try out their coffee too. Described as a “toasty and intense blend”, it’s a medium roast and has all the body and satisfaction of a fresh coffee, minus the waiting time!

Fairtrade and made with organic, freeze-dried 100% arabica beans, you can taste the quality and care that has been put into making this undoubtedly super special instant coffee.
No.4

Douwe EgbertsPure Gold Instant Coffee190 g

Reference price
£5.00
Mid

A Balanced Medium Roast for Every Palate

Freeze-dried, smooth and gorgeously balanced, Douwe Egberts’ Pure Gold is a crowd-pleaser for almost every palate. With a medium roast and a strength of 3, it’s a classic for a reason.

The airtight vacuum-sealed jar is great for reusing or repurposing around the home, or those keen on reducing both their shopping bill and their carbon footprint can find refill packs in the same satisfying blend.
No.5

Nescafé Gold Unsweetened Cappuccino Sachets50 Sachets

Gold Unsweetened Cappuccino Sachets 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£13.86
High Mid
Reference price
£13.86
High Mid

A Low-Fat, Low-Sugar and Velvety Smooth Cappuccino

You’ll probably find a box of these in many an office, kitchen cupboard or backpack around the country, and if you’re a cappuccino lover we would highly recommend trying them too. These portable sachets are lower in sugars and fats than their coffee shop counterparts, and taste more indulgent than they are!

They’re also excellent value per cup, and do have a much stronger coffee kick than some other sachets, perhaps because there is some ground coffee in the mix too. You’ll even get a satisfying velvety froth, no milk steamer (or fridge) needed.
No.6

KencoMillicano Americano Decaff Instant Coffee100 g

Reference price
£2.49
Low Mid

Barista-Style Coffee, Minus the Caffeine

Decaf fans, breathe a sigh of relief. Kenco’s Millicano instants have won over our caffeinated hearts, but we’re pleased to report that their decaffeinated version is just as delicious. We couldn’t find any refill packets for the tin, but due to foregoing the glass it is reasonably priced, or you can buy it in bulk from Amazon if you prefer. 

A barista-style blend of freeze-dried instant with a generous 15% roast and ground coffee, this instant is well-balanced in flavour but still has the satisfying richness and sharpness associated with a good filter coffee. You won’t know the difference!
No.7

TrueStartBarista Grade Instant Coffee100 g

Barista Grade Instant Coffee 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.99
Mid
Reference price
£5.99
Mid

Ethically Sourced Instant From a British Family Company

Using only gently roasted, freeze-dried 100% arabica beans, it's no wonder this smooth, delicious instant has been barista approved. TrueStart put a lot of love into their coffee, and it shows – they've managed to create a divine instant earning them hundreds of rave reviews.

Better yet, by buying from this family-owned, Bristol-based business you're not only supporting a British company but one who believes in ethical sourcing and processes. To top it off, this instant is also ideal for use in baking, iced coffees or shakes as it dissolves perfectly with cold as well as hot liquids. 
No.8

NescaféCap Colombia Arabica Instant Coffee500 g

Reference price
£25.65
High

A Family Favourite Goes Gourmet

You’ve probably tried a Nescafé instant or two in your life, but perhaps not one quite like their Origins range. This gourmet instant is made from freeze-dried, 100% Colombian arabica beans for a citrussy, fruity finish and is worth every penny more than their classic range!

Available in this family-sized 500 g box or a more modest 100 g jar, we’d recommend giving it a try whatever your household size – just be aware that it's probably best for fans of a lighter coffee as it is quite subtle and delicate.
No.9

StarbucksCaramel Latte Premium Instant Sachets5 Sachets

Caramel Latte Premium Instant Sachets 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£2.69
Low Mid

A Sweet Option for Starbucks Addicts

It may not replace one of their ubiquitous iced creations, but Starbuck’s latest instant range could fool you into thinking you’re sipping on one of their famous flavoured coffees. There are several varieties available, but we particularly rate this buttery caramel latte for a real sweet treat

The beans used are 100% arabica so there’s no bitter aftertaste, and there's even a very small percentage of ground coffee to add to the authenticity. However, while these sachets are no doubt more convenient and less costly than buying a takeaway from your local branch, they're a little pricey for just five coffees.
No.10

Kenco2-in-1 Instant Smooth White Coffee Sachets5 Sachets

Reference price
£1.00
Low

Coffee Sticks for the Working Week

Requiring neither a fridge nor a hefty jar, Kenco’s 5-pack of sachets are a good pick if all it takes to satisfy your cravings is a Monday to Friday morning or afternoon cup of Joe. Students, builders, office workers or anyone in a rush on a morning can mix up a simple white coffee with a balanced, smooth flavour.

For a coffee marketed as “without sugar” (there’s also a sweetened version available), there is still around 5 g of sugars, which could feel a bit misleading for health-consious shoppers. The actual coffee content is also fairly low so wouldn’t suit those favouring a kick to their brew.

More Products for Coffee Lovers

More Products for Coffee Lovers

While instant coffee is great for busy mornings, short work breaks or backpacking trips, if you are a fan of high-quality coffee you may also be on the hunt for delicious coffee beans or ground coffee. Take a look at some of our other recommendations! 

Summary

By considering your flavour preferences alongside your portability needs, you should now be able to confidently pick the best instant coffee for your morning (or afternoon, or nightly) fix. Hopefully, we have shown you that instants can be just as satisfying and flavoursome as any fresh variety, and a lot easier to brew up, too!


Author: Natasha Dziubajlo

Read Up on All Things Coffee From a Top Barista and Blogger

Just starting your journey into the coffee world? Or are you a fully-fledged enthusiast always on the hunt for the best equipment? Either way, you'll want to head over to top barista, blogger and all-round coffee expert Celeste's top picks, where you'll find everything from this gorgeous reusable cup to machines and monthly subscriptions.

Top 5 Instant Coffees

No. 1: Café DirectFairtrade Machu Picchu Instant Coffee2 x 100 g

No. 2: NescaféAzera Americano Instant Coffee100 g

No. 3: Clipper Fairtrade Super Special Organic Arabica Coffee100 g

No. 4: Douwe EgbertsPure Gold Instant Coffee190 g

No. 5: Nescafé Gold Unsweetened Cappuccino Sachets50 Sachets

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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