The Best Instant Coffees Make On-The-Go Sipping so Much Better

The reason kids don’t drink coffee isn’t just because they don’t need the caffeine, it’s also because coffee can be bitter. And that’s precisely what we love about it. This cup of Joe has that bitter edge that we look for in our daily brew, with a citrusy, slightly nutty flavor and sweet, chocolate-pecan aroma to balance it all out. This blend also held up well to dairy add-ins, which is great news —because the other thing we love about coffee is that extra splash of cream.

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Open a packet of this instant coffee and you might think you accidentally tore into a pack of Earl Grey. This single-serve specialty coffee comes in tea-like bags that yep, you guessed it —  steep in hot water like tea. Our tasters loved the slightly nutty, citrusy flavor of the California Blend medium roast, but you should try the well-balanced Odyssey Blend if you prefer dark roast. To enjoy your café without the caffeine, their Eventide Decaf option is single origin and boasts mellow flavor with low acidity and hints of molasses.

One of the few organic, fair trade instant coffees on the market, this roast resulted in a balanced, smooth cup without any overpowering flavors or bitterness. Pick up a jar of their decaf blend to enjoy after dinner (best served with dessert). At just around $0.17 per cup, it’s also an incredible value. Many of our tasters preferred this cup over the pricier brands. 

The strong, pleasant, freshly brewed coffee aroma of this option smelled like walking into … well, a bustling Starbucks. What’s more, the smooth, balanced cup looked and tasted as good as it smelled, with a dark chocolate color and toasted nut flavor. Instead of braving the morning commute crowd, we’d happily enjoy a cup of this instant instead, right at home. 

For those who prefer to greet the day with a mild roast rather than a kicked up cup of coffee, this mellow blend is perfect. Low acidity and flavors of black tea make this easy drinking joe a great way to start your morning. Plus, each jar only costs about $5 and contains 100 cups of coffee … yep, that’s just 5 cents a cup.

The deeply chocolatey aroma of this coffee, straight from the packet, cues you right away that this isn’t your average (cup of) joe. The fruity, nuanced flavor of their Gute Sodu medium roast might just turn you into an instant coffee convert, or try their Stoker blend if you prefer dark roast. Made from a specialty roastery in Portland, ME, this is our worth-it upgrade pick.

Forget everything you think you know about instant coffee — this complex cup exceeded our expectations in almost every way. The sweet, milk chocolatey smell gave way to a strong, citrusy flavor that was zingy but not overwhelming. Some tasters detected a mushroomy flavor with some molasses, while others tasted hints of fresh fruit. It’s definitely a cup that’ll keep you curious until the last sip.

If you love a drop of cream or sugar in your morning cup, this full-bodied blend holds up to any of your favorite add-ins. The complex, citrus-forward flavor, milk chocolate smell, and smooth finish of this brew shines through any dairy extras and tastes just as delicious on its own.  

Tasters loved the full-bodied and citrusy character of this instant coffee blend, and hints of coconut and fresh berries left us savoring every sip. Be sure to take some time to enjoy this option— one serving costs more than your average latte. But we think a little extra caffeine TLC is worth it if you’re traveling or camping where there’s not a coffee shop in sight. 

This instant coffee lives up to its name— and its Instagrammable packaging. Thanks to a new roaster partnership with Flight Coffee (based in Wellington, New Zealand), the coffees in every “Discovery Box” are sourced from all around the world. Enjoy a nutty, balanced cup from Rwanda, or sip on a bright, fruity coffee from Colombia. There’s truly something to discover— and savor— in every 100% compostable packet.

If you’re brewing for two (or you just need a hefty cup for yourself), this option yields 10 ounces of coffee in every single-serve packet. We were worried that the high water-to-coffee grounds ratio would produce a weak cup, but every ounce was strong, full-bodied, and compelling with citrusy, bright flavors. If you’re an iced coffee drinker, this option tastes great hot or cold. 

At around $3 per cup, this instant coffee isn’t cheap to steep. But its rich, full-bodied texture and strong, nuanced flavor could pass for a coffee-house cup at a comparable price. Our tasters were blown away by the fruit-forward, citrusy flavor of all the blends we tried. Instead of a quick and convenient caffeine fix, this option offers a luxurious coffee break.

This specialty instant coffee was made with campers, hikers, and adventure-seekers in mind; the evergreen trees and canoeing couple illustrated on each pack says it all. Each tube of coffee grounds yields a strong, well-rounded, toasty cup. It’s perfect for someone who prefers sleeping under the stars, and waking up to a campfire-warmed cup of joe. 

This brand boasts the best setup — by far. A single-serve, pour-over filter comes in an individual packet that unfolds to sit perfectly on top of your mug. The filter comes filled with toasty coffee grounds ready to be brewed with hot water. We wouldn’t call this coffee truly “instant”— it’s more like pre-packed coffee grounds — but it’s perfect for pour-over enthusiasts who want something just as good on the go.