TOP 10 best instant coffee: types, how to choose, reviews
Millions of people start their day with a cup of coffee. There is often not enough time to prepare a drink, because many people use soluble formulations. They are made from coffee beans with the addition of milk powder, which is easy to brew at home. The article contains information on how to choose the best instant coffee so that every morning starts with a cup of a delicious, aromatic drink. Popular manufacturers, prices, pros and cons, as well as a rating of the best varieties of instant coffee according to lovers of an invigorating drink.
Types of instant coffee
An instant drink is a dried extract of Arabica or Robusta beans in the form of a fine powder or granules. It is easily brewed in boiling water, very tasty and aromatic, has tonic properties.
Before the drink reaches the consumer's table, it goes through several stages of processing:
- preparation of raw materials, sorting and roasting;
- extraction - obtaining an extract by boiling grains in softened water;
- evaporation of the extract.
The composition of such a natural drink should contain exclusively coffee extract without additional impurities. To enhance the aroma and taste, dyes, oils, stabilizers are added.
Instant coffee has 3 types:
- powder;
- granular - at the final stage of production it is moistened, and under the influence of moisture, small grains stick together into granules;
- freeze-dried - a method of freezing and vacuum drying.
Top brands of manufacturers
Coffee is the most frequently produced commodity around the world. The best brands of coffee drink take the leading positions in the world market. They are known for their recipe, workmanship and natural composition. For production, only the best grades of grains are used, they are mixed in various variations so that the consumer can choose the right drink for himself. There are well-known brands that many coffee lovers know and love.
Their list includes such European brands as Bushido, Grandos, Maxwell, UCC, Carte Noire, Egoiste Special. However, domestic manufacturers also keep up with their colleagues. The best coffee drink producers in Russia are Moscow Coffee House on Pays and Indian Gold Exclusive, which ranks sixth in the rating of world coffee producers.
Best Powdered Instant Coffee
Today this type of coffee is in great demand, as it is easy to prepare and, moreover, very tasty. The TOP of the best powder instant coffee includes the following brands:
Veronese americano
This brand of coffee is made from a mixture of Arabica and Robusta varieties. Easy to brew, has a pleasant taste and aroma, tones up and awakens well. The manufacturer took care of the packaging design, made it compact, practical and stylish. Coffee can be purchased in different volumes and variations. Fans of a delicate and light drink can buy a product with the addition of milk powder or cream.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
| Volume | 0.1 kg |
| Composition | natural instant coffee with the addition of roasted ground beans |
| Package | plastic |
pros
- pleasant taste;
- there is no bitterness;
- interesting packaging;
- fragrant;
- quality raw materials.
Minuses
- difficult to find in retail outlets;
- consistency.
Feedback: “We advised a new coffee at work, I decided to try it. The price is affordable, so I did not expect some kind of exquisite taste and aroma, and was very mistaken. The product is good and tasty, does not taste bitter, invigorates. I drink several cups of coffee a day, I am very happy ”.
Moskofe Moskovsky
Coffee has a pleasant taste and aroma, does not contain additives. The seasoned and modern packaging design reminds of the days when the drink was at the peak of its scarcity. When brewed, it forms a small foam, no sediment precipitates.Has a pronounced taste and aroma, dark brown color. It is made from selected varieties of Robusta and meets all international quality standards.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
| Volume | 0.2KG |
| Composition | 100% natural instant coffee |
| Package | can |
pros
- convenient bank;
- pleasant aroma;
- ultrafine grinding;
- no precipitate occurs;
- rich strong taste.
Minuses
- sour taste;
- dark when brewed.
Testimonial: “I bought a jar of instant coffee. I was very attracted by the packaging design. It tastes good too, pleasant smell. My husband really liked it, he can drink coffee several times a day. ”
Grand Classic
The Russian brand has gained popularity among domestic consumers. Instant powder is made from lightly roasted grains, which have a mild aroma, light, pleasant bitterness and a dense dark brown texture. This brand represents a whole series of invigorating drinks made from environmentally friendly raw materials. The brand ranks 4th in the segment of instant coffee according to expert estimates.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
| Volume | 0.2KG |
| Composition | instant coffee with medium roast beans |
| Package | metallized bag |
pros
- economical packaging;
- affordable price;
- ease of preparation;
- design;
- natural ingredients.
Minuses
- too strong;
- weak aroma.
Testimonial: “I saw the coffee for the promotion, I decided to try it. Not a special lover of strong coffee, so I always add cream. I liked the product very much in combination with milk. Delicate milk taste and aroma to my liking. "
Best Granular Instant Coffee
Granular coffee according to the manufacturing technology differs from powder coffee in that under high pressure the powder knocks into lumps, forming granules. It has a significant advantage - it does not stick to the spoon, so it is convenient to use.
The rating of the best granulated coffee producers includes the following brands:
Nescafe Classic
The drink is made from selected robusta beans grown on tropical plantations in Brazil. Coffee has a strong, bitter taste and strong aroma. He managed to win popular popularity. Cooks quickly, no sediment builds up. You just need to pour in a couple of tablespoons of coffee, add cream if desired, and the drink is ready.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Ukraine |
| Volume | 0.12 kg |
| Composition | granular coffee made from robusta beans |
| Package | foil bag |
pros
- no sediment;
- easy to brew;
- invigorates;
- convenient packaging;
- large volume.
Minuses
- bitter;
- not concentrated.
Review: “For its price, the product is very good. Granules do not stick to a spoon, dissolve quickly in water, taste good, but slightly bitter, you can add milk. In general, I am satisfied with the choice. "
Maxwell house
Made from 100% deep fried arabica beans. A tart drink has a slight sourness, so it is recommended to use it in the morning. The coffee is moderately strong, but with a pronounced sweetness, which is felt thanks to the addition of coconut milk and milk protein to the composition. After the rebranding, the company strengthened the taste of coffee, made it stronger and richer. The product is sold in airtight cans and can also be found in soft bags with a valve.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | USA |
| Volume | 0.47 kg |
| Composition | 100% granulated arabica coffee |
| Package | glass jar |
pros
- strong;
- rich taste;
- fragrant;
- economical consumption;
- convenient packaging.
Minuses
- burnt;
- difficult to find on sale.
Feedback: “A friend brought me as a present. Delicious coffee with the aroma of natural beans. I like both me and my husband. I prefer softer coffee, so I add cream to it, my husband likes it stronger. If possible, we will buy another jar. ”
Veronese Turkish
The Russian coffee brand makes its products from Arabica and Robusta beans brought from Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia.This brand has a pronounced strong taste with slight hints of dark chocolate and roasted nuts. It contains only natural ingredients. The manufacturer has created different packaging options for the product - in cans, glass, sticks and a soft pack.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
| Volume | 0.1 kg |
| Composition | 100% medium roast arabica and robusta granulated coffee |
| Package | tin can, package |
pros
- modern design;
- practical packaging;
- small granules;
- easily soluble in water;
- does not taste bitter.
Minuses
- weak aroma;
- overcharge.
Review: “The coffee is very tasty, with a nutty flavor, but it seems to me that it is not for everybody. The price is too high, the packaging is quickly consumed. Sometimes you can pamper yourself, but I don’t take it for daily use, it gets boring quickly ”.
Best Freeze-dried Instant Coffee
Freeze-dried coffee is made using the technology of rapid moisture loss. It has a positive effect on the immune system, digestion, and muscle tone. It is believed that this type of coffee is practically harmless, therefore it can be used even by those who have health restrictions.
The rating of the best producers of freeze-dried drinks includes the following brands:
Egoiste special
Natural Instant Whole Grain Made from premium medium-rare Arabica beans. It is she who has a rich taste with chocolate notes. Swiss quality and modern In-Fi technology, which assumes that a particle of ground Arabica is placed in the granules, resulting in an aromatic and tasty coffee. It will appeal to both avid coffee lovers and less fastidious lovers of an invigorating drink.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Russia |
| Volume | 0.15 kg |
| Composition | 100% whole grain arabica coffee, medium roast |
| Package | glass jar |
pros
- beautiful packaging design;
- natural ingredients;
- ease of preparation;
- saturated color;
- quality product.
Minuses
- inconvenient cover;
- the taste of burnt grains.
Review: “My husband bought coffee for home. Not a big fan, but decided to give it a try. Stylish packaging, pleasant aroma, brewed easily and quickly. In general, not bad, only there is a bitter taste ”.
Today pure arabica
The freeze-dried drink is produced using the unique Aroma Optima technology, which is able to preserve its natural taste and rich aroma. The product was created for real gourmets and coffee lovers. It is made from Arabica beans, which have a mild, tart taste with a slight sourness. He is able to give a charge of vivacity and freshness for the whole day. There are various variations of the drink, for example, with milky and fruity notes, so every consumer will find something for himself.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Germany |
| Volume | 0.13 kg |
| Composition | 100% freeze-dried arabica coffee |
| Package | can |
pros
- strong;
- slight sourness;
- affordable price;
- stylish packaging;
- balanced.
Minuses
- high consumption;
- Strong smell.
Review: “I bought a can of coffee for my trip. It took half a can for a week. Delicious and invigorating. I drink in a natural, classic form, without adding milk. I made the right choice ”.
Black Card Gold
European instant coffee is one of the most popular positions on the market. This brand includes strong robusta varieties with the addition of Arabica. Easy to brew, dissolves quickly in boiling water and leaves no residue. The golden roast of the grains does not create perceptible bitterness. On sale you can find a drink in glass and soft packages, as well as with the addition of powdered milk or cream, which will make the taste of the drink more delicate and light.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Ukraine |
| Volume | 0,4 kg |
| Composition | 100% freeze-dried arabica and robusta coffee, medium roast |
| Package | foil bag |
pros
- large packaging;
- dissolves easily;
- soft taste;
- without additives;
- rich dark color.
Minuses
- inconvenient zip package;
- non-aromatic.
Testimonial: “Ground instant coffee, which brews quickly, which is especially good at work. The grains dissolve even in cold water. Various packaging options that allow you to choose any volume and type. Advised to buy consultants at the point of sale ”.
Ambassador Platinum
European premium coffee was created especially for those who value impeccable quality and taste. Balanced taste, refinement and gentle foam make every drink a real pleasure. A special recipe, the use of selected varieties of coffee, stylish packaging design and control of the production process have become the hallmark of the company.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Manufacturer country | Ukraine |
| Volume | 0.19 kg |
| Composition | freeze-dried arabica coffee |
| Package | glass jar |
pros
- well-known trade mark;
- rich taste;
- does not taste bitter;
- practical packaging;
- a small percentage of caffeine.
Minuses
- high consumption;
- sediment remains.
Feedback: “We bought a new coffee for work. Now at lunchtime there is a pleasant aroma of Arabica beans. The coffee is really delicious, has a good consistency and color. I bought the same one at home ”.
Selection Tips
There are 3 types of instant coffee: Arabica, Arabica blend, and the cheapest option, Robusta beans. When choosing coffee, you should pay attention to the drying technology. The powdery method is the cheapest and most affordable, and the freeze-dried method is the best and most expensive. The composition of a natural product should be free of third-party impurities, which can often be found in sticks. A very dark color of the product indicates overcooked beans, which will taste bitter during cooking. The manufacturer must indicate the amount of caffeine on the spread, often it is not more than 3-4% in coffee. A quality product is sold in glass jars, a cheaper option is in bags or plastic packaging.
The opinion that the best coffee can only be in beans is a big misconception, because even instant coffee can have a pleasant taste and aroma. Using the above tips, the consumer will be able to choose a product for any table that will delight you with quality and, of course, taste.
