According to the British Coffee Association, people in the UK consume around 95 million cups of coffee every day. Additionally, a whopping 80% of households prefer instant coffee for in-home use.
The above statistics only emphasise the popularity of instant coffee in the UK, thanks to its strong flavour and ability to dissolve quickly in either hot or cold water.
Wondering which is the best instant coffee UK to add to your cart? You have come to the right place.
Because brands are continuously investing in marketing, it can be surprisingly challenging to get one whose instant coffee tastes as good as the real “thing.” Unfortunately, most are weak, and their tastes are sour.
But worry not!
We’ve done the legwork for you. Here’s an up-to-date roundup of the best instant coffee UK. All our picks are not only thick and flavourful but also powerful and arousing. Later below, we’ll also look at all the essentials you need to know when hunting for the best instant coffee.
Let’s dig in!
Last update on 2022-06-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2022-06-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nescafe has been in the business of making top-notch coffee for close to a century. It has hence mastered the art and is now well-recognized as the leading global coffee brand. Thus, it comes as no surprise that Nescafe Original Instant Coffee wins the top spot for the best instant coffee UK. It has retained the best-selling spot for decades, thanks to its affordable price tag.
Made from a unique blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, the Nescafe Original Instant Coffee is packed with a bold flavour, and its aroma is refreshing. However, no information is given on the percentages of Arabica or Robusta used.
After processing, the instant coffee granules are then packed in a one-of-a-kind container that is not only resealable but also completely recyclable. The tin weighs one kg, and the content is enough to make about 555 cups of coffee. Simply mix your coffee with boiled water for the perfect cup of instant coffee. The water shouldn’t be boiling hot.
If you like you are an adept coffee drinker looking to bulk up on large tins of coffee that tastes better than its price, the Nescafe Original Instant Coffee is a great place to start.
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Although the Nescafe Original Instant Coffee will suffice for most coffee drinkers, coffee lovers will crave something more. That’s where the Nescafe Gold Blend Instant Coffee comes in.
It is made by blending the right amount of Arabica and Robusta beans to create a premium coffee that is not only smooth and delicious, but its aroma is rich and stunningly inviting. Its content comprise 60% Arabica beans, which are ground ten times finer than usual to give more flavour than other Nescafe products. And because they are prepared through freeze-drying, the end product retains more of its natural flavour and rich coffee smell.
If you are starting to drink black coffee (with no sugar or milk), and are looking for the best instant coffee UK, then the Nescafe Gold Blend Instant Coffee is a great choice. Its taste isn’t as strong and concentrated as other instant coffee options out there. You can take it hot, chilled, or you can add a little flavour with a dash of coconut or almond milk.
Do you love your cuppa, dark and intense? The Nescafe Gold Blend ticks all the right boxes. Its instant coffee granules dissolve in water to give a strong and aromatic pick me up.
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You see, instant coffee is often associated with a bitter, burned taste. Its taste is quite different from that of freshly ground coffee beans.
However, I am happy to report that the TrueStart Barista Grade Instant Coffee is one of the best tasting instant coffee UK we came across in our search for the best instant coffee UK. That’s because it is made from 100% Barista-grade Columbian Arabica coffee beans. Arabica is superior to Robusta coffee. It has a better flavour and aroma. Plus, because of its higher sugar content, Arabica coffee isn’t as bitter as Robusta coffee.
These coffee beans are brewed and processed via premium freeze drying to give a super-smooth end product. And you can prepare your caffeine kicker in seconds. Do you like your coffee cold or hot? Do you prefer white or black?
The TrueStart Barista Grade Instant Coffee retains its incredible taste whether white, black, cold, or hot. Different package sizes are available depending on your needs. But generally, a pack of 100 grams is enough to make up to 50 cups.
Finally, note that this is a family ran British brand. Plus, all the coffee beans are grown at high elevation and ethically sourced.
The TrueStart Barista Grade Instant Coffee makes it to the top three best instant coffee UK for its super smooth taste, fantastic aroma, and versatility. You can mix it with both cold and hot water.
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
KENCO is another company with a long history of growing and producing the finest coffee that smells and tastes good. The company has been in existence for close to a century. Similarly, the Kenco Millicano Americano Instant Coffee doesn’t disappoint.
It comes in three styles, namely Americano decaf, Americano Intense, and Millicano Americano. The Millicano Americano has a well-rounded, bold, yet heart-warming taste. Its aroma is rich and inviting. On the other hand, the Americano Intense is simply intense. The Intense style is best for those who like their coffee strong, from its deep aroma to dark-roasted intense, full-bodied taste.
Finally, if you want to reduce the caffeine intake but still fancy a pick me up, the Americano Decaffeinated is an excellent choice. Just like the Millicano Americano, its aroma is rich and inviting. It is also well-balanced and doesn’t have a strong taste typical of most instant coffee.
What’s more, this is a wholebean instant coffee comprising 85% instant coffee and 15% ground and roast coffee. The unique mixture gives your coffee a sweeter and more natural taste. Plus, the beans are prepared by freeze-drying to retain all its flavours.
KENCO has set the pace by producing various wholebean instant coffee flavours, including decaf, intense, and Milicano American. There’s simply something for everyone.
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
From its beautiful packaging to its delicious taste, the Lavazza Prontissimo ticks all the boxes for any coffee lover. It is a premium wholebean instant coffee ideal for all-day use. Whether you’re looking for the perfect morning caffeine kick or mood booster during the day, this Italian quality instant coffee will suffice.
It is a unique blend made from top-quality Arabica coffee beans to give that original Italian taste. The coffee has 90% instant coffee and 10% micro-ground roasted coffee beans. These finely ground coffee beans ensure your coffee is full-bodied. The aroma is inviting. You can enjoy your cup of Joe any time of the day.
With each sip, you’ll enjoy the fantastic taste of this premium coffee. It isn’t as bitter as other coffees made from Robusta beans. Plus, its smoothness, coupled with the rich yet distinct notes of medium roasted beans, gives its unique taste.
Every order comes with 6 95g tins of coffee. Each 95g tin serves 52 cups.
The Lavazza Prontissimo Premium Instant Intenso Coffee is a premium and delicious coffee that will keep your blood pumping all day long.
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your family enjoys a daily morning caffeine kick, you may want to stock up large tins of coffee. It’s very economical.
One of the best tasting instant coffee UK available in bulk is the Douwe Egberts Pure Gold Instant Coffee. It comes packed in 750 g tins. Each tin is enough to serve up to 470 cups. The tins are beautifully designed and fully recyclable.
Douwe Egberts has over 250 years of experience and have hence honed making premium and excellent tasting coffee. And this instant coffee only rubberstamps their expertise.
It is made from top of the class coffee beans that are blend carefully to give a correctly blended flavour. The beans are a medium roast whose taste is smooth yet not overwhelming. You can enjoy your cup of coffee regardless of the time of the day (or night).
What’s more, the beans are freeze-dried to preserve that sweet aroma you’d get from brewing real beans. However, as expected with these premium options, the price is a little on the high side.
The Douwe Egberts Instant Coffee stands out as the best instant coffee UK for its premium quality. It is well-balanced and comes in large tins of coffee ideal for whole family use.
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The illy instant coffee comes in two flavours, classico medium roast, and intense dark roast. The classico medium roast is made from medium roasted beans to give a smooth yet sweet brew flavoured with delicate hints of orange blossom, caramel, and jasmine. It contains 3% ground Arabica coffee nixed with 97% Arabica instant coffee.
On the other hand, the intense dark roast is made from a unique blend of 15% Arabica ground coffee with 85% Arabica instant coffee to give a dark roast featuring bold notes of dried fruit and cocoa.
But what makes it the best instant coffee UK is that regardless of the flavour, illy’s coffee is super-smooth with a full-bodied taste, thanks to the expertly blend top quality Arabica beans. The coffee comprises 100% Arabica coffee. These coffee beans are sustainably-grown in different parts of the world and illy helps coffee growers gain new knowledge and skills to keep up with the newest innovations for free.
To prepare your cup of illy, simply mix two teaspoons of illy’s instant coffee into a cup of hot (not boiling) water.
The price of illy’s instant coffee is a little higher than that of other instant coffees. However, its high quality, rich taste, and pleasant aroma make it the best instant coffee UK for the money.
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you like coffee with flavours, the Beanies flavoured coffee is the best instant coffee UK for you. This option is also great for people who love to add sugars and sweeteners to their coffee and are looking to switch it up with a sugar-free option without the overpowering bitter taste of instant coffee.
The Beanies flavoured coffee comes in a whopping 38 flavours. And all the flavours are sugar and sweetener-free. The process of making flavoured instant coffee is slightly different from that of making the usual instant coffee.
Most companies make their flavoured coffee by coating the instant coffee granules with a flavour of choice. On the other hand, Beanies infuse all its flavours into the granules for a more flavourful and pleasantly smelling instant coffee. Beanies instant blend comprises both Arabica and Robusta coffee. The manufacturer hasn’t provided specific measures.
When making an order, you’re presented with all the 38 flavours in-store to choose six of your best flavours.
If you love yourself a flavoured cup of coffee, the Beanies flavoured instant coffee is a great pick.
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Experience a barista moment with the best instant coffee UK for people who are always on the go. The NESCAFE AZERA Americano Instant Coffee is made from a blend of both Robusta and Arabica coffee beans. These beans are finely-roasted to give a high-grade instant coffee.
Like with any other instant coffee, preparing this one, too, is a breeze. Simply add a heaped teaspoonful of your instant coffee to a cup of hot water, stir, and you’re good to go. If you like your coffee stronger, two teaspoons will do.
Each cup has a velvety layer with an irresistible fruity aroma – a barista-style experience anywhere and anytime. NESCAFE works directly with its farmers to equip them with the required training and assistance to ensure sustainable coffee farming.
The NESCAFE AZERA Americano Instant Coffee is one of the best instant coffee UK that looks and tastes as close to the coffee shop coffee
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To wrap up is the best instant coffee UK, specially made by Kenco for latte lovers. This smooth and silky brew is made with coconut oil, skimmed milk powder, and more to ensure that “coffee shop” latte experience at your home or office.
It comes packed in a beautiful 750g tin, which is, of course, more environmentally friendly than the everyday latte sachets. Each can contain up to 45 servings, while every serving has 85 calories and 2.2 grams of fat. The coffee is easy to make by adding a scoop of instant water to hot (not boiling) water. The result is a well-balanced instant coffee that has a velvety, silky, and smooth taste.
The Kento Latte Instant Coffee 750g is the best instant coffee UK for anyone looking to bulk up their latte. One tin contains up to 45 servings and is more economical and kinder to the environment than buying a box of sachets.
We know how important it is for you to enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Its plays a major role in setting the mood and pace of your day. That’s why we have created this section, just for you.
Having read the instant coffee reviews UK section above, there are probably many questions lingering in your mind. Read on for a breakdown of all you need to know when choosing the best instant coffee UK.
Instant coffee, also known as coffee crystals, soluble coffee, or coffee powder, is made from whole coffee beans. The beans are roasted, ground, then brewed as desired. The next process involves removing all the water from the brewed coffee. You are left behind with dry coffee crystals. And you’ll only need to add water or milk for an instant cup of coffee.
Instant coffee has a ton of benefits. Below we’ll look at the main ones.
On the downside, instant coffee isn’t as tasty as regular coffee. You’ll have to compromise taste for convenience. If you’re more about the taste, consider brewing a fresh pot of coffee with the best coffee beans UK.
1. Jar vs. Single-serve
Instant coffee comes either in a jar or packed in packets enough to make one cup. Single-serve packets are best for anyone who values convenience. They are easier to carry and come in pre-measured amounts enough for one cup.
Jars, as well, have their ton of benefits. Overall, they are cheaper. You can easily carry coffee enough for an entire camping trip in a single jar. And if you need more, the jars can be quickly packaged in a bag for easier portability.
2. The taste
Other than the warmth and metabolism boost we get from our morning cup of coffee, the best instant coffee UK taste should be as close as possible to regular coffee. Unlike freshly brewed coffee beans, instant coffee has a higher level of acidity. But the overall taste differs from one brand to another.
Do you like your coffee dark, light, or medium? We all have different tastes in coffee. Some like it smoky, while others like their rich in flavour. You may need to sample a few options to find the best one for your taste buds. Better yet, please read the instant coffee reviews UK above. We’ve explained in detail what you should expect from each of our top picks.
3. Price
The price of the same amount of instant coffee will vary from one brand to the next. But, the price is not the ultimate determinant of how good or bad the coffee tastes. You’ll be surprised to learn that some budget picks are more delicious than the premium options. Sample a few brands across the entire price range, and read online instant coffee reviews UK to find one that will get your taste bud’s approval.
The cost of instant coffee varies depending on the brand, type of coffee used, and quantity. On average, expect to pay anywhere from £2.50 to £20 (or more) for a tin of 250 g.
We can classify instant coffee depending on how it is made. There are two methods of making instant coffee, which I’ll discuss briefly below.
While both methods effectively produce instant coffee, freeze-dried instant coffee retains more of its fresh aroma than spray drying.
The best instant coffee UK is the NESCAFE Original Instant Coffee Granules. It comes in large tins of coffee weighing 1 kg, enough to serve up to 555 cups of coffee. The container is resealable and reusable. What’s more, it is affordable and is made from a mix of Robusta and Arabica coffee to give a bold and rich flavour.
The best tasting instant coffee UK will depend on your preferences. If you enjoy the bold and distinct taste of instant coffee, then the NESCAFE Original Instant Coffee Granules is a great pick. But if you prefer a milder option whose taste is close to brewing real coffee beans, go for the Nescafe Gold Blend Instant Coffee or the TrueStart barista Grade Instant Coffee.
Instant coffee is popular in the UK for its convenience. It is so much faster and easier to make. Simply mix a cup of hot water and a teaspoon of coffee granules. That’s it. You’ll have your coffee.
If you compare the price of a jar of instant coffee to that of coffee beans, of course, that of the instant coffee will be significantly higher. But that would be a wrong approach to comparing the two.
Remember that a lot of work is put into the making of instant coffee. The process begins from brewing to the final cooling and drying stage. You’ll enjoy the convenience of making coffee whenever and wherever you wish. Plus, you’ll need zero tools to prepare it.
Brewing coffee beans, on the other hand, will require time. You may need a coffee grinder and a coffee maker, which, of course, are expensive gadgets to attain. Judging by the above, you and I can agree that the cost of instant coffee and coffee beans is about the same.
The choice of the best instant coffee UK to add to your cart boils down to your preferences. Do you like your coffee bold or mild? Dark, light, or medium roast? Choose one that rhymes with your taste buds. You can do this by sampling a few of the best instant coffee UK available in the market today. Or if time isn’t by your side, reading online instant coffee reviews UK, like this one, can come in very handy.
Are you confused about what to choose? Our top choice of the best instant coffee UK for that morning energy kick is the NESCAFE Original Instant Coffee.
Last update on 2022-06-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
But if you’re looking for a sweeter option, try the Nescafe Gold Blend Instant Coffee. The Beanies Flavoured Instant Coffee, on the other hand, is best for those who love flavoured coffee. You can select six of your best flavours from a whopping 38.
Last update on 2022-06-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re thinking of upgrading your cup of Joe, then check out our guide to the best coffee beans UK.
Hannah is an extremely well-experienced home product tester. She has been crafting product roundups and other informational articles for over five years. As a mother of one who loves her work’s freedom, Hannah dedicates most of her day to freelance writing. Hannah loves to spend time with her family in her free time, read, hike, or Netflix and chill.
This page contains affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, but this is at no additional cost to you