10 Best Instant Coffees: Quick Wake-Up Picks

What are the best instant coffees?
This guide offers the top 10 instant coffees selected based on real users’ engaging taste tests and quick wake-up experiences.

Instant coffee makes busy days easier. You can mix it with water quickly. It tastes good any time.

Many brands offer rich flavors and variety. From bold dark roasts to smooth blends, there’s something for everyone. People enjoy it hot or iced.

Real users say Folgers wakes them up fast. This guide picks the best based on taste tests.

List of Top 10 Instant Coffees

Image Title Best For Price
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee, 8 Ounces Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee, 8 Ounces

Got no time, but need that coffee kick? Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee is for you! It’s the easiest way to enjoy that classic Folgers taste.

Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee, 8 oz Jar Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee, 8 oz Jar

Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee is perfect for busy people who want quick, tasty coffee without the hassle of a brewer.
It’s great for anyone needing a simple break to boost energy with its classic, strong flavor.

NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, 1 Jar (10.5 Oz) NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, 1 Jar (10.5 Oz)

This NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO instant coffee is perfect for busy people who want a quick and easy cup of rich, bold coffee in the morning. It’s also ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy high-quality taste from pure coffee beans.

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense is perfect for busy people who want a quick, strong cup of coffee without any machines. It is also great for anyone needing an uplifting espresso to start their day or make fun drinks at home.

NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice Instant Coffee, Light Medium Roast, House Blend, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each) NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice Instant Coffee, Light Medium Roast, House Blend, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each)

This smooth and easy-to-make instant coffee is perfect for busy people who love a great-tasting cup without any hassle. It’s also ideal for coffee fans who want high-quality flavor in every sip, at home or on the go.

NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Medium Roast Coffee, Colombia, 1 Jar (6 Oz) NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Medium Roast Coffee, Colombia, 1 Jar (6 Oz)

This coffee is perfect for busy mornings and anyone who wants a quick, smooth cup. Fans of 100% Colombian Arabica will enjoy the mild, balanced flavor and the easy prep.

NESCAFÉ Café de Olla, Cinnamon Flavored Instant Coffee, 1 Jar (6.7 Oz) NESCAFÉ Café de Olla, Cinnamon Flavored Instant Coffee, 1 Jar (6.7 Oz)

NESCAFÉ Café de Olla Cinnamon Flavored Instant Coffee is perfect for busy people who crave a quick, rich coffee fix at home or on the go. It’s also ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy a sweet, cinnamon twist without the fuss of brewing.

NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, French Roast, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each) NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, French Roast, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each)

Are you a coffee lover who craves a bold, dark roast? Then NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice French Roast is made for you! It’s easy to make and delivers a rich, smoky flavor that will wake you up!

Hills Bros. Instant Cappuccino Mix, English Toffee (16 Oz, Pack of 1) – Convenient and Versatile, Instant Hot or Iced Coffee, Frothy & Rich English Toffee Flavor - Just Add Water Hills Bros. Instant Cappuccino Mix, English Toffee (16 Oz, Pack of 1) – Convenient and Versatile, Instant Hot or Iced Coffee, Frothy & Rich English Toffee Flavor – Just Add Water

This cappuccino mix is perfect for busy mornings and for anyone who wants a cafe-style drink at home. It’s great for students, remote workers, or anyone who loves a rich, creamy toffee flavor with quick, easy prep.

Maxwell House Instant Cafe-Style Beverage Mix, Easy to Prepare, 1 Canister, for Quick Morning Coffee or Afternoon Treat, Vanilla Caramel Latte, Kosher Dairy, 8.7 oz Maxwell House Instant Cafe-Style Beverage Mix, Easy to Prepare, 1 Canister, for Quick Morning Coffee or Afternoon Treat, Vanilla Caramel Latte, Kosher Dairy, 8.7 oz

This is perfect for busy people who want a quick, cafe-style drink at home. It’s great for a fast morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up with a rich vanilla caramel latte flavor you can make in minutes.

Detailed Reviews

Discover amazing instant coffees today. We’ve mixed expert picks with customer reviews just to serve you. Find your perfect flavor and value. Get ready for great coffee!

1. Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee, 8 Ounces

Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee, 8 Ounces

Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee comes in an 8-ounce jar. The classic Folgers taste you love in instant form.

Just add water or milk and stir. Enjoy hot or iced. Proudly roasted in New Orleans.

Easy to use for busy mornings. Great taste for any day.

Pros Cons
  • Classic taste in instant coffee.
  • Simple mix: add water or milk.
  • Ready hot or iced any time.
  • Roasted in New Orleans for depth.
  • One jar, many cups.
  • Weaker taste than fresh coffee
  • Small 8-ounce jar runs out fast
  • No brewing needed, but less fun

Perfect For:

Got no time, but need that coffee kick? Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee is for you! It’s the easiest way to enjoy that classic Folgers taste.

Ready to Purchase?

2. Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee, 8 oz Jar

Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee, 8 oz Jar

Need a quick coffee fix? Grab a jar of Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee! It’s easy to make and tastes great. You’ll love the rich, full-bodied flavor.

Just add it to hot water or milk. This classic coffee is roasted in the USA.

Pros Cons
  • No brewer needed for quick coffee.
  • Smooth taste with rich aroma.
  • Full-bodied flavor from sip to sip.
  • Easy to make with hot water.
  • Inspired breaks to pause and reset.
  • Instant coffee lacks the depth of freshly brewed.
  • May seem bland without hot milk or boiling water.
  • Needs proper storage to stay fresh and tasty.

Perfect For:

Maxwell House Original Roast Instant Coffee is perfect for busy people who want quick, tasty coffee without the hassle of a brewer.
It’s great for anyone needing a simple break to boost energy with its classic, strong flavor.

Ready to Purchase?

3. NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, 1 Jar (10.5 Oz)

NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, 1 Jar (10.5 Oz)

Enjoy rich and bold flavor with NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Dark Roast Instant Coffee. This premium brand gives you a pure coffee taste right away. Savor every sip of this bold brew.

Made with responsibly sourced beans from around the world. NESCAFÉ is the world’s top-selling coffee.

Mix one teaspoon with six ounces of hot water for a perfect cup. This jar makes up to 150 cups of satisfying coffee. Add cream or sugar to your liking and enjoy the difference.

Pros Cons
  • Savor rich and bold flavor in an instant.
  • Enjoy bolder, richer taste with every cup.
  • Made from high-quality, sourced coffee beans.
  • So easy to make—just scoop and stir.
  • Makes up to 150 cups of premium coffee.
  • Flavor may be weaker than fresh brew.
  • Aroma softer with instant mix.
  • Some find it too bitter for mornings.

Perfect For:

This NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO instant coffee is perfect for busy people who want a quick and easy cup of rich, bold coffee in the morning. It’s also ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy high-quality taste from pure coffee beans.

Ready to Purchase?

4. NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense, Instant Coffee, 3.5 oz

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense gives you the rich flavor of top café coffee. It has velvety crema for a smooth drink.

Make espresso at home with no big tools. This coffee comes from responsibly sourced Arabica beans.

This jar makes up to 50 cups. Add water to make Americano drinks. Feel ready and energized all day.

Pros Cons
  • Bold espresso taste with creamy top.
  • Instant brewing no machine needed.
  • Top-notch beans from good sources.
  • Plenty of cups up to 50.
  • Smooth drink for a strong start.
  • Instant taste lacks fresh coffee depth.
  • May not match real espresso machine quality.
  • Caffeine boost is less intense sometimes.

Perfect For:

NESCAFÉ Gold Espresso Intense is perfect for busy people who want a quick, strong cup of coffee without any machines. It is also great for anyone needing an uplifting espresso to start their day or make fun drinks at home.

Ready to Purchase?

5. NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice Instant Coffee, Light Medium Roast, House Blend, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each)

NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice Instant Coffee, Light Medium Roast, House Blend, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each)

Wake up to rich flavor with NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice House Blend Instant Coffee. This light medium roast offers a smooth, balanced taste in every cup. Get premium quality from carefully selected beans grown worldwide.

It’s simple to make—just add hot water and stir. Makes up to 210 cups to enjoy anytime.

Pros Cons
  • Smoother, balanced flavor in every cup.
  • Easy to prepare: scoop, hot water, enjoy.
  • Up to 210 cups per pack.
  • Premium instant coffee from quality beans.
  • A light to medium roast, inviting flavor.
  • Less fresh taste than freshly brewed coffee.
  • Higher cost per cup compared to budget instant.
  • May contain additives from processing.

Perfect For:

This smooth and easy-to-make instant coffee is perfect for busy people who love a great-tasting cup without any hassle. It’s also ideal for coffee fans who want high-quality flavor in every sip, at home or on the go.

Ready to Purchase?

6. NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Medium Roast Coffee, Colombia, 1 Jar (6 Oz)

NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee, Medium Roast Coffee, Colombia, 1 Jar (6 Oz)

Enjoy the smooth taste of NESCAFÉ CLÁSICO Instant Coffee. This Colombia Medium Roast is easy to use, in a 1 Jar (6 Oz) package.

Made from 100% Colombian Arabica beans. Farmers care about quality and the land. Delicate fruity notes and a mild, balanced feel.

Easy to prepare. Scoop 1 teaspoon. Add 6 oz hot water, stir, and enjoy.

Pros Cons
  • Enjoy smooth and balanced coffee taste instantly.
  • Made with pure Colombian Arabica beans.
  • Easy to mix with hot water.
  • One jar makes up to 85 cups.
  • Crafted for high quality and flavor.
  • Not as fresh as brewed coffee.
  • Taste may not suit everyone.
  • Price per cup higher than bulk beans.

Perfect For:

This coffee is perfect for busy mornings and anyone who wants a quick, smooth cup. Fans of 100% Colombian Arabica will enjoy the mild, balanced flavor and the easy prep.

Ready to Purchase?

7. NESCAFÉ Café de Olla, Cinnamon Flavored Instant Coffee, 1 Jar (6.7 Oz)

NESCAFÉ Café de Olla, Cinnamon Flavored Instant Coffee, 1 Jar (6.7 Oz)

Enjoy the rich aroma of NESCAFÉ Café de Olla Cinnamon Flavored Instant Coffee.
It’s ready in minutes, anywhere you want.

This dark-roasted coffee is sweet and flavorful. Made with high-quality beans from around the world by the world’s best-selling brand.

It’s easy to make. Scoop one tablespoon. Add hot water, stir, and enjoy.

Pros Cons
  • Rich flavor and amazing aroma in every single cup!
  • Dark-roasted coffee gives you a sweet, tasty flavor.
  • Quick and easy: Just add hot water, stir, and enjoy!
  • Makes up to 38 cups of premium instant coffee.
  • Instant coffee lacks fresh-brew depth.
  • Cinnamon flavor may taste artificial.
  • Small 6.7 Oz jar yields only 38 cups.

Perfect For:

NESCAFÉ Café de Olla Cinnamon Flavored Instant Coffee is perfect for busy people who crave a quick, rich coffee fix at home or on the go. It’s also ideal for coffee lovers who enjoy a sweet, cinnamon twist without the fuss of brewing.

Ready to Purchase?

8. NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, French Roast, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each)

NESCAFÉ Taster's Choice Instant Coffee, Dark Roast Coffee, French Roast, 2 Jars (7 Oz Each)

Get ready for amazing coffee! NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice French Roast is here. It’s dark, bold, and tastes great instantly.

This coffee uses good beans. Each jar makes lots of tasty cups.

Pros Cons
  • Discover deep, smoky flavors in seconds
  • Enjoy exceptional taste from premium roast
  • Made with responsibly sourced coffee beans
  • Easy to make with just hot water
  • Brews up to 210 great cups per pair
  • This instant coffee lacks the fresh taste of ground beans.
  • It may taste bitter if overused or stirred wrong.
  • Not as aromatic as freshly brewed coffee.

Perfect For:

Are you a coffee lover who craves a bold, dark roast? Then NESCAFÉ Taster’s Choice French Roast is made for you! It’s easy to make and delivers a rich, smoky flavor that will wake you up!

Ready to Purchase?

9. Hills Bros. Instant Cappuccino Mix, English Toffee (16 Oz, Pack of 1) – Convenient and Versatile, Instant Hot or Iced Coffee, Frothy & Rich English Toffee Flavor – Just Add Water

Hills Bros. Instant Cappuccino Mix, English Toffee (16 Oz, Pack of 1) – Convenient and Versatile, Instant Hot or Iced Coffee, Frothy & Rich English Toffee Flavor - Just Add Water

Hills Bros. Instant Cappuccino Mix brings the sweet taste of English Toffee right to your cup. Just add hot water to get a frothy and rich drink. It turns your home into a cozy café spot.

This mix works for hot or iced drinks. You can even use it to flavor your regular coffee.

Trust Hills Bros. for top quality after 137 years of making great coffee. It costs little but feels like a treat. Every sip adds joy to your day.

Pros Cons
  • Easy to make with just hot water.
  • Rich English Toffee flavor in every cup.
  • Cafe-style taste at home any time.
  • Versatile use as drink or creamer.
  • Affordable luxury in every cup.
  • Not as fresh as hot cappuccino from a coffee shop.
  • Has a lot of added sugar in the mix.
  • May not taste the same as real toffee flavor.

Perfect For:

This cappuccino mix is perfect for busy mornings and for anyone who wants a cafe-style drink at home. It’s great for students, remote workers, or anyone who loves a rich, creamy toffee flavor with quick, easy prep.

Ready to Purchase?

10. Maxwell House Instant Cafe-Style Beverage Mix, Easy to Prepare, 1 Canister, for Quick Morning Coffee or Afternoon Treat, Vanilla Caramel Latte, Kosher Dairy, 8.7 oz

Maxwell House Instant Cafe-Style Beverage Mix, Easy to Prepare, 1 Canister, for Quick Morning Coffee or Afternoon Treat, Vanilla Caramel Latte, Kosher Dairy, 8.7 oz

Maxwell House Vanilla Caramel Latte is an instant cafe-style beverage mix. It comes in an 8.7 oz canister and makes about 5 servings.

Stir it into hot water or milk for a quick drink. Add ice for a cool treat. Store the resealable canister in a cool, dry spot.

Pros Cons
  • Fast to make, just mix and sip.
  • Cafe-style flavor at home.
  • Creamy vanilla caramel taste.
  • Easy to prepare with hot water or milk.
  • Makes about 5 servings per can.
  • Small canister makes only 5 servings.
  • Contains dairy, not for everyone.
  • Instant mix may lack fresh latte taste.

Perfect For:

This is perfect for busy people who want a quick, cafe-style drink at home. It’s great for a fast morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up with a rich vanilla caramel latte flavor you can make in minutes.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

Instant coffee is quick to make. It gives you a fast caffeine boost any time.

People love instant coffee for its ease. One user shared, “Folgers wakes me up fast—perfect for busy mornings.” Another said, “I mix NESCAFÉ with water and it’s ready in seconds, tasting like cafe quality.”

  • Taste Profile: Choose based on your favorites like bold dark roast or smooth blends. Many brands offer mixes for hot or iced drinks.
  • Roast Type: Look for classic roasts like Folgers or bold versions like NESCAFÉ French Roast. Try medium roasts for milder flavor.
  • Ease of Preparation: Pick ones that mix with just water or milk. Folgers and others stir easily for quick cups.
  • Value for Money: Check jar size; NESCAFÉ makes up to 150 cups. Bigger jars like 8 ounces give more servings.
  • Brand Reputation: Trust names like Maxwell House or NESCAFÉ for quality. They source beans worldwide for good taste.
  • Flavors and Variety: Select flavored options like cinnamon in NESCAFÉ Café de Olla. Or stick to classic for pure coffee.
  • Portion Control: Use teaspoons as guides. Products like Hills Bros. cappuccino mix make frothy drinks fast.
  • Packaging and Storage: Go for resealable jars to keep fresh. Store in cool spots for long shelf life.