Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Flavored Instant Coffee - Top 9 Brands
Instant coffee has become increasingly popular globally due to its convenience and variety compared to traditional brewed coffee. Busy lifestyles leave little time for complicated coffee rituals so having an instant option that can be prepared quickly and easily has great appeal.
Flavored instant coffees have also gained significant popularity as they allow coffee drinkers to enjoy diverse flavors reminiscent of specialty coffee shops right from their own home. The ability to customize and experiment with different tastes makes coffee drinking a more personalized and exciting experience.
What to Look for in Flavored Instant Coffee
Flavor variety is a key consideration when selecting a flavored instant coffee as it caters to different moods and taste preferences. Options like creamy caramel, sweet vanilla, warming hazelnut, zesty orange and more can provide a tailored coffee experience based on an individual's wants.
The quality of the coffee beans used also impacts flavor, with Arabica beans being smoother and more complex compared to the earthier, more bitter Robusta. Arabica is generally seen as the superior bean, lending well to flavoring and producing a better tasting coffee.
How the coffee is manufactured affects how well it retains its integrity and flavor. The freeze-drying process better preserves the coffee's aroma and taste compared to spray drying methods which can diminish these qualities.
Top 9 Flavored Instant Coffee Brands
1. Nescafe
Nescafe began in 1938 when the Brazilian government approached Nestle to help preserve their surplus coffee beans. This led to the invention of freeze-dried instant coffee, revolutionizing the industry. For over 80 years, Nescafe has maintained immense global popularity.
Nescafe offers a wide range of flavors like smooth French Vanilla, indulgent Caramel Macchiato and rich Mocha to satisfy varying tastes. Seasonal options like pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha are released yearly alongside their permanent selections.
Nescafe is renowned for its consistent quality thanks to strict sourcing standards and production controls. With an extensive distribution network spanning over 180 countries, it's widely accessible across the world. The brand also has a history of innovating instant coffee methods, constantly improving flavor and convenience.
2. Waka Coffee
Founded in 2017 by entrepreneur David Kovalevski, Waka Coffee is a relatively new brand focused on bringing quality instant specialty coffee to market. It uses only premium Arabica beans hand-selected from award-winning farms in Colombia.
Unique flavors like sweet Butterscotch and aromatic Vanilla make Waka a standout. It also offers time-tested favorites like French Vanilla and Mocha. New seasonal options are added yearly while core flavors remain available.
Waka Coffee champions sustainability in the coffee sector. The brand direct trades beans, ensuring fair prices for farmers while supporting environmental initiatives at origin. Part of profits also aid clean water projects in coffee-growing communities.
3. Starbucks VIA
As an instant extension of the popular cafe brand launched in 2009, Starbucks VIA brings their signature blends home. Made using the same premium beans as their handcrafted drinks, it mirrors their cafe experience.
Familiar Starbucks seasonal specialties like Pumpkin Spice Latte and sweet Caramel Macchiato are recreated as instant options. Their everyday house blends like Pike Place and Colombia are also translated for at-home convenience.
Starbucks VIA uses a proprietary microground technology to capture the brand's distinct taste and quality. The process grinds beans into very fine particles, maximizing flavor extraction and locking in aromas. This preservation of freshness and authenticity sets it apart.
4. Laird Superfood Instafuel
Big wave surfing pioneer Laird Hamilton co-founded Laird Superfood in 2015 to provide functional, convenient beverage options harnessing the power of superfoods. Its Instafuel coffee line features nutrient-boosted blends to energize mind and body.
Unique ingredient additions like coconut milk, turmeric and MCT oil enhance Instafuel's flavors and health properties. Rather than traditional flavoring, it focuses on superfoods' tastes.
Laird Superfood combines high-quality coffee with other superfoods known for their health benefits. This provides an extra functional edge, appealing to health and performance-conscious consumers seeking both great taste and nutrition.
5. Impulse Coffees
Founded in India, Impulse Coffees specializes in creating locally inspired flavors using native ingredients. Its unique blends fuse international coffee traditions with regional tastes.
Signatures like Caramel ka Kamal and Nutkhat Hazelnut incorporate local spices, nuts and sweeteners. Chocolate Raspberry, Mocha and Vanilla options add familiar flavors.
Impulse brings culturally resonant tastes and ingredients to instant coffee like regional nuts and artisanal caramel. This provides new flavor experiences while celebrating Indian palates.
6. Beanies
Founded in the UK, Beanies has offered an immense diversity of flavored instant coffee for over a decade. With 100+ options, it emphasizes variety and caters to all preferences.
Alongside familiar flavors like French Vanilla and Creamy Caramel, it has unique blends including Almond Amaretto, Salted Caramel Popcorn, Cookie Dough and more. Both seasonal and everyday staples are available.
Beanies focuses on low-calorie, low-sugar options without sacrificing bold taste. This combined with its incredibly broad flavor range sets it apart.
7. Sleepy Owl
Launched in India in 2017, Sleepy Owl is now a leading direct-to-consumer coffee brand. Its founding mission is to make high-quality fresh coffee conveniently accessible.
Its French Vanilla and Hazelnut instant options offer familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors with an elevated taste. Its signature Dark Roast is also a top seller.
Sleepy Owl uses a proprietary microground process maximizing flavor extraction from beans while sealing in freshness longer. This innovation delivers instant coffee with unmatched authenticity.
8. Country Bean
Country Bean is a popular Indian brand offering premium instant coffee focused on elevating at-home experiences. Its diverse flavors cater to local tastes.
Alongside popular options like Salted Caramel and Hazelnut, it offers unique flavors like Meethi Chocolate and Elaichi.
Country Bean's customizable "flavor shots" allow drinkers to tailor their coffee's strength and taste. This versatility and ability to personalize one's cup sets it apart.
9. Gruner
Gruner combines German engineering and innovation with a passion for high-quality coffee. Its name meaning "green" in German reflects its eco-conscious mission.
Gruner is known for flavors like Irish Cream and Hazelnut with a European taste influence. It focuses on smooth, aromatic instant coffee.
Sourcing beans sustainably and using fully recyclable packaging, Gruner appeals to environmentally minded coffee drinkers who don't want to sacrifice taste.
How to Enjoy Flavored Instant Coffee
Flavored instant coffee can be used creatively in recipes like whipped coffees and milkshakes or even coffee-infused desserts and baked goods. Iced coffee is also popular, combining cold milk or water with instant coffee for a refreshing lift.
Certain flavors pair well with specific foods too: the sweetness of vanilla, for example, complements chocolate while the nuttiness of hazelnut aligns with morning pastries. Experiment and discover exciting combinations!
Conclusion
Flavored instant coffee offers personalized tastes, convenience and the ability to mimic specialty cafe drinks at home. With so many brands and types available, coffee lovers can explore different options to discover new favorites tailored to their preferences.
The ease of preparation and variety in forms, from cold to hot beverages, also increases coffee's versatility as an anytime drink. We encourage you to try some new instant coffee flavors and brands to become a coffee connoisseur from the comfort of your kitchen.
FAQs
Does instant coffee have caffeine?
Yes, instant coffee contains caffeine just like regular brewed coffee does. However, the amount can vary based on the coffee beans used and serving size. Expect an average of around 40-100mg of caffeine per 6-8 oz cup.
How long does instant coffee last?
Unopened instant coffee can last around 2 years from the printed expiration date if stored properly in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it's best consumed within 6 months before the quality and flavor begin diminishing.
Is freeze-dried or spray-dried coffee better?
Freeze-drying helps better preserve the coffee's aroma and flavor. The rapid freezing involved prevents damaging chemical reactions while moisture removal ensures longevity. In contrast, spray drying's high heat risks losing volatile compounds that impact taste.
What are robusta beans?
Robusta is a species of coffee plant that produces beans with a harsher, more bitter taste compared to the sweeter Arabica. Robusta has a higher caffeine content but contains less sugar and body. It is generally cheaper and often used in lower quality coffee blends.
What drinks can you make with instant coffee?
There are many hot and cold coffee drinks that can be created with instant coffee powder or granules. These include drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, Vietnamese-style coffee, frosted coffee shakes, mocha frappes and iced coffees.
Is instant coffee unhealthy?
On its own, instant coffee powder contains very few calories and can be part of a healthy diet. Some flavored varieties might have added sugars or creamers that boost the calorie count. But plain instant coffee simply rehydrated is low in fat, carbs and calories.
Why is freeze-dried coffee so expensive?
Freeze-drying equipment costs are quite steep for manufacturers, which translates to higher prices. The process also takes more time, care and handling compared to alternative methods, further driving up costs. But the result is a higher quality instant coffee that retains more authentic flavor.