It's nearly impossible to outdo a patiently addressed, perfectly made cup of coffee. The galaxy of Java is a large one, spanning everything from the health benefits of coffee and sustainable farming policies to luxury beans on par with some of the most expensive agricultural products on the planet. As the saying aptly goes, there's nothing quite like the first sip of the day. In fact, we think you should have multiple sips.
With the innumerable options out there — what with scores of growing regions, harvesting methods, and roast levels — it can be tricky to know what should be in your grinder and ultimately your cup. Luckily, we've narrowed down some of the best options for you already. But let's face it: You don't always have the time or willpower for a traditional cup of joe. Sometimes you need something eye-opening and tasty and you need it pronto.
That's where instant coffee struts in, offering a career-making cameo. We know what you're thinking. Really, Folgers? Not quite. The
Here are some of the best instant coffees to check out when you want a good cup but lack the time, equipment, or motivation to make a proper coffee.
Waka Coffee
Waka is an easy mention not only because the flavor is appealing but because the coffee practically makes itself. It's a quick, effortless cup of coffee that tastes like the work of your favorite barista.
Swift Coffee
Swift specializes in small packets of instant coffee with big flavor profiles. The company is making
Canyon Coffee
Los Angeles roasters Canyon Coffee just make a single instant option but it's worth seeking out. Made from Ethiopian beans, it's one of the most richly flavored and well-rounded takes in all of instant coffee land.
Verve Coffee Roasters
A favorite among coffee writers coast to coast, Verve boasts an impressive selection made from beans sourced from all over the map. They even have seasonal instant coffee options for the most festive caffeine junkies out there.
Ritual Coffee Roasters
Bay area roaster Ritual created a new line of instant coffees with the help of fellow coffee purveyors Swift. Their beans are subjected to a crystallization process and put in convenient pouches. It's single origin and deceptively tasty stuff.
Intelligentsia Instant Coffee
Intelligentsia Instant Coffee brings you
Death Wish Coffee Instant Coffee
Death Wish Coffee's Instant variety features the same fair trade and organic coffee you know and love from the brand but in instant form. Ideal for taking anywhere you go, this dark roast coffee delivers a no-fuss caffeine fix. Formulated in 2018 for NASA, this is the very recipe that astronauts drank at the International Space Station.
