312446 Wed Jul 26 11:53:51 -0700 2006 44 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1768048 I know this is a pretty profane subject for anyone who appreciates well-brewed coffee, but I'm curious: what's the best instant coffee out there? (To defend myself here...it's an easy alternative to brewed when it comes to making a quick iced coffee) Wed Jul 26 11:53:51 -0700 2006 21244 lalagirl 1 1768958 When I'm in a rush for a quickie cup of coffee, I reach for Taster's Choice. I've never tried it in iced coffee though. I have had it as a Cafe con Leche, and it's not that bad at that. The flavor is not as strong, but it does it's trick. Wed Jul 26 18:44:14 -0700 2006 1768048 18155 sandrina 2 1770099 The Taster's Choice Gourmet Roast (mine is brewed w/ rather much more than recommended) tastes better than the red label 'regular' but Medaglia d'Oro (sp?) is better still. Thu Jul 27 02:34:14 -0700 2006 1768958 17015 bob192 1 1769657 One of Nicholson Baker's little novels -- "Room Temperature," I think -- has a wonderful little passage about his father's recipe for iced instant coffee with milk, and his dreams of someday canning it under the name Cafe Ole. Wed Jul 26 23:06:23 -0700 2006 1768048 17813 Bill on Capitol Hill 1 1769666 Not exactly instant coffee, but Coffee Toddy makes a "pouch" of cold brew that can be used to make hot or iced coffee. My mom is a big fan of cold brewed coffee (it extracts less acid which is more gentle on her sensitive tummy). She recently tried the new packaged cold brew coffee, and loves it! Here are links: http://www.toddycafe.com/shop/product.php?productId=79 http://www.toddycafe.com/ Wed Jul 26 23:08:33 -0700 2006 1768048 16301 Non Cognomina 2 1769698 Toddy coffee is WONDERFUL for the iced stuff -- its low acidity translates much better to iced coffee than to hot coffee. Wed Jul 26 23:24:24 -0700 2006 1769666 17813 Bill on Capitol Hill 3 1769711 But it is far from instant. :) Wed Jul 26 23:33:44 -0700 2006 1769698 11296 Darren72 1 1770570 Medaglio d'Oro, instant espresso. Just mix it up like regular instant. A can got me thru China, back when coffe was tough to find there.... Thu Jul 27 12:48:27 -0700 2006 1768048 11108 galleygirl 2 1772679 I second the madaglia d'oro instant. I love it bitter and thick with a twist of lemon. Doesn't taste good necessarily, but it will do if circumstances warrant. Fri Jul 28 04:42:53 -0700 2006 1770570 11709 hertzdonut 3 2968795 yeah, me too Sun Sep 23 17:11:24 -0700 2007 1772679 19185 budlit 1 1770787 Where do you buy the instant espresso? I've looked for it before. Thu Jul 27 15:10:26 -0700 2006 1768048 17177 leeds 2 2968798 gelsons Sun Sep 23 17:11:54 -0700 2007 1770787 19185 budlit 1 1771742 12 years ago, when I was planning a trip to China and fearing coffee deprivation I found coffee bags with ground French roast coffee (not instant of freeze-dried, like Folger's) that worked remarkably well. They were made in Canada, but I can't remember the brand. They were perfect for the trip. I carried a travel mug, and hot water is omnipresent in China. http://petercherches.blogspot.com Thu Jul 27 20:31:01 -0700 2006 1768048 10736 Peter Cherches 1 1772124 On a trip to Mexico years ago, I was appalled when my hosts placed a jar of instant coffee on the table in the morning. I didn't know how I would survive 10 days on weak, instant coffee. I was shocked when the stuff was palatable. It was instant made by Nescafe but for the Mexican market. It's darker, stronger and richer than the instant that is made for the U.S. I usually keep it around the house for emergencies (I'm out at the moment). It comes in a dark brown jar, and is sold in most Latino markets that I've been in. In San Francisco, you can even get it at Safeway. Look for the Spanish label. Thu Jul 27 23:26:55 -0700 2006 1768048 15785 monday 2 1772574 This Nescafe is the same that I've had on trips to Ecuador. As a matter of fact, when family visits us here in the U.S., my dad always requests the Nescafe and they bring it to him. I've found this product in my area of Jackson Heights and it's also good for cafe con leche. That was our traditional Ecuadorean breakfast, cafe con leche along with some form of freshly baked buttered bread or sweet bread. Even the butter tastes better there. Fri Jul 28 03:15:58 -0700 2006 1772124 18155 sandrina 3 2968779 It is called Nescafe Clasico in Spanish-speaking countries. I drink it all the time at work (usually iced) because it is quick and easy and our cafeteria charges $1.60 for watered-down Starbucks coffee. Sun Sep 23 17:05:07 -0700 2007 1772574 13564 Snackish 1 1772827 Several posters on this thread already made the point, but I will take this chance to re-emphasize. The only instant coffee worth anything is Nescafe. In centers of the world touted for the best coffee on the planet, I've been served, in homes, Nescafe. I keep a jar of it around for when I've regretably forgotten to buy bean coffee to grind myself, or, more importantly, for when I'm so fricken busy that I actually forget to buy coffee (and yes, it happens). When it does, I can make a passable cup of joe with the Nescafe. It has the added effect of reminding me of my student days in Europe, so that probably makes it taste better than it really does, but I'd never buy any other brand. Cudos if you go to a market that sells Nescafe which has a foreign language on the can. That's the better kind. Fri Jul 28 11:14:53 -0700 2006 1768048 11028 DanaB 2 1772924 I agree ... drinking some iced Nescafe right now. Fri Jul 28 13:09:47 -0700 2006 1772827 10985 MMRuth 2 5053485 I have never noticed Nescafe Clasico in my supermarket, but it hasn't been on my radar, either, I just placed an order at www.alice.com, which I learned about on the local TV news. It has free UPS shipping to the continental U.S. and purports to equal or beat the regular prices at average supermarkets. There is very little actual food other than cereal, snacks, and beverages. It's mostly household, pet, and personal care products but they do carry both regular and decaf Nescafe Clasico. Wed Sep 23 16:18:39 -0700 2009 1772827 159317 greygarious 1 1773471 Tasters Choice is my pick, especially the decaf which is quite good and 'coffee-like.' Fri Jul 28 17:06:15 -0700 2006 1768048 10863 stonesoup 1 1773592 Not instant in the purist sense... but I remember taster's choice or folgers once used to sell coffee in individually-sized bags (think teabags, but with coffee). I love those! Portable and a much better alternatively than the freeze-dried instant. I think they got discontinued though (oh well, I've since switched to just regularly-brewed stuff or the bottled stuff.) Fri Jul 28 17:39:45 -0700 2006 1768048 11949 AquaW 1 1775933 Excellent instant coffees, though sadly to my knowledge not available in North America, only in Europe are: Alta Rica (nescafe) Cap Columbie (nescafe) Kenjara (nescafe) Alta Rica is very strong, dark roasted. Also just as excellent is Carte Noire, a brand popular in France (though it's made in Germany). Don't try serving these to your auntie from the farm in Iowa, she'll think you're trying to kill her. Kenco in the UK also makes some excellent freeze-dried instants. But all of these are pricey -- they're not your average North American's instant coffee -- they are premium, gourmet makes, often from single beans, and so you'll pay accordingly. These instants are so good that even though I enjoy coffee from my Delonghi, and my good old-fashioned flip-over caffeteria neapolitana that I bought while going to school in Italy, I also really enjoy these instants. But do you think I can even get another person here to even try a sip? Nope, their minds are closed based on what we have here. Might as well offer them a cup of boiled tripe (grin). I know where they're coming from, though: I'm unable to drink unfortunately any instant I can find here in North America, even Taster's Choice. Just can't do it. North American instants are to European instants what white vinegar is to certified modena balsamic. p.s. not trying to convert anyone to instant; I jealously guard mine as I have to reimburse friends the cost and postage to get these shipped over regularly. Just wanting to say, there's a whole different world of instant out there that we don't know about. Sun Jul 30 02:04:53 -0700 2006 1768048 22597 rlinnington 2 2965756 The best instant coffee I know is Indonesian Nescafe classic. It tastes really diferent from any other instant or any other Nescafe for that matter. Sat Sep 22 09:03:56 -0700 2007 1775933 129231 kopidunia 1 1788692 I wholly agree with the above postings: Nescafe, made for the Mexican or any of the South American markets. As one who travels on business extensively internationally, I've come to learn that really good instant coffee is often the status quo. Seriously - Nescafe, especially in places like Colombia and Peru, is excellent. Fri Aug 04 22:55:10 -0700 2006 1768048 20107 YYZSolly 1 2968941 Gold Blend - I think made by Nescafe but only available in the UK. It is freeze dried granules. I have it brought over by whoever is coming to Florida. Sun Sep 23 18:10:02 -0700 2007 1768048 22559 smartie 1 2968954 i have tried many instant coffees have not found one yet that tastes fresh and does not have a funny taste maybe i am too fussy but.... Sun Sep 23 18:16:25 -0700 2007 1768048 113619 foodperv 2 2970089 It is never going to be the same as fresh, that's for sure. Mon Sep 24 08:11:48 -0700 2007 2968954 13564 Snackish 1 2970127 Ive given up on instant coffee, and replaced the crystals with individual bags that I can keep in a desk or my purse. It takes about the same time and the taste is superior. Mon Sep 24 08:24:30 -0700 2007 1768048 22220 Kelli2006 1 4444592 Starbuck's coffee gives me a stomachache...the beans taste and smell like burnt rubber. I can't imagine what their instant coffee would do. Mon Feb 23 12:22:55 -0800 2009 4444485 239340 latindancer 2 4567140 Nescafe Alta Rica from the UK is the best. Nescafe Costa Rican in Canada (no longer sold) was my second favorite. Sat Apr 04 09:27:14 -0700 2009 4444592 121238 gakski 1 4572529 The madaglia d'oro is my favored instant, but I can no longer find it in the domestic chains here in No. VA (Giant, Safeway, Harris Teeter, etc). I have only had success in the international supermarkets in the area. Not sure why this is, especially when I see the larger cans of madaglia d'oro on the shelves in those markets that don't carry the instant. Mon Apr 06 13:47:12 -0700 2009 1768048 12752 MsDiPesto 1 4708122 I belong to the small minority of those who prefer instant over freshly brewed. That being said, I strictly purchase Nescafe Clasico. My favourite <a href="http://www.bevoost.com/?p=662">instant coffee recipe</a> is for Cafe Batido. Pour equal parts (e.g. 1 tablespoon) instant coffee and sugar into a cup. Add just a few drops of water or milk. It is very important not to add too much liquid! Rigorously stir for a few minutes until the mixture becomes a light-colored paste. Add hot water or milk, and foam will form at the top. Fri May 22 19:19:46 -0700 2009 1768048 322076 bevoost 1 4709366 FWIT, Nescafe and Taster's Choice are both Nestle products. Sat May 23 13:49:52 -0700 2009 1768048 12296 steakman55 1 4981501 I definitely agree on the Taster's Choice, however, only the vanilla and hazelnut. Unfortunately, they discontinued the canister! Wed Aug 26 21:08:27 -0700 2009 1768048 66936 qwertyu 1 4982525 It seems that Nescafe and Taster's Choice are the winners here. But, I'll have to go for Nescafe in that they seem to tailor their instants to local tastes. I was blown away by the superb dark, rich Nescafe instant I had during a few months in Egypt. The Ivory Coast was the country of origin and it was as good as any fresh brewed. CP Thu Aug 27 08:40:17 -0700 2009 1768048 138009 Chefpaulo 1 4999764 Does anyone know where I can get Nescafe Clasico here in NY? Wed Sep 02 13:02:12 -0700 2009 1768048 41551 krystle920 2 5043684 Almost any supermarket catering to the Latin American community carries it. Sun Sep 20 09:15:21 -0700 2009 4999764 121238 gakski 2 5053490 As I posted upthread, a site called www.alice.com carries it, and has free UPS shipping. Wed Sep 23 16:20:40 -0700 2009 4999764 159317 greygarious 1 5019618 Starbucks now offers a great instant coffee, VIA. It's pricier & only comes in 2 flavors, Italian or Colombia, but it's much better than most that I've tried. Thu Sep 10 10:58:31 -0700 2009 1768048 1108376 Reesta 1 5044188 No instant coffee except Nescafe Clasico ever passes my lips. It's very common here in N. California -- even some little non-Hispanic corner markets carry it. Sun Sep 20 13:53:24 -0700 2009 1768048 15254 ptrichmondmike 1 5134087 I love Nescafe Classico. I like how it gets foam up a little when mixing with hot water. Ive tried several instant coffee, but Nescafe is by far the best. Tue Oct 27 07:14:54 -0700 2009 1768048 1119550 kino 1 5134179 I recently found (and love) Café Bustelo instant coffee/espresso. Although a Cuban coffee, it was in the aisle at my local Publix grocery. While I prefer brewed coffee when I'm drinking it black, I fix my faux latte most mornings with some microwaved skim milk, instant coffee, and sugar-free syrups. It's my own venti, skinny, french vanilla latte at a fraction of the Starbucks cost and is very similar in taste. A friend had told me about doing her lattes this way and, I admit, I was VERY skeptical; however, I'm now a believer. ~shrug~ I suppose once you add milk and syrup to coffee, the actual taste of the coffee has pretty much been obliterated. Tue Oct 27 07:46:13 -0700 2009 1768048 88544 Ima Wurdibitsch 1 5146329 I like the Starbucks instant coffee - it doesn't have any of that chemical taste and dissolves like no other - it takes little to no stirring in hot water and just a little stir in cold water (it also dissolves beautifully in milk - hot or cold). I'm a big hippie, so that it's all natural really wins points with me. I know that someone posted that they don't like SBux coffee in general, but I think it may be because you haven't tried the right roast/blend yet. There's really so many that had I not worked for the company I wouldn't have tried all of them. Before you get any ideas about me just being a brainwashed barista - I really have no loyalty to that company except for what it takes to get my paycheck. It's especially frustrating because I've tried so many other coffees out there and I have to say that as far as quality coffee goes, Starbucks may be it for me. Luckily I still keep my pride with the foods I eat - I won't touch theirs, ick. Sun Nov 01 04:19:49 -0800 2009 1768048 1120776 Beemazin 2 5153195 Well, no, it's not for lack of trying that I don't like Sbx coffee. In the past, I've had a few that tasted ok, but for the most part, I thought the beans were usually over roasted and the coffees tasted burnt. OTOH, when traveling, I'd stop there because it was the only place that at least had a strong brew. Now that it tastes weak and bitter, you can't pay me to drink Sbx coffee ever again. If I wanted something that bad, I'd go to McDs or Dunkin Donuts. Having said that, I'm currently enjoying the under $5 a lb. organic coffee at Costco roasted for them by Sbx, but I get to control the brew. It's not as good as the Jim's Organic Ethiopian it replaced, but it's less than half the price and quite good. I don't think brewing weak coffee and selling instant is a step in the right direction for Sbx. Tue Nov 03 14:42:48 -0800 2009 5146329 133381 mcf 1 5178571 I love good coffee... I really dislike any coffee other than black... nothing in it except coffee. But this does remind me of the 60s on the graveyard shift factory I worked in. They had a coffee machine that dispensed cocoa and chicken soup too. I became somewhat addicted to the coffee machine instant I guess. So that even today I prefer instant when I am working in my shop. It is so different that is just... well... so different! Cant handle it for breakfast though Fri Nov 13 08:15:10 -0800 2009 1768048 1107284 camper