Whether you’re a seasoned coffee lover or just enjoy the odd cup of instant coffee, there’s no denying that Australians have some great brands to choose from when it comes to picking up a pack of instants.
So, we’ve put together a list of the eight best instant coffees in Australia based on taste, price, and availability. All come highly rated with reviews from real Aussies.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favourites in 2024
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall
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Kenco Millicano Americano |
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Best Value
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Moccona Classic Medium Roast |
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Premium Choice
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Starbucks Medium Roast |
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Anthony's Goods Organic |
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Douwe Egberts Pure Gold |
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The 8 Best Instant Coffees in Australia:
1. Kenco Millicano Americano – Best Overall
| Flavour profile: | Bold, rounded, heart-warming |
| Roast: | Dark |
Kenco Millicano Americano is the best overall instant coffee in Australia. It is strong and flavourful, with a deep, rich taste that packs a punch. It’s also available in bulk, so you can stock up and save money.
The only downside is that it can be slow to dissolve, so you might need to give it a good stir before drinking. And some people find the sharp flavour too intense, so it’s not for everyone. But if you’re looking for a delicious instant coffee, Kenco Millicano Americano is up there in the top ranks!
- Strong and flavourful
- Buyable in bulk
- Packs a punch
- Slow to dissolve
- The sharp flavour is not for everyone
2. Moccona Classic Medium Roast – Best Value
| Flavour profile: | Rich, smooth, balanced |
| Roast: | Medium |
Moccona Classic Medium Roast is one of the best instant coffees on the market. It’s popular for a reason; it delivers a smooth, great-tasting coffee at a fraction of the price of other premium brands.
The coffee is also very aromatic, making it ideal for those who like to enjoy the smell of their coffee as well as the taste.
The only downside is that the coffee is relatively mild, so those who prefer a stronger coffee may be disappointed. However, for most people, Moccona Classic Medium Roast is the perfect instant coffee. It’s easily found in supermarkets and will save you money without compromising on taste or quality.
- Great taste for good value
- Smooth coffee appeals to most preferences
- Aromatic
- Mild taste
3. Starbucks Medium Roast – Premium Choice
| Flavour profile: | Chocolatey, nutty, smooth |
| Roast: | Medium |
If you’re looking for a quick and easy cup of coffee that still tastes great, Starbucks Medium Roast instant coffee is a great option. The coffee is made with 100% Arabica beans that are ethically sourced, so you can feel good about your purchase.
The coffee is also smooth and free of bitterness, making it enjoyable to drink. However, one downside is that the cap on the container is not airtight, so you’ll need to use it up relatively quickly or transfer it to more reliable storage.
Additionally, the coffee is on the pricier side. But overall, this is a high-quality instant coffee that is worth trying if you’re looking for Starbucks taste without buying out.
- Ethically sourced
- 100% Arabica
- Smooth and without bitterness
- The container cap is not airtight
- Costly
4. Anthony’s Goods Organic
| Flavour profile: | Smooth, bold |
| Roast: | Medium |
Anthony’s Goods USDA Organic instant coffee is a decent cup of joe. It’s made with 100% arabica beans and is USDA organic, so you know the beans are high quality. The coffee dissolves well, making it great for on-the-go brewing.
However, it can be on the bitter side, so you may want to add a little sugar or cream. Overall, this is a great choice for those who are looking for organic and gluten-free instant coffee.
- Organic
- Gluten-free (batch tested)
- Low acid
- Dissolves well
- On the bitter side
5. Douwe Egberts Pure Gold
| Flavour profile: | Smooth, balanced |
| Roast: | Medium |
If you’re looking for a rich and flavorful coffee that won’t break the bank, Douwe Egberts Pure Gold is a great option. Although the granules take a bit longer to dissolve than some other brands, the end result is well worth the wait. Plus, if you buy in bulk, you can get quite a bit of bang for your buck.
All in all, Douwe Egberts Pure Gold is a great choice for coffee lovers on a budget as the flavor is well received by many, but the price doesn’t break the bank.
- Bulk buy
- Good value
- Rich and flavorful
- Granules dissolve slowly
Read more: How Much Caffeine Is in Douwe Egberts?
6. Moccona Barista Reserve Classic Creme
| Flavour profile: | Creamy, smooth, velvety |
| Roast: | Medium |
Moccona’s Barista Reserve Classic Creme is a premium coffee, and it shows. The coffee has a beautiful aroma and a rich, creamy crema that lingers on the palate. A velvety crema is unusual in instant coffee, but this product emulates espresso coffee with ease.
However, some coffee drinkers may find the Classic Creme to be too sweet for their taste. Additionally, it’s one of the more costly coffees on the market. But if you’re looking for a premium coffee with excellent flavor, Moccona’s Barista Reserve Classic Creme is definitely worth trying.
- Lingering crema
- Beautiful aroma
- Espresso taste
- Too sweet for some
- Costly
7. Lavazza Prontissimo Intenso
| Flavour profile: | Intense, caramel |
| Roast: | Medium |
Lavazza Prontissimo Intenso is a premium instant coffee that delivers a rich, full-bodied espresso taste. The 100% Arabica beans are finely ground and dissolve quickly in hot water, creating a smooth brew.
Although the coffee lacks the distinctive aroma of freshly brewed espresso, it has a strong flavor that closely resembles the real thing. However, if you’re not careful, the coffee can taste burnt if you mix it with boiling water (they recommend hot water, not boiling). Overall, Lavazza Prontissimo Intenso is a great choice for coffee lovers who want to enjoy a premium cup of espresso without having to go to a café.
- 100% Arabica
- Strongly resembles the taste of espresso
- Dissolves well
- Lacks aroma
- Tastes burnt if mixed with boiling water
8. NESCAFÉ Gold Original
| Flavour profile: | Balanced, rounded, rich |
| Roast: | Medium |
NESCAFÉ Gold Original is a highly-rated instant coffee that is a great value. It is a good “all-rounder” coffee that is good for everyday drinking—black, with milk, sugar, or sweetener. This blend is enjoyed in many ways.
The coffee leaves a residue at the bottom of the cup, but it is not a major problem. We would recommend this coffee to anyone who is looking for a good instant coffee to drink at home.
- Great value
- Good “all-rounder”
- Leaves residue at the bottom of the cup
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Instant Coffee in Australia
Instant coffee is a great way to enjoy a cup of coffee without having to go through the trouble of brewing it yourself. However, with so many different brands and flavors on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve put together this buyer’s guide to instant coffee, specifically for Australian coffee lovers.
The Benefits of Instant Coffee
There are many benefits to drinking instant coffee, including:
- Quick and easy to make
- More affordable than other types of coffee
- Convenient for travel
- Has a long shelf life
- Comes in a variety of flavors
- Caffeine content is similar to other types of coffee
How to Choose the Best Instant Coffee for You
When choosing an instant coffee, there are a few things you should keep in mind, including:
- Roast: The roast level of your coffee will determine its flavor. If you want a bolder, more intense flavor, choose a dark roast. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for a light roast.
- Origin: The country of origin can also affect the flavor of your coffee. coffees from different countries will have different tasting notes, so it’s worth trying a few different kinds to see what you like best.
- Flavor: Instant coffee comes in a variety of flavors, from classic to fruity. If you have a specific flavor in mind, make sure to check the label before you buy.
- Caffeine Content: If you’re looking for a coffee with a little extra kick, choose one with higher caffeine content. However, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, or you just want a milder coffee, opt for a brand with less caffeine.
- Price: Instant coffee is more affordable than other types of coffee, but there is still a wide range in price. If you’re on a budget, look for a brand that offers good value for money. However, if you’re willing to splurge, there are some premium brands that offer a more premium experience.
How is Instant Coffee Made?
Instant coffee is made from coffee beans using a special process that allows the coffee to be dried into powder or crystals.
The coffee beans are first roasted and then ground into a fine powder. The powder is then brewed with hot water to create a concentrate. This concentrate is then dried into crystals or a powder using one of two methods: spray drying or freeze-drying.
Spray drying involves spraying the coffee concentrate into a hot chamber, where the water quickly evaporates, leaving behind the coffee powder. Freeze-drying works by freezing the coffee concentrate and then vacuum drying it, which removes the water from the coffee without using heat.
Once the coffee is in a powder or crystal form, it can be packaged and sold as instant coffee. To make a cup of instant coffee, simply add hot water to the desired amount of coffee and stir.
- See also: 10 Best Decaf Coffees in Australia
Making Cold Brew with Instant Coffee
While instant coffee is traditionally made with hot water, you can also use it to make cold brew. To do this, simply mix the desired amount of instant coffee with cold water and let it sit for 12–24 hours. Once the brew time is up, strain the coffee using a coffee filter or cheesecloth.
You can then enjoy your cold brew as is or add milk, sugar, or other flavorings to it.
Conclusion
Instant coffee is a convenient and affordable way to enjoy a cup of coffee. It’s quick and easy to make, and it comes in a variety of flavors. When choosing an instant coffee, keep in mind the roast level, origin, flavor, and caffeine content.
Our favourite is Kenco Millicano Americano because it offers a good balance of price, quality, and flavor. However, there are many other great brands out there, so be sure to try a few different kinds to find the one that’s right for you.
For a great taste at a reasonable price, give Moccona Classic Medium Roast a try.
Featured Image Credit: Vitalii Stock, Shutterstock
