As a self-proclaimed coffee addict, I embarked on a mission to sample instant coffees from seven leading supermarkets, pitting them against the iconic Nescafé Original. The challenge was to determine whether any budget-friendly alternatives could rival or even surpass the tried-and-true classic. To ensure fairness, I selected similarly priced supermarket options, all under £3 for 200g, while Nescafé cost £7.25 for a 300g jar.
The Methodology and Competitors
I purchased instant coffees from Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, and Marks and Spencer, focusing on their standard or rich roast varieties. Each was brewed according to package instructions and evaluated based on aroma, flavour, body, and overall enjoyment. The results were ranked from lowest to highest, with scores out of 10.
Ranking the Contenders
8) Morrisons' Full Roast - £2.35 for 200g
Morrisons Full Roast offered a rich texture with less wateriness than some others, but its aroma was underwhelming. The brew had a pronounced bitter edge that, while appealing to some, detracted from my personal enjoyment. Despite being 10p cheaper than some rivals, I would opt for other brands.
Score: 5.5 out of 10
7) Tesco's Classic Instant Coffee - £2.35 for 200g
Tesco's classic instant coffee presented a markedly acidic profile with a strong aftertaste, similar to Morrisons'. Described as "mellow and smooth," it failed to measure up to competitors in terms of flavour balance.
Score: 5.5 out of 10
6) Asda's Rich Roast - £2.45 for 200g
Asda's offering, in a jar identical to Morrisons', had a light colour and discernible full-bodied flavours. It lacked the richness of Aldi's coffee but was slightly less watery than Lidl's. As the priciest option on the list, it ranked marginally lower.
Score: 6 out of 10
5) Lidl's Bellarom Rich Roast - £2.09 for 200g
Lidl's coffee was watery but had an appealing scent and rich taste, ranking among the smoother contenders. At 16p cheaper than Asda, Tesco, and Morrisons, it offered good value, though it didn't match Aldi's strength and flavour.
Score: 6.5 out of 10
4) Aldi's Barissimo Rich Roast - £2.09 for 200g
Aldi's product, matching Lidl's price, delivered markedly richer flavours with a more satisfying aroma and body. It avoided watery consistency and tasted stronger, making it my preferred pick between the two budget German rivals.
Score: 7.5 out of 10
3) Sainsbury's Rich and Full Flavoured Rich Roast - £2.35 for 200g
Sainsbury's coffee impressed with its strength, smooth full flavour, and subtle aroma. Priced identically to Morrisons, it was a clear winner in that pairing, offering a well-rounded experience.
Score: 8 out of 10
2) Nescafé Original - £7.25 for 300g
Nescafé lived up to its legendary status, delivering pleasantly strong, rich, and warming notes with an inviting aroma. Its "full and bold" flavours justified its higher price point, but one supermarket brand still managed to edge it out.
Score: 8.5 out of 10
The Surprising Winner
1) Marks and Spencer's Rich and Smooth - Price varies, but under £3 for 200g
Marks and Spencer's Rich and Smooth emerged as the champion, delivering rich, full-flavoured highlights without the heftiest price tag per gram. It offered a strong coffee with a pleasant acidic bite that wasn't overpowering, balanced by a satisfying body. I enjoyed it so much that I ranked it higher than Nescafé, making it the top pick in this taste test.
Score: 9 out of 10
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
This taste test revealed that budget supermarket instant coffees can indeed compete with premium brands like Nescafé. Marks and Spencer's offering stood out as the best, combining excellent flavour and value. For coffee lovers seeking quality without breaking the bank, options from Aldi, Sainsbury's, and Lidl also provided solid alternatives. The results underscore that price doesn't always correlate with taste, encouraging consumers to explore supermarket brands for their daily caffeine fix.
