Reach's Brian Dillon tested five own-brand instant coffees from major UK supermarkets, and Tesco's Gold Instant Coffee emerged as the clear winner, scoring 16.5 out of 20. Priced at £2.65 for 200g, it outperformed more expensive rivals.
Testing Methodology and Scoring
Dillon evaluated each coffee on aroma (out of 5), appearance (out of 5), and taste (out of 10), for a total possible score of 20. Each cup was prepared according to package instructions, using the specified amount of granules and boiling water.
Results: From Worst to Best
5. Lidl Bellarom Rich Roast Full Flavoured Instant Coffee (£1.99 for 200g)
Lidl's offering scored 9.5/20. Dillon described it as bitter in an undesirable way, with a lingering unpleasant aftertaste and overpowering notes. He noted that while it's the cheapest option, spending slightly more at a rival supermarket could yield a significantly better product.
4. ASDA Rich Roasted Coffee Instant Granules (£2.28 for 200g)
ASDA's coffee scored 10/20. Dillon praised its aroma (4/5) but found the taste bitter and lacking richness. He suggested that with milk and sweetener, it could be a pleasant budget option.
3. Sainsbury's Gold Roast Instant Coffee (£3.15 for 200g)
Sainsbury's scored 15/20. Dillon noted a balanced bitterness with enough rich coffee character, a pleasant aroma (5/5), and a smooth finish with a good aftertaste.
2. Co-op Fairtrade Gold Roast Freeze Dried Coffee (£3.20 for 100g)
Co-op's coffee scored 15.5/20. Dillon found it less sharp than rivals, with a pleasing bitterness and smooth, rounded notes. Visually, it was the most appealing, with a velvety appearance.
1. Tesco Gold Instant Coffee (£2.65 for 200g)
Tesco's winner scored 16.5/20. Dillon described it as pleasantly understated with a distinct coffee taste. It delivered a satisfying balance of bitterness and a smooth finish. He noted that at £2.65 for 200g, it offers excellent value compared to Co-op's smaller jar at a higher price.
