Reach's Brian Dillon tested instant coffee from five UK supermarkets to find the best budget-friendly alternative to expensive coffee shop drinks and bean-to-cup machines. The winner, Tesco Gold Instant Coffee at £2.65 for 200g, scored 16.5 out of 20, beating pricier rivals including Co-op and Sainsbury's.
How the Taste Test Was Conducted
Each coffee was ranked on smell, appearance, and flavour. Smell and appearance were scored out of five, while flavour was scored out of ten, giving a maximum total of 20 points per cup. Every cup was prepared strictly according to the packaging instructions, using the specified amount of coffee granules and boiling water.
The Results: From Worst to Best
5. Lidl Bellarom Rich Roast Full Flavoured Instant Coffee (£1.99 for 200g)
Lidl's offering was the cheapest but failed to impress. Dillon described it as bitter in an unsatisfying way, with an unpleasant aftertaste and overpowering strength. He noted that genuine coffee flavour was largely absent. It scored 9.5/20 (smell 1.5/5, appearance 2/5, taste 5/10).
4. ASDA Rich Roasted Coffee Instant Granules (£2.28 for 200g)
This coffee also proved bitter, lacking robust coffee flavour despite a wonderful aroma. Dillon said the taste didn't match expectations and had minimal aftertaste. It scored 10/20 (smell 4/5, appearance 2/5, taste 4/10). He suggested it could produce a decent cup with milk and sweetener.
3. Sainsbury's Gold Roast Instant Coffee (£3.15 for 200g)
This coffee was on the bitter end but had sufficient rich coffee character to provide balance. Dillon praised its smooth profile and pleasant aftertaste. It scored 15/20 (smell 5/5, appearance 3/5, taste 7/10).
2. Co-op Fairtrade Gold Roast Freeze Dried Coffee (£3.20 for 100g)
Co-op's coffee was less bitter than others but maintained an appropriate level, with mellow notes enhancing richness. Dillon called it visually the most appealing and smoothest-looking instant coffee. It scored 15.5/20 (smell 4.5/5, appearance 4/5, taste 7/10).
The Winner: Tesco Gold Instant Coffee
Tesco Gold Instant Coffee at £2.65 for 200g emerged as the clear winner. Dillon found it pleasant and understated with a distinct coffee taste. The jar promises a 'rich and smooth' experience, and Dillon noted it ranks among the superior instant coffees, offering satisfying bitterness and agreeable aftertaste. Given its lower cost and double the quantity compared to Co-op, he was pleased with the value for money. It scored 16.5/20 (smell 5/5, appearance 3.5/5, taste 8/10).
