ICYMI, instant coffees are having a major comeback.

We put lots of coffee to the testto find the best instant coffees money can buy.

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Better yet, theyactuallytaste good, too.

[Its being] presented in new ways [that] include product innovation and coffee transparency.

We tapped the expertsand dranklotsof coffeeto find the best instant coffees money can buy.

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Best instant coffees at a glance:

What is instant coffee anyway?

Think of instant coffee as a once-brewed cup of joe waiting to be reincarnated.

It also retains the majority of naturally occurring antioxidants, and some even becomemore concentrated.

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Many people need to drink more instant coffee to get their required boost, explains Mastin.

Be moderate with your consumption and stick to a maximum of 3-4 cups a day, Mastin cautions.

And Mastin agrees, there are situations where instant is preferable, and thats totally fine!

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Instant coffee has a longer shelf life than traditional grounds, and can be made with basically zero equipment.

All you need is hot water and something to stir it with.

It also makes for a great addition to baked goods orprotein shakes!

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Partners makes a great specialty instant coffee with lots of transparency about their product and process, says Nguyen.

And unlike other instant coffees Ive tried, this one dissolved in hot water with zero issues.

Plus, the sachet is biodegradable and the box is recyclable!

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Its a well-balanced and smooth beverage, with tones of citrus and toasted nuts.

Waka also supports local economies and focuses on sustainable practices, Mastin explains.

The box and single serve sachets are made of post-consumer recycled paper thats fully recyclable.

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And they come in larger, 3.5 ozpouches.

To my surprise, though, the coffee has a smooth, rich flavor that haszero bitterness.

It has notes of browned butter, chestnut, and pecan, says Mastin.

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If you like caffeine, this is for you, says Mastin.

However, it is very strong, so proceed with caution.

But the best part is, it has all of the richness and intensity as freshly brewed espresso.

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Whats more, it can be used to make hotandiced espresso drinks with zero fuss.

Im no instant coffee connoisseur, but it was pretty great.

Like, Id-drink-this-again great.

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Made with 100% Arabica coffee beans, Thrive Markets instant coffee is Fair Trade and USDA Organic certified.

You usually need to spend a little extra to get the best experience, says Mastin.

To help make finding the best instant coffee easy, we did all of the tasty research for you.

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Frequently asked questions

Is instant coffee better than ground coffee?

Whether you prefer instant coffee over ground coffee is a matter of personal preference.

Instant coffee does retain the health benefits of ground coffee (and might even retain more antioxidants!

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), but some people still prefer the taste of coffee brewed from freshly ground beans.

Luckily, there are plenty of high-quality instant brands that might just challenge your preferences.

Is Maxwell House instant coffee real coffee?

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Yes, Maxwell House instant coffee is made from brewed coffee that has been dehydrated.

However, the Kraft Heinz-owned brand doesnt share much information about where they source their beans.

What is the secret to good instant coffee?

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