In a comparison of supermarket own-brand instant coffees against Costa, Sainsbury's emerged as the clear winner among the cheaper alternatives, scoring 3.5 out of 5. The taste test, conducted by Isobel Pankhurst, pitted offerings from Sainsbury's, Morrisons and the Co-op against the Costa Instant Smooth Medium Roast, which costs £7.35.
Co-op: Ethical but Bitter
The Co-op's Fairtrade gold roast instant coffee, priced at £3.30 for 100g, was the most expensive of the three own-brand options. It was rated 2.5 out of 5, with a flavour that was slightly too bitter when drunk black.
While it was far from the worst, the tester noted she would likely add sugar if drinking it regularly. However, it was considered a reasonable affordable option, with the added benefit of being ethically sourced.
Morrisons: Budget-Friendly but Weak
Morrisons' instant coffee, at £2.65 for 200g, was the most budget-friendly but also the weakest of the own-brand selections, scoring just 1.5 out of 5. The tester found it had a somewhat burnt taste and a peculiar aftertaste.
Adding milk, sugar or syrups might improve it slightly, but the tester doubted it would make enough difference to enjoy it.
Sainsbury's: The Best Supermarket Option
Sainsbury's own-brand instant coffee, priced at £2.85 for 200g, was the tester's preferred supermarket choice, scoring 3.5 out of 5. It struck the right balance of bitterness to be enjoyed black and had the most appealing aroma of the three, evoking a coffee shop ambience.
While 20p pricier than the Morrisons offering, it was considerably more flavoursome and still undercut the Co-op alternative.
Costa Remains the Favourite
Despite the supermarket options, the tester's ultimate favourite remains the Costa instant coffee, rated 4.5 out of 5. Although at over £7 for 100g it is not the most economical choice, it reigns supreme in flavour.
For those seeking a more wallet-friendly alternative that comes remarkably close in taste, the Sainsbury's Gold Roast is firmly recommended, particularly for those who enjoy their morning coffee black.
