Reach journalist Brian Dillon conducted a taste test of own-brand instant coffees from five major UK supermarkets, ranking them by aroma, appearance, and taste. Lidl's offering came in last, while Tesco's Gold Instant Coffee emerged as the clear winner, scoring 16.5 out of 20.
Testing Methodology
Dillon rated each coffee on a 20-point scale: aroma and appearance each out of 5, and taste out of 10. He prepared each cup according to the packaging instructions, using the specified amount of granules and boiling water.
5th Place: Lidl Bellarom Rich Roast Full Flavoured Instant Coffee
Price: £1.99 (200g). Dillon described the coffee as harsh and potent in the wrong ways, with an unpleasant aftertaste and little coffee flavour. He said he would buy it again if watching his budget but noted that for less than a pound more, a far better jar is available elsewhere. Scores: smell 1.5/5, appearance 2/5, taste 5/10, total 9.5/20.
4th Place: ASDA Rich Roasted Coffee Instant Granules
Price: £2.28 (200g). The aroma was 'absolutely divine,' but the taste failed to deliver, being bitter and lacking depth. Dillon thought it could produce a decent cup with milk and sweetener. Scores: smell 4/5, appearance 2/5, taste 4/10, total 10/20.
3rd Place: Sainsbury's Gold Roast Instant Coffee
Price: £3.15 (200g). This coffee leaned slightly bitter but had enough rich flavour to balance it. Dillon praised its smoothness and pleasant aftertaste. Scores: smell 5/5, appearance 3/5, taste 7/10, total 15/20.
2nd Place: Co-op Fairtrade Gold Roast Freeze Dried Coffee
Price: £3.20 (100g). Less bitter than rivals, with a pleasing sharpness and smooth notes. Dillon noted it looked the most appealing and silkiest. Scores: smell 4.5/5, appearance 4/5, taste 7/10, total 15.5/20.
1st Place: Tesco Gold Instant Coffee
Price: £2.65 (200g). Dillon found the coffee pleasantly subtle with a distinct coffee flavour, satisfying bitterness, and agreeable aftertaste. He said it ranks among the finer instant coffees on the market, and at a cheaper price and double the size of Co-op's, it offers great value. Scores: smell 5/5, appearance 3.5/5, taste 8/10, total 16.5/20.
