Supermarket own-brand instant coffees vary widely in quality, with Sainsbury's emerging as the best budget option, though Costa still wins on taste. A comparison of three own-label coffees found that Morrisons' offering was the cheapest but least enjoyable, while Sainsbury's offered the best balance of flavour and price.
Co-op: A Middle-of-the-Road Option
Co-op's Fairtrade gold roast instant coffee, priced at £3.30 for 100g, is the most expensive of the three own-brand choices. It performed neither the best nor the worst in the tasting. The flavour was slightly too harsh to enjoy black, and would likely benefit from a little sugar to soften the edge.
It is a serviceable instant coffee that works in a pinch, though it would not be a first choice from a wider selection. Being Fairtrade certified is a plus for ethically minded shoppers.
Morrisons: Budget-Friendly but Burnt
Morrisons' instant coffee, at £2.65 for 200g, was the most wallet-friendly option but also the least impressive. It had a somewhat burnt taste that left a lingering aftertaste. Adding milk, sugar, or syrups might improve it slightly, but likely not enough to make it truly enjoyable.
Sainsbury's: The Best of the Supermarket Brands
Sainsbury's emerged as the top pick among the own-brand offerings. It strikes the right balance of bitterness to be enjoyed black without being overly intense. It also had the most pleasant aroma of the three, closer to a coffee shop blend. At £2.85 for 200g, it is only 20p more than Morrisons but considerably more satisfying, and still cheaper than Co-op.
Costa Remains the Favourite
Costa instant coffee remains the overall favourite, though at over £7 for 100g, it is not the most economical choice. For those seeking a more affordable alternative that comes close in taste, Sainsbury's Gold Roast is worth considering, especially for those who enjoy their coffee black.
