14 best instant coffees, according to the GHI

Score: 85/100

With strong aromas of roasted coffee beans infused with hints of hay, this powerful coffee was crowned our champ for good reason. Our panel loved the rich, roasted flavours with pleasing notes of malt and bitter dark chocolate. A delicious way to start the day.

Score: 82/100

Featuring a lovely combination of roasted cocoa and caramel, with hints of acidity balanced by vanilla, this lighter-tasting blend has all the elements you would expect from a good quality coffee – an excellent option for a quick mid-morning cuppa.

Score: 77/100

Testers thought this had a surprising level of complexity for an instant coffee. As well as pleasing aromas of chocolate, light caramel and an almond nuttiness, the flavour was well-balanced with mellow notes of roast coffee beans, a good level of acidity and a hint of bitterness to finish. A great all-rounder.

Score: 76/100

With sweet aromas of brown sugar, roasted coffee beans and cocoa, testers initially found the flavour a little more astringent than they were expecting. This is softened, however, by a pleasing nuttiness that lingers on the palate.

Score: 76/100

Testers enjoyed the aromas of this coffee, which were reminiscent of a malted milk drink. They enjoyed the smooth flavour, too, with distinct notes of caramel, hints of cocoa and low acidity. A great crowd-pleaser for when you’re expecting guests.

Score: 76/100

This has a powerful rich, roasted coffee aroma, but with a flavour that's more balanced and smooth on the palate than this suggests. With notes of dark chocolate and light sweet caramel, testers found it had a great level of acidity.

Score: 73/100

This coffee has a scent of nutmeg and dark chocolate, but reviews were slightly mixed from our testers – some felt the acidity was slightly overpowering and a little too sharp, while others thought it was a well-balanced, smooth coffee.

Score: 73/100

Testers felt this had the classic, slightly smoky instant coffee aroma, but with creamier, more premium, notes of cocoa beans for a rounded cup. The flavour is powerful, combining a good level of lingering bitterness paired with a zippy acidity.

Score: 71/100

Reminiscent of filter coffee with aromas of tobacco and roast coffee beans, expect smooth, mellow flavours with a lingering bitterness that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.

Score: 71/100

For those who enjoy a more subtle cup, testers described this coffee as being on the milder end of the scale, with aromas of roasted cocoa and a hint of vanilla pods. Gentle in flavour, it makes a well-rounded option for a quick caffeine fix.

Score: 70/100

Pleasantly light with notes of toasted coffee and hints of caramel, this coffee was on the milder side. Testers enjoyed the flavour with notes of cocoa and a hint of grassiness, making it an easy drinker that avoids the ashy palate often associated with instant coffee.

Score: 70/100

Nutty aromas with hints of vanilla are followed by a pleasant. well-balanced coffee that testers found rich and flavoursome, with a bright and zippy finish on the palate. A warming blend that doesn’t entail a journey to your local Costa.

Score: 70/100

With strong aromas of brown sugar and hints of hazelnut and tobacco, testers found the flavour of this coffee nicely balanced, with a pleasing fruitiness.

Score: 70/100

Testers felt this had slightly burnt aromas, which brought the overall score down slightly. However, it’s worth a try if you like a coffee that’s very mild in flavour. With notes of lightly roasted coffee beans, there’s just a hint of bitterness on the finish.