No two cups of coffee are ever truly alike. The beans, the roast, and the way it’s brewed all contribute to a vast difference in taste. This has made me a bit of a coffee snob, and instant coffee just doesn’t cut it for me. However, with the constant pressure of rising bills and rent, I’ve had to scale back my coffee shop latte habit and settle for a homemade brew. That’s when I embarked on a mission to sample all the budget instant coffees out there, aiming to find one that’s actually palatable and offers good value for money. I compared the offerings from Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, and Iceland, and here’s what I discovered.
Lidl’s deluxe Colombian Instant Coffee, at 100g, surprised me with its £2.09 price tag, which seemed excessive for such a small quantity. It didn’t start off well either, with the most unpleasant aroma. Unfortunately, the situation didn’t improve. Despite using two generous spoonfuls, the flavor was weak, dominated by an overpowering bitterness. Although it had the most sophisticated branding of the four, it served as a stark reminder not to be fooled by any promises of luxury when it comes to instant coffee. Overall: 3/10.
Aldi’s Alcafe Rich Roast coffee, at £1.85, wasn’t the cheapest, but it offered the best value for money in terms of quantity, weighing in at 200g for that relatively low price. The Alcafe had a pleasant smell, second only to Iceland in that regard. The taste was what you’d generally expect from instant coffee, much richer than Lidl, but not extraordinary. Perhaps slightly less than the initial aroma suggested. Overall: 6/10.
Tesco’s Gold blend instant coffee, priced at a hefty £2.50 for a 200g jar, had a lot to prove to stand out from the competition. Ranking third in the aroma test, its taste lived up to that ranking. It was a noticeable step up from Lidl and less bitter, but it lacked a distinctive flavor, making it fairly average. Overall score: 5/10.
Iceland’s top contender was the Lyon’s Rich Roast instant coffee, priced at £1.50 for a 100g jar. Despite offering less value in terms of volume, it had the potential to make up for it with superior taste. The coffee had the most appealing aroma straight from the jar, hinting at a flavor that justified the price. Remarkably smooth for an instant coffee, it was enjoyable without any bitterness, although it lacked strength if that’s what you’re looking for. Overall score: 8/10.
Ultimately, Tesco emerged as the winner. While it may not match the quality of a hand-crafted latte from an independent coffee shop, it got the job done. It wasn’t overly bitter and had a robust flavor that provided a sufficient pick-me-up. While I’ll still indulge in luxury coffee occasionally, it’s reassuring to have a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.
