'I tested 5 supermarket own brand instant coffees - one stood out above rest'

01 October 2023 , 05:00

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Instant coffee definitely varies in quality (Image: Danielle Kate Wroe)

There's nothing quite like a delicious cup of java to make you feel more alert and awake in the mornings. It tastes good and feels like it gives you an instant boost, no matter what you were up to the night before. Whether you have yours with sugar and milk or prefer to take it black, it can't be beaten.

But where do you get yours? With the rising cost of living, more people will be turning their backs on pricey coffee shops and opting to make theirs at home. And, many will see a barista-style coffee machine as totally unnecessary to their needs, so they'll opt to put instant in their basket in the supermarket. But which supermarket should be your go-to for all your coffee needs? For National Coffee Day, I tested five major supermarket's own brands, so you don't have to.

Morrisons Gold Roast, £1.55 for 100g

I felt rather disappointed with the offering from Morrsions

Considering this beverage promises a "smooth medium roast flavour", I was left wondering where the coffee flavour actually was as it just didn't have that strong kick that I was looking for. It tasted much like hot water, with just a taste of something - but not really coffee. I even smelled the jar after I'd tasted the drink, and it doesn't really give off much aroma either. However, it's definitely cheap, and I might drink it if it was the only thing in - but it definitely wouldn't be on my to-buy list for the future as it's just not strong enough for my liking. I felt a bit disappointed after drinking it. Score: 3/10

Co-op Fairtrade Gold Roast, £3 for 100g

'We tried Hello Fresh and Gousto - they're tasty but we instantly regretted it'

Co-op's coffee tasted quite nice, and was stronger

Co-op's offering definitely looked fancier, and with the Fairtrade promise in the name, I was already more hopeful. Coming in at £3, it's almost double the price of the Morrisons coffee, and my hopes were higher as a result. Taking a sip, it was definitely tastier and stronger and had that signature coffee taste I was craving. I think this is a pretty drinkable coffee overall, and would grab it if I was in the vicinity of a Co-op store. Score: 7/10

M&S Italian style rich roast, £3.60 for 100g

I was really impressed with the M&S coffee

Danielle Kate Wroe