Prepare to be surprised! The UK's leading consumer advocate, Which?, has just revealed a shocking truth about instant coffee. In a recent taste test, they crowned the best instant gold blend coffee, and it's not the usual suspects like Nescafé or Douwe Egberts. This revelation might just change the way you view your morning brew!
Which? conducted an extensive taste test, involving 68 coffee enthusiasts who sampled 12 different instant gold-roast-style coffees. The results were eye-opening, to say the least.
The top spot was shared by two supermarket own-brand coffees: M&S and Waitrose. Both received an impressive score of 70%, securing joint first place. Nescafé and Douwe Egberts shared second place, while Aldi's Great Value coffee also received a special mention.
But here's where it gets controversial... M&S's Gold Instant Coffee, priced at £7.25 for 200g, tied for first place. Testers raved about its flavour, aroma, and appearance, with nearly two-thirds satisfied with its taste and almost 75% approving of its bitterness. Despite the higher price tag, it still undercuts some well-known brands.
Waitrose's Gold Roast also clinched joint first place, priced at £3.70 for 100g. Testers praised its overall quality, with over half deeming its strength just right and nearly two-thirds enjoying its bitterness.
And this is the part most people miss... Instant coffee doesn't always mean sacrificing quality. These supermarket own-brands prove that you can have a great cup of coffee without breaking the bank.
Douwe Egberts Pure Gold and Nescafé Gold blend shared second place, scoring 69%. While they are not the most budget-friendly options, they still offer a great taste experience.
Aldi's Alcafe Gold Roast and Kenco Gold Indulgence tied for third place, scoring 68%. These coffees were well-received for their aroma, flavour, and appearance, but testers desired a slightly stronger flavour.
So, what about the other supermarket instant coffees? Co-op, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Ocado all scored above 60%, with Lidl's Bellarom Gold coming in at 61%.
Natalie Hitchins, head of home products and services at Which?, summed it up perfectly: "Instant coffee remains popular because it's quick and convenient, but our taste test shows that big brands are not always the best. Shoppers can save money by opting for supermarket gold blends, which offer a great balance of flavour and value."
So, the next time you're reaching for your instant coffee, remember that you don't have to compromise on taste or break the bank. These supermarket own-brands are a great alternative!
What's your take on this? Do you think supermarket own-brands can compete with the big names? Let us know in the comments!
