Great News: Instant Coffee Doesn't Taste Like Mud Anymore

Instant coffee is nothing new (love ya, Grandma!), but it didn't always taste good. In some cases, that's a serious understatement. If the instant coffees of yesterday had tasting notes on the label (which they def don't, because they're not fancy like that), some might read: plastic, mud, and dirt. Hard pass.

Thankfully, the latest versions are made with high-quality beans sourced for the best flavor possible, and many now come in compostable, tea bag–like sachets, so you just plop one into a mug of hot water and steep for 5 to 10 minutes...exactly like tea!

And there are some serious perks, beyond the ASAP factor, like how you can easily control the strength of your brew: Bathe the packet longer for a stronger cup, remove early for a lighter flavor, or immerse multiple bags overnight in the fridge for cold brew. (Psst, here's the difference between cold brew and iced coffee.) Then, enjoy your favorite go-to energizing drink at home, on the trails, wherever!

So, ready for a jolt of flavor *and* caffeine? These are the best instant coffees that wow'd WH editors with their flavor, ease, and sustainability practices. Enjoy.