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Listen, we’re not here to debate the merits of such instant coffee brands as Ricoffy or Frisco. Those of us who love them, love them. There’s no changing a mind when it’s found its favourite. 

We’re also not going to make some snarky comment about how bean-to-cup or pods are so much better tasting, or that you must invest in some super-powered coffee machine that needs three sets of hands and an engineering degree to handle. 

This debate is about the mid-to-high end range of instant coffee brands that are available, and how they measure up. 

We asked the HOMEMAKERS family what they had to say about each brand, checked around for price per bottle and did our own tasting to deliver the verdict.

Instant Coffee 1: Nescafé Classic 

This brew has a medium-dark roast that supplies a full flavour with some acidity and bitterness. It has some vanilla undertones and certainly delivers that “strong” flavour if that’s what you’re going for. 

Nescafé Classic is made of Robusta beans which are cheaper than the Arabica that they incorporate into the Gold. Robusta has a more bitter taste and contains a higher caffeine content than Arabica. 

What our panel has to say: 

“It’s a strong coffee but a tad bit bitter for my liking. It’s still a good wake-me-up, though. The aftertaste is a bit rough, but this is a great strong coffee.” 

“I always start my day with Nescafé Classic to get me going. It gives me the energy I’m after to kickstart the day. I definitely recommend it.” 

Instant Coffee 2: Nescafé Gold 

This blend has a smooth and rounded taste, but can be described as harsh with woody undertones. It’s a medium roast that releases caramel flavours and is low on acidity. 

Gold is a combination of Arabica beans and Robusta beans, with a higher Arabica ratio. Arabica has a smoother taste but is more expensive than Robusta thus making Nescafé Gold the more exclusive product out of the two. 

What our panel has to say: 

“This is the coffee I keep going back to. It’s just the right strength and taste for me. I like coffee to have a bit of a kick and not be too weak and this always delivers. This is my pick-me-up” 

“I expected more oomph, and it has a very bitter taste to it. Not as bold and full of flavour as the normal Classic.” 

Money Matters

Our Choice 

It’s been quite interesting to taste the major differences that roasting methods and, to a lesser extent, ratios between two of the same beans can have on the taste of coffee. 

Other than Nescafé Classic, all the other coffees have been a different blend of Arabica and Robusta, but they couldn’t be more different in a cup. 

Nescafé Gold is an easy-drinking blend but doesn’t deliver enough flavour for real coffee lovers. Some of our panel will die on the Douw Egberts hill, though we’re not sure if it’s just the handy bottle that is inspiring that kind of love! 

Overall, it certainly seems that Jacobs Krönung has won this debate with its smooth and rich flavour and delicious aroma. The fact that it’s cheaper than all but Nescafé Classic doesn’t hurt either. 

Do you agree with our assessment?

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