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Last updated: 04 October 2023
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Checked for accuracy by our qualified verifiers and subject experts. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE.

We blind taste test and compare 18 supermarket instant coffees, from brands including Aldi, Coles, Nescafe, Moccona and Lavazza, to find the best.

  • Discover the top-rated instant coffee by ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳experts.
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We've partnered with on this review to show the ratings that the Ethical Consumer Group gives to each company (not product).

Products

We tested 18 instant coffee products that were available nationally in major supermarket chains. Because of the results of the last instant coffee test where the judges noted a lack of flavour, this year we chose dark and richer varieties where available. We did not test latte, cappuccino or mocha styles, flavoured varieties, decaffeinated coffee or coffee bags. The price per 100g is based on the price for a 100g jar or the closest available size (not on special).

Tasting

We had our trusted panel of expert coffee tasters blind taste the 18 varieties of instant coffee, rating them against a reference coffee. The reference coffee was a long black made on a home espresso machine from freshly ground beans and 140mL water. We made instant coffee with one heaped teaspoon of coffee and 140mL of boiled and slightly cooled water.

Scores

The samples were analysed based on the Speciality Coffee Association’s cupping protocols, which assess coffee for fragrance, flavour, aftertaste, acidity, balance, clean cup (the absence of ‘non-coffee’ flavours caused by contamination), sweetness and the taster’s overall impression of the sample. Points were subtracted for any defects found.

Experts

Our expert judging panel included brothers David and Matthew Gee, principals of the Barista Basics Coffee Academy, as well as Anee Sampath, founder of Bean Craft coffee roasters.

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Brand

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List of brands we tested in this review.

Price

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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

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Organic

Price per 100g

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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.

Sustainable certification

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The product's sustainable certification body, if any.

Shop Ethical rating

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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.

Included in this review

Members-only access
  • Recommended
  • ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Expert Rating
  • Experts say
  • Contains ground coffee
  • Sustainable certification
  • Price
  • Price per 100g
  • Pack size (g)
  • Price per serve
  • Serves per pack
  • Shop Ethical rating
  • Organic
  • Country of origin

Results

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Bushells Classic Gourmet Instant Coffee

RECOMMENDED
Bushells Classic Gourmet Instant Coffee
$8.50
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

83 %
Format Soluble spray dried
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 200g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $4.25
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Roasted and packed in Australia from imported coffee beans
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating B
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Robert Timms Full-Bodied Granulated Coffee

RECOMMENDED
Robert Timms Full-Bodied Granulated Coffee
$20.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

81 %
Format Soluble spray dried
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 500g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $4.00
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Roasted and packed in Australia from imported coffee beans
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating B
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Coles Classic Granulated Coffee Smooth & Bold

RECOMMENDED
Coles Classic Granulated Coffee Smooth & Bold
$3.70
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

80 %
Format Not specified
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 200g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $1.85
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in Germany from imported ingredients
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating D
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Vittoria Mountain Grown 100% Arabica Instant Coffee Freeze Dried

RECOMMENDED
Vittoria Mountain Grown 100% Arabica Instant Coffee Freeze Dried
$12.50
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

80 %
Format Freeze dried
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 100g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $12.50
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in Germany from imported coffee
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating B
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Alcafe (Aldi) Gold Classic Dark Roast

Alcafe (Aldi) Gold Classic Dark Roast
$3.90
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

79 %
Format Freeze dried
Expand to view more details.
The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 100g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $3.90
Expand to view more details.
Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Packed in Germany from imported ingredients
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating C
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Coles Organic Freeze Dried Coffee

Coles Organic Freeze Dried Coffee
$4.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

79 %
Format Freeze dried
Expand to view more details.
The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 100g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $4.00
Expand to view more details.
Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in Germany from imported ingredients
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating D
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Lavazza Prontissimo! Intenso

Lavazza Prontissimo! Intenso
$11.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

78 %
Format Freeze dried with 10% ground roasted coffee
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 95g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $11.58
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in Switzerland
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating B
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Caffe Aurora Medaglia D'oro Italian Style Freeze Dried Coffee

Caffe Aurora Medaglia D'oro Italian Style Freeze Dried Coffee
$7.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

76 %
Format Freeze dried
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 100g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $7.00
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Product of Brazil
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating B
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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DC Premium Instant Coffee Medium

DC Premium Instant Coffee Medium
$28.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

76 %
Format Soluble spray dried
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 500g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $5.60
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Packed in Australia from imported ingredients
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating N/A
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Nescafe Gold Intense Dark & Vibrant Taste

Nescafe Gold Intense Dark & Vibrant Taste
$15.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

76 %
Format Soluble spray dried
Expand to view more details.
The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 200g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $7.50
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in the Republic of Korea
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating F
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Moccona Specialty Blend Rich & Dark

Moccona Specialty Blend Rich & Dark
$17.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

75 %
Format Freeze dried
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 200g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $8.50
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in The Netherlands with coffee from multiple origins
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating F
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Republica Classic Medium Roast

Republica Classic Medium Roast
$12.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

75 %
Format Freeze dried
Expand to view more details.
The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 100g
Expand to view more details.
Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $12.00
Expand to view more details.
Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in Germany
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating A
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Woolworths Freeze Dried Classic Coffee

Woolworths Freeze Dried Classic Coffee
$4.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

75 %
Format Freeze dried
Expand to view more details.
The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 100g
Expand to view more details.
Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $4.00
Expand to view more details.
Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Packed in Spain from imported ingredients
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating C
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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International Roast Instant Coffee

International Roast Instant Coffee
$9.50
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

74 %
Format Not specified
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 500g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $1.90
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in Australia from imported coffee beans
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating F
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Starbucks Dark Roast Premium Instant Coffee

Starbucks Dark Roast Premium Instant Coffee
$13.00
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

72 %
Format Soluble spray dried with 2% ground roasted coffee
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 90g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $14.44
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in Spain, filled and packed in France
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating F
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Nescafe Blend 43 Dark

Nescafe Blend 43 Dark
$17.40
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

71 %
Format Soluble spray dried
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 300g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $5.80
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Made in Australia from imported coffee beans
Expand to view more details.
As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating F
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Nescafe Blend 43 Smooth & Creamy

Nescafe Blend 43 Smooth & Creamy
$11.50
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

71 %
Format Soluble spray dried
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 140g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $8.21
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Packed in Australia from imported ingredients
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating F
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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Nature's Cuppa Organic Coffee Freeze Dried

Nature's Cuppa Organic Coffee Freeze Dried
$9.70
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Pack price in Sydney stores (not on special) in March 2019.

ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳Score
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Taste test participants are asked to give an overall rating for each coffee sample on a seven-point scale ranging from ‘excellent’ to ‘terrible’, and then we convert these numbers to an overall percentage score.

69 %
Format Freeze dried
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The format of the coffee granules.
Pack size 100g
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Pack size in grams.
Price per 100g $9.70
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Price per 100g is based on price in Sydney stores for a 100g jar or closest (not on special) in March 2019.
Country of origin Produced in Brazil
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As displayed on the pack.
Shop Ethical rating B
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Shop Ethical rates the environmental and social impact of the company (not the product) using independent sources. This rating is not included in our total score. N/A means there is no rating for that company.
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