Best Instant Coffees For Fighters On The Run Reviewed
Coffee is great for any athlete who is serious in their training as there are many health benefits. One of the most popular benefits is that it can help with weight loss through a variety of ways. When you drink coffee, it often gives you a feeling of fullness. This can prevent you from snacking in the middle of the day or reduce the desire to munch on something. The coffee can also cause your body to increase in temperature and generate more heat, which requires digestion of food to continue to fuel this process.
Featured Recommendations
- Mount Hagen Regular
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Our rating - Convenient
- Organic
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- Starbucks VIA Pike Place
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Our rating - Tasty
- Lightweight
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- Folgers Classic Roast
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Our rating - Mild
- Versatile
- Price: See Here
Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound that is found in coffee plants. When you consume coffee, it causes stimulation to your brain and nervous system that leaves you feeling more fresh and energized. This energy will also help improve your mental alertness and allow you to have better focus and memory for a short period of time. This is especially beneficial to athletes who are going to be partaking in a competition or fight and can help bring out their peak performance.
In the world we live in today, many people complain there is not enough time to complete everything they need to in one day. Usually, this is because there are simply too many tasks or they have run out of energy. During these fatigued moments, consuming a cup of coffee can rejuvenate them. The caffeine will stimulate multiple receptors in your body to reactive and find the energy to push through. This can buy you a few precious hours where you can continue to work effectively and finish off your day.
10 Best Instant Coffees
1. Mount Hagen Regular
The coffee comes in sachets that make your work so much easier. All you have to do is pour the coffee into a cup and add some hot water. It can even be made using cold water. These instant packets make the product very convenient for those who like their coffee on the go. It can be carried and placed in your gym bag, locker, or even car.
Organic
Organic coffee has so many benefits for both the environment and your health. Although the common belief is that coffee presents some health risks, drinking organic coffee actually reduces these risks. Because there are no artificial additives, consuming an organic coffee eliminates the risk of harmful chemical ingestion while boosting both energy and your immune system.
Cost and Value
As far as the cost goes, there is not much to complain because it is very affordable. The package contains a box with 25 sticks of single-use coffee in them. The added benefit that it is organic will also be better for you and the environment. Coupled by the fact it is portable and you can bring it anywhere, this is a product you do not want to miss!
Organic
Easy to carry
Individual packages
Cost efficient
Freeze dried coffee
Not strong enough
2. Starbucks VIA
The subtle rich flavors of cocoa and toasted nuts make this coffee very tasty. There is actually a blend of eleven different types of coffee beans in this drink, but the flavors are well mixed and blended so that no one flavor stands out from the rest. The microfine ground coffee that is used to make this product gives the coffee a strong and bold taste with a touch of sweetness. It is a great way to kickstart your day with a burst of energy and deliciousness.
Lightweight
VIA instant coffee is packed in little waterproof packets that make it quite light. This means that you can easily bring them along with you when going camping or hiking. It is very portable and will not add much weight to your backpack. If you accidentally drop one in rain or mud, simply wipe it off and the coffee inside will stay dry. Athletes who train in high impact sports can easily bring the coffee with them during training for an energy recharge whenever they need it.
Cost and Value
The coffee comes in different sizes with the price ranging according to the count of the packets inside. It is a bit on the higher end compared to other coffee brands. However, the rich flavors and the convenience of making it easily make it worth every cent. The additional benefit of waterproofing on the package means that you will never have a stick that is ruined or damaged by moisture.
Trusted brand
Popular item
Carefully crafted blend
Waterproof packaging
Tasty without sugar
A little too strong
3. Folgers Classic Roast
Not everyone enjoys strong coffee as it can be very bitter or acidic. This product has a great taste and fresh aroma but is overall quite mild. This makes it a hit for those to cannot get stomach the intensity of a dark roast. These are single-serve beverages, guaranteeing each cup you make is fresh.
Versatile
Instant coffees are very versatile, hence popular. You can enjoy in the morning while you sit down and have breakfast or when you’re feeling a little low on energy at the office. Recent technology has allowed these packets to be dissolved in cold water so you can enjoy an iced coffee after lunch. It can even be used in baked goods or other cooking as it will dissolve completely.
Cost and Value
This coffee is a bit on the expensive side compared to other instant products. This is a value pack option which is the best deal you can get as it has twelve boxes of seven packets each. Purchasing these value packs always save you time and worry that you run out quickly. Between the quality and the multi-use of this product, it is an item that cannot be beaten.
Multi use
Mild roast
Recharges after workout
Easy to carry
Value pack
Burnt aftertaste
4. Mount Hagen Decaf
There has been a lot of debate over whether decaf coffee provides the same benefits as regular coffee and it has proven to do so. The major advantage it has over regular coffee is that it poses no threat of side effects that usually come with having too much caffeine. This will allow athletes to enjoy this product as much as they want to without worrying if they are becoming over stimulated
Freshness
People do not enjoy stale coffee and usually end up throwing it out. This particular product comes in single serve sticks which are ideal for one cup. This will help retain the freshness as all the coffee is not being exposed to as much moisture and oxygen. The box is designed with a pop-top reclosable lid that makes it easy to store the coffee and retain its freshness.
Cost and Value
This product comes in two different sizes and are reasonably affordable. One box has twenty five sticks while the value pack contains four boxes totalling to one hundred. If you choose the option with more the price is more economical. However, the most important thing to take into consideration is the amount of people that drink coffee in your household and how quickly these can be consumed.
No caffeine
Guaranteed freshness
Good for camping
Resealable lid
Cost efficient
Mild taste
5. Café Bustelo Single Serve
When it comes to instant coffee big issues are the amount of time it takes to dissolve and whether it dissolves completely. This product dissolves quickly without you needing to stir at all. When you’re ready to drink it, give it a quick swirl to get the sediments at the bottom and you’re good to go. This product completely dissolves so that you do not worry about taking one last gulp that is full of grainy residue.
Espresso Taste
Espresso is a favorite among many coffee lovers but it can take a long time to make one. This particular product allows you to enjoy your favorite coffee without any of the hassles. It is best enjoyed straight and black but you can add a bit of sugar or milk if you find it too strong. Because of the small cup, the flavor is very strong and rich, making it ideal as a quick drink if you are in a rush.
Cost and Value
Apart from the flavor, the best thing about this coffee is the price. It comes in a box of twelve with six single packets in it each. This brand has made tried to keep the product affordable and offers the most value it can to their patrons. Between that and the great taste, it keeps customers coming back for more.
Rich and flavorful
Very affordably
Quick and convenient
Residual free coffee
Quick dissolving
Unique flavor that can be a hit or miss
6. Nescafe
One of the best ways to kickstart your metabolism is to eat. However, it is never recommended to exercise right after eating. Having your metabolism firing and ready to go when you start your exercise will help burn more fat deposit than normal and lean out your muscles. Consuming a cup of this coffee prior to exercising will kick your metabolism into high drive. Alternatively, drinking the coffee after exercising will keep your metabolism fired and at high speed for a longer period.
Convenient
Most athletes live very busy lives. Between their job and their training, there is very little time left to do things such as errands and groceries. Purchasing this product will allow you to save some time and not hit the supermarkets as often because it comes in a large pack that lasts for months. You also don’t have to worry about the coffee going stale as they are packaged individually.
Cost and Value
This product is reasonably affordable and offers a lot of value. If there are only one or two coffee drinkers on a regular basis, it is recommended that you purchase the eighty pack. For people that have a larger family with lots of coffee drinkers, this brand offers a one thousand count box. Because each of the sticks is individually sealed, they are able to have a longer shelf life without becoming stale.
Saves time
Increases metabolism
Trusted brand
Two flavors
Decaffeinated coffee available
Lack of quality assurance
7. Maxwell House Iced Latte
This coffee is very indulgent and with an easy to accept taste that everyone can enjoy. For those who enjoy their coffee black, there may be times where you want something decadent and sweet. During those times, consuming this beverage can cure your craving and also allow you to indulge a little. They are ideal for days where you need something sweet in your life either at work or before and after your training.
Latte Taste
Many people love a good latte and the only way to get it is to go to your local cafe shop. However, means a significant increase in your monthly spendings as these drinks can get pricey if you add them all up. Choosing to purchase this product will allow you to enjoy the deliciousness of a latte while saving some money. All you have to do is pour the contents of a stick into a cup, add some milk, and stir.
Cost and Value
This coffee is more expensive, but it is worth every penny. It is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed hot during the colder months and iced during the hot summer months. This coffee will not sit long in your pantry because there will always be a way to drink it. There is huge value in this product because you can save time from going to the cafe for your latte and also save a few dollars every day.
Fantastic value
Decadent and sweet
Hot or cold
Rich and creamy
Aromatic
expensive
8. Double Joy Select
Everyone who spends time in the kitchen more or less loves anything that can be used in multiple ways. This is because the food is not wasted and using unique items may yield a surprising result. This instant coffee comes in such a fine powder that you can easily mix it into batter or soups. It can enhance your pastries or give you that flavor in curry that you could have never recreated.
Bold
Between the Colombian coffee beans and the processing, this instant coffee is as rich and as bold as any coffee made from the bean. It is a great natural stimulant for athletes to enhance their athletic performance. While it is best consumed dark, mixing in some cream and sugar will make the coffee milder but just as rich.
Cost and Value
One of the best things about this product is the amount of value you are getting. Depending on the number of coffee drinks in your home, there are three sizes to choose from. There are also three flavor options so that you can test and try them out. It is always recommended that you find a few flavors you like so that you can mix and match and keep things fresh. This is a product that is worth the investment and will have you coming back for more.
Rich and bold
Microfine coffee powder
Multiple uses
Different flavor options
Great value
Lose flavoring quickly
9. Douwe Egberts Pure Gold
More often than not, the coffee available at work tastes terrible. Rather than drinking coffee that tastes horrible or going out to buy an expensive coffee, this alternate option could be what you’re looking for. Each of these sticks is packaged individually to protect its integrity and freshness. They are also small and portable, making them easy to be carried around or left in your office drawer.
Mild roast
This is one of the better done mildly roasted coffees. Many people want to enjoy a good mild roast but worry that a poorly made cup will taste like water. As a result, people usually go with a dark roast especially if it’s for instant coffees. This product is not your average mild roast, because it has been freeze-dried it will retain the flavors much better. It provides you with a cup of coffee that is rich in flavor despite making it with just hot water.
Cost and Value
This instant coffee is ideal for people who have more than one person that drinks coffee in their household. The best deal is the packaged box that comes with two hundred sticks. Despite the initial investment, it will save a lot of money in the long run as you will no longer have to purchase coffees at cafes. If you end up leaving a few in your car, office, and gym bag, it is inevitable that these two hundred sticks will go very fast.
Unique aroma
Mild roast
Large amount per pack
Freeze dried
Retains flavor
Bitter aftertaste
10. L'Or Instant Gourmet
One of the things that put people off from instant coffee is that they almost never smell or taste fresh. However, this product has a significant advantage over competitors and that is because their processes style has allowed it to retain more of the fragrance. When made, this coffee smells and tastes very similar to a freshly brewed pot of coffee.
Flavorful
French coffee often has favorable reviews and many people enjoy their taste. It has a creamy flavor that goes down very smoothly without worrying about a bitter after taste. Because the acidity level is low, it does not cause discomfort when consuming it. Often times the flavors and aroma linger in your mouth allowing you to savor and really enjoy it.
Cost and Value
This is a product that is worth its weight in gold. Unlike most competitors, this product comes very close to tasting and smelling like a freshly brewed pot of coffee. It saves you valuable time in the morning while allowing you to enjoy the effects of fresh coffee. Compared to other brands, this is a relatively affordable product that does not compromise on the taste.
French taste
Cost efficient
Lingering flavors
Fresh and delicious
Improves stamina
A little on the mild side
Coffee is delicious and very enjoyable for most people. However, it is important to note that you can build a reliance on it quite easily. This happens because after drinking the same amount for a period of time, your body will build a tolerance to it. You will no longer feel the same effects and will subconsciously end up drinking more to get the desired effects. Before you know it, your body will start to not function properly without caffeine. Without it to kickstart your brain or body, you’ll feel tired, sluggish, and foggy all day. It is important to try to keep coffee intake to a reasonable amount and cut back if it seems like you’ve been drinking too much.
Criteria For Evaluating
The Best Instant Coffees
Antioxidant
When you are purchasing an instant coffee, try to select something that is more high end. These instant coffees usually contain better coffee beans that will have antioxidant properties. Your body uses energy all day and in order to transport the fuel around, it uses cells. When the cells are emptied of their nutrients, their husks are left behind. These are known as free radicals and are a type of toxin that will latch on to healthy cells if left to its own devices.
Having a cup of coffee that has antioxidant properties will give your body a boost to fight off these free radicals. Your body’s immune system will break these free radicals down and keep them moving so that they are excreted. This will greatly prevent the amount of toxic buildup within your body and keep your systems working optimally.
Dosage
Some of the packagings on instant coffee can be confusing and often times, manufacture design them to fool consumers. Not all instant coffees have the same amount of caffeine in it. Depending on your product, you could end up purchasing an instant coffee that is more water than coffee. If you are looking for an average instant coffee, the amount per each serving should hover around the twenty-six-milligram level. Depending on your needs, you may opt for something a little stronger. The important thing to note is that it is not healthy to go over four hundred milligrams of coffee per day. While this may seem like a lot, you also need to take into account the caffeine that may be found in other beverages you are drinking or foods that you are consuming.
It is important to be careful of an overdose of caffeine. When used at properly, caffeine can help to improve your body and work as an aid in your life. However, consuming too much will cause your feelings of anxiety and an increase in heartbeats per minute. This can be dangerous as it can send your body into overdrive and cause you to make erroneous decisions. Another way your body sends out signals of an overdose is jittering. This is a small trembling in your hands or throughout your body that you cannot seem to control. This is a natural reaction for your body to try and burn off the excess energy that you have inside.
Arabica
When you’re looking for an instant coffee, try to choose one made with Arabica beans. They taste much better than any other coffee bean from any region and can retain more flavor and aromas than most. It should not be hard to try and find a good instant coffee that contains these as they make up more than sixty perfect of coffee beans in the world.
These beans are mostly grown in what is known as the bean belt and are widely popular. The bean belt is a region of land around the equator that has the perfect conditions for coffee beans to grow. These beans have a deep aromatic complex of chocolate and caramel with the richness of nuts. Depending on when in the season the beans were harvested, you may also enjoy some that have slight hints of fruits and berries.
One of the major things that elevate the taste of Arabica Beans is that they are grown at a high elevation of nineteen hundred feet above sea level. The oxygen is much thinner and prevents the oxidation of the bean. These beans are considered fragile as they cannot handle cold weather and grows best in a subtropical climate. Due to the different times, these beans become ripe, almost all Arabica Beans are handpicked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I purchase instant coffees?
A: If you are not looking for a specific brand, most supermarkets will have a few of the generic coffee brands available. However, if you don’t end up liking any of those flavors, it is recommended that you purchase your instant coffee online. Because online retailers are not restricted by the size of their shelves, they are able to offer a lot more different types and brands.
Q: Is instant coffee good for you?
A: Despite the bad reputation instant coffee has, it is actually very healthy. Compared to brewed coffee, it even has the added bonus of being low in calories. It also contains multiple nutrients such as Potassium, Magnesium, and Vitamin B.
Q: What kind of instant coffee has the most caffeine?
A: Exactly as expected, a dark roast has more caffeine compared to something that is milder or blonde. This is simply because it takes more dark roasted coffee beans to make a cup of coffee compared to other roasts. This automatically brings the caffeine level up.
Q: Is coffee addictive?
A: While the unfortunate answer is yes, there is a lesser chance you will become addicted to instant coffee. This is because there is a significantly lower amount of caffeine in instant coffee compared to a brewed cup. In fact, instant coffees are often used to bring down the caffeine intake for people that are consuming too much.
Sources
- , What does caffeine do to your body?, Informational,
- , Best Instant Coffee, Opinion,
