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Instant coffeesHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Instant Coffees in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 1
  • 10 Best Instant Coffees in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 2
  • 10 Best Instant Coffees in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 3
  • 10 Best Instant Coffees in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 4
  • 10 Best Instant Coffees in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian 5

10 Best Instant Coffees in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian

Instant coffee is a household staple in the Philippines. We are known coffee drinkers, and this is one of the reasons why there are many coffee shops across the countryーfrom big ones like Starbucks to humble local coffee shops. However, nothing beats our love for instant coffee and creamer. With this rise of 3-in-1s from brands, such as Nescafe and Kopiko, it's not a secret that instant coffee powder or instant coffee granules are not one-size-fits-all. 


You might like your coffee, black, creamy, or extra sweet. So in this article, we're giving you our recommendations among the best instant coffee brands in the Philippines, as well as a buying guide, fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales. Plus, we've got notes on instant coffee calories for you as well. Scroll for more!

Last updated 07/14/2023

Quick List - Top Instant Coffees

1

Nescafe

Classic Instant Coffee
Classic Instant Coffee

A Classic Coffee Taste for Every Morning That Is Made From Locally Grown Robusta Beans

2

UCC

Class One Premium
Class One Premium

First-Class Quality Coffee With a Rich, Crisp Flavor and a Black Finish

3

Starbucks

Caramel Latte Premium Coffee Mix21.5 x 4
Caramel Latte Premium Coffee Mix

Recreate Your Favorite Caramel Macchiato With This Luscious Coffee With Buttery Caramel Notes

4

Kaffea

Healthy Coffee Blend with Coconut Sugar12 sachets
Healthy Coffee Blend with Coconut Sugar

Instant Coffee That Uses Coconut Sugar for Extra Health Benefits

5

Kopiko

Brown Coffee25g x 10 sachets
Brown Coffee

3-in-1 Coffee That Uses Brown Sugar for Just the Right Sweetness

Samantha Morales
Expert
Nutritionist-Dietitian
Samantha Morales

Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.

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Editorial Team
Guide
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Editorial Team

Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.

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The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose an Instant Coffee - Buying Guide

Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Choose the type of coffee bean according to your preferred flavor.
  2. Light, medium, or dark: determine your preferred level of roast.
  3. Consider getting pre-mixed coffee if you want creaminess and sweetness in your cup.
  4. Go for decaf ones if you want to enjoy the goodness of coffee with less caffeine.
  5. Get the right quantity through selecting between single-serve sachets or jars.

For more information, read through our buying guide below.

1

Choose the Type of Coffee Bean According to Your Preferred Flavor

Arabica and Robusta beans are the two most common types of coffee beans worldwide, but in the Philippines, homegrown and cultivated Kapeng Barako is also widely-known. 

Try Arabica Beans for a Smoother and Sweeter Taste

Try Arabica Beans for a Smoother and Sweeter Taste

Arabica makes up 60% of the world's production of coffee because of its popularity and demand. Arabica coffee has a sweet flavor that includes floral and fruity notes, and it has higher acidity content. Since the price of Arabica beans tends to be more expensive compared to other beans, they are not usually used in instant coffees.

Go for Robusta Beans to Get a Sip of Stronger and More Bitter Flavor

Go for Robusta Beans to Get a Sip of Stronger and More Bitter Flavor

Robusta is the second most popular variety of coffee. It is characterized by a more bitter and deep flavor with earthy, smokey, and nutty notes. Compared to Arabica beans, Robusta has a higher content of caffeine. Robusta beans are easier to grow, so they’re mostly used in instant coffees or mixes.

Liberica Beans or Kapeng Barako for a Bold, Intense, yet Fruity Experience

Liberica Beans or Kapeng Barako for a Bold, Intense, yet Fruity Experience

Another type of coffee bean that is popular in the Philippines is Kapeng Barako, which is classified under Liberica species. It is grown and cultivated locally and is characterized by its strong, woody flavor. Quick fun factーLiberica beans are larger than the others, often asymmetrical, and they’re the only coffee bean in the world that has such an irregular shape!

2

Light, Medium, or Dark: Determine Your Preferred Level of Roast

Light, Medium, or Dark: Determine Your Preferred Level of Roast

When choosing coffee, one of the main factors we look at is its taste. Some people like their coffee strong and bitter, while some prefer it light. This is where the type of coffee roast comes into the picture. Coffee’s aroma, flavor, and depth of bitterness are determined by its roasting.


  • Light roast - light-bodied with a relatively high acidity content. It preserves and highlights the original flavor of the coffee bean
  • Medium roast - well-rounded and balanced, so this has been the most preferred type. This type of roast brings out a sweeter, deep caramel-like flavor.
  • Dark roast - has low acidity and full-bodied flavor. Compared to a light roast, it has low caffeine content.
3

Consider Getting Pre-mixed Coffee if You Want Creaminess and Sweetness in Your Cup

Consider Getting Pre-mixed Coffee if You Want Creaminess and Sweetness in Your Cup

Pre-mixed instant coffees or widely known as 3-in-1coffee, already have a pre-determined amount of coffee, milk, and sugar. Depending on your taste, some brands offer different ratios of these 3, and some even replicate lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more. It’s a very quick way of making your own cup since you don’t have to get each ingredient for your preferred taste. 


Recently, there are also 5-in-1s, 7-in-1s, and more that offer a mix of different ingredients such as collagen powder, ginseng, and so on that claim to have health benefits. Do note, however, that some may find pre-mixed coffees on the unhealthier side because of their sugar content. 

4

Go for Decaf Ones if You Want to Enjoy the Goodness of Coffee With Less Caffeine

Go for Decaf Ones if You Want to Enjoy the Goodness of Coffee With Less Caffeine

If you would like a late-night coffee but you’re afraid that you won’t be able to sleep after drinking or if you are just simply cutting back on caffeine, choose a decaf coffee. It does not completely mean that there is no caffeine content but it simply means that there is less caffeine than its regular counterpart.

5

Get the Right Quantity Through Selecting Between Single-Serve Sachets or Jars

Get the Right Quantity Through Selecting Between Single-Serve Sachets or Jars

Always on the go? Go for instant coffee packed in sachets! These are the most convenient as they come in predetermined proportions, so you'll only need hot water. This is great for people who don't have much time to craft their own coffee blend.


Meanwhile, if you're a coffee aficionado and require a little more know-how in measuring for your coffee mix, instant coffee packed in a jar would be your best bet! This will allow you to have control of how much coffee to use, letting you be more creative with your drink. On top of all that, it produces less waste footprint!

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10 Best Instant Coffees to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Nescafe

Classic Instant Coffee

Nescafe Classic Instant Coffee 1

A Classic Coffee Taste for Every Morning That Is Made From Locally Grown Robusta Beans

2

UCC

Class One Premium

UCC Class One Premium 1

First-Class Quality Coffee With a Rich, Crisp Flavor and a Black Finish

3

Starbucks

Caramel Latte Premium Coffee Mix21.5 x 4

Starbucks Caramel Latte Premium Coffee Mix 1

Recreate Your Favorite Caramel Macchiato With This Luscious Coffee With Buttery Caramel Notes

4

Kaffea

Healthy Coffee Blend with Coconut Sugar12 sachets

Kaffea Healthy Coffee Blend with Coconut Sugar 1

Instant Coffee That Uses Coconut Sugar for Extra Health Benefits

5

Kopiko

Brown Coffee25g x 10 sachets

Kopiko Brown Coffee 1

3-in-1 Coffee That Uses Brown Sugar for Just the Right Sweetness

6

Nescafe

Taster's Choice Decaf

Nescafe Taster's Choice Decaf 1

Smooth and Medium-Light Roast Coffee That Is 99.97% Caffeine-Free

7

Great Taste

Great Taste White 3-in-1 Twin Pack10x50g (Pack of 2)

Great Taste Great Taste White 3-in-1 Twin Pack 1

A Combination of Real Coffee Taste and Rich Vanilla Cream That Resembles a Latte

8

Maxim

Mocha Gold Mild

Maxim Mocha Gold Mild 1

Smooth, Mild, and Well-Balanced Flavor With a Hint of Creaminess

9

Cafe Puro

Cafe Puro Instant Coffee

Cafe Puro Cafe Puro Instant Coffee 1

100% Natural Mix That Lets You Enjoy the Taste of Brewed Coffee in an Instant

10

San Miguel Foods

San Mig Super Coffee Original Sugar-Free10s

San Miguel Foods San Mig Super Coffee Original Sugar-Free 1

A Low-Fat and Sugar-Free Mix for Everyday Cup of Guilt-Free Coffee

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Nescafe
Classic Instant Coffee

Classic Instant Coffee 1
Source:nescafe.com
Reference price
₱147
Mid
Reference price
₱147
Mid

A Classic Coffee Taste for Every Morning That Is Made From Locally Grown Robusta Beans

This product is one of the pioneers in the Philippine coffee industry. Before the rise of 3-in-1s, this was a classic household staple because of its rich and strong coffee taste, delicious when taken as is or with extra milk and sugar. Depending on your taste preference, this coffee works well with anything!


Reviewers of this product mention that it has a thick body and full-strength flavor that is not too strong. It also has good quality with almost no bitter aftertaste. On top of all that, Nescafe claims that they source their Robusta beans from Filipino farmers, in support of local livelihood.

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No.2

UCC
Class One Premium

Class One Premium 1
Source:lazada.com.ph
Reference price
₱603
High Mid

First-Class Quality Coffee With a Rich, Crisp Flavor and a Black Finish

UCC is widely-raved for their black coffee, and this Class One Premium definitely does not disappoint! Made from 100% Brazilian beans, this instant coffee has a rich, crisp flavor with a black finish.


Its coffee granules also dissolve easily even in cold water so you can enjoy a cup of hot or iced coffee effortlessly. In addition, UCC commits to its meticulous roasting techniques, guaranteeing to deliver an instant coffee that tastes just as if it was freshly brewed.

No.3

Starbucks
Caramel Latte Premium Coffee Mix21.5 x 4

Reference price
₱199
Mid

Recreate Your Favorite Caramel Macchiato With This Luscious Coffee With Buttery Caramel Notes

Too busy to order your Starbucks staple in the morning? No problem! Now you can recreate their premium Caramel Macchiato at home with the Caramel Latte Premium Coffee Mix—for less. The premium mix is also four times healthier than your regular Macchiato order, as it only has 61 calories, even with semi-skimmed milk and white sugar!


Made with 100% Arabica coffee, this product is expertly blended with dairy milk and has a deliciously buttery caramel flavor. It's also topped with a soft layer of foam, making it just like it's straight out of a Starbucks store! Now, that's definitely one way to enjoy quality coffee at home.

No.4

Kaffea
Healthy Coffee Blend with Coconut Sugar12 sachets

Reference price
₱247
Mid

Instant Coffee That Uses Coconut Sugar for Extra Health Benefits

This product is one of the healthiest alternatives for instant coffee. It uses coconut sugar mixed with coconut cream as a natural sweetener. Coconut sugar regulates blood sugar levels and aids weight management, preventing obesity


While this product may be a little bit on the pricier end, buyers love it because of its added health value. Kaffea includes L-Carnitine, which helps burn excess fat, plus glutathione, and collagen to improve skin texture and elasticity. Other beneficial ingredients include Agaricus mushroom, Ganoderma, grapeseed, and CoQ10.


This is also perfect for those who are prone to hyperacidity or acid reflux since reviewers say that this coffee does not upset their sensitive stomachs at all.

No.5

Kopiko
Brown Coffee25g x 10 sachets

Brown Coffee 1
Source:lazada.com.ph
Reference price
₱71
Low Mid
Reference price
₱71
Low Mid

3-in-1 Coffee That Uses Brown Sugar for Just the Right Sweetness

Kopiko Brown Coffee is probably one of the most popular choices of 3-in-1 coffee, especially with college students! Its flavor is quite mild yet it has a strong coffee aroma. Kopiko Brown boasts its slight caramel finish with no bitterness. It's also not too creamy and has just the right balance of sweetness.


Dissolve it in a little bit of hot water, pour some cold water, add some ice, and voila! Instant iced coffee. Reviewers have praised this coffee blend as it gives you the best value for your money. Not only is it convenient and easy to prepare, but the result is also tastyーsurely a perfect way to brighten up your mornings!

No.6

Nescafe
Taster's Choice Decaf

Taster's Choice Decaf 1
Source:nescafe.com
Reference price
₱1,149.25
High
Reference price
₱1,149.25
High

Smooth and Medium-Light Roast Coffee That Is 99.97% Caffeine-Free

Smooth with no bitter after-taste, this product is equally as delicious as its regular counterpart. It is 99.97% caffeine-free, so you don't need to worry about your caffeine intake for the day! If you're the type who gets jittery after drinking a cup of coffee but still crave that deep coffee taste, this might be the one for you.


True to its name, it really is the Taster's Choice. Reviewers say that despite being decaffeinated, this product still has a bold flavor and a little bit of a fruity taste to it. This product comes in a glass jar that seals its freshness and aromaーand it can make up to 210 cups!

No.7

Great Taste
Great Taste White 3-in-1 Twin Pack10x50g (Pack of 2)

Reference price
₱200
Mid

A Combination of Real Coffee Taste and Rich Vanilla Cream That Resembles a Latte

It is no secret that many Filipinos enjoy a sweet cup of coffee to start their day with. Marketed as the "First White Coffee in the Philippines," this product promises a creamy and slightly sweet cup of coffee, perfect for that energy boost in the morning or as a quick mid-day pick-me-up drink!


This drink can be enjoyed either hot or iced, so it can be enjoyed even during sweltering days! However, if you're mindful about your instant coffee calorie intake, this one's around 140 calories with 17 grams of sugar, so you might want to consume this drink in moderation.

No.8

Maxim
Mocha Gold Mild

Reference price
₱248
Mid

Smooth, Mild, and Well-Balanced Flavor With a Hint of Creaminess

For the K-Drama fans, we're sure that you have seen this instant coffee numerous times in various shows or movies! And it is highly advertised for a good reasonーit's an instant coffee that boasts the perfect balance between caffeine and sugar. So if you're looking for something that's not too sweet and not too strong, this might be just right for you.


This has other flavor variants too, but the Mocha Gold has a smooth and mild taste that many customers love! To fully enjoy its taste, make sure that you dissolve one stick's content into 150 ml of hot water. However, if you want to cut back a little on sugar, you can slightly pinch on the stick's bottom part so that all the sugar won't be dispensed in one go!

No.9

Cafe Puro
Cafe Puro Instant Coffee

Reference price
₱118
Low Mid

100% Natural Mix That Lets You Enjoy the Taste of Brewed Coffee in an Instant

Cafe Puro prides itself with its 100% natural ingredients, available at a very affordable price! Since this product is in a jar, this is an economical option for the coffee-lovers, plus you can keep it in your pantry for a relatively long time.


Best for household pantry staple for a day's quick cup of coffee, reviewers say that this product's taste is exactly just like brewed coffee. Many say that it is best consumed without sugar to fully enjoy its rich taste. This is also a good choice for those who like to get creative with their drinks!

No.10

San Miguel Foods
San Mig Super Coffee Original Sugar-Free10s

Reference price
₱59
Low

A Low-Fat and Sugar-Free Mix for Everyday Cup of Guilt-Free Coffee

Most 3-in-1 coffees are loaded with sugar and creamer, which makes them considerably less healthy. This product, however, is sugar-free and low fat, with only 40 calories per servingーthe perfect alternative for the health-conscious! You'll also be pleased to know that it uses a non-dairy creamer.


As for the taste, this particular variant has a lighter taste and is a little bit similar to mocha. Aside from the original flavor, this product also has mild and strong flavor options. This product has been a household favorite for a while now, and it flies off the shelves pretty quickly, so grab yours now to try the delicious, guilt-free goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.

Is Instant Coffee Bad for Cholesterol?

According to studies, coffee may raise your cholesterol, but it depends on how you brew it and how much you drink.


A 2007 study in Turkey actually found that simmered coffee and french press produce higher levels of cafestol than coffee pots with filters. Meanwhile, instant coffee produces little to no cafestol at all! Moreover, coffee may raise alarming levels of cholesterol if you take 5 or more cups a day. So if you're just drinking instant coffee in restrained amounts, you should be okay!

How to Know If Instant Coffee Has Gone Bad?

Typically, it will lose its flavor over time and will become stale. Instant coffee's shelf life ranges from 2 to 20 years, depending on the type of coffee, but if it presents with a bad odor or if molds appear, it is best to get rid of it immediately

Author: I. Honda

Re-editor: Bea Lleander

How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.

Top 5 Instant Coffees

No. 1: NescafeClassic Instant Coffee

No. 2: UCCClass One Premium

No. 3: StarbucksCaramel Latte Premium Coffee Mix21.5 x 4

No. 4: KaffeaHealthy Coffee Blend with Coconut Sugar12 sachets

No. 5: KopikoBrown Coffee25g x 10 sachets

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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