If you're a coffee lover but don’t have time to brew your own from scratch, then 3-in-1 coffee will be your best friend! It's very delicious and, not to mention, very easy to prepare. What sets 3-in-1 coffee apart from your usual instant coffee is that you won't need to put anything in it, as it already contains cream and sugar. Just add hot or cold water, and you’re good to go!
There are several variants of 3-in-1 coffee available online. Whether you want flavored or pure, caffeinated or decaf, we’ve got you covered. Check out this article for a guide on how to choose 3-in-1 coffee fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, as well as our 9 best picks that you can add to your cart!
Quick List - Top 3-in-1 Coffees
Culture Blends
Indulge Your Taste Buds With the Taste of Chocolate and Coffee
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.
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.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
Spice up your regular cup of joe by switching to 3-in-1 coffee. You can choose from different flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes. While you can stick to the original 3-in-1 blend for a classic option, you can also try white coffee, which is creamier and milkier. If you’re not a fan of cream and would rather load up on sugar, you might want to go for brown coffee for a sweet, caramel taste.
If you’re a fan of coffee shop blends, they also have 3-in-1 coffee counterparts. Some of the well-known coffee shops offer 3-in-1 coffee blends for you to try at home. One of the most popular flavors is mocha due to its indulgent, chocolate-y taste. For a foamy option, go for a cappuccino blend. Another crowd favorite is the caramel macchiato which is also available in sachets.
There are three well-known types of coffee beans that you can choose from: robusta, arabica, and Barako. Most of the instant coffees available in the Philippines are made from these beans.
Robusta beans are commonly used in instant coffee due to their abundance. It has a caffeine content of 2.7%, which is higher than Arabica’s. The high amount of caffeine contributes to its strong, bitter, and woody taste. It also has less acidity than Arabica beans.
Arabica is a popular choice when it comes to coffee beans. This is due to its sweetness and extensive taste range that will surely tickle your taste buds. It contains more sugar than Robusta, which explains the sweet taste. However, it is also harder to grow than Robusta and is thus more expensive.
Grown in Batangas, Philippines, this type of coffee beans is very well-known among Filipinos, especially in the older generation. It has a distinct, strong, and bold taste that Filipinos love.
Aside from its exquisite taste, barako coffee is also known for its health benefits. With just one cup, this coffee can give you a boost of energy and is a great source of antioxidants.
When coffee beans are roasted, their oils, aroma, and flavor are released. The longer they are roasted, the more bitter they become and the less caffeine they have. Thus, the flavor and amount of caffeine vary depending on the lightness or darkness of the roast. Coffee roasts can either be light, medium, medium-dark, or dark.
Among the four, one of the most preferred roasts is the light roast. It retains the original flavor of the coffee bean, resulting in a more acidic and caffeinated brew. On the other hand, medium roasts serve as the middle ground between the light and dark roasts. They still feel dry but have a more balanced taste and acidity.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, you'll find the coffee beans that have been roasted for a longer time and have an oily finish. Medium-dark roasts have a heavier body and a darker color and are also commonly used in instant coffees. The last type is the dark roast, which has low acidity and is full-flavored. Dark roasts have the lowest caffeine content.
One of the most common misconceptions regarding decaffeinated or decaf coffee is that it has zero caffeine. This isn’t true since decaf coffee still contains caffeine, but only a small amount. Around 97% of its caffeine is stripped off during the decaffeination process. Additionally, just like regular coffee, it is also loaded with antioxidants.
If you would like to have coffee late at night, but you're afraid you won’t be able to handle the caffeine buzz, then go for a decaf one. Don’t worry because other characteristics such as taste and flavor are almost the same. You won’t even be able to tell that it’s decaf!
If you’re experiencing acid reflux but still can’t let go of coffee, you may switch to a low acid variant. High acidity in coffee can also damage your teeth. Thus, if your health is starting to get affected by your coffee’s acidity levels, it’s time to tone it down.
The good news is, there are low-acid coffees available that don’t compromise on the aroma and flavor. Low-acid coffees are also available in different roasts, so you would still be able to have a wide range of options just like you have with regular coffee.
Unlike brewed coffee that has less than 5 calories, 3-in-1s have a significantly higher number of calories. This is due to its creamer, sugar, and additional flavoring components. If you have a specific diet or lifestyle to follow, make sure to double-check the label or nutrition facts of the 3-in-1 coffee before buying, as they tend to be less healthy than brewed coffee.
Luckily, there are 3-in-1 coffee brands that use sugar substitutes and non-dairy creamers, resulting in an instant drink with fewer calories. Flavored coffee may have higher calories, so you may opt to get classic ones instead. Another thing you should take note of is its caffeine content per sachet. This can help you regulate your caffeine intake.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Nescafe Original 3-in-1 Coffee | ![]() | Start Your Day Right With a Classic | |
2 | San Mig Essenso Microground Coffee | ![]() | Experience the Full Essence of Premium Arabica Beans | |
3 | UCC 3-in-1 Coffee|Strong | ![]() | The Perfect All-Nighter Companion | |
4 | Culture Blends Belgian Delight Choco Mocha Coffee | ![]() | Indulge Your Taste Buds With the Taste of Chocolate and Coffee | |
5 | San Mig Super Coffee White Sugar-Free | ![]() | Go for a Guilt-Free Option With This Sugar-Free Coffee | |
6 | Maxim Mocha Gold Mild | ![]() | Have a Taste of Korea With This Popular 3-In-1 Drink | |
7 | Kopiko 3-in-1 Coffee|Blanca | ![]() | Creamy Coffee That Can Be Served Hot or Iced | |
8 | Kopiko L.A. Coffee | ![]() | Go Easy On Your Stomach With This Low-Acid Coffee | |
9 | Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Ready Coffee 3-in-1 |Hazelnut | ![]() | Bring the Coffee Shop Experience Home |
Over the years, Nescafe has been one of the most trusted coffee brands in the Philippines. Their coffee products are a staple in Filipino pantries. This original 3-in-1 blend offers a flavorful strong taste and aroma. It is also made with locally sourced robusta beans, so not only will you get to enjoy your cup of coffee, but you'll also be able to support local farmers.
However, this coffee might not be strong enough to awaken your senses, so if that's what you're after, you might want to go for a stronger option. But if it's the taste you're after, you can't go wrong with this choice.
According to reviews, this coffee has the right blend of creaminess and sweetness with a decent aftertaste. Your everyday coffee won't be boring with Nescafe's creamy latte, brown, and creamy white variants.
Craving for something fancy but don't have time to go out to the cafe? Look no further because this coffee will definitely satisfy your cravings. What makes Essenso unique is that it uses the MicroPlus technique, which preserves the full essence of the premium Arabica beans by undergoing a low-speed, oxygen-free, and ultra-low temperature grinding process.
According to reviews, this cup of joe will give you a rich, lingering taste and deep aroma. It has a pleasant aftertaste and a smooth texture, thanks to the unique blend of finely ground coffee beans and instant coffee.
Created by Japan's Father of Coffee, Tadao Ueshima, UCC Ueshima Coffee never fails to develop high-quality instant coffee drinks. Their 3-in-1 coffee mix has a distinct premium flavor that will make your taste buds giddy. It is also crafted to taste like ground coffee, making it a perfect choice for coffee enthusiasts.
According to reviews, although this blend is not sweet and creamy, it's not too bitter as well, so if you're not a fan of sweet coffees, you might want to check this out. You'll also feel the caffeine kick upon drinking a cup of this. If you want a lighter option, you may check out the regular blend.
Are you one of those people who love to drink coffee but can't tolerate its bitter taste? Don't worry because we totally get you! A sweet and tasty option that you can try is mocha. Culture Blends' choco mocha coffee offers a balance between sweetness and creaminess. This brand offers coffee flavors that are inspired by different cultures around the globe.
According to reviews, this drink tastes like hot chocolate and coffee mixed together. It will not only indulge your taste buds but also your sense of smell due to its heavenly chocolatey aroma. Another plus is that despite being on the sweeter side, it's not overly sweet, so you won't get umay while drinking this.
Weight-watchers and dieters can have their coffee fix with this sugar-free option. For this variant, San Mig uses Splenda, which is a no-calorie sugar substitute. This is perfect for those who are cutting down on their sugar and calorie intake, as this variant has 59% less calories than the regular version.
Keep in mind, though, that the taste won't be as sweet as regular 3-in-1 coffees. Users claim that the taste of this coffee lives up to its name. It's not sweet and has a creaminess that's not overpowering since it uses non-dairy creamer. Some reviews also state that this coffee has a strong aroma at first, but tones down as you mix it.
If you're a fan of Korean pop culture, you've probably seen this iconic yellow coffee packaging in KDramas. Maxim Mocha Gold is one of the most popular instant coffee drinks in Korea. It has the right amount of coffee taste and creaminess, with a mild mocha flavor that appeals to different age groups.
One of its best features is having a controllable sugar packet. The components are layered inside the packet, with sugar at the bottom, so you may opt not to pour it out completely if you don't like sweet coffee. Additionally, this coffee is so smooth and blendable that it doesn't leave any dregs at the bottom of your cup. If you want a creamier version, the White Gold flavor is a must-try!
The Spanish word "blanca" translates to "white," which is a suitable name for this coffee from Kopiko. The creamy white coffee version became popular among 3-in-1 brands in the Philippines, and this brand did not disappoint. It has a silky texture and creamy taste, just like a latte you would order in a coffee shop!
Reviewers say that despite its creaminess, you'll still be able to taste the coffee itself. Even though this coffee is perfect for both hot and iced versions, a lot of people prefer the iced version. However, while it may give you a morning boost, one cup might not be enough for those who need a stronger coffee fix.
For those who drink coffee every day, acid reflux may be a recurring problem. If you have a sensitive stomach but rely on coffee to perk you up, switch your regular cup for Kopiko's low-acid version. A blend of arabica and robusta beans went through a controlled roasting process to ensure a full-bodied coffee with less acidity.
According to many reviewers, this low acid coffee is indeed mild and lighter on the stomach. It doesn't give off that bloated feeling you sometimes get after drinking coffee, so you won't feel uncomfortable afterward. This blend is perfectly crafted to be easy on your stomach without compromising its rich taste.
Before the pandemic happened, going for a coffee run was a part of some people's daily routines. Now that many of us are working or studying from home, it's hard to go out to buy our favorite coffees. The good news is, famous coffee shops like CBTL now offer 3-in-1 coffee packs that taste exactly like their in-store drinks.
Drinking this coffee at home will make you feel like you're actually in a cafe. It is a perfect drink to have when working or studying, along with coffee shop playlists gently playing in the background. This particular blend is roasted naturally for a nutty and earthy hazelnut flavor. You may also check out their premium blend and mocha variants if you want more flavors.
Before going to work or school, make sure you have the right amount of energy to seize the day by eating breakfast. No time to cook? Don't you worry, as there are lots of quick and easy ways to prepare your morning meal! Check out some of our recommended breakfast products to fill up your stomach in no time.
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Author: Sophie S.
Editor: R. Umlas
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.
No. 1: Nescafe|Original 3-in-1 Coffee
No. 2: San Mig|Essenso Microground Coffee
No. 3: UCC|3-in-1 Coffee|Strong
No. 4: Culture Blends|Belgian Delight Choco Mocha Coffee
No. 5: San Mig|Super Coffee White Sugar-Free
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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