9 Starbucks Instant Coffees: Can You Expect Unique Flavors?
Listen up coffee lovers! Starbucks has found a way to shock us all by delivering delicious instant coffees.
Perhaps you’re hiking, or maybe you don’t have time to stop at the drive-thru or brew a cup because you woke up late. Even for long trips, instant coffee is the best way to maintain your sweet morning habit. In order to have a quick hit of caffeine and that “mmmm” feeling after each sip, you must pick your favorite from this Starbucks instant coffee review!
We’re here to help! Starbucks premium instant coffees are made from 100% Arabica beans, which ensures a high-quality taste. Even so, the medium roast instant coffees provide a smooth and rich taste that isn’t too overwhelming.
At A Glance:
- Our Top Pick: Premium Instant Blonde Roast
- Best Value: Premium Instant Medium Roast
- Best Dark Roast: VIA Instant Italian Dark Roast
Tested and tried—here are the best Starbucks instant coffees for you!
What Are The Best Starbucks Instant Coffees?
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No products found. | Premium Instant Blonde Roast |
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| No products found. | Premium Instant Dark Roast |
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| No products found. | Premium Instant Medium Roast |
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| No products found. | VIA Veranda Blend |
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| No products found. | VIA Sweetened Iced Coffee |
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| No products found. | Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Colombia Coffee |
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| No products found. | Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee Italian Dark Roast |
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| No products found. | Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee French Dark Roast |
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| No products found. | Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee Pike Place Medium Roast |
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Both VIA Instant and Premium Instant are on Home Brews Coffee’ list of highly-recommended instant coffees and a part of Starbucks’ roster of products. Even Starbucks’ coffee experts use 100% arabica beans for the Premium Instant line.
But why do people love instant coffee? Instant coffee could be beneficial in several ways. First off, it saves time because you can make it fastly. Secondly, you don’t need fancy coffee equipment, so it’s a cheaper solution.
Interestingly, the instant coffee market was worth over $1.89 billion in 2023, which is expected to rise annually by 1.58% (1). It should come as no surprise that making instant coffee is a desirable, less time-consuming option. The best part is that Starbucks is among the top-rated instant coffee brands. You can even try some of the best Starbucks K-Cups and you won’t regret it.
Let’s find out which Starbucks instant coffee is right for you.
1. Premium Instant Blonde Roast
Roast: Light
- Blend: Arabica
- Size: 3.17 oz
- Servings: 120
Starbucks Instant Blonde Roast coffee is made from lightly roasted beans. This roasting gives the coffee a crisp and mellow flavor. Blonde Roast is thin and weightless on the tongue, so it’s a great choice when you don’t want a strong coffee flavor. Same as with other light roasts, it’s high in caffeine.
Blonde Roast is best used in espresso-based drinks. Use this instant coffee to make a latte, macchiato or shaken Starbucks instant espresso. Experiment with different kinds of milk, sauces, and sweeteners for a delightful coffee drink.
2. Starbucks dark roast premium instant coffee
Roast: Dark
- Blend: Arabica
- Size: 3.17 oz
- Servings: 120
When I decided to do a Starbucks dark roast premium instant coffee review I though I’d give it a “best dark roast” award. But it turned out I was wrong. Although, as the name says, this is a dark-roast coffee, what sets it apart is the sweet but toasted flavor with hints of dark chocolate. So the stress is on the toasted notes, meaning this is for lovers of darker dark roasts.
This is a three-pack, which is enough to make 120 cups. Scoop as much or as little coffee as you prefer. Stir it into hot water and enjoy. Moreover, the container tins are easily recyclable, so your coffee addiction doesn’t affect the environment. Plus, you can keep a can of Starbucks dark roast premium instant coffee in your desk drawer so you can have it whenever you want without having to leave your office to get your caffeine fix.
3. Starbucks medium roast premium instant coffee
Roast: Medium
- Blend: Arabica
- Size: 3.17 oz
- Servings: 120
I had to do a Starbucks medium roast premium instant coffee review because customers swear by it. If dark roast is too bold for you, then go for this pick. And I get why people massively love it. Not only is it 100% Arabica, but it also goes well in all versions of coffee drinks. Be it milky latte, regular black coffee or iced coffee, this roast works well with each type. Unlike the dark roast, the flavor here is smooth with notes of creamy milk chocolate and nuts.
Interestingly, with Starbucks Via Instant packets, you can scoop as much coffee as you like. This lets you experiment to find the amount that works best for you. Same as with the above dark Roast, medium roast coffee comes in three-pack tins and makes 120 cups in total.
4. VIA Veranda Blend
Roast: Light
- Blend: Arabica
- Size: 0.11 oz
- Servings: 8
If you prefer light roasts, you’ll love VIA Veranda Blend. It took Starbucks over 80 tries to get this light Roast just right. This instant coffee is mellow, with notes of soft cocoa and nuts. It has a light body and medium acidity.
However, don’t let the light roast fool you. This coffee packs a caffeine punch. In fact, light-roast coffee tends to have more caffeine than its darker counterparts. This is the perfect choice if you want a less acidic cup of coffee. Compared to Keurig machines, drip makers and espresso machines, Aeropress makes the best VIA Veranda coffee cup.
5. VIA Sweetened Iced Coffee
Roast: Medium
- Blend: Arabica
- Size: 0.95 oz
- Servings: 120
VIA Sweetened Iced Coffee is the best when you strive for an iced drink. The beans are premium Arabica from Latin America. By retaining bright flavors, every sip is smooth and refreshing.
Remember that this coffee is better than store-bought ground coffee, but not as good as fresh ground (discover more about instant coffee vs ground coffee). You’ll be surprised by its rich, roasted, slightly nutty flavor. Moreover, VIA Sweetened Iced Coffee has cane sugar. Not to mention, cane sugar is much healthier than white sugar. Simply tear it open, pour cold water into the cup, and add one packet. Wait ten seconds for the flavors to develop, then stir and sip.
6. Starbucks VIA Ready Brew Colombia Coffee
Roast: Medium
- Blend: Arabica
- Size: 9.92 oz
- Servings: 50
Starbucks VIA Ready Brew comes from farms in the Andes mountain range in Colombia. This medium roast coffee is well-rounded with a nutty finish and notes of fresh herbs. The coffee is made from 100% Arabica.
Use it to make coffee in an instant or try out different recipes. It works great in Dalgona whipped coffee, Caramel Frozen Blended Coffee, and Butterscotch Coffee.
7. Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee Italian Dark Roast
Roast: Dark
- Blend: Arabica
- Size: 10.08 oz
- Servings: 50
One of the best Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee – Italian dark roast – perfect for dark roast coffee lovers. The coffee shows the expertise of Starbucks roasters. It is even darker than the Espresso Roast but doesn’t have the smokiness of the French Roast. Instead, you’ll notice sweetness and intensity.
If you love coffee with sugar and milk, this is a perfect choice. It pairs well with sweeteners without being overpowered.
8. Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee French Dark Roast
Roast: Dark
- Blend: Arabica
- Size: 3.86 oz
- Servings: 50
French Roast is as dark as it gets. It’s just as good as the coffee made by the barista and you only have to boil water to have a perfect coffee when camping. The beans are muted with oil under the careful watch of the master roaster. They’ll burst into flames if they are left a second too long. Beans turn ebony in color and have a smokey appearance.
It’s perfect if you love the intense, smoky coffee flavor with low acidity. The box has 50 Starbucks coffee individual packets, so you’ll be caffeinated for a while.
9. Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee Pike Place Medium Roast
Roast: Medium
- Blend: Arabica
- Size: 0.11 oz
- Servings: 8
Starbucks’ first store was opened in Seattle Pike Place in 1971, from where it spread around the world. Their customers wanted freshly brewed coffee they could drink any time. In 2008, the coffee company wanted to create a blend that’s so harmonious that there isn’t a single characteristic that dominates. The result is VIA Instant Coffee Pike Place.
This is a smooth blend of Latin American coffees with cocoa notes and toasted nuts. It can be enjoyed any time of day.
How To Choose The Best Starbucks Instant Coffee
First off, you should know that there are two important labels competing Starbucks Via vs Premium Instant. Both are great options for making a quick cup. If you’re looking for a quick Starbucks via review I’ll just say that the VIA Instant lineup comes in single-serving packets, making it super easy to brew a cup while on the go. Differently, Starbucks Premium Instant offers a slightly elevated cup profile with micro-ground powder. And that’s the basic difference, honestly. Still, how so you choose the best individual instant coffee? Let’s see.
Think about coffee type: Arabica or Robusta
Arabica has a less bitter taste than Robusta. These beans are thought of higher quality and have a smoother and sweeter taste. On the other hand, if you like a stronger and more bitter flavor, with earthy and nutty tones, you should go for Robusta beans. You can even expect a higher caffeine content.
Starbucks only uses Arabica beans in its instant coffee.
Learn which roast you prefer
Light roast beans are roasted for a short time. Expect a light brown color and a more acidic and bright taste. If you like coffee that tastes mellow, this is a great choice.
Starbucks instant coffee Medium roast beans are roasted longer than light ones and have a medium brown color. If you want a balance between acidity and body and a well-rounded flavor profile, this is the best roast level for you!
Dark roast beans are roasted the longest and have a dark brown, almost black color. They have a bold, full body with smoky, toasty, and even charred flavor. So, what are you waiting for? Choose the best roast and experience the joy of endless instant coffee at your fingertips.
Think convenience
Last, but not least—how to make Starbucks instant coffee?
Instant coffee is a coffee type that just needs some hot water and boom—you’re ready to drink. To make Starbucks instant coffee, add 8 ounces of boiling water to a mug and add one packet of Starbucks Via Instant Coffee. Next, stir until the coffee has dissolved. And if you’re using Starbucks Premium Instant Coffee, add two teaspoons of instant coffee per 8 ounces of boiling water.
Does starbucks instant coffee have caffeine?
Yes, Starbucks Instant coffee has caffeine. Like any coffee that hasn’t been labeled “decaf” this coffee has caffeine. But it also has less caffeine than regular coffee. For example, one packet of instant coffee has between 30 to 90 mg of caffeine, while regular coffee contains between 70 to 140 mg of caffeine (2). However, one benefit of regular coffee is that it contains more caffeine and less acrylamide than instant coffee (3).
How Much Caffeine In Starbucks Instant Coffee?
Starbucks instant coffee caffeine content ranges from 65-70 mg per serving, depending on which Roast and packet you use. Remember, Starbucks classifies a single Via packet as two servings. In general, that’s lower than each Roast’s non-instant counterpart.
How much caffeine in Starbucks Medium Roast Premium Instant coffee? The Starbucks Medium Roast Premium Instant coffee caffeine content is around 65 mg in a prepared 6-oz serving made with 1 teaspoon of instant coffee. The Starbucks Dark Roast Premium Instant coffee caffeine content and the Starbucks Blonde Roast Premium Instant coffee caffeine content are also 65 mg per serving.
Final Thoughts
Starbucks has forayed into the world of instant coffee in recent years with two great different lineups of instant coffee options: VIA Instant and Premium Instant. We’ve seen that Premium Instant Blonde Roast is the best instant coffee, especially if you prefer a crisp and mellow flavor. Enjoy!
FAQs
For Starbucks Instant Coffee Packets, use 8 ounces of boiling water. Depending on how strong you want your coffee, you can use more or less water, but start with a base of 8 ounces and change from there. For iced instant coffee, use two packets per 8 ounces.
There are three options when it comes to Premium Instant at Starbucks: Premium Instant Dark Roast, Premium Instant Medium Roast, Premium Instant Blonde Roast. The Blonde Roast is crisp, complex, and bright. The medium Roast is mellow, balanced, and smooth. And the dark Roast is bold, rich, and full.
References
- Niseteo, T., Komes, D., Belščak-Cvitanović, A., Horžić, D., & Budeč, M. (2012). Bioactive composition and antioxidant potential of different commonly consumed coffee brews affected by their preparation technique and milk addition. Food Chemistry, 134(4), 1870–1877. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.03.095
- Ludwig, I. A., Mena, P., Calani, L., Cid, C., Del Rio, D., Lean, M. E. J., & Crozier, A. (2014). Variations in caffeine and chlorogenic acid contents of coffees: what are we drinking? Food Funct., 5(8), 1718–1726. https://doi.org/10.1039/c4fo00290c
- Instant Coffee: Good or Bad? (2019, October 8). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/instant-coffee-good-or-bad
- Bjarnadottir, A. (2019) Instant coffee: Good or bad?, Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/instant-coffee-good-or-bad (Accessed: 20 July 2023).
