Coffee lovers rejoice! Consumer NZ reveals New Zealand's best budget-friendly instant brew

Attention Kiwi coffee enthusiasts and budget-conscious brew lovers, this one's for you.  

Recent research reveals an interesting shift in coffee preferences that might leave you pleasantly surprised. In a world where the cost of your daily caffeine fix has climbed by a whopping 12 per cent over the past two years, more Kiwis are opting for the ease and comfort of brewing their java at home. 

When it comes to buying your instant in store, you might expect that the price tag on your coffee of choice from the supermarket would directly correlate with its quality, right? Well, not so fast! A recent study by Consumer NZ has unveiled a bitter truth that defies this assumption. 

What is the best instant coffee? 

After conducting blind-taste tests on nine different instant coffee brands, the results were eye-opening. It turns out that a higher price doesn't always guarantee a better taste. Surprisingly, a supermarket budget brand emerges as the champion of delivering a delightful café experience within your home. 

So, which brand stole the caffeine crown? The top spot goes to Robert Harris Colombian Blend, celebrated for its "chocolatey aroma" and, importantly, tasting like a true cup of coffee. Following closely, Nescafe Gold Original offers a "coffee-style whiff" and a pleasing, unassuming coffee taste. Pam's Cafe Roast Instant Coffee secures third place, praised for its coffee flavour, despite a peculiar hint of "muddy football boots." 

Ruairi O'Shea, an investigative writer for Consumer NZ, emphasizes the significance of a coffee's authenticity: "Rating a brand of instant coffee on its coffee-ness might seem silly on the surface, but you can't take it for granted." 

Which instant coffee is the worst value for money? 

Surprisingly, the most expensive instant coffee, iconic Kiwi company Coffee Supreme, ranks sixth out of nine, and internationally known Moccona's Classic Medium Roast, priced at $14 per 100g, falls even further down the list at seventh. O'Shea wisely notes, "You can't trust that a higher price or a fancy brand will give you a better quality product." 

In the end, if you're seeking a wallet-friendly brew that offers great taste, consider giving Pam's Cafe Roast Instant Coffee a try. It's not only a fraction of the price of the top contenders but also holds its own when it comes to flavour.  

This unexpected revelation has even surprised the coffee connoisseurs of Wellington, proving that quality doesn't always come with a hefty price tag.  

So, enjoy your coffee and your savings, New Zealand!