A Which? taste test crowned two supermarket gold blend instant coffees joint-highest, beating Nescafé, Douwe Egberts and Kenco
A supermarket’s own gold blend instant coffee has been crowned the best in the UK(Image: PAVEL IARUNICHEV via Getty Images)
A recent taste test conducted by UK consumer champion, Which?, has revealed the top instant gold blend coffee – and it’s not from renowned brands such as Nescafé, Douwe Egberts or Kenco. The taste test involved 68 coffee aficionados sampling 12 different instant gold-roast-style coffees, including offerings from Nescafé and other popular brands, as well as nine supermarket own brands, including Asda, Lidl, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.
The testers were most taken with two supermarket own-brand instant coffees: M&S and Waitrose.
Both M&S and Waitrose’s own-brand instant coffees received the same score, securing them a joint first place, while Nescafé and Douwe Egberts shared second place. Aldi was also commended with a Great Value recommendation, as its coffee was enjoyed by all testers and offered a cheaper alternative to other highly ranked instant coffees.
M&S’s Gold Instant Coffee achieved joint first place, scoring 70% and priced at £7.25 for 200g, thus earning it Best Buy status. Although not the cheapest supermarket own-brand coffee, it still offers better value than Nescafé, Douwe Egberts and Kenco, reports the Express.
The coffee was well-received by the testers, scoring high marks for flavour, aroma and appearance. Nearly two-thirds of the testers were satisfied with the flavour, while approximately 75% approved of the coffee’s bitterness levels.
Despite being on the pricier side, M&S’s coffee was one of only two tested coffees bearing the Fairtrade logo.
Waitrose’s Gold Roast clinched joint first place with a score of 70%, retailing at £3.70 for 100g. The top-rated instant coffee was praised for its appearance, aroma, and taste.
Over half of the testers deemed the strength of the coffee just right, while nearly two-thirds appreciated its bitterness. Although not the cheapest option, Waitrose’s product is still more budget-friendly than some well-known brands.
Douwe Egberts Pure Gold secured joint second place, achieving a score of 69% and priced at £8 for 190g. The coffee’s scent and flavour were highly commended, with just under half of the testers finding the strength to be ideal.
Nearly two-thirds also lauded the blend’s level of bitterness.
While it’s not the most affordable option, if Douwe Egberts is your preferred brand, it’s worth hunting for deals.
Nescafé Gold blend also tied for second place, scoring 69% but costing a hefty £8.35 for 190g. The popular coffee brand was well-received by the testers, who liked its appearance, aroma, and taste.
Just over half of the testers enjoyed the level of bitterness, although opinions varied on whether it should have been more or less bitter. Almost half were satisfied with the flavour, but a third wished it had been a bit stronger.
Again, Nescafé isn’t a budget option, but if it’s your regular coffee brand, keep an eye out for special offers.
Aldi’s Alcafe Gold Roast came in third place, scoring 68% and priced at a reasonable £2.65 for 200g. The coffee earned a Which? Great Value award as it is significantly cheaper than the other high-scoring coffees.
Overall, this instant coffee was well-received by the testers for its aroma, flavour and appearance, with nearly two-thirds approving of its bitterness levels. However, the testers expressed a desire for a slightly more robust coffee flavour.
Kenco Gold Indulgence tied for third place, achieving a score of 68% and priced at £8.35 for 195g. The brand’s coffee was commended for its look, scent and taste, with approximately half of the testers finding the coffee flavour spot on.
Nonetheless, a third of the testers desired a stronger flavour. Over half of the tasters were satisfied with the level of bitterness.
If this is your go-to coffee, it’s worth hunting for deals, as it leans towards the pricier end.
How did other supermarket instant coffees perform?
- Co-op Fairtrade Gold Roast – 67% (£3.55 for 200g)
- Morrisons Gold Roast – 65% (£2.65 for 200g)
- Sainsbury’s Gold Roast – 65% (£2.85 for 200g)
- Asda Gold Roast – 64% (£2.65 for 200g)
- Ocado Gold Roast – 64% (£3 for 200g)
- Lidl Bellarom Gold – 61% (£2.65 for 200g)
