Best Instant Decaf Coffee for Every Type of Sipper—Tried and Tested
Quick, ready-to-use instant coffee is one of 2023’s biggest coffee trends, and demand for the best instant decaf coffee is soaring. “People want options,” explains Dan Giazzoni, a coffee expert with over two decades of experience. “While espresso is the go-to for coffee die-hards, those with specific palettes and health needs are looking for decaf instant coffee options that taste as close to their caffeinated counterparts as possible.”
Plus, most of these coffee options are especially affordable and can be purchased as Amazon gifts under $20.
What is the best decaf instant coffee?
Finding an extra good instant decaf isn’t rocket science. Dan says there are a few key factors to look out for, starting with crystal size.
“The best decaf instant coffee, or any instant coffees in general, will have finer freeze-dried particles. When you look at those supermarket glass jars full of instant coffees, it’s easy to tell which ones look like they’re full of fish tank gravel and which are more of a fine sawdust. The finer, softer textured instant coffees are usually far better. They’re smoother to drink and better in taste.”
If you’re looking to skip the buzz and throw out your caffeine gummies—these are the best instant decaf coffee brands you should be trying now.
Best instant decaf coffee overall: Starbucks Via Decaf Instant Italian Roast
We were pleasantly surprised by the delicate aroma, bold flavor and smooth texture of the bestselling Starbucks Decaf Instant Italian Roast packets. Aside from being easy to use and budget-friendly, they travel well in tear-resistant narrow packages that fit nicely in purses and pockets. They’re also a budget-friendly premium instant coffee option at less than $1/cup.
Starbucks Via Instant Decaf Italian Roast, under $1/cup
Made of 100% Arabica, the flavor is earthy, roasted and just a bit naturally sweet. Just tear open a packet, add hot water—and stir. The crystals dissolve in under 10 seconds. We also love that you can order it directly from Prime without ever having to step foot in an actual Starbucks.
They’re easy to take on the go, and because they’re decaf, they’re pregnancy and nursing-friendly. Add them to your newborn checklist ASAP.
Best cheap instant decaf coffee: Mount Hagen Organic Instant Decaf
You can score some of the best instant decaf coffee on a tight budget—and you don’t even have to sacrifice organic certification. Bestselling Mount Hagen Organic Instant Decaf has a loyal, cult-like following thanks to a rich, earthy fresh-brewed taste and organic origins at a budget-friendly price.
The flavors and aromas are so rich and inviting that our taste testers couldn’t tell the difference between it and fresh drip coffee, a sign that it’s a top contender. It’s also certified OU Kosher Pareve and suitable for those on vegan, Halal and other specific diets. The best part? Each of the 25 individual packets is a cinch to carry in a purse, leave in a desk drawer or bring on a plane.
Best luxury instant decaf coffee: Velty Uncaffeinated Classic Coffee
Rich, smooth instant decaf is within reach—and it doesn’t have to taste a thing like your grandmother’s pocketbook brews. Velty Uncaffeinated Classic Coffee is the type of soft, buttery smooth and earthy instant decaf that’ll have even the most aggressive non-believers sipping with haste.
It’s also a gut-friendly addition to your diet thanks to organic Jerusalem artichoke inulin, organic lion’s mane mushroom powder and highly-prized organic reishi. Sipping this luxurious instant decaf coffee is good for body, mind and spirit. This is the stuff your friends with Tesla solar panels and super chic hiking boots are sipping.
Best flavored instant decaf coffee: Hills Bros. Decaf French Vanilla Cappuccino Mix
How many ways and times can we say “yum?” No, seriously—Hills Bros. Decaf French Vanilla Cappuccino Mix is downright delish. If you’re after a rich, sweet and slightly creamy flavored instant decaf coffee, this is the one.
We’re big fans of the French Vanilla flavor, but the brand also sells decaf options in White Chocolate, Mocha, Sugar-Free and a handful of other options. And at only $6 per container, it’s a brilliant buy that makes a cute, affordable gift for a best friend or co-worker you tend to coffee chat with.
Best imported instant decaf coffee: Elite Instant Plantium Classic
Fans of international flair and added flavor love Israel’s bestselling, best instant decaf coffee. Elite Instant Platinum Classic comes in regular, vanilla and mocha flavor offerings. The softer-textured crystals melt instantly into almost any water temperature, making this option an excellent choice for decaf iced coffee as well.
It may look a bit grainier in texture than some of the other instant decaf coffee options on this list, but brilliant engineering has made it a worthy contender that doesn’t require extra stirring or mega-hot water. Plus, it has a rich roasted flavor that tastes and smells very much like the caffeinated real-deal. If you’re looking for a low caffeine instant coffee, the brand also makes this popular finer-grain option.
Love this article? If you think it’s super great, sign up for the Extra Good newsletter. You’ll get weekly must-know info and generally titillating updates.
