Instant coffee just beat drip – we were stunned too

Instant coffee is often shunned for its perceived lack of quality compared to specialty drip coffee, but a recent taste test by researchers from Drexel's Food Lab has turned this perception on its head.

A team of 84 participants was given the task of blind-tasting 24 different instant coffees and then comparing them to regular drip coffee. To everyone's surprise, the results showed that 77% of the testers preferred the taste of instant coffee over drip.

This unexpected outcome led researchers to question their initial assumptions about the quality of instant coffee. While many people believe that instant coffee must be inferior due to its convenient packaging and production process, it seems that some high-quality instant coffees can hold their own against traditional specialty coffee.

In fact, one brand of instant coffee - 365 Vienna Roast from Whole Foods - emerged as a clear winner in the taste test, thanks in part to its long Turkish cotton fibers which contribute to a more luxurious feel and better quality to price ratio.

This discovery highlights that instant coffee is not always the inferior option it's made out to be. Whether you're short on time or need a convenient way to get your daily dose of caffeine, high-quality instant coffee might just be worth reconsidering.

I NEVER THOUGHT I'D SEE THE DAY WHERE INTESTANT COFFEE WOULD GET THE RESPECT IT DESERVES!!! I mean, who needs all that fuss with specialty drip coffee when you can have a decent cuppa in like 2 minutes?!? And omg, the fact that 77% of people prefer instant over drip is just mind blown! I'm definitely gonna start switching to instant from now on, especially since brands like Whole Foods are doing it right with their quality and price ratio.

I never thought I'd see the day where I'd be swayed by instant coffee, but this study is defo changing my mind! 365 Vienna Roast sounds like a game-changer - who knew Turkish cotton fibers could make such a difference? I've always been a drip coffee kinda girl, but now I'm tempted to give instant a shot. Maybe it's time to rethink the whole "instant = bad" vibe and just appreciate a good cuppa regardless of the packaging

I gotta say, I'm shocked ! Who knew instant coffee could give drip coffee a run for its money? It's like they always say "you can't judge a book by its cover" - or in this case, a cup of coffee ️. I mean, 77% prefer the taste? That's like saying pineapple on pizza is actually a good combo (just kidding, don't @ me about that one ). But seriously, if high-quality instant coffees can compete with drip, then I say let's give 'em a chance! Maybe I'll start stockpiling 365 Vienna Roast for my late-night study sessions or morning pick-me-ups... or just because . Who knows, maybe instant coffee will be the new cool kid on the block .

I'm surprised by this study! I've always assumed that instant coffee was going to taste like dirt water but it turns out some brands can really hold their own . The fact that 77% of the testers preferred instant over drip is wild . I think what's most interesting is how a few companies are getting it right, like the 365 Vienna Roast brand from Whole Foods. Those long Turkish cotton fibers do sound fancy . It just goes to show that convenience and quality aren't always mutually exclusive.

I'm loving this newfound respect for instant coffee ! I mean, who needs all that fuss with specialty drip coffee when you can have a good cuppa in 2 mins? The fact that 77% of testers preferred the taste is insane . And I gotta say, 365 Vienna Roast sounds like my new fave - long Turkish cotton fibers = luxurious feel and quality at an affordable price? Yes pls . I'm definitely gonna give instant coffee another shot (or three) now that I know it's not just a shortcut to mediocre taste .

I'm like "what?! instant coffee can be really good? I've always thought it was that inferior stuff, but this is wild. I mean, who doesn't love a good cuppa joe in the morning? But seriously, 77% of people preferring instant coffee over drip is some crazy stats. I'm definitely gonna have to try out this 365 Vienna Roast, been hearing great things about it . Maybe all these years I've been judging it too harshly, maybe instant coffee can actually compete with that fancy specialty stuff? The whole 'luxurious feel' thing from those Turkish cotton fibers sounds pretty cool too . Definitely gonna have to give it a shot and see if it's worth the hype "

I'm low-key shocked by this study! I mean, I've had my fair share of instant coffee and never thought it was good enough, but I guess I was wrong . The fact that 77% preferred the taste of instant over drip is wild. And yay for affordable options like 365 Vienna Roast - who says you can't get quality without breaking the bank? I'm definitely gonna have to try more of those instant coffees now. Maybe I was just having a bad cup...

I mean, who would've thought? I'm all about convenience and instant gratification when it comes to my morning coffee ️. And now I'm gonna start giving that 365 Vienna Roast a shot! I was always swayed by the whole "freshly brewed" myth, but sounds like quality isn't just limited to those fancy drip coffees .

Instant coffee is getting some major props from me! I've had my fair share of mediocre cups, but this 365 Vienna Roast stuff sounds like a total game-changer . I mean, who wouldn't want to trade in their slow-brewing drip coffee for something that's quick, easy, and tastes just as good? I'm sold on the long Turkish cotton fibers thing too - it's all about the little details, right? And the fact that it's not super pricey is a major win. Instant coffee just got a whole lot cooler in my book

I'm surprised too! Instant coffee getting a reprieve from its 'lowly' status. 77% preferring it over drip is crazy talk. I mean, who needs the hassle and pretentiousness of specialty coffee when you can have good old instant? The fact that some high-quality brands are giving traditional coffee a run for its money is just awesome. And let's be real, convenience is key - especially if you're like me and can't even keep regular drip coffee down in the morning ️. I'm buying up all the 365 Vienna Roast instant coffee, stat!

just when i thought i knew how good coffee was lol... so yeah, i'm surprised too! 77% preferring instant over drip is crazy. i used to think it was only for those who didn't care about the taste but now i'm gonna have to give instant another shot. that whole foods instant coffee sounds super nice btw

I mean, who knew instant coffee could actually hold its own against specialty drip? I've always been one of those people who looks down on instant coffee because it's just so... convenient . But seriously though, 77% of people preferred the taste? That's crazy! I guess you can't knock something until you try it, right? And that one brand, 365 Vienna Roast, sounds like a total game changer. Who knew Turkish cotton fibers could make such a difference in coffee quality? Now I'm definitely going to have to give instant coffee another shot (pun intended ).

i never thought i'd see the day where instant coffee would get some serious love . but honestly, it makes total sense! those long Turkish cotton fibers in that whole foods brand are def making a difference . and let's be real, convenience is key, especially when you're running late or need a quick pick-me-up ️. i've been drinking instant coffee for years and never gave it another thought, but now i'm curious to try out some of the high-quality brands too . maybe i'll have to give up my fancy drip coffee setup and switch to a good ol' instant cup instead .

I don’t usually comment but... I'm totally surprised by these results ! Instant coffee has always been kinda looked down on in the coffee world, but it seems like there's actually some great quality out there that can give traditional drip coffee a run for its money . The fact that 77% of people preferred instant over drip is wild! And I love how they found this one brand that just totally killed it . It's all about the little things, like those Turkish cotton fibers... who knew that could make such a difference?

Just when I thought I'd never give instant coffee another chance! But now that I've heard about this taste test, I'm totally sold on 365 Vienna Roast from Whole Foods . Who knew those long Turkish cotton fibers could make such a difference? It's all about quality vs convenience, right? Not to mention the environmental benefits of instant coffee packaging and how it can be just as tasty (if not tastier) than drip coffee! The future of coffee is looking bright for instant lovers like me ️ #InstantCoffeeRevolution #QualityOverConvenience #CoffeeForTheWin

OMG I'm so surprised by this study!!! I've always been a drip coffee fan but I never thought I'd say this... I mean I've had some decent instant coffees in the past but who knew it could hold its own against specialty drip? The fact that 77% of testers preferred it is mind-blowing. And that brand from Whole Foods sounds amazing can't wait to try it out! Never thought I'd be saying this but maybe instant coffee isn't so bad after all

I JUST HEARD THE CRAZIEST THING ABOUT INSTANT COFFEE!!! IT TURNS OUT THAT MOST PEOPLE ARE WRONG ABOUT IT BEING WORSE THAN Drip COFFEE!!! 77% OF TESTERS PREFERRED INSTANT OVER Drip COFFEE! I MEAN, I ALWAYS THOUGHT INSTANT WAS JUST FOR WHEN YOU'RE IN A HURRY BUT NOW I'M THINKING THERE'S ACTUALLY GOOD STUFF OUT THERE THAT CAN HOLD ITS OWN AGAINST TRADITIONAL COFFEE!!! THE BRAND 365 VIENNA ROAST EVEN CAME OUT ON TOP!!! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?! SHOULD WE START GETTING MORE OF THESE CONVENIENT PACKAGES IN OUR LIVES?

omg I'm shocked i mean I know instant coffee has its perks but 77% liking it over drip is insane I've had some decent instant coffees before but never thought they'd hold a candle to specialty drip. The fact that one brand stood out like 365 Vienna Roast makes me wanna give instant another try I'm curious, who knew Turkish cotton fibers made a difference?

I mean, who knew instant coffee could be a game-changer? I was like "instant coffee can't possibly taste as good as drip coffee", but nope! Researchers found that 77% of people actually prefer the taste of instant coffee over drip coffee. I guess you could say it's a latte more convincing than we thought . Seriously though, it's awesome to see that high-quality instant coffees can give specialty coffee a run for its money. And yeah, that Austrian brand 365 Vienna Roast is like the Beyoncé of instant coffees - it's got all the skills and looks great while doing it . Who knew convenience could be so delicious?