When You’re Desperate for a Cup: My Instant Coffee Confession (and What to Avoid at All Costs)
Let me tell you a story I never thought I’d share publicly, especially not here, on a blog that celebrates quality coffee. But hey, we’re all human. And sometimes… life happens.
A few weeks ago, I ran out of beans. I know. Me. The “never without a bag of freshly roasted Arabica” girl. The “grind-my-own-every-morning-with-love” person. Out. Of. Beans.
It was one of those mornings. Alarm didn’t go off. Zoom meeting in 10 minutes. Hair’s a mess. Brain’s foggy. I opened the pantry in desperation and there it was: a jar of instant coffee I bought "just in case." I stared at it like a stranger I swore I’d never speak to again. But I was desperate.
So I caved.
And to my surprise… it wasn’t terrible.
But here's where things get interesting.
Out of curiosity (and, okay, guilt), I went down the rabbit hole of flavored instant coffees. You know the ones; Vanilla Hazelnut, Caramel Macchiato, Mocha Cinnamon Swirl. They sound dreamy, right?
Spoiler alert: Some of them are coffee crimes.
I tried one that shall remain unnamed (but rhymed with “flavored disaster”) and immediately regretted every decision that led me to that moment. The artificial taste was overwhelming, like someone dipped a candle in sugar and called it “French Vanilla.”
What I Learned: Not All Instant Coffees Are Equal
If you ever find yourself in a pinch, like I did, there are decent instant coffee options. Here’s how to spot the good ones (and avoid a tastebud meltdown):
Look for 100% Arabica: It makes a huge difference in flavor, even in instant form.
Avoid overly flavored varieties: Especially if the ingredients list looks more like a chemistry exam than something you’d drink.
Try specialty brands: There are some up-and-coming roasters doing instant right (I’ll share my faves in a future post).
And here’s the best part: being out of beans reminded me why I love this whole coffee journey. It’s not just about caffeine, it’s about ritual, flavor, comfort. The feeling of that first sip hitting your soul in the morning.
Coffee is Personal and That’s What Makes it Beautiful
Some of my customers swear by their cinnamon sprinkle routine. One adds sea salt to her brew (and it’s actually amazing). Another told me his grandpa taught him to heat his mug with hot water before pouring the coffee in a tiny trick that makes a big difference.
Coffee is full of stories. Little ones. Big ones. Yours, mine, and everyone else’s.
So here’s my question for you:
What’s the weirdest or most wonderful coffee ritual you’ve tried?
Or, have you ever hit rock bottom and reached for instant? (No judgment, I promise.)
We may not have a comment section yet, but we’re always cooking up new flavors and ideas, and I’d love your input. Keep an eye out on our socials where we’ll be asking you to vote on upcoming blends. Your favorite just might be our next feature.
Until then, keep sipping, experimenting, and embracing the chaos of your coffee-loving soul.
With beans and love,
