Get A Quick Fix With These 13 Best Instant Coffee

best instant coffee singapore

Having a hard time getting out of bed every morning? Get yourself a quick boost of energy with some instant coffee! Forget about having to grind your coffee beans, waiting for water to boil and finding the perfect brewing method. Have your daily dose of coffee with ease and get caffeinated! From black coffees to 3-in-1 options, read on to find out more about the best instant coffees in Singapore. 

Overview of the best instant coffees in Singapore

Category Coffee Description Price
Black Coffee Starbucks Dark Roast Premium Instant Coffee Strong, aromatic Arabica beans $11.61
MOCCONA Classic Dark Roast Instant Coffee Well-rounded with a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans $8.98
Ah Huat Kopi O Kosong Coffee Smooth and delicate with robust aroma $4.10
2-in-1 Coffee Old Town Nan Yang Roasted White Instant Coffee O Kosong Classic kopi C kosong taste $28.32
Cafe 21 2-in-1 Instant Coffee Mix Sugar-free with Colombian Arabica beans and non-dairy creamer $5.35
Owl Kopi-O Gao Coffee Strong and robust with roasted Arabica beans $6.26
3-in-1 Coffee L’OR ESSENSO Brazilian Élégance Smooth and full-flavoured. $7.97
Nescafe Kopi C Gao Siew Dai Strong, smoky roasted flavor. $4.00
Biogreen Dream Coffee Oatmilk Nutty oat flavour with plant-based milk $12.65
G7 3-in-1 Instant Coffee Vietnamese coffee with earthy, bitter notes $9.99
Flavoured Coffee Frenche Roast Indulgence Tiramisu Latte Complex tiramisu flavour, not overly sweet $5.95
Old Town Hazelnut Flavoured Instant Coffee Sweet and nutty white coffee. $7.27
Starbucks Caffe Mocha Premium Coffee Mix (3in1) Decadent cafe-style mocha. $10.99

Best instant black coffees in Singapore

1. Starbucks Dark Roast Premium Instant Coffee

Starbucks Dark Roast Premium Instant Coffee
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

You can’t go wrong with Starbucks for the best instant black coffee in Singapore. Made with Arabica beans that are robust and aromatic, you’ll get a drink that’s exactly the same as those in the Starbucks stores! The Starbucks Dark Roast Premium Instant Coffee (available on Shopee Supermarket) gives you a lovely cup of java right at your work desk. You won’t have to spend time looking for the nearest Starbucks coffeehouse when you’ve got the best instant black coffee in Singapore!

2. MOCCONA Classic Dark Roast

MOCCONA Classic Dark Roast
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

A smooth and rich cup of coffee? Sign us up! The MOCCONA Classic Dark Roast Instant Coffee (available on Shopee Supermarket) has a well-rounded flavour profile thanks to the type of coffee beans used. This best instant black coffee in Singapore is made with a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. The Arabica beans carry a hint of berry and fruit, while the Robusta beans have a deeper, richer flavour. Together, they create a perfectly balanced cup of coffee that is earthy and aromatic. 

3. Ah Huat Kopi O Kosong

Ah Huat Kopi O Kosong
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

Instant coffees can’t get any better than those from Ah Huat. The Ah Huat Kopi O Kosong Coffee (available on Shopee Supermarket) is an elevated version of the black coffees you’d regularly order from kopitiams. Using high-quality coffee beans, this Ah Huat instant coffee has a smooth and delicate flavour – without any sour and bitter aftertaste! As one of the best instant black coffees in Singapore, its robust and aromatic coffee fragrance will surely make your day!

Best 2-in-1 instant coffees in Singapore

4. Old Town Nan Yang Roasted White Instant Coffee O Kosong

Old Town Nan Yang Roasted White Instant Coffee O Kosong
(Credit: JDE World Of Coffee Official Store)

Look no further than Old Town Nan Yang for the best instant coffees in Singapore. The Old Town Nan Yang Roasted White Instant Coffee O Kosong (available on JDE World Of Coffee Official Store) has a unique taste that’s reminiscent of the classic kopi C kosong you’d find at good ol’ coffee shops. This 2-in-1 instant coffee has a full-bodied flavour that’s not too bitter. Thanks to the milk, you’d get a lovely caffeine boost that carries subtle hints of sweetness. 

5. Cafe 21 2-in-1 Instant Coffee Mix

Cafe 21 2-in-1 Instant Coffee Mix
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

If you love your coffee creamy but not too sweet, this is the best instant coffee option for you! The Cafe 21 2-in-1 Instant Coffee Mix (available on Shopee Supermarket) is the first instant coffee mix with no sugar, you can customise the sweetness based on your preference. Made with Colombian Arabica Beans and non-dairy creamer, you will be engulfed with the tantalizing aroma as soon as you mix in the hot water. Enjoy your coffee the way you want conveniently with Cafe21!

6. Owl Kopi-O Gao Coffee

Owl Kopi-O Gao Coffee
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

You don’t have to worry about compromising on caffeine strength with the Owl Kopi-O Gao Coffee (available on Shopee Supermarket). Using roasted Arabica coffee beans in this instant coffee means you’ll get more robust, authentic flavours. Moreover, the fact that this is a gao (thick) kopi O means you won’t need too much water for all the coffee solids to dissolve. Brace yourself, for this, will be one of the strongest, most gao instant coffees in Singapore!

Best 3-in-1 instant coffees in Singapore

7. L’OR ESSENSO Brazilian Élégance

L’OR ESSENSO Brazilian Élégance
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

Known for its rich aromas, L’OR ESSENSO is a brand you can trust for the best 3-in-1 instant coffees in Singapore. The L’OR ESSENSO Brazilian Élégance (available on Shopee Supermarket) has been made with an aromatic blend of Arabica coffee beans from different regions of Brazil. This instant coffee makes a wonderful cup of java that is smooth and full of flavour. You’ll get hints of sweet cocoa in every cup. Moreover, L’OR ESSENSO uses a Microground technology that ensures their coffee mix locks in all the original flavours, so you won’t miss out on any taste with this best 3-in-1 instant coffee in Singapore! 

8. Nescafe Kopi C Gao Siew Dai

Nescafe Kopi C Gao Siew Dai
(Credit: NESTLÉ Official Store)

You don’t have to worry about your waistline with the Nescafe Kopi C Gao Siew Dai (available on NESTLÉ Official Store). This is one of the healthiest 3-in-1 instant coffees in Singapore that uses less sugar. This Nescafe 3-in-1 coffee isn’t as sweet as compared to others, but that doesn’t mean that the taste is compromised! Nescafe has created a well-balanced instant coffee that has a strong smokey roasted flavour to bring out the beans’ full potential. The lower sugar content allows the coffee to take the main stage, resulting in one of the most delicious 3-in-1 instant coffee in Singapore! 

9. Biogreen Dream Coffee Oatmilk

Biogreen Dream Coffee Oatmilk
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

Your hunt for the tastiest non-dairy 3-in-1 coffees in Singapore is over! Instead of using regular milk, the Biogreen Dream Coffee (available on Shopee Supermarket) has substituted that with oat milk. You’ll get that nutty oat flavour with every cup of this instant coffee. Additionally, the use of plant-based milk means that this is perfect for the lactose-intolerant and vegans! If you’re one of the aforementioned groups of people, you no longer have to miss out on the best 3-in-1 coffees in Singapore with this Biogreen Dream Coffee! 

10. G7 3-in-1 Instant Coffee

G7 3-in-1 Instant Coffee
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

Fans of Vietnamese coffee, rejoice! The famous G7 3-in-1 Instant Coffee (available on Shopee Supermarket) is now available online! Vietnam is the world-leading producer of Robusta beans, which produce coffee that has earthy, bitter notes. It is a popular ingredient for instant coffee as it is packed with caffeine and goes well with milk and sweeteners. Thus, it is no surprise that one of the best instant coffees in Singapore is a Vietnamese brand. The G7 3-in-1 instant coffee is unlike any other, setting itself apart with woody and reedy notes, rather than the usual floral and fruity ones. So if you prefer dark roasts, this is the best 3-in-1 instant coffee in Singapore for you.

Best flavoured instant coffees in Singapore

11. Frenche Roast Indulgence Tiramisu Latte

Frenche Roast Indulgence Tiramisu Latte
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

Interested in flavoured instant coffees? The Frenche Roast Indulgence Tiramisu Latte (available on Shopee Supermarket) is one you can’t miss out on! This flavoured instant coffee contains all the complex flavours of tiramisu perfectly. The Frenche Roast instant coffee is what you need when you’re craving for that sweet treat. We especially love how this flavoured instant coffee isn’t overpoweringly sweet, thus making it perfect for a daily cuppa as well! 

12. Old Town Hazelnut Flavoured Instant Coffee

Old Town Hazelnut Flavoured Instant Coffee
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

Go for the Old Town Hazelnut Flavoured Instant Coffee (available on Shopee Supermarket) if you’re feeling bored of the plain ol’ coffee. Creating the perfect blend with three types of premium beans, this instant coffee is brewed using the original roasting process as when it was first created. On top of the heavenly blend, they added hazelnut flavour to further elevate the tasting experience. The nuttiness of the hazelnut complements the creamy flavour of the white coffee perfectly, creating a burst of fragrance that’ll transport you to coffee heaven.

13. Starbucks Caffe Mocha Premium Coffee Mix (3in1)

Starbucks Caffe Mocha Premium Coffee Mix (3in1)
(Credit: Shopee Supermarket)

The Starbucks Caffe Mocha Premium Coffee Mix  (available on Shopee Supermarket) is one of the best flavoured instant coffees in Singapore. Mixed with rich and smooth chocolate, this instant coffee has a natural sweetness that is sure to invite you in. But what we love best about the Starbucks Caffe Mocha Premium Coffee Mix is that you can get a decadent cup of Starbucks Caffè Mocha for less than $1.50 a cup! Enjoy your favourite cafe-quality coffee anywhere, anytime with Starbucks’ instant coffee!

What is instant coffee?

best instant coffee singapore
(Credit: Cyril Saunier / Unsplash)

The best thing about instant coffee is literally in its name. You can get your cup of joe in an instant by simply adding some hot water to the coffee solids. These coffee solids usually come in a powder form that can be dissolved in hot water. Just give it a mix to make sure everything has dissolved and you’ll get a piping hot cup of coffee! 

What’s the difference between instant coffee and ground coffee?

instant coffee vs ground coffee
(Credit: Christina Rumpf / Unsplash)

There are several differences between these two although they both require the use of coffee beans. Check out what sets instant coffee apart from regular ground coffee:

Type of coffee Instant coffee Ground coffee
Brew time
  • Takes less time compared to ground coffee
  • Takes longer time to brew as compared to instant coffee 
  • Amount of time needed depends on the brew method
Caffeine content
  • Contains about 60-80mg of caffeine
  • Contains about 60-120mg of caffeine
Shelf life
  • Can be kept for a longer period as compared to ground coffee
  • Has a very short shelf life compared to instant coffee
Convenience
  • Easier to prepare as fewer utensils and equipment needed
  • More tedious to prepare as more utensils and equipment are needed depending on the brew method
Price
  • Usually cheaper than ground coffee
  • Usually more expensive than instant coffee

What are the best types of instant coffee in Singapore?

best types of instant coffee
(Credit: Andrew Neel / Pexels)

You don’t have to compromise on taste and quality with the best instant coffee in Singapore! Here are the different types of instant coffee you can get your hands on: 

  • Black coffee

Instant black coffees are similar to the Americano or kopi O you’ll get from coffee shops and hawker centres. The best instant black coffees in Singapore come kosong, with no milk or sugar added, so it is definitely not for the light-hearted!

  • 2-in-1 coffee

Generally, 2-in-1 coffees are made of a combination of coffee and sugar. But there are others that substitute sugar for milk and the result is a cup of kopi C kosong. Keep a lookout for the description to find out whether the instant coffee comes with milk or sugar. 

  • 3-in-1 coffee

As its name suggests, 3-in-1 coffee contains three ingredients – coffee, sugar and milk. The difference between the best 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 coffees in Singapore is the number of ingredients used. 3-in-1 coffee contains three ingredients – coffee, sugar and milk. The taste is similar to your favourite kopi C. Sometimes, the best 3-in-1 instant coffees in Singapore are also referred to as white coffee. The milk and sugar included can also be different. Some options use brown sugar and fat-free milk, while others use regular sugar with full-cream milk

  • Flavoured coffee

The best instant coffees in Singapore these days come with some interesting flavours. From hazelnut to Irish cream, the options are endless with these flavoured instant coffees! Flavoured coffees are a great option for those starting out their caffeine journey as they are usually more palatable. 

Get a quick boost of caffeine with these best instant coffees in Singapore (2024)

Whether you’re into plain black coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or those with unique flavours, we hope you’ve found the best instant coffees in Singapore to make your daily cuppa! Don’t forget to keep your java in these best coffee tumblers to retain its freshness. Do also check out our DIY coffee hacks guide for a unique spin on your instant coffees. And if you’re ready to take things up a notch, check out these best coffee machines and be your own barista!

This article was updated on 5 July 2024. Additional research done by Liew Shu Wen.