9 Best Instant Decaf Coffee Reviewed

crazy by Editorial Staff | Updated on April 1st, 2023

You’re trying to find a decaf, quick, and easy cup of coffee. Which do you take? Instant decaffeinated coffee is the most practical choice. For busy coffee drinkers, instant coffee has a long history and can be a terrific alternative.


In the realm of coffee, both quick and decaf coffee have a bad reputation. This is due to the techniques involved in achieving both qualities harming flavor and intensity. However, instant decaf coffee options that don’t taste like tire essence are available. 

Closeup instant granulated coffee in wooden scoop with roasted coffee bean isolated on old rustic wood table background. Top view. Flat lay.

Best decaf instant coffee

Folger’s Classic Decaffeinated Instant Coffee

This decaf alternative is a plain medium roast with a taste reminiscent of an old-fashioned American drip coffee. This is a great option if you’re used to drinking plain cups of coffee in the morning or evening but are attempting to cut back on caffeine. 

Furthermore, it is not surprising that Folgers has endured for as long as it has. They collaborate with UTZ to ensure their sustainability and are dedicated to responsibly sourcing their green coffee. Additionally, conveniently available in single-serve sachets is Folger’s Classic Decaf. It’s simple to take a dish with you. Further, this coffee tolerates cream and sugar well. 

Pros

  • Strong flavor
  • Deep roasted 
  • Individual-serve packets

Cons

  • Dull mouthfeel

Café Altura Organic Fair Trade Decaf Instant Coffee

Cafe Altura Organic Decaf Instant is the best option for individuals looking for organic instant decaf coffee. This decaf mix includes South America, Central America, and Indonesia coffees. As a result, it has a feeling of neutrality and balance. Crisp but light on the palate. This wonderful decaf almost tastes the same as its coffee-flavored counterpart. 

The flavor and aroma of the coffee are kept because it has undergone freeze-drying. Decaffeination is done using an organic, USDA-certified decaffeination process. Additionally, it is certified Kosher, Fair Trade, and NonGMO. Each of these guarantees a drink of the highest caliber.

This is the one for you if you like light-tasting coffee and are looking for organic coffee. Unfortunately, single-serve packets cannot be purchased. Instead, there is only a 3.53oz jar available. 

Pros

Cons

Mount Hagen Organic Freeze-dried instant decaf coffee

Next, we have a different premium freeze-dried choice. Regular instant coffee from Mount Hagen consistently ranks among the top instant coffees. Their instant decaf coffee, though, is far too frequently disregarded.

The coffee from Mount Hagen is Fair Trade and Organic. This is perhaps the only decaf instant organic coffee you’ll discover. Their beans have a distinctive flavor profile that is fruity and nutty, with a hint of spice derived from Papua New Guinea, Peru, and Honduras.

One of the rare products that publicly claims to be completely “caffeine-free” is Mount Hagen’s fair trade organic instant decaf. Those who are very sensitive to the effects of caffeine say that their decaffeinating method removes 99.99% of the caffeine. 

Pros

  • It’s natural
  • Freeze-dried
  • It employs ethical trade principles
  • It has top-notch quality
  • It has been naturally decaffeinated

Cons

  • It’s pricey

Starbucks Italian Roast Instant Decaf

The Starbucks VIA Instant Italian Roast is the opposite of our top pick when the coffee comes to flavor and roast profile. This instant coffee also has a robust flavor. The roast profile and flavor are on the darker side of the spectrum.

This one is for the fans of dark roast coffee. Starbucks Italian Roast has a robust scent that adds to its robust flavor. Since it is composed entirely of Arabica beans, cream and sugar go nicely with this instant coffee.

We adore how convenient this particular coffee is. There is a good probability that you can find some of this Italian roast instant if you currently frequent Starbucks. This brand is also regularly offered in neighborhood grocery stores. You can test out several possibilities if you’re hesitant to buy coffee online. 

Pros

  • Strong flavor
  • Individual-serve packets
  • Dark roast

Cons

  • Pricey
  • A little bit astringent

JOE Coffee Nightcap House Decaf Instant

Smooth, toasted almonds have a delicate flavor that permeates the coffee. Additionally, the flavor, acidity, and sweetness are superbly balanced. The intensity is also appropriate for decaffeinated coffee. The flavor in the mouth is balanced, and it isn’t as harsh as cheaper quick decaf coffees. 

Each package contains six individual packets of coffee, and since each serving is accurately metered at 5g of coffee, it makes a suitable choice for travel. All that is left to do is stir in 8 ounces of hot or cold water. However, it is practical; the cost will increase if you drink several cups daily.

The coffee roaster crafted this beverage with great care. The cost of this specialty instant coffee is its only drawback. There are premium whole bean coffees available for less money than this concoction. We only strongly advise this to people who truly value the subtle flavors of single-origin coffee. 

Pros

  • Swiss treating water to remove caffeine
  • Single-origin
  • Individual-serve packets
  • Healthy mouthfeel
  • Vibrant flavor

Cons

  • Expensive

Maxwell House French Vanilla Decaf Instant Coffee

Maxwell House International produces the best coffee in the world. The nicest part is that they have a quick choice. So you can still enjoy your coffee even if you don’t have a coffee maker or for only a few minutes.

This is a terrific product for those who prefer brewing sweet and creamy coffee. Some individuals choose to make this coffee even more decadently by using milk instead of water.

However, a coffee produced with this product leans heavily toward the cream and vanilla flavors, with only a faint touch of the coffee flavor. Decaffeinated coffee is combined with a powdered non-dairy (not dairy-free) creamer and flavor. 

Pros

  • It is a well-known brand.
  • It is inexpensive
  • It can be added to beverages or consumed on its own

Cons

  • It might experience delivery problems

Waka Coffee Decaffeinated Quality Instant Coffee

Waka Coffee chooses only the best Colombian Arabica beans, attesting to their superior flavor. In addition, they can now decaffeinate their coffee and freeze-dry it to maintain the rich scent of the coffee beans, thanks to cutting-edge technology.

WRoastts medium roast, the Waka Coffee Decaffeinated Quality Instant Coffee delivers outstanding quality and rich flavor in every cup. This excellent decaf instant coffee has an alluring flavor and scent that is well-balanced with a subtle citrus body note.

Even though it has a gourmet flavor, preparation takes hardly any time at all. At any time of the day, indulge in a fine cup in the comfort of your own home. This is so that coffee can dissolve more quickly after freeze-drying the roasts.

Pros

  • You can freeze-dry it.
  • They give a portion of their profits to charity
  • Great flavor
  • Arabica beans from Colombia are used to make it

Cons

  • The price is high

Sanka Instant Decaffeinated Coffee 

One of the first decaf instant coffees to enter the market was Sanka Coffee. It gained popularity over time and is currently one of the most popular decaf instant coffees, if not the most popular.

Despite its popularity, it ranks last on our list due to its flavor and quality. Everyone on our crew agreed that Sanka Coffee’s flavor profile was too complex. It seldom ever results in a balanced cup of coffee.

We advise trying this for those who enjoy their coffee with milk and sugar. Its flavor does a good job of withstanding those additions, but that’s all it can manage.

However, we observed that it has a full-bodied mouthfeel, presumably why it became more well-liked. A bold texture wasn’t traditionally associated with instant decaf coffee until Sanka Coffee changed that, which is one of the reasons we like it. 

Pros

  • Has a great taste and is well-liked
  • Individual-serve packets
  • An aromatic combination that is smooth

Cons

  • Poor caliber
  • Unsteady flavors

Nescafe’s Taster Choice Decaf Instant Coffee

One of the greatest brands of instant coffee, including decaf, is Nescafe. They provide you with a wide variety, like Nescafe Instant Coffee with Caffeine and Nescafe Decaf Instant Coffee. This coffee roast, naturally devoid of caffeine, is exquisitely balanced and flavorful.

This falls midway between a light and medium roast with an 8-ounce cup of coffee. Even a little touch of hazelnut flavor is present. You can enjoy these best instant coffee packs at home or on the go, which is a wonderful feature. 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Well-known brand
  • Beans with responsible sourcing
  • It contains a faint nut flavor, like hazelnut

Cons

  • Each sachet now contains 0.7 ounces
  • Occasionally, punctures occur in packages during delivery.

What is decaf coffee?

The abbreviation for decaffeinated coffee is “decaf.” It occurs when caffeine is taken out of tea leaves, cocoa, or coffee beans. Both chemical and natural methods are effective ways to do this.

Remember that not all of the caffeine is eliminated during the process. The coffee only needs to be 97 percent caffeine-free to be deemed decaffeinated. 

The issue is that if the decaffeination process is not carried out correctly, it is simple to lose the rich aroma and flavor of the coffee. Because of this, a lot of coffee enthusiasts around the world despise it.

However, times have evolved. Brands have nearly mastered the art of decaffeination to the point that you can’t detect the difference, thanks to research and technology.

Buying guide: How to choose decaf instant coffee

Price

Price is a crucial consideration. Generally speaking, you get a better product for your money when you pay a higher amount. However, it’s not strictly essential. For example, certain well-known businesses might charge you an absurd premium for a flavor they just came out with that you don’t like. You don’t like the flavor, even though it was made with premium components and methods. 

Brand

A reputable coffee brand is crucial, particularly when it comes to decaf. Decaffeination is a procedure that not everyone can do correctly. An established and well-known company is more likely to have access to the technology and knowledge necessary to provide you with the greatest results. 

Flavor

You should be aware that coffee tastes can be learned. There are various varieties of coffee, yet not everyone enjoys them. Some people choose mild roasts, while others want stronger, darker varieties of coffee, yet not everyone enjoys them all.

Some people choose mild roasts, while others want stronger, darker varieties. Some people love their coffee black so they can experience the true aroma and flavor, while others prefer it with cream and sugar. To avoid purchasing the flavor individually, seek products that already have it if you prefer your coffee to be flavored. 

Preparation method

The varieties of coffee that are offered online are simple to mix. However, while this is a list of instant coffee, there are also whole beans that need to be ground and filtered before drinking, as well as decaf coffee that is available in K-cup pods and requires a Kreuger to prepare. Therefore, take care when making purchases to avoid getting something you won’t like. 

Check the labels

Even though many coffee products on the internet may make claims about being decaf in their titles and descriptions, they still may contain caffeine. There are many possible causes, one of which is that the delivery service or third-party vendor sent you the incorrect or inferior product.

Check the ingredients

There may be other ingredients your body does not react well to, similar to many of the organic substances described. Some components could result in headaches or sleeplessness. Other components that were added to improve the flavor of the coffee may be reacting instead of the coffee itself.

Frequently asked questions

Does decaf coffee contain no caffeine?

Contrary to what people think, it does. There is just 3% caffeine remaining in coffee after the decaffeination process removes 97% of the caffeine from the beans.

Does decaf coffee work as a laxative?

Your body will respond to coffee nearly identical to decaf, except for adrenaline effects. It depends on the individual whether or not it acts as a laxative.

Does decaf coffee taste different?

Your experience with decaf coffee will undoubtedly be different, but if you choose the correct coffee, you won’t notice much difference.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.

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Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.