Douwe EgbertsPure Indulgence Instant Coffee in Jar, Dark Roast, 6.7-Ounce, 190 gram

I am reviewing several instant coffees at the same time, and the same review will be found for all of them.My reviews are based on two criteria: How it tastes, and how well I wake up with it.Quick disclaimer, I am generally a health nut, with one exception, coffee. I am aware that instant coffee is not exactly in the healthy food category, but this is a choice that I make because I just don't have time to brew an actual pot of coffee.I'm starting with my worst, and will work my way down to my favorite, also note, I drink my coffee black.6th Place: Davidoff Cafe Rich Aroma Instant CoffeeThis coffee has a great aroma, but tastes like Folgers (dirty dishwater). I was actually very disappointed as I had high expectations. I can deal with Folgers flavor, but this coffee made me feel awful; the same sick feeling that I get from Folgers instant coffee. (I swear Folgers must have some sort of contaminant in it.) I gave it a second chance, and felt just as bad. In the recycling it went. I tried to save the glass container, but the design is so ridiculous, that I couldn't even find a use for it.Flavor Rank: #6Stimulant Rank: #65th Place: Jacob's Coffee Jacobs Kronung InstantI would say this coffee is a little better in flavor than the Davidoff, but not by much. And this coffee didn't make feel particularly well either. I wouldn't waste my money on either this one or the Davidoff brand.Flavor Rank: #5Stimulant Rank: #54th Place: Buen dia by Juan Valdez Classic 100% Colombian Freeze Dried CoffeeThis coffee is okay in flavor, I don't feel sick from it, and the stimulant effect is moderate - more than the Mount Hagen, but less than some of the others reviewed. So the flavor is middle of the pack, and the stimulant effect is middle of the pack. It's okay if you're a moderate coffee drinker, but there are definitely better options.Flavor Rank: #4Stimulant Rank: #33rd Place: Mount Hagen Freeze Dried Instant CoffeeThis coffee is absolutely yummy! The flavor is delicious, and just really makes you enjoy your first cup of coffee. But the weakness of the stimulant effect placed it below some of the others. I need three cups of this just to get going. I now only drink this one if I want to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, but have no need for large amounts of caffeine.Flavor Rank: #1Stimulant Rank: #42nd Place: Douwe Egberts Pure Gold Instant CoffeeThe flavor of this coffee is quite good (not as tasty as the Mount Hagen organic stuff, but it is definitely more caffeinated). This coffee was on the top of my list until I found that Douwe Egberts offers a stronger flavor/darker blend (the next review). The stimulant effect is good, and the flavor is good. However the flavor of this one is a little weaker than the darker roast Douwe Egberts Pure Indulgence. If the Pure indulgence wasn't available, I would settle for this one.Flavor Rank: #3Stimulant Rank: #1 (tie)1st place: Douwe Egberts Pure Indulgence Instant CoffeeThis one is the winner. The Pure Gold is lighter in flavor than this one, and I don't care for it quite as much. Both have equal stimulant effect; with either of the Douwe Egberts two cups and I'm good for the day. I often feel I don't need a third cup half way through my day to keep going. The flavor isn't quite as good as the Mount Hagen, but it is the next best. And what it lacks in flavor is made up for in better stimulant effect. Thus is this my number one choice for now.Flavor Rank: #2Stimulant Rank: #1 (tie)

I rarely write reviews but for all my fellow coffee snobs out there - I feel a strong obligation to make this product known to you. We travel a lot and visit family and I just cannot take drinking coffee flavored water anymore. So I have been trying different instant coffees so I can bring my own. While this is not a perfect solution, it definitely is a very good substitution. It does taste like instant coffee but the flavor is bold and the caffeine level is, what seems to be, good enough to give that jolt that I am used to. It dissolved quickly in hot water (I used two scoops in a regular mug) and has a very appealing crema that formed at the surface. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has a palate for strong, bold espresso based coffee. It will at least get you through until you can find the closest coffee shop.

So far the best, most delicious instant coffee I’ve ever had. I am making me a cup as I type this. I know instant coffee sounds boring, but it really isn’t. I use milk, but... I can add a spoonful of chocolate ovaltine and make it a mocha. I can add heavy cream and condensed milk to make it more Turkish style, Jameson to make it Irish, so you get the idea. I have an adventurous palate, so one thing I like to do that most of humanity finds downright weird is sometimes I add a good bit of sharp cheddar and let it melt at the bottom. Drink the coffee, eat the cheese, perfect breakfast on the go. Don’t judge me. Or do. Good stuff. Plus, I can froth (PowerLix) amy of my creations straight in the mug. It’s a little pricey, but worth it based on how delicious it is to me.

I am a regular coffee drinker and appreciates good coffee. I normally brew my own, but since my coffee maker broke recently, I started trying instant coffee. The first brand I ever tried was Carte Noir, and it's excellent. It tastes freshly brewed and has a nice aroma and rich, smooth flavor. No bitterness. This brand, on the other hand, leaves a bitter taste and tastes watery! I ordered this to try based on the reviews, but I am very disappointed. I am going to stick with Carte Noir from now on. It's the best substitute for brewed coffee.