The Great British Budget Coffee Taste Test
In the midst of a cost of living crisis, many Brits are turning to supermarket own-brand essentials to make their pounds stretch further. But how do these budget coffees really measure up? We conducted a blind taste test of instant coffee from four major UK supermarkets: Sainsbury's, Tesco, M&S and Waitrose.
The UK's at-home coffee market is booming, with stores projected to generate £1.78 billion in revenue during 2025. While premium options abound, these basic jars costing around £2 or less represent a significant portion of sales for households watching their budgets.
The Contenders: Four Jars Put to the Test
Sainsbury's 'Rich & Full Flavour' Roast (200g - £2.35)
The first surprise came from the weight of Sainsbury's jar - it felt substantial and well-packed. The coffee itself proved to be a pleasant surprise, offering a decent, benign flavour with malty notes. While milder than leading brands like Nescafe Original, requiring an extra half-spoon to achieve desired strength, it's perfectly acceptable for daily consumption. Rating: 3/5
Tesco 'Classic Instant Coffee' (200g - £2.35)
Opening Tesco's jar released an unfortunate aroma reminiscent of burnt embers. The taste lived up to this first impression, delivering a flavour profile uncomfortably close to organic charcoal. Like other budget options, it required additional spoons to achieve adequate caffeine levels, but without any pleasurable taste to accompany it. This was clearly the weakest contender. Rating: 1/5
Waitrose 'Essential Rich Coffee Roast' (100g - £1.65)
Waitrose approached budget coffee with characteristic elegance, presenting solid golden pellets rather than the dusty granules found in other jars. The taste stood out as slightly fruity and pleasant, though still on the mild side. While requiring that familiar extra half-spoon for richness, it delivered the most satisfying experience of the four. Rating: 4/5
M&S 'Rich & Smooth Instant Coffee' (100g - £1.25)
Given M&S's reputation for quality food, expectations were cautiously optimistic. Unfortunately, the coffee delivered remarkably little distinctive flavour - neither fruity, malty, nor notably rich. It simply existed as a caffeine delivery system without personality. Rating: 2/5
The Verdict: Surprising Value Amidst the Charcoal
Waitrose emerged as the clear winner with its balanced, fruity notes and quality granules, though Sainsbury's offered commendable value for money. The test revealed that while no budget coffee achieved a perfect five-star rating, some definitely outperform others.
For those needing to tighten their belts, Sainsbury's budget coffee represents a solid bargain that won't leave you feeling completely deprived of coffee pleasure. Meanwhile, Tesco's offering should probably be reserved for genuine emergencies when no other options exist.
These essential ranges certainly fulfil their primary purpose - delivering that essential morning caffeine hit - but with notable differences in how palatable the experience will be along the way.
