Instant coffee sticks

[Braaap]

I use these on the regular basis. Cafe Bustelo, and they are cheap.

How do they compare to Via’s?

 

[3sport.tri]

How do they compare to Via’s?

I have not tried the Vias. I had a buddy recommend these. They have good flavor and I can pick them up at our local grocery store. I take them on all my camping/hunting trips.

 

[nnmarcher]

Dark roast

Discover No Normal’s Dark Roast Coffee Paste. Swiss-made with 100% Colombian Arabica beans. Bold, rich flavor with notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Perfect for coffee on-the-go or as a spread.

nonormal.com

Anyone try this? It was recommended to me so I have some on the way.

I have never seen something like that, but I'm interested to hear what you think. The price isn't too bad at <$1 per serving.

 

[northernmadman]

Dark roast

Discover No Normal’s Dark Roast Coffee Paste. Swiss-made with 100% Colombian Arabica beans. Bold, rich flavor with notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Perfect for coffee on-the-go or as a spread.

nonormal.com

Anyone try this? It was recommended to me so I have some on the way.

It finally arrived, I don’t think I will ever have more. Great idea, but tastes like the bottom of my boot after walking through the pig barn

 

[Larry Bartlett]

NNarcher, you probably have because all major hotel chains use coffee paste, from the US to Istanbul

 

[Amos Moses]

I’m a big fan of the Whole Foods instant espresso packets. 25 for under $7, and they taste much better than the Starbucks in my opinion.

 

[jgross424]

I got the Trader Joe’s instant coffee packs with creamer and sugar included based on others on the forum. They are good and will be bringing them with this next week.

They are good, but I find them a bit weak. So usually pair them with a cheap Tasters Choice stick as well to bump up the flavor and caffeine.


asian grocery stores usually have some good 3- in 1 coffee packets too.

 

[Time2fish]

I use Mt Hagen with a scoop of Swiss Miss hot cocoa.

 

[thegrouse]

I didn't care for the Via, I now use the Alpine Start

 

[M0617]

VIA is not bad and it’s easy to find everywhere. But I have actually quit trying with the instant sticks. Now I bring a GSI reusable filter and some regular ground coffee that I like.

 

[strongarm]

My go-to are the Starbucks Vias because of availability and roast options. I typically use 2 packets for a mug of coffee. I think the key distinction as to why they have flavor over instant is they are microground vs. instant coffee. Via is basically coffee bean dust. They weigh nothing at all nor take up any volume.

While I’ve not tried many of the newer instant coffee options, I’ve similarly never had one that’s been worth it. Vias makes an acceptable cup of coffee, at least above average. When hunting and backpacking, above average is sublime, especially with a requirement like coffee! I find the darker roast Vias are better, but YMMV based on personal tastes.

Some other good recommendations here in this thread; I’ll have to check them out.

 

[strongarm]

It finally arrived, I don’t think I will ever have more. Great idea, but tastes like the bottom of my boot after walking through the pig barn

@northernmadman you may have to start a new thread so we all hear the story about how that flavor comparison came about.

 

[Archerichards]

If anyone is interested in some Starbucks Italian Roast Via's, I have a bunch I can sell. I used to buy them in bulk from a source that got them from retailers after they expired. But they're still good for years past the expiration. I use them every season, have some in my packs, in my trucks, and take them when traveling. I have more than I'll use in my lifetime.

Starbucks Italian Roast Via’s are my Go To. Really good dark roast coffee. Not cheap, but if youre having that one strong cup a day to crank up in the morning, they are worth every dime. And much, much tastier than Nescafé or those other cheap instants.

 

[strongarm]

Starbucks Italian Roast Via’s are my Go To. Really good dark roast coffee. Not cheap, but if youre having that one strong cup a day to crank up in the morning, they are worth every dime. And much, much tastier than Nescafé or those other cheap instants.

I run across Vias at TJMaxx/HomeGoods. Much cheaper. I don’t think I’ve ever bought them directly from Starbucks.

 

[timeskos]

My go to is Mt Hagen. Its pricier but works well.

 

[SonoranPrecision]

I’ve been using this Vietnamese 3-in-1 for a while. It’s pretty cheap and tastes pretty good for instant

 

[2ski]

I have a sample of something I picked up at a tradeshow last October. If anyone is on Bozeman or Butte they can have it to try. The one issue with it is it's in a tiny plastic espresso shot looking container. So it's more garbage to pack out so maybe not the best option but again if someone wants to try it. I guess I could mail it too.

 

[go4thegusto]

Bumped in to a click bait article on best instant coffee sticks the other day. These Whole Foods ones were the top rated pick. We happened by a store last week so I grabbed a box. Damn....these are really great. Not as harsh as Vias or as old school instant tasting as some. Very good smooth cup of coffee. Cheap at $6.99 for 25 sticks. My new go-to.

 

[northernmadman]

@northernmadman you may have to start a new thread so we all hear the story about how that flavor comparison came about.

lol, it’s just the worst thing I could think of, taste was absolutely gross. Makes me gag just writing this and thinking about it again
I tried 3 times as stubbornness runs in the family but ended up throwing it out with half a tube left.
As much as I don’t want to support Starbucks, the tins of micro ground are really good and I will probably just stick with that for the foreseeable future.

 

[ClaytonLowell]

Hope everyone is having a good start to their season.

Looking for more options for instant coffee. I drank the BRCC koolaid awhile back and while I enjoy their instant sticks, Id like to find a more economical option with decent taste. I like having the option of single serve sticks, I pack my own day's worth of meals into gallon plastic bags.
Tried doing energy gel shots instead of coffee this past weekend and it didn't work out for me. I used to carry a canister of ground coffee and do the pourover every morning, but it's just one more thing to clean up. Thanks in advance for any hidden gems out there.

You can get the Starbucks Via instant coffee in a small can from target or Amazon that has about 20 cups worth in it. It is a staple in my duck blind bag.