Instant coffee will never replace fresh brewed coffee. Something about the process to convert brewed coffee into instant causes a change in the flavor. This is true whether it is freeze dried or otherwise. When you make the transition to decaf, it gets even worse.

I suppose if you're a chronic coffee addict, you might find instant better than no coffee. I have met a few people over the years who learned to like the taste of instant. Not being a big coffee fan anyway, I like instant even less.

It is convenient. A couple of spoons of instant in the cup and add hot water. Presto! You have coffee. Well, sort of. Anyway, lots of it gets sold. Someone either likes it or doesn't care. Many people who drink very little coffee like to keep a jar of instant on hand in case a friend who likes a cup drops by. This does in a pinch. With the drip coffee makers and one cup size brewers, there seems to be little reason to opt for instant coffee anymore.

Learn more about this author, Allen Teal.
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