Have you tried Startbucks VIA Instand Coffee? It's interesting to see Starbucks come up with Instant Coffee after dominating the Coffee shop market. Well let's test the Starbucks VIA vs. NesCafe.
I picked Startbucks VIA colombia and new NesCafe Colombia coffee. Both of the Coffees were "on the go" packs. By the way, the Starbucks VIA comes in two flavors. One is Colombia - Medium Intensity and the other is Italian Roast - Extra Bold Intensity.
The directions for both coffees are pretty similar.
Step 1) Pour the coffee into the cup
Step 2) Add 8 oz of water for Starbucks VIA and 6 oz of water for NesCafe
Step 3) Stir the coffee and taste
I personally can't drink black coffee. It has to have milk. Even cream won't do it for me. So after preparing the two coffees, I decided to add some non-fat milk and a one pack of Splenda each.
After tasting both coffees, I must say they were both DELICIOUS, but there were some differences that I noticed.
I decided to rate the coffee on several criterias: 1=bad/weak 5=good/strong
Starbucks VIA (Total = 19/25)
Smell = 5
Boldness = 5
Flavor = 4
Smoothness = 3
Aftertaste = 2
NesCafe (Total = 23/25)
Smell = 5
Boldness = 4
Flavor = 5
Smoothness = 5
Aftertaste = 4
From my comparison, NesCafe scored better than Starbucks VIA. Although, both of the coffees are delicious and perfect for on the go type people, there was one major difference.
For my taste, NesCafe had a better flavor of coffee and there was barely to none aftertaste, were as Starbucks VIA was a bolder coffee with some aftertaste. If you are a big coffee fan and like your coffee to be bold and strong than you should go with Starbucks VIA. I personally like my coffee to be smooth with no aftertaste, therefore I would pick NesCafe.
Currently, Starbucks VIA is only available in Seattle, Chicago, London and online. It is a bit exensive. For a pack of 12 servings, it's $9.95. That comes to $0.83 per cup. On the other hand, NesCafe comes in variety of sizes, prices and flavors.
TIP: A GREAT SUMMER HOMEMADE ICED LATTE IN SECONDS
At work instead of drinking hot coffee with milk, I have been making Iced Lattes. They are absolutely amazing.
Step 1) Pour the Instant Coffee into a cup, glass, etc
Step 2) Add a very small amount of hot water. (0.5 oz)
Step 3) Stir and add in non-fat milk, ice and spenda or sugar-free vanilla.
Try it and let me know what you think.
