According to several sources, including Bon Appetit, Tasting Table, The New York Times, and Business Insider, the best instant coffee brands are Starbucks VIA Instant Pike Place Roast Coffee, Café Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee, and Jacobs Krönung Instant Coffee. Starbucks VIA Instant Pike Place Roast Coffee is described as smooth and nutty, with hints of caramel and chocolate, while Café Bustelo Espresso Instant Coffee is said to be rich and robust, with no oily texture or sour taste. Jacobs Krönung Instant Coffee is also highly rated for its rich taste and lack of bitterness. Other brands that received positive reviews include Canyon Instant Coffee, Lavazza Instant Coffee, and Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee. It is important to note that taste is subjective, and what one person considers the best instant coffee may not be the same for another person.